The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-01-07

Not in this affair. Senior Valcour.
And the emperOr's order is doubtless
to be obeyed above that of his spy"
Valcour WINGED. and turned away
to pace the floor nervOusly.
But the lady-surely you will not
execute the Donzella Paola in this
brutal fashion," he protested, after an
interval of silence.
The captain flushed. and then grew
pale.
Il will speak with the lady" he
said, and motioning aside the guard
he entered the room where Lesba
was confined, and closed the door after
him.
We could hear his voice through the
thin partition. speaking in low and
earnest tones. Then a burst of merry
laughter from Lesba fell upon our ears
with something of a shock, for the
sure gravity. Evidently the captain
protested, but the girls high pitched
tones and peals of merriment indicated
that she was amusing herself at his ex-
pense, and suddenly the door burst
open and de Souza stumbled out with
a red and angry face.
1.-The woman is a fiend!" he snarled.
Let her die with the others
ValcOur, who had continued to pace
the floor during this interview had
by now managed to get his nerves un-
der control, for he smiled at the cap
tain, and said:
Let US see if I have any argument
that will avail"
While the officer stood irresolute,
/ Valcour bowed mOckingly, opened the
door, and passed into Lesba's room.
1t was de Souza's turn now to pace
the floor, which he did with slow and
/ measured strides; but although we
strained our ears not q sound of the
interview that was progressing reached
us through the partition.
After considerable time it seemed
. A...I 81
/ lowed Valcour this privilege, for he
advanced to the door and placed his
hand on the knob instantly the spy
| appeared. closing the door swiftly be-
hind him and turning the key in the
lock.
II withdraw my opposition, Cap
/ tain" said he. you may execute the
| lady with the others, for all I care.
! When is the massacre to take place %
! The officer stroked his mOustache
| and frowned.
1.-THE order commands the execution
/ on the same day the cOnspirators are
/ arrested" he announced. Il do not
like the job Valcour, believe me: but
/ die a sunset
He turned abruptly and left the
! house, but sent a detachment of the
Uruguayans to remain in the room
I with us and guard against any attempt
on our part to escape.
We INDUCED in little conversation
/ Each had sufficient to occupy his
/ thoughts, and sunset was not very far
/ away. after all. To me this ending OF
( the bold conspiracy was not surprising
| for I had often thought that wheT
Dom Pedro chose to strike he would
strike in a way that would deter al
plotting against the government for
some time to come. And life is of lit
tie value in these South American
/ countries
Where are the records ?" I wllis-
pered to Dom Miguel. who sat neal
me.
safe with Fonseca in Rio he an
| swered.
do you imagine that Fonseca will
/ succeed ., I continued
He is sure to-" said the chief. 9
soft CLEAN lighting his eyes. cit is
/ only we who have failed. my friend
/ He paused a moment and then re
| sumed: Il am sorry I have brought
you to this. Robert For the rest OF
US. it matter little that we die. Is not
a free Brazil a glorious prize to be wor
| by the purchase of a few lines2''
It was futile to answer. A free Bra