The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-06
} How DON Q Paid
for His Cigarettes

- ROM an expedition Don G. was re-
~ turning on a brilliant morning in
l the last days of March, and had
halted for the MONDAY heat IN cave
that overhung forest of cork trees. NO
reflection of the sunshine entered MS
mood, which was one of the blacklist
For no less than three days had elapsed
since he had run out of material for
cigarettes, and almost six since he had
sent Robledo down to the plains to bring
him the necessary supply.
Don @. sat, therefore, and started vim
dictiveIy at the fire, which was always
kindled to warm his chilly blood, even
when winter had loosed its grip ON the
bleak Nights
The sun was about to set gorgeously
in the silence of the sierra when rob
Der came to the door of the cave and
crossed himself as he saw the attitude
of hic chief. He waited for the usual
command of Don Q.
Speaker, Gaspar." Don Q. scarcely
turned his head.
The big lowering rascal was about to
reply when from outside came a patter
of light feet, and the next moment a
tall, painting girl stood in the mouth of
the cave. The men who had been run
ming after to detain her paused on the
threshold.
II will see my lord of the mountains!
Senior, let me speak with you alone" she
cried. These tried to prevent me-"
Don Q. let his eyes rest upon his Wis
itor.
Don @. motioned with his hand.
"Sit down. he said, indicating rough
chair which had been contrived from a
barrel. Then, turning to his followers,
you will retire" he added; but, first
what does your brawling mean? Am | to
be disturbed in this fashions?
1.-THE orders replied Gaspar in low
voice, were that my lord would not be
troubled until the return of Robledo. This
woman"
GO" snarled the chierf, 1.-The senorita
would see me alone"
The men filed hurriedly out of sight,
and Don O., with his head sunk between
his shoulders, waited till the last loot
step died away.
you have never seen me before" she
burst out. You do not know who
am
GO on, dear Isabella.
She started violent You know me?'
81 fear / know nearly everything re-
piled Don O., with an air of regretting an
awkward circumstance. Il know for in
stance that when | send Robeldo on
special errands to the plains, he nearly
always wastes an hour or two for which
he does not account-with a guitar, Isa-
BELLA
At the mention of the name of Robledo
the girls eyes filled with tears.
HE will never sing under my window
any MORE she sobbed.
"This is exceedingly sad news" replied
Don @. coldly Il beg you to tell me
the whole story-the. true story, 1sabe-
lila
20, my lord, do not be angry" she
pleaded -Four days ago Robledo came
into the town, charged with mission
from my lord. When it was growing dark
he went out upon that mission and pres
emily, in the dark, he returned?'
with his guitar?' questioned abe chief
7serenely. 8a ~
IN order to avert Suspicion fsabeliila
protested.
Pray proceed. 1t is not for you to give
me reasons. Give me facts very simply.
/ will do the rest"
HE was snging-O! sweet song,
went on the girl. in a broken voice, when
there was sound of men running down
the street. His music ceased, and he
swung himself up into the embrasure of
the window, where ii was very dark. The
men stopped and searched the shadows
under my window, and one saddle was
here but a moment ago, when L warned
you-for no one dreamed he was in the