The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-29

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 The brigand held up his thin hand. There are no 'buts.' If France will regain you, she must give me my price l It Is not Il large one, considering il repre- sents your value said Don Q. Five thousand guneas in English money. Sir Graham has taught me the beauty of English guineas. If l should fail 10 re- turn you I will not accept the ransom Fail to return me-?" cried the horri- fled painter. What. then, is your pur- poser"
 Hear me. senors Don Q. took his place on the lounge chair. T wrote you a letter in which l made you a certain of fer l asked you to paint my portrait on your own terms. Your reply was an in- suit"
 Fl was annoyed" stammered the 7 other, as the chief waited for an answer.
 eI grieve to acknowledge that I was In elined to be annoyed also said Don .. But naturally nothing could alter my de- cision. You are here now to paint my portrait on my terms Do you desire to hear them?'
 They do not affect me said Blufort sullenly.
 You are rash in saying that For you will remain in the sierra until your task is dnisheda
 T shall be rescued. I have no fear"
 "Senor. you are very afraid Indeed responded Don Q. with chilly laugh. And rightly so. People will tell you I have dwelt here in my eyrie from time immemorial; that is a legend and never vet has prisoner been taken from my hands; that is an historic truth. With all the intelligence, all the art, all the genius at your command you are about to paint me. Don O. the sequestrador of the si- erra. have been told that four weeks have sufficed for the production of some of your finest cations. May l ask if this is so2"
 Tt is sufficient"
 Then you shall have four weeks in which to place my presentment on your canvas"
 T have with me nothing but my little travelling paint box. objected Blufort
 Pardon, I should not dream of asking you to transcend all your former efforts, could l not offer you the choice mate rials to which you are accustomed. Every thing has been brought here from your hotel at Malaga"
 "I am sure l am much indebted to you" Blufort was angry. baffed. You appear to be thoroughly proficient in your-calling.
 But naturally since l am at the head of my profession The chief paused be- for continuing-''T are heights to
  yours"
 'I have painted the most notable per sons of the day"
 Permit me to remind you that you have not yet painted me-" said the ban dit and then after pause, went on "Once I should have paid you a hand some fee for your efforts in my behalf, now. We must reverse the process, alas! At the close of the four weeks, on the oSth day, if I do not find your picture to my liking, do you know what will hap pen?'
 You will order me to repaint it. Blu fort could not withhold the insoent tri- umph from his voice, for here at least he held Don Q. in his power
 Not at all"
 What then?s
 'I shall cut off your right hand said the chief
 The Frenchman turned color, his heart sank in horror There was tt light in the fierce fickerng eyes, tone in, the sib- lant voice that convinced him the bri- gand was most absolutely in earnest.
 After this conversation Don c. with drew into the aave, and, few minutes later. men came laboring up the steep path burdened with eases. canvases, and all the other paraphernalia belonging to Blufort.
 He sat among them. sick at heart, dunn founded. resentful srhey do not tell us the half about this terrible man" he re- hected He Is the most remorseless crea- ture in the peninsula!' But Don e purpose never fingered hangfooted After the midday meal. of