The San Francisco call., 1906-04-15

dismiss an thoughts Of Ehs futures tns
future will take care OF itself In hS
meantime the air Of our mountains 10
excellent I have packets OF tobacco
from Havana, also excellent; ana most
excellent OF all, some wine OF the dora
dillo grape foresee that We may sing
a song together and gossip OF the OLD
romances. You shall tell me OF the n1s
from which ! have divorced myself. ana
I will relate to you how many or your
old acquaintances came to mo In tne
mountains. and-how some OF them lerr
me-"
But not even this programme ap-
pealed TO Don Felipe Majada- He drank
wine. but more and more ne steepeo
himself In the gloom OF terror. Ia!k
he could not. and the chief presently
excused himself. saying he would IN
dulge in a siesta- But no sleep came
to the tired eyes of the Governor.
What would be the result Of Rosita's
arrival? How much would she betrayI
Soon the slight hustle OF some arrival
on the little plateau under the Hex trees
reached Don Qs ears. He waited but
a moment before he called to RObledo.
The young bandit. handsome. painting,
travel-worn. appeared at the opening
of the choza-
You have done my bidding?'
The lady is here. lord"
time, and gave some orders before he
commanded that Don Felipe Majada and
the lady should be brought before him.
Dona Rosita had never looked more
handsome.
Don O rose and bowed before her.
sweeping his sombrero to the ground.
II crave your pardon. fairest senor-
ita." began the chief. with sibilant fu-
ency. II am to blame. This 1ovelorn
gallant imDlored me not TO put you to
so much inconvenience for his sake.
But a certain story he has told me re-
quires to be investigated. Without
your delightful presence could do
nothing. The sight Of your beauty has
refreshed my dim eyes. your amiability
my poor heart" again the sombrero
swept the dusty floor
Dona Rosita.
What would you know OF me7 Ask
your questions and let me be gone.
Give me my liberty. senor."
But certainly. 1t will be my happi-
ness to secure the liberty OF the lovely
Dona Rosita- Condescend to hear me-
Don O. -recited the story OF the plot
as it had been told him by Majada.
The lady did not speak for long mo-
ment; she pierced the unhappy Governor
with a silent gaze.
Grant me a moment. senor," she I'M
plored. ''out OF the hearing OF all these
ears" She waved a contemptuous fan at
the guards who had accompanied her.
Let me enter the choza and tell you all
the truth"
Don Q. signined his acquiescencs. and
bade his men draw Off
Order this traitor TO come. too. Dona
Rosita touched Majada on the sholder.
He shall be forced to tell the truth"
Don Q. threw some twigs upon the fire,
till its flames lit I'd the three faces.
Then with an apology to the senorfta re-
sumed his hat as she began to speak.
49," she cried. this false man has
dared to say many things to prejudice
me in your eyes? He would save him
self by throwing the guilt upon me; o,
noble cabellero! o, chivalrous gentlemanI
thank your She turned to spurn Ma
jada-
20. Rosita, RositaF' moaned the Gov
ernor.
'T hate you'll You have torn me from
my home. You would force me to marry
you,-Lord Of the sierra?'-shs turned to
Don Q. with magnificent movement
what Is such a traitor worthy OFF,
at is indeed a most shameful affair.
senorita- Shall punish him? Pray COM
} mand me-" replied the brigand with an
air Of respectful sympathy.
Mol shall deal with him myself"
Then springing to the side Of Don O. she
added passionately: "Give me your knife.
senor-and I will show you how we Span
ish women deal with such a oneP'
Don Felipe covered. his hands over his
blanched face, as the chief handed the
weapon to Rosita. She took 1t and faced
Majada.
Felipe" she said. with a sudden break
into a caressing tone. Felipe look up
and listen to me-
The Governor, struck by the change in
her voice, peeree up at her. his hand only
half withdrawn from his face.
Felipe, you swore to marry me in
seven days if-something happened Is
that not sop
IF, !" repeated the man. sulkily. What's
the good Of talking. of it now?''
Because 1t Is going to happen. Help
me, Felipe, help me.''
1.-the as a wild creature she flung her
self round upon Don Q. as she spoke
stabbing viciously at him with the knife.
The chief flung UP his arms and his
dark cloak swirled about his head like
the Tapping of huge wings: but she
pressed upon him. driving her knife deep
as the folds Of the cloak closed and set
tied in heap upon Don Q.'s falling body
Nothing Of him remained visible but one
emaciated yellow hand. pale as death.
grasping loosely at nothing
Terrified by success, Rosita stood SPELL
bound. gazing at the motionless and
shapeless heap of black clothing under
which lay the body of the famous bri-
gand. At last she drew a long breath.
Il have won. have defeated even Don
O. There he lies, your unconquered
thief, killed and outmaneuvered by a
woman. You allowed my first plot to fall
II don't know how-but my second has
mastered him.
Eut Majada only moaned
Yes; it is all very we'll You have