The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-25
II l.


 TIER the death of Don Luis del
 A Monte no event of great import oc- 1 cured for a long period in the sier- "a Certain captures were indeed made, and certain persons of small consequence were held to ranson during those weary months of monotony for in the course of his long and interesting career as chief of sequestradores brigands who hold to ransom, Don Q. had had dealings with many sorts and conditions of men. Per sons of divers eallings had passed through his hands-sportsmen politi- clans, merchants, a doctor, a couple of English M P's, a high-church parson Of the same nationality, an American news paper proprietor and many adVenturers. But when his men, patrolling the lower passes, lassoed Garth Labor they added to Don Qs list a gentleman of pro fession with which he had never before come in contact
 Garth Lalor was nearer 20 than he cared to own, full of the irrepressble sap of youth and of a racial blen dthat made it difficult for him to take things seriously.
 Without much delay Don Q. sent for him. Labor was distinctly stirred by the romance of the situation. for the brigand was a man with an ominous record, and the captive looked with a good deal of curiosity at the fragile figure muffled in cloak, that crouched beside the great fire. spreading blood less hands to the blaze. Was this per son the herce-hearted and terrible char acter they spoke of in the plains? As usual a wide soft brim of felt hid his features, and he seemed unaware of the entrance of the party. until Labor stepped suddenly up beside him to the flreside
 "Good morning senor. It is precious rold," he said.
 His two guards sprang forward at the word and thrust him back roughly. Don e. raised his head and looked full at this unusual prisoner.
 Excuse my taking off my hat, senor," the chief spoke at last in smooth, deri- sive tones, but, as you say, 1t IS cold I regret that your visit to us should be made fin such unpleasant weather Still we welcome you, for we nave been in danger of suffering from dulness lately, and l foresee both pleasure an dproht from your society,"
 Garth Labor was a very adaptable young man. That's right he said good-hu- moredly.
 At a sign from Don Q. the guards re- tired to the door of the cave.
 Pray be stated, senor," he went on. sI perceive that you are English. One forgives much to the English"
 Sorry" said Lalor If I've done any thing wrong" Don Q.s face cleared.
 q feel quite sure we shall enjoy each others society while you remain with me-" he remarked urbanely, Let us at once get over the disagreeables of busi- ness, and then, when we understand tha position, we can dismiss all sordid con- alterations from our minds-for the pres ent. But first I must ask you to reply to R few questions"
 Labor nodded.
 Quite at your service, senor. l hope I'll turn out satisfactory"
 The chief looked him over. Garth La Tor was a strong built, clean-limbed young fellow, rather over the middle heigt, with marked features and sleepy gray eyes.
 "I trust so." replied Don e.. with some emphasis. "Senor, you puzzle me. To what profession do you belong? You have the fingers of a man of practical mind and the eyes of a dreamer"
 Labor smiled. The old pleasant smile was by no means lost on the chief.
 Well, if l had to sign a census paper, I should write myself novelist or any how, author
 To his surprise Don Q. showed symp- toms of pleased excitement.
 How interestingl I have never before In the course or my career ndd the Boou fortune to meet one of your calling. But of that later. We must perforce, deal first with the little matter of your ran som"
 "Ransom?" calculated Garth Labor, and he broke into "a cheerless fit of laughter. Don e. looked at him in surprise
 ''You are amused, senor. May be per mitted to share your amusement"
 By all means, such as 1t is," said the lad. You spoke of hoping for a ransom. The idea tickled me-that is all"
 The brigand's livid eyelids fickered om- inously.