The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-13

whispered by Don @. flashed back mon his memory he lifted the paper and wrote out the form of his letter, leaving one space blank.
 T am in the grip of Don o. the let ter ran. Send me at once pesetas by the bearer, without question or delay Do not Inform the authorities for if an attempt be made to rescue me I shall be nailed to the pine tree that grows nearest heaven upon the mountain abovs the place of my Imprisonment"
 This note addressed to his representative in the city, he sat down to the hardest struggle of his life-the figure at which he should place the sum to be sent Doubts assaled him. He did not wish to send for more money than was absolutely necessary for he trusted not at all in the honor of the brigand, who he believed and in this Iapouo judged by himself would break all his bargains and seize the uttermost farthing. Yet on the other hand, II might prove awkward to have less than the necessary sum; accidents might hap pen, the messenger might possibly not hurry himself, he might be twelve days on the Journey. So the dawn came and ths full day drew on, and still the usurer sat irving to make up his mind, when Robledo stood before him.
 "Is the letter ready that my lord com manded me to take?' demanded the young bandit.
 "on my lords errands one always hastens," replied Robledo.
 Will you make very great haste on your errand?" asked Iapoulo.
 "If you are back within eleven days. will give you-I will give you ten. yes. ten pesetas for yourselfp With these words Lapoulo wrote rapidly on the paper and gave 1t through the bars into Roble- dos hands, crying out-"Go, go, before
  of the cave.
 Early on the 11th day Juan announced the return of Robledo, and a little later Don o. with a few of his followers. en- tered the cave. Robledo laid bag of pesetas and roll of paper money at the usurer's feet.
 Now senor, count your money" said the brigand, land your creditors shall come in before you. Juan, stand out"
 The lad at once stepped forward, bear ing long bill in his hand
 How much does it amount to?" in- quired Don O..
 By careful counting, lord, 1t adds up to 234,500 pesetas.'
 Refusal to pay or any eavilling at the items being out of the question, .Iapoulo, with many sighs, paid over the money.
 Now, Robledo, what is owing to you?" went on Don Q.
 '20010 pesetas, lord.'
 No, no, mol The bargain was for 20,- 000," cried the usurer.
 What does this mean, Robledo?" ask ed the chief sternly.
 "The senor made me a promise of 10 pe- setas, lord, if I returned by the 11th day. I am here"
 Tt is false!" Iapoulo could not bear it, every pesetas was dear a drop of his own blood
 You disappoint me, senor." said Don O. quietly; flor although you could not see me, I heard you with my own ears make the man this promise. The debt Is, in- deed, 20,010 pesetas. Pay him quickly"
 The last coin had scarcely passed from Iapoulo's reluctant fingers, when he wrapped his worn cloak about this neck. Now I am free will go"
 Not too quickly" interposed Don o. Our little business is hardly yet con ciuded You have paid your debt, senor, 1t Is true, but not the interest the usury."
 'The interest!' screamed the money lender.
 "Yes," said Don O. Our debts in the mountains double themselves every three days. It is a bad custom which you in the plains have taught to us. You still owe these two men enormous sums. I fear Robledo will have to make a sec- ond Journey to the plains,'
 "Senor, this will ruin me. cannot pos- sbly pay it.
 "so?" The brigand shrugged his shoul-
 (Contjnued or, Next padeN