The San Francisco call., 1906-04-01


N NJ happy nickname for
R"ATN the br1Eand chief who
ror4Eed the district He recounted some
of his crimes and illuminated against him
the penalties OF the law.
An this Don 9. read IN his mountain
syris with exceeding relish. 1t hattered
his self-esteem. The speech was fully re-
ported IN the local journal. which we may
call FL Mundo, but the sting lay waiting
IN the last clause: And yet this reputed
king Of the mountains" concluded Don
Hugo. 'Is, after all, n miserable wretch,
poorer than the meanest ass in Spain,
6or he carries but one carr
Whatever his other bodily infirmities
the bandit possessed both his ears, yet
the libel was OF a nature which could
never be forgiven. His diseased vanity
dWelt upon 1t with an ever-growing Bit
terness. The slumbering devil in him
awoke, tormenting him to fury.
Upon this day, which followed an in
teTVal Of terrified quietness. the robbers
valley was thrilled by an excitement. hot
with the double seasoning OF novelty and
danger. A party securing the lower hills,
according 10 their practice, had met with
a lady-a very great lady she seemed
who far from objecting after the usual
manner 10 being carried prisoner into the
sierra Instantly demanded to be taken
into the presence Of the dreaded chief
In the dusk Don Q. lifted up mis- head.
"Do net keep me any longer, pray,
Gaspar. he said in a sharp, sibilant voice.
what is it?"
Lord a senora would speak with you"
suffered the man.
Don Q. paused. 1t must be confessed
q q lady desiring an interview with
IL vas something Of a novelty.
Good. The senora's manner"
The lady would tell you that herself,
lord.
Let her come" Gaspar turned away
with relief. but the chief stopped him.
stay. Gaspar. Make up the fire. and
light a torch, fix it up there behind me-
1 trust. Gaspar, you have not inconven-
fenced the sonora by keeping her wait
fng2 ! viii ask her, and If" the silence
was eloquent.
A few minutes later a lady swept into
the circle Of light within the cave. Her
face was hidden by a mantilla, but she
moved with the air Of acknowledged beau
ty-audacious and graceful.
-
beyond the fire and bowed
II am the chief of the seQuestradores,
and the senora's very humble servant
The words, uttered in purest Spanish
with the soft tone Of courtesy, almost
startled the hearer. She peered across the
smoke and flames, but the torch had been
get 10 battle her vision
Il have come, senor, to implore your
aid" she said impulsively.
At the same instant she flung back her
mantiIla and disclosed her features. Don
O. gazed at sher for a moment in silence.
She was a golden Spaniard, dark-eyed,
with g mouth like a red blossom, her
somewhat crUel-looking but extreme
beauty enhanced by a skin of exquisite
fairness, and crowned with golden hair.
''Senors," began the soft voice after a
pause, which the lady fully appreciated
as a tribute TO her charms ''am I permit
ted 70 ask by what name I may remember
such loveliness?"
Catalina, the condesa-" She broke OF
exciteoly; she had an end in view and
wished to gain It without delay. Il was
told that you were kind to those in dis
tress and would help woman when you
could"
IL rejoice that there are still some
eTeakers Of the truth under the noun
teins. Be at ease. Dona Catalina, my
pleasure at the sight OF so much beauty
IS only eClaleQ 4LLpdlleliCc u hAOW
IN what manner can show my gratitude
for the honor OF this visit
''Senor, I am the wife of the hand
soonest caballero IN Spain, alasi"
s4Ahi And the Countess dwells-"
In Castelleno," she answered.
IN CasteIeno2'' The fact was pertinent
70 the moment. BE seated, sonora. You
are doubtless acquainted with the gov
ernor Of the prison?"
The CoflTpcq started elfEhflV
why, yes"
rs he not an ugly. pimple-faced fell
low?'' questioned Don O.
She replied hotly: "On the contrary, he
is an exceedingly handsome man."
he cut her short. Pardon me, but are
YOU sure2 I have heard that ladies cried
out at the mere sight OF his smile"
with qualification perhaps" she an
swered and sighed impatiently.
NO no. sonora; you are surely mis-
taken"
Hardly possible. Don Q. He is my hus-
bandt'
.sYou are then the wife OF the governor.
Don augo?" The chiefs smooth voice
vibrated slightly with some emotion. Il
would envy him. If I dared"
ssOf what use IS beauty If II does not Sc
cure Iove?" she cried petulantly. my
husband"
You love him?'
Not always" with a charming pout.
"At this moment2'
"At this moment I hate him. She
leant forward with swing OF her Hthe
body. her eyes flashing. L heard a
whisper-I suspected-I set spies-I fol-
lowed him. She clasped her hands be-
fore her breast. then nung them apart
with a vehement gesture Of rage "Oh,
at this moment I could kin him."
4 Proceed, I beg Of you What have /
do with lovers ouarrels?"
>Everything, II you viii help mel Yes.
We ouarreled. He LAUGHED at my tears.