The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-19

Madam label had not returned to
the court, as she had threatened in he's
indignant anger. Perhaps she realized
what 1t would mean to place herself
again within the power of the husband
she had learned to hate and despise.
She still remained an inmate of her
fathers mansion, cold and impressive
as ever Dom Miguel treated her with
rare consideration on every occasion
of their meeting, seeking to reassure
her as to his perfect faith in her 10y
atty and his sorrow that his associates
had cast a slur upon her character.
To me the chief was invariably kind
and his gentIeness and stalwart man
hood soon won my esteem. l found
myself working for the good of the
cause with as much ardor as the most
eager patriot of them all but my re-
ward was enjoyed as much in Lesba' s
smiles as in the appreciation of Dom
Miguel.
That the government was well aware
of our plot there was no question.
Through secret channels we learned
that even the midnight meetings of the
Secret Council we're known to the en-
peror. The identity of the leaders had
SO far been preserved, since they came
masked and cIoaked to the rendezvous,
but so many Of the details Of the con-
spiracy had in some way leaked out
that 7 narveled the emperor's heavy
hand had not descended upon US long
ago. Of course de Pintra was a
marked man. but they dared not ar
rest him until they had procured all
the information they desired, other
wise they would defeat their own pur-
pose.
One stormy night. as ] sat alone with
Dom Miguel in his study, I mentioned
my surprise that in view of the govern
ment's information of our plot we were
not summarily arrested. 1t was not a
council night, and we had been en-
gagged in writing letters.
81 sunDoSe thew fear to DTeciDitate
trouble between such powerful fac
tons" he answered, somewhat wear
I lily. 1.-THE head of the conspiracy is
/ indeed here, but its branches penetrate
to every province Of the country, and
were an outbreak to occur here the re-
| publicans Of Brazil would rise as one
man. Dom Pedro, poor soul, does not
know where to look for loyal support
/ His ministry is estrauged, and he is
not even sure of his army
/ But should they discover who our
/ leaders are. and capture them, there
would be no one to lead the uprising,
I suggested.
4 "True," assented the chief. "But II
1 is to guard against such a coup that
our council is divided into three sec
1 lions. Only one-third of the leaders
/ could be captured at any one time. But
I do not fear such an attempt, as every
movement at the capital is reported tc
me at once"
suppose they were to strike yor
down, sir. What then? Who woulc
carry out your plans2 Where would
be the guiding hand ?"
For a moment he sat thoughtfulls
regarding me-
IT hope I shall be. spared until have
accomplished my task" he said, al
length. II know my danger is great
yet it is not for myself fear. Les
the Cause be lost through premature
| exposure, I have taken care to guard
against that. should the emergency
arise. Light me that candle yonder
Robert, and I will reveal to you one
/ OF our most important secrets"
He motioned toward the mantel
smiling meantime at my expression Of
surprise.
I lighted the candle, as directed, anG
turned toward him expectantly. He
drew a rug from before the fireplace
ara STOPPING over, touched a buttor
that released a spring in the flooring
( A square aperture appeared, through
which a man might descend, and peer
ing over his shoulder saw a flight OF
stairs reaching far downward.
De Pintra turned and took the can
die from my hand.
Follow me-" he said