The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-20

, indeed committed frightful crmes-the
first. in deeeiving and DESERVING your sis
ter the second and greater, in learning
my name.
The sound of his light football had
scarcely died away when Dona Anita
heard confusion of voices, pistol shot
and a cry She started to her feet and
hid herself in the dim corner by the CHM
ley, drawing the screen closer.
As Don Q. was stepping from the great
gate he stumbled against rope tied
across 1t. In spite of his fragility, and
tho fact that he borrowed his strength
rather from the spirit than the body, he
was not an easy prisoner to capture. He
leaped rather than fell into the court
yard. but stone crashed after him, strik-
ing him on the head. yet as he sank down
his mind telegraphed danger to his hand
and he fired his revolver at one of the
three dim shapes towering above him.
When Don Q. came to himself he
found he had been carried back into the
great hall and laid within the circle of
fire light. His weapons were gone. his
hands and feet bound, and the blood
| first he half believed 1t must be dream,
but remembrance reused him thorough
Twas he not fighting for his name?
Now, In all his life Don @. had never
been in bonds before and II may safely
be declared that the danger of his posi-
ton was entirely swallowed up In the
sense of the indgnity thus put upon
him. Two men stood talking by the
fire while third lay upon the ground
behind him He could hear faint groans,
from which the brigand gathered that
his shot had not gone so far astray.
Impossible" The exclamation broke
loudly from one of the two at the fire.
Why the mans dead, heaven knows
how long ago."
so It was given out" said the other;
but in any case, Nicanor, this fellow
will be worth something for he Is un-
doubtedly Don O. Did you see how he
fought?"
so would you. my dear Diego, under
the same circumstances" laughed
Nicanor.
True, but not so adroitly as he did.
This Is an expert In the struggle for
existence. Come. II he is not sufficiently
| awake to question we must rouse him.
"If this be really Don a." put in
| Nicanor, 'it would be sarer TO kill him
| as he lies"
"All in good time. First let us extract
| the dollars" He stepped across to the
brigand and kicked him. Wake up, ras-
! cal, I would speak with you"
| The chief opened his eyes and closed
| them again feeby. He recognized the lean,
one-featured face with its light, sinister
| eyes as that Of Palomoro.
err when you hear 1t is a question OF your
treasure. I hold you captive, as you have
| held many a one | know, and It is your
! turn to pay ransom"
| The chief lay silent.
! "Dona Anita lured you here and I fol-
| lowed Dona Anita; only just in time, or
i you would have escaped us. The fact that
/ you are Don Q. Is proven: we have the
| witness of your features" Diego pulled
| the brigand roughly up by the collar and
| held his face to the light. THE quebranta-
! huesos cannot be mistaken for a crow
! The other man Joined In Palomoro's
! laughter. "Where have you hidden your
| hoard?"
Don O., propped against the STOOL an
swered with toneless civility:
'sMany men have asked that question"
MANY men have searched for your
| treasure" retorted Don Diego. THE good
| fortune of finding 1t has been reserved
| for me-
! Perhaps" replied Don @. But let us
| to business, How do you propose to learn
where my (treasure-presuming l have a
| treasure--is concealed?"
by method you acknowledgements
! sion"
| "But how?' the chiefs politeness was
| unaltered "Wll you torture me with
! death?"
| Your courage is reputed to be unas-
] saiable," answered Don Diego. though
| I may be driven to try conclusions with
| you In that way If gentler means fail.
| But I propose to begin on another basis.
| happen to be the lucky holder of a
secret belonging to your past life
The brigand made a contemptuous ges-
ture. "You are credulous, senor.'