The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-06

"A very courtly rufflan,' she said In
solently. what is your name?"
Il have for many years past been
known as Don O. he answered cere-
moniously.
You are the sequestrador?" she said at
last
Such is the calling I have the honor
to follow"
81 have heard that you have never
held lady to ransom.
All you crafty me. 1t is quite true"
Then, what is it you want of me?"
81 came to beg a favor
TEL me quickly what 1t is, for I am
late and must proceed
81 am desolated; but to proceed-that
is impossible"
what do you mean? | am then, your
prisoner" she asked brusquely.
by no means. Only my guest for
twelve hours in charming valley. where
I have made ready for so distinguished
a visitor. In the meantime | will ask
you to be so good as to lead me to your
carriage.
Most assuredly I shall do nothing OF
the kind" She brought her palms sharp
ly together to emphasize the refusal.
at will save a life!
"Poohl The life of some baseborn out
law such as yourself? No. l say, To-
night | accept the hospitality of the San
tolallas They fete our great Gen Obri-
que-Don Edmelo Ubrique.
DO not fear to accept mine. illus
trissima." Don Q.'s courtesy remained
unruffled MY birth is infinitely more
noble than that of Santolala.'
He was about to move away as men
in the livery of the Duquesa emerged
from among the tree sand took the places
of her servants. The sinking moon was
beginning to shine upon the road under
the Hex trees, and the Duqnesas
naughty old face peered out keenly.
these are not my people," she said
with imperious f1nality. Il demand my
own servants and to be allowed to con-
tinue my journey to Castelleno."
Don @. turned back.
THAT is impossible, my dear lady.
Within limits my men are quite at your
service They are not, believe me. as
vilainous as their looks would seem to
indicate. Tomorrow morning your own
servants and your carriage will be re-
turned to you"
The gage of the duquesa's temper had
by this time run up to high pressure.
IT will not submit to this insolence!
Who are you that you should put your
commands upon me- she demanded.
How dare you pretend to noble birth?
valet in his masters coat would cut
better igure!'
Inc cnle1 STOOD before sner SleIll
81 order you to let me go shall have
you whipped in the streets of Malaga,
thief" and with the word a withered
hand shot out into the moon-beams. but
Don O., with a slight movement, avoid
ed the fan meant to strike violently
across his face.
He was aware of his mems eyes upon
him. He bent forward almost into the
carriage and spoke to the duquesa.
'Emilia"-the sudden whisper froze her
do you forget two blows given long
ago-first the fan, then the knife-and
whose arms were round you after?"
The wind sobbed in the trees; the mys-
FERROUS night noises made themselves
heard; while the Duquesa d'Orava sat
stifly upright without a word or sigh.
How had this man. this brigand, learn
ed the secret of her tragic girlhood ?-and
spoken in voice she seemed to remem-
bert
Don O. softly closed the door. and
waved his hand to the coachman: then
as the wheels rumbled away into the
distance, he stepped into the shadows,
and once more the little road lay empty
under the waning moon.
Enough, my child. | am satisfied
with your work. You will have your
reward in good time" said Don O.. who
under the slslful fingers of Valentino
had assumed more or less the aspect OF
the Duquesa d'Orava.
II have done all l can, lord STAN
mered the girl but the light of n ball
room it is brilliant-too much for
81 do not mean to tempt 1t. Now ar
range upon my shoulders that horrible
garment with feathers placed upon its