The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-03-23
CHAPTER ",
Mattaxudo the Half-Breed.

Of tho Castle OF Salvarex tall, SOM
ber-looking man, clad In . gorgeous
uniform. stood near table, looking
down at map Of Venezuela. his long,
thin finger tracing the boundaries Of
the states. and his eye measuring the
distance from Bolivar to Caracas.
On ono side Of him stood Ferdinand
Comes. on the other stood Don Juan
Cara.
your Majesty sees that we hold a
most important position" said Gomez.
IN the presence Of others Gomez
called the pretender by the royal titles.
What he called him when they were
alone vas the more familiar name of
Philip.
The stranger raised his dark. burn
Ing eyes rested them on the face Of
| Gomez.
| II see that we occupy a central posi-
tlon," he said, "but on the wrong side
of the Orinoco. We command here,
perhaps; but all the strength of the
Republic and all her wealth are separ-
ated from US by the great river"
"You are mistaken" replied Gomez.
ut is true that the army Of Crespo is
in the north. But the wealth of Vene-
Euela-the true wealth, not the build
| iugs and customs port and towns, but
the vast stores of gold and silver in
the mountains--is on this SIDE"
Don Juan shrugged his shoulders.
"Of what use is it to talk of gold
! and silver in the mountains?" he de-
manded. did we come here as pros
pectors? Did we buy twenty thousand
rifles and rouse the half-breeds here
simply to enable us to work claim?
Our worE lies in the north"
"True," responded Gomez. 81 do not
wish to imply that we must not look
across the great river. We do not own
Venezuela till we occupy the capital.
| But l do not desire the value of this
part Of the country to be moderated,
as it has always been heretofore"
'Time enough for that" said Philip
Of Aragon, Where do We strike next?"
Before making any attempt at
crossing the Orinoco," said Gomez, 'it
will be necessary to annihilate the
force under Salvarez. 1t is, l admit.
smaller than our own; but it is still
large enough to give us considerable
trouble. Moreover, Salvarez is a man
Of resources. and as long as he has a
company at his back will be danger
, GUS"
! Where is Salvarez now" asked
Philip. ...
about half-mile below the castle. -
Twill he attack"
"He certainly will. SalvareZ is not
the man to accept defeat without a
struggle
"Yet. with the guns left in the bat
Elements and our well-armed infantry
we should be able to defeat him"
THAT is without question. There is
no cause to fear the result of battle.
LET them come" said Gomez 81
will be ready for them. will visit the
men again and reassure. your Majesty.
1T has occurred to me. Your males
door had closed behind Gomez, that
instead Of waiting until you reach
Caracas to declare yourself king. you
should do so at once, and become
crowned before the people who are
now with u.s."
Philip spent moment, with barred
head, deep in thought. Raising his
head. he said: =
Cara. wisest and best of counsel
ors, think you are right. see it nov
with your eyes. We must guard agains
detection from our ranks. AS you say
It will be best for me to- take the crown
at once"
Just outside the door Gomez stoo,
listening. There was most ugly lool
son the face of the leader of the royal
lists.
j He walked quickly away when h
heard the resolve of Philip. and hur
ried to a small outbuilding that ha,
been designated as the headquarters o
Mattazudo, the leader of the Zambos
Il Mattazudo was there. He looked III
when Gomez entered.
Il want to see you alone" sal
Gomez.
Mattazudo was smoking a huge
black cheroot. He pulled some pungen
smoke toward Gomez. Humility, respec
toward superiors, were not parts of tn
. character Of Mattazurdo. His dark fac
was villainous in its expression. H
was the man for dark deeds: h
was the man Gomez wanted.
WELL" he said, Jam not alone?"
81 did not know" answered Come,
II saw only you, but there may be 9th
ers near"
None" said Mattazudo
Gomez took seat near him.
"Mattazudo," he eaid~ you hav
! known me long time.''
Mattazudo laughed.
Longer than would want 1t know
at Caracas il this affair fails" he sal,
!. I'VE have been friends, said Come
ignoring the words.
II Mattazudo darted a quick look tt
ward Gomez.
well" he said questioningly. "yo
have a game. Out with }it."
;. do you want to earn some moi
cyl" asked Gomez.
"Tf n "a enough y I.