The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-01

u.ifefs iourney into the mountains That so beautiful woman should have been Kidnapped and half frightened to death stirred the ready Spanish chivalry and when Don Hugo declared himself ready to administer an oath of membership to q society of vengeance, the. idea was greeted with exclamation, and was about to be carried into effect when a servant disturbed the meeting.
 A captain of the civil guard was in waiting below, charged to speak without delay to the governor on matter of the highest importance,
 "You will be good enough to request Captain del Pino to rest himself for few minutes" returned Don Hugo impa- tiently.
 Pardon, excellency, he bade me pre- sent this. The man held out card upon which some sentences were writ ten.
 The governor glanced at it and uttered an exclamation.
 "senors, Capt del Plno comes from Madrid upon business connected with Don O."
 slender man in the uniform Of the civil guard was already lowing in the doorway. His long blue cloak hung be- hind his shoulders, and as he raised his head, covered with dark curling hair, the d5HfiibAy SdW that H6 bOit 0AalAiot ipi only of travel, but of misadYenture by the way. Ills brow was bandaged, and spatter of blood showed on his cheek.
 My business is pressing, excelleney. Can see you alone?" he said, in a low tone, which, however carried an im- perious echo.
 You have a mission connected with began the governor pleasantly.
 Pardon me- interrupted the courtly captain, "a secret mission, intrusted to me by the highest authority in Madrid. '
 "As to that you will never guess the purpose for which we are gathered here tonight
 "A matter of some responsibility and difficulty" Del Pino's tone and gracious movement of the head were in the na- ture of a general compliment to the abil- ity and position of these present
 You may speak freely. We-my friends and I-are agreed on that sub jeet.' Don Hugo waved his hand large ly Your mission then concerns"
 "A certain gentleman, well known, not only in these parts, but throughout the whole of Spain, a certain Don G." added the captain quietly.
 Come, come Senor Capitani We have less respect for the one-eared brigand of the Boca de Lobo" laughed the governor. too busy in lighting a cigarette to notice Q sudden contraction of del Pinos feat ures. That vulture of the rocks has troubled us too long We were. precisely when you arrived, arranging to make an end of him.
 No doubt your plan would be success ful, though 1t was said, in Madrid, that he had defied capture for some twenty years already, and that a score or so expeditions sent out against him had failed" observed de Pino, with a shrug of lis shoulders. He must be a remark able parsonage. I was the more gratiied, therefore, at receiving orders from head quarters to come down and deal spe- cifcally with man of such interesting antecedents."
 Can you bring yourself to conceive the last crime the fellow has committed senor?' Don Hugo took advantage of pause. "He had the arrogance to kldnap his own wife in the last fortnight!'
 Del Pino made gesture of mortified surprise She must at once be reseued.' he declared.
 Make your mind easy. I pray She is at this moment within these walls
 T trust he treated her as a gentleman should?" Captain del Pino asked in his soft draw.
 "On the contrary, he behaved like a monster."
 "He held her at ransom, of course?'
 Nc mo- not precisely" stuttered Don Hugo. "He released her-after few hours
 That was surely considerate."
 Far from it. The reason of his ac- ton is obvious. wonder it does not strike you, senor."
 Del Plno gazed for an instant at the governors air of self-complacent ruffiing and shook his head