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

and bring her to me-by force, if nee
essary. She has murdered Dom Mi
gueli"
over the heads of the stupidity star
ing group 1 saw a white, startled face,
and Lesba's great eyes met my own
with a quick look of comprehension.
Then she disappeared and turned
to the wondering servants.
Make hastei" I cried. "Can you not
understand? Every moment is pre-
cious.''
But the frightened creatures gazed
upon each other silently, and I thrust
them aside and ran through the house
in frantic search for the murderess.
The rooms were all vacant, and when
I reached the entrance hall a groom
stopped me.
'ssenhora de Mar left the house five
minutes ago, sir. She was mounted
upon the swiftest horse, and knows
every inch of the country. It would
be useless to pursue her"
While I glared at the fellow, a soft
hand touched my elboB
Gomez" said Lesba. ''Your horse
is waiting-I have saddled him myself.
Make for the station at Cruz, for label
will seek to board tire train for Rio
She had led me through the door
across the broad piazza; and as, half
dazed, I mounted the horse, she added,
Tell me, can I do anything il your
absence %
Nothing I cried. with a sob
s''Dom Miguel is locked up in the vault,
and I must find the key-the key!"
Away dashed the horse. and over
my shoulder I saw her still standing
on the steps of the piazza staring after
me.
The station at Cruz! I must reach
it as soon as pOssible-befOre label del
Mar should escape Almost crazed at
the thought of my impoteney and
shuddering at the knowledge that de
Pintra was slowly dying in his tomb
while was pOWerIess to assist him, I
dashed the good steed until it fairly
few over the uneven road.
Halt" cried a stern voice.
The way had led me beneath some
overhanging trees, and as I pulled the
horse back upon his launches caught
the CLEAN of a revolver held by a
mounted man whose form was envel-
oped in a long cloak
Then came a peal of light laughter
why, It's our Americano!" said the
horseman, galy; whittier away, my
gallan cavalier p
To my delight I recognized Paola's|
voice
Dom Miguel is imprisoned in the
vault" I almost screamed in my agi-
tation; "and Madam label has stolen
the key
Indeed" he answered. "And where
is Senhora IzabeI2"
''She has fed to Rio
''And left her dear father to die?
again. DO you know, Senior Har-
cliffe, it somehow reminds me of
story my nurse used to read me from
the Arabian Nights, how a fond
For Gods sake, sir, the man is dy-
ingl'' cried, maddened at his fndiffer-
ence.
He drew out a leathern case and
calmly selected q. cigarette.
And Madam label has the key"
he repeated, striking a match. by
bound %
ITO overtake the murderess before
she. can board the train at Cruz"
very good. How long has Dom
Miguel been imprisoned in the vault?"
Twenty minutes, a haf-hour, per-
haps."
"Ahs He may live in that foul and
confined atmosphere for two hours;
possibly three. But no longer.
know for I planned the vault myself.
And the station at Cruz is a good two
hours ride from this spot. I know,
for I have just Travelled it,
dropped my head, overwhelmed
by despair as the truth was thus bru-
tally thrust upon me. For Dom Mi
guel there was no hope.
but the records, sir! We must
save them, even if our chief is lost.
Should Madam label deliver the key
to her husband or to the emperor
! every leader of the Cause may perish
upon the gallows.'
'eWeII thought of, on my word, -
laughing softly 81 wonder how it
commented the strange man, again
laughing softly Il wonder how it
feels to have a rope around ones neck
and to kick the empty air?" He blew
a cloud Of smoke from his mouth and
watched It float away. But you are
quite right. Senior Harcliffe. The lady
must be found and made to give up the
ring"
He uttered low whistle, and two
men rode out from the shadow of the
trees and Joined US.
ride with Senior Harcliffe to the
station at Cruz. Take there the train
for Rio. Present the American to
I Afaza novitch, who is TO obey his in
structions.
The men bowed silently.
s'But you. senior Il said. eagerly.