The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-17

A DANGEROUS MOMENT.

OF since I parted with him
~ in the road on the morning
of Dom MiguePs murder
had I seen Paola. or heard
81 from him directly.
At that time, after giving
me two men who had proved faithful
both to me and the Cause, he had rid
den to the house Of death-s'tO brea K
fast with his sister" From that mo-
ment his actions had been a mystery
not only to me but to all his fellow
conspiratOrs.
But now it seemed easy to under
stand that the minister Of police had
Deen amending to the emperOr'S bust
ness, and that he had also been play
ing a double game from the beginning
ana promoting the revolution that he
might the more easily crush it.
AS he rose to his feet after saIuting
the emperor, Paola glanced around
the room and noted my presence. I
could not we'll disguise the scorn I felt
Tor this breacherOus fellow. and as he
met my eyes he smiled and twirled his
small mOustache with a satisfied air.
Well2' demanded the emperor
All is indeed well, your majesty, %
returned the minister. lightly. s'The
leaders Of the conspiracy. with one
exception are now under arrest
And that one?"
Sanchez Bastro, a cofGee-planter
with a ranch near by. He has crossed
che border. But it is unimpOrtant."
And Mendez?"
sImprisoned in the citadel"
ne is comforting Mendez. in the
'aTreverot?"
Unfortunately we were obliged to
shoot him. He chose to resist.
HIM! And Piexoto 2''
rs below, under arrest
Have him brought here The cap
tain left the room, and again the en-
peror turned to Paola.
You have done well, senior; and
your reward shall be adequate. It was
q farreaching plot, and dangerous -
And Dom Pedro sighed as if greatly
relieved.
Pao1a brushed a speck of dust from
his sleeve and laughed in his silly
fashion.
1.-THE serpent is only dangerous. your
majesty, until its fangs are pulled he
draWled, and StrOlled away toward Val
cour, while the soldiers brought in
Senior FlorianO Piexoto.
The famous patriot was not only
handcuffed, but his elbows were bound
together by cords across his back. But
despite his bonds ne walked proudly
and sCowled into Dom Pedro's face as
he confronted him. Indeed, L was
filled with admiration to ind that this
man whom FOnseca had called
"croaker" could be brave when Occa-
sion demanded it.
50, my clever statesman has seen
ut to turn traitor" began the emperor,
sternly regarding the prisoner.
"a champion of liberty must needs
be a traitor to Dom Pedro" replied
Fiexoto, with equal sternness.
But the conspiracy is at an end,
and L am inclined to be merciful,'' re
sumed the emperor. 81 am told you
were the trusted friend of Miguel de
Pintra, and knew his secrets. If you
viii inform us how to unlock the sec
ret vault. I viii promise to regard your
offense lightly
Piexoto stared at him a moment in
dignantly. Then he turned with a
frown upon PaOla.
ASK of your minister Of police he
retorted; s'for there stand a double
traftor It was he who stood closest to
de Pintra. winning his confidence only
to betray it. 1t was Francisco PaoIa
who planned the secret vault. Who
should know better than he how to
open it?"
The emperor turned to Paola with
suspicion written visibly upon his
stern features.
"Did you plan the vault?" he de-
rnanded.
Truly. your majesty. Otherwise
che records would have been scattered