The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-07-28

these only tried soldiers Alyarado
whom excitement ami cr ton kept
from realizing his fatigue. as proyid-
ed with fresh apparel. aftC: which he
requested private audience for a mo-
ment or two with the viccroy, and to-
gether they repaired to the little cabi-
net which had been the scene of the
happenings the night before.
Your excellency." began the -oung
man slowly. painfully, 81 could not
wait even the hoped for happy issue Of
our plans to place my sword and nv
life In your hands"
What have you done?" asked the
old man, instantly percciving the seri-
BUSINESS of the situation from the an.
guish In his officers look and voice.
Il have broken my word, forfeited
my life."
You promised to say nothing, to do
nothing"
That promise did not keep"
Explain"
There is nothing to explain. 1 was
weak; it was beyond my strength. 1
offer no excuse"
TWAS deliberately done?"
L
Thou double traitor! And She
My lord, condemn her not She is
young, woman"
Il do not consider Captain Alvarado,
dishonorcd soldier, my proper men
tor. l shall know how to treat nv
daughter. What more"
Nothing more. We abandoned our
selves to our dream, and at the first
possible moment I am come to tell you
ALTO submit
But your reason? Why do YOU tell
me these things? If thou art base
enough to fall, why not base enough to
concealT"
II could not do so, your exccllency. I
am not master Of myself when she Is
by. lis only when away from her I
see things in their proper light. She
blinds me. No, SIR" cried the unhappy
Alvarado, seeing look Of contempt on
III" grim face of the old general, "I do
hot urge this in defense, but you want
el explanation"
Nothing can explain the falschood of
gentleman, the betrayal of friend.
the treachcry Of n soldier"
Nothing; hence am here"
Perhaps 1 have estimated YOU too
hiShly." went on the old man musing
ly. II had hoped you were gentle. but
base blood must run in your veins"
1T may be-" answered the Young
man brokenly, and then he added, as
one detail not yet told. Il have found
my mother, sir"
Thy mother! What is her condi-
tton!' cried the viccroy in curious and
interested surprise that made him for
get his wrath and contempt for the mo-
mcnt.
she was an abbess of our holy
church. She died upon the sands of In
Guayra dhf her own hand rather than
lend aid to the sack Of the town"
THAT was noble" interrupted the old
De Lara. II may be mistaken after all
Yet 'twere we'll she died, for she will
not seq
He paused significantly.
My shame?" asked Alvarado.
my death, senior. for what You have
done. No other punishment is meet.
Did Donna Mercedes send any message
to mc?"
Alvarado could not trust himself to
speak. lie bowed deeply
"What was it?"
The young man stood silent before
him.
well, will learn from her own lips
II she be alive when we come to the
city doubt not it will excuse thee"
Il seek not to shelter myself behind
n woman"
THAT'S WE'LL" said the old man.
but now what is to be done with
thee"
MY lord, give me chance, not to
live, but to die honestly. Let me play
my part this day as becomes a man.
and when Donna Mercedes is restored
to your arms
Thou wilt plead for life?"
NAY, will not live dishonored. Life
Is naught to mo without the lady. l
swcaE to thee"-
"You have given me your word be-
rore. SIR" said the old man stcrnly.
"On this cross-it was my mothers"
He pulled from his doublet the silver
aOn this cross
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