The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-29

I would but turn and convey him safely l back to Xalaga
 But the men made no reply save to whip up the mule to d faster progress.
 Fury, a sense of helplessness and finally alarm filled him. But by the time he had been led through eehoing rock passages with his handkerchief tied over his eyes, and emerged into a pine-fringed valley cut off from all the world, it must be admitted l that fear had gained complete possession of his soul He and his captors had rested for a few hours on the road, so that the morning sun WAS already visible over i the cliffs when he was conducted up to 1 the cave of Don c.
 As il happened. he saw on the terrace only tall lean man lounging in chair and giving directions in execrable Span ish about Il skin that he had begged out to dry
 Frightened as he was. Blufort resolved 10 take Up a definite stand before the brigand of the sierra. Acting upon this idea he advanced slowly and assuming an attitude he said with solemnity; Are you aware. senor, that in captur- ing me you have committed a crime against not civilization only, but against art, sacred art herself2' Al the sound of his voice the tall man turned and looked at him. By George, yes.' he said, with an air of eompunction.
 ''The man devoted to art is all compact of nerves" went on Blufort in tone of reproaeh. Why. then. have you permit ted mine to be shattered by this capture2 From your letter l am inclined to think that you know something of art Do yon not then recognize how deeply you have wronged her in my person? How ire trlevably you have injured humanity by rudely snatching me from my work in a moment of inspiration?"
 ''I am sure Don Q. will greatly regret putting you to any inconvenience, Sir Graham said politely
 Then you are not that horrible robber?"
 'I should not speak in such terms of him if 1 were you put in the other for his profession and the particular standing he has reached in 1t happen to be points on which our-host feels strongly" Who are you, then?'
 My name is Marks-and l am like you. captive-only l am about to leave and you have but just come"
 "How-how does that ruffian treat one?" whispered the painter.
 As one gentleman treats another" re- piled Sir Graham i've had a ripping good time, and that's the truth"
 The painter stared. Impossible" he who I am2"
 
 Bufort the great artist"
 Monsieur" said the Frenchman, his voice assuming a rumbling tremolo of ex- ctement, this Don O.. this thief will live to regret today!'
 "Hush-or so may you!" Sir Graham shook his head. There he is in the val ley. Goodby He is becKoning to me. I assure you. monsieur you will find our friend very decent fellow if you treat him civilly."
 very hearty farewell took place be- tween his departing captive and the chief who then advanced slowly up the eurving path to meet Blufort
 q am pleased to have the opportunity of entertaining so eminent a parsonage as Senor Blufort,' he began, lowing courteously.
 We will not waste time in foolish speeches." returned the painter whose spirit had risen after his conversation with the Englishnan. 'If you are wise you will release me directly and allow me to accompany that gentleman to the plains.'
 Don Q. spread out his palms.
 ''I am desolated to refuse,' he said ur- banely.
 "Refuse9 You cannot-you dare not re- fusei'
 Don Q.'s strange eyes niekered under their dropping lids.
 And why not, may I inqure?''
 Because my government. France her self"
 An now we come to business" inter rupted the chief with q single gesture. No doubt they prize you. Tell me. senos. how much do you suppose France will pay to regain you?"