The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-25

So you see. senor, after all no harm has come of taking my own part he said to Labor. T knew my man. Had allowed him to rough-ride over me he would, at that moment. have had us turned out of the hotel
 Now, can you suggest suitable Ill., ness for a bishop? l am about to go to bed for two days"
 "Go to bed?"
 "Yes, 1t is an essential part of my plan. And, indeed. happily so. Don Baslio is no doubt meditating whether he should leave the hotel If I cross his path too often he may do so. That would be a misfortune. and ruin our hopes. But If l give out that l am very i'll, he will simply indulge in pious prayers for my death and thank the saints that my pow CTS of interference have been providen- tially spoiled. I once had an English cap tive" he continued thoughtfully, who developed ehlckenpox Is that disease adapted to the highest ranks of the princes of the English church?'
 "Gout would be more dignihed,' sug- gested Labor
 Then gout it shall be. And tell them that l have no faith in the medical pro fesslon of this country, and that if doctor presumes to enter my room I will cut off his ears"
 That would hardly be in keeping with your character" remonsaated the young man; but If you will allow me l will say thatwe have telegraphed to the great gout specialist in London. Sir Charles Jenkln- son. and that.-until he comes you will trust to your own knowledge rather than to local talent
 Don O. looked up from the buokled shoe he was removing Excellent" he com mented. T foresee, Senor Labor, that you will one day become very great writer indeed"
 Labor carried out his part of the pro- gramme. and everything fell out as Don Q. had foreseen.
 "The queen enters Malaga this after man." observed Labor, sitting down on the edge of the pallet he occupied in the bishops room The royal progress through the streets takes place, as ar ranged early tomorrow
 "Ah, then, we must act" replied Don e.. raising himself from the pillow. This delay Is very wearisome, senor. It has been in my mind to go down to desayuno and pistol Don Basilio where he sat-"
 Lalor grinned appreciatively.
 I'm afraid you would have been dis appointed, for Don Basilio always re- mains in his own room for desayuno, though he sometimes joins us at comida III pne evening.
 Don O. was out of bed in twinSling and wrapped in hls dressing gown. He was already bandaging one foot with a towel before he spoke.
 "It is midday he said. "a waiter has brought my invalid soup. Every person In the hotel is at this moment engaged In devouring food. The time has come, dear nephew"
 What are you going to do?" asked Labor.
 First we will concern ourselves with what you are to do,'' returned the chief serenely. When you leave me you will descend and partake of desayuno. and do not forget, my dear nephew, to give evidence of anxiety at the increasing in disposition of your long cherished uncle. I can no longer move-I-but you are gifted with an imagination; l can leave the matter in your hands. Afterward you will go toward the stables and there you will find ragged fellow assisting with the horses. l venture to believe you will recognize a black-eyed scoundrel you have seen before in the sierra. When you catch his eye, be so good as to place your forefinger of the left hand thus upon your chin.'
 q understand" said Labor. The affair was becoming expressing once more. He waited eagerly for Don Q.'s next words.
 "As for me, my dear senor," resumed the chief, you tell me that Don Basilio has been good enough to inquire about my health. It is very well. for I am now about to pay him visit to thank him.
 Don O. perched himself actively on Lalor's shoulders, and they passed out into the empty passages of the hotel on their way to the quarters of the Carlist leader.
 Don Basilio sat alone at his meal, and was In the act of raising a glass of wine to his lips when alor, bearing his strange burden, paused in the doorway.
 That will do, dear nephew" piped the