The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-26

They are aware of our most important
secrets"
De Pintra's face Redeemed.
Francisco is true as steel" he re-
torted firmly. mot one of us-includ-
ing yourself, General-has done more
to serve the Cause. I have learned
to depend upon his discretion as I
would upon my Own-or yours
The general frowned and drew
folded paper from his breast pocket.
Read that" said he, tossing it into
Dom Miguels hand. ct is a copy of
the report made by PaOla to the en-
perOr this morning"
De Pintra. glanced at the paper and
then gave it to me, at the same time
dropping his head in his hands
/ read the report. 1t stated that
the minister of police had discovered
the existence. of a secret vault con-
structed beneath the mansion of Mi
guel de Pintra, the rebel chief. This
vault, the police thought, contained
important records of the conspiracy. 1t
was built of double plates of steel, and
the entrance was guarded by a cleverly
constructed door, which could only
be unlocked by means of a stone set
in a ring which was constantly worn
BY Dom Miguel himself. In conclusion
the minister stated that every effort
was being made to secure possession
of the ring, when the rebels would be
at the emperor's mercy.
ff1AAs SAAs W4AdI 10 NOu LAA1Ilh VI
Francisco Paola noW?" inquired Fon-
SEGA, with a significant smile.
Did he not himself invent the sec
ret vault?' asked.
He did, sir
"HOw long ago.
"A matter of two years. Is It not
SO, Dom Miguel 2''
The chief bowed.
And until now Paola has kent this
secret?" I continued.
Until the vault was stored with all our
funds and the complete records of the
revolution"
Then it seems clear to me that
Paola, as minister of police, has been
driven to make this report in order to
serve the Cause
Dom Miguel looked up at me quick
~, and the huge general snorted and
stabbed me with his terrible eyes.
What do you mean?" demanded
FOnseca.
This report proves, fear, that our
suspicious of Madam label are well
founded, explained, not daring to
look at Dom Miguel while I accused
his daughter. "Paola has doubtless
discovered that this information re-
gard1ng the vault and it's mysterious
key has either been forwarded to the
emperor or is on the way to him.
therefore he has forestalled Madam
lzabePs report, in order that he may
prove his department vigilant in serV-
ing the government, and so protect his
nigh office. Can you not see that Pa
ola's claim that he is working to secure
the ring is but a ruse to gain time for
u.s. Really, he knows that he could
obtain it by arresting Dom Miguel. But
this report viii prevent the emperor
putting his man Nalvour upon the case,
which he would probably have done
had he received his first information
from label de Mar
For a moment there was silence.
Then the generals brow unbent and
he said with cheerfulness:
This explanation is entirely reason
able. 1t would not do for PaOla to get
himself deposed, or even suspected, at
this juncture. new minister of pO-
lice would redOuble our danger"
How did You obtain this copy of
the repOrt?" asked de Pintra.
From one of our spies"
81 have no doubt" said I, that Pa
ola was instrumental in sending it to
you. 1t is warning, gentlemen. We
must not delay in acting upon it, and
removing our treasure and our records
to a safer place"
And where is that?'' asked Fonseca.
looked at the chief lie sat
thoughtfully considering the matter
There is no need of Immediate
haste" said he presently, land nothing
can be done tonight. in any event. To-
morrow we Will pack everything in
chests and carry them to Senior Bas-
tTo, who has a safe-hiding place.
Meantime General YOU may leave me
your men to serve as escort. How
many are there2'
Three. They are now guarding the