The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-12
Chapter III.

URING the remainder of the
voyage I had little inter
course with Senior Manuel
Cortes de Guarde. Indeed,
I had turned the tables
quite cleverly upon the spy,
who doubtless imagined many dangers
in addition to those indicated in my
diary. For my part, / became a bit
ashamed of the imposition I had prac-
Used, despite the fact that the hand
some young Brazilian had exhibited
perfect Willingness to assassinate me
in the enperOr's interests. Attracted
toward him in spite of my discoveries,
I made several attempts to resume our
former friendly intercourse; but he
Teeoiled from my overtures and
Stunned my society.
In order to impress upon de Guarde
the truth of the assertions had made
fin the diary, I selected a young physi-
clan, a DR.. Neel, to impersOnate the
Intriguing and bloodthirsty American
secretary. He was quiet, unObtru-
sive fellow, with an intelligent face,
and a keen, inQuiring look in his eyes.
I took occasion to confide to DIR. Neel,
in a mysterious manner that must
have amused him, that was afflicted
with an incomprehensibl disease. He
promptly mistook me for hypochOn-
driac, and humOred me in
good natured fashion, so that
we were frequently observed
by de Guarde in earnest and
confidential conversation. My ruse
proved effective. Often I SURPRISED a
look of anxiety upon the Brazilian's
face as he watched DR.. Neel from a
distance; but de Guarde took pains not
to mingIe with any group that the
physician made part of, and it was evil
dent that the detective had no longer
any desire to precipitate a conflict dur
ing the voyage to Rio.
do not say that Nalcour was cow
Rrdly. In his position am positive
could not have escaped the doubts that
SO evidently oppressed him He Sc
Guided himself In his State-rOOnl, I'M
der pretense Of illness, as we drew
nearer to Brazil, and L was consider
ably relieved to have him out of the
way.
Captain Lertine. to whom YaIcour
had evidently c0nfided his discovery of
the diary, was also uneasy during those
days, and took occasion to ask me
many questions about DE. Neel, which
7 parted in a way that tended to con-
vince him that the physician was none
other than the secret emissary sent by
my uncle to Miguel de Pintra. The
good captain was nervous over the
safety Of the ship, telling me in a con-
ddentiaI way that nearly all his crew
were new hands, and that he had no
confidence in their loyalty to the en-
peror-
His face bore an expression Of great
relief when we anchored in the bay of
Rio de JanierO on a clear June morn
ing at day-breaks and no time was lost
in transferring the passengers of the
Castina to a small steam launch, which
soon landed us and our effects upon
the quay.
had not seen valcour since we an
chOred, but after bidding good by to
DR.. Neel, who drove directly to his
hotel, i caught a glimpse of the de-
tective's eager face as he followed the
doctor IN a cab
The whole affair struck me as being
huge Joke, and the sensation of dam
ger that experienced on board the
ship was dissolved by the bright sun
shine and the sight of the great city
calmly awakening and preparing for
its usual daily round Of business.
dispatched my trunks TO the Con
tinental railway station, and finding
that I had ample time determined to
follow them on foot, the long walk be-
ing decidedly grateful after the days
on shipboard. Much as I l0nged to
see the beauties of Brazips famous
capital. I dared not at this time delay
TO do so. as my uncle had impressed
upon me the necessity of presenting
myself to de Pintra- as soon as posi-
bic after my arrival.
Another thing that Influenced me
was the deception that I had practised
upon the detective. VaIcour with the
emperor at his back, was now a power
to be reckoned with, and as soon as he
discovered that I had misied him the
police would doubtless be hot upon
my trail. So my safest plan was to
proceed at once to the province where
my new chief had power to protect me.
reached the railway station with
out difficulty and found I had a quar-
ter Of an hour to spare
s'Give me a ticket to Cuyaba," I said
TO the clerk at the window
He stared at me as he handed the
card through the grating.
.Matto Crosse train, senior, he
said cit leaves at eight o'clock.
THANK you" returned, moving
away
A tall policeman in an odd uniform
OF black and gold barred my way.
your pardon, senior Americana
said he, touching his visor in salute;
az beg you TO follow me quietly.
He turned ON his heel and marched
away. and ]. realizing that trouble had
already oyertalken me, followed him to
the street
A patrol was drawn up at the curb, a
auaint-loOking vehicle set low between
four high wheels and covered with
canvas. Startled at the sight hall
turned, with a vague idea of escape
and confronted two stout policemen al
my rear.
Resistance seemed useless. / entered
the wagon. my captor seating himself
anon the bench beside me. Instantly
we whirled away at a rapid pace.
now discerned two men, also ii
uniform, upon the front seat. One wa!
driving the horses, and presently tn
other climbed over the seat and sa
opposite my guard.
Tne tai policeman frOwned.
seVVhy are you here AIareo2" he de-
manded, in q threatening voice.
ssFor thlsn was the prompt answer
ana with the words I caught q. quicl
dash as the man called Marco buried
T-T,ffa To the hiIt IN the others breast
nv caDtor scarce uttered sound a
he pitched headforenost upon II
Noor o6 the now dying Wagons ia