The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-13

May l inquire upon what you busy yourselves senor?" asked Don a. suave, siblliant voice at last.
 In the long pause Iapoulo collected his wits a little.
 "This man." he indicated Simio, i'm plored me to come and dig out some treasure which long ago he said he had buried here.'
 ..Pahr Don Q. spat out with disgust Do l not know you, Senor Iapoulo2 You bought my secret and would now steal my treasure. Did I not see you in the little wine shop of Malaga where the girls danced, while you whispered in the corner with man whose brows were bound about with a handkerchief of yellow Corpse of a scullion. My ears are keen. I can hear the eggs break when the quebranta- -huesos hatches it's young in the sunshiner Don Q. turned to the men be- hind him. Pull this man out of the hole and set him before mel"
 Iapoulo's bullying temper mounted.
 T have been betrayed!" he snarled. This villain has betrayed mel
 No, master no!p wept Snio urgent ly.
 e'Peacer' Don Q. raised his hand. You have in truth been betrayed, Iapoulo, but by your own greed. Only the passion to possess could have drawn you here be- heath my shadow. You robbed me once of a hoard, and became brave enough to try and rob again. I will leave you to think over your crime. Good night
 Iapoulo would have rushed forward, but Gaspar's big hands held him. Am l to be imprisoned in a hole?" he shrieked.
 Don Q. turned back. By no means" he returned politely, "You have come Up of your own free will into the sierra, and although I cannot offer you my own hospitality. I can recommend this posa- da," he waved his hand round the grot- to. "Juan, bring here your bill of fare. This, senor, is the patron"
 The fact that his helpless young cred itor should holde d. place in this night mare adventure seemed to Iapoulo scarce ly surprising at the moment Yet he spurned the paper held out by the lad, and spoke again to Don O.:
 "You will set me free. l have done you no harm. I have been betrayed. I tell your The brigand stopped on his way to the entrance and turned slowly about
 ''The meals in this inn are served you once a day." he said coldly. "If you will not choose now. you cannot eat for twen- ty-four hours"
 "0h, master, master and am hungry" walled Simio.
 The usurer took the bill of fare un- y, or its items he gave a cry.
 Explain Juan" commanded Don 0.
 ''rhis is my posada' said the young man sullently. Those are my prices. If the senor would eat, he must pay. my price,"
 'one nights lodging. 9OOO pesetas each guest; fire 2oO0; black bread, 900; saus- ages. each 5000 pesetas," Iapoulo read aloud. 'T shall not pay. am here against my will Legally-r"
 twill the law feed you and warm you and give you to drink?" asked Don 0. Moreover, there is no law here-merely equity.''
 But you dare not starve mel
 why not? You can buy and eat if you will"
 But I have no money" retorted Ia- poulo desperately.
 "Then you must send for some"
 Iapoulo groaned.
 Your orders, senor," said Juan.
 "One small loaf, half a sausage and some water" demanded Iapoulo.
 'fAnd for this gentlemen?'
 For Simio? Nothingr'
 70, master, would you starve me?'
 If you cannot pay you must starve," said Iapoulo.
 Simio howled aloud. This fate far ex- ceeded his worst fears.
 ''Senor," interposed Don e., you have yourself appealed to the law. By the law, therefore, you must hold. A master is bound to provide food for his servant under circumstances such as these for you persuaded him to follow you for your own purposes into-I fear-an inhospit- able region. He is, moreover a man of twice your size and will therefore require