The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-11
DONA ANTONIA.

DONA ANTON1A.
The ceremony OF bidding us welcome
having been duly performed to Don Man.
uefs satisfaction. he turned once more
and called in etentorian tones for some
invisible individual named Pedro. who,
quickly making his appearance in the
shape OF grave. decorous looking elder
ly man servant. received certain instruc-
tions In Spanish; after which our host,
turning TO U.s. informed US that his valet
would have the honor OF showing US 10
our rooms. Thereupon the sedate and re-
spectful Pedro. who was far too we'll
trained a servant TO betray the slightest
symptoms OF surprise at our exceedingly
disreputable appearance. led the way TO
two small but pleasantly situated rooms
adjoining each other, and, bowling pro-
foundly TO each of us as we passed into
our respective apartments, closed the door
and withdrew
The rooms in question were furnished
with bed, washstand dressing table, etc.
precisely In the English fashion: but the
noors instead OF being covered with car
pets. were bare, save for "A large and
handsome grass mat which occupied the
centre OF the room. I flung myself into
chair and was gazing complacently
good fortune which had guided our wan
dering feet to such exceedingly comforta-
ole quarters. when heard Smellie's door
open ana the next moment caught the
tones OF Don ManueIs votce Directly
afterwards knock came 10 my own door
and upon my shouting. Come in" Pedro
reappeared, bearing upon his arm what
proved TO be complete rig-out from
stem to stern. including even a hat and
a pair OF shoes. These he spread out upon
the bed. and then once more withdrew
TOOK the garments and looked at them
They were just about my size n trifie
large perhaps. but nothing worth speak
ing about they had evidently been worn
before. but were In excellent condition
beautifully clean. and altogether so in
viting that lost no time In exchanging
them for my rags This exchange in
addition TO pretty thorough ablution
made quite new man OF me; I felt act
ually comfortable once more. for the first
time since leaving the Daphne on the oc-
casion OF that unfortunate night attack
Smellie was stin in his room, for I
could hear him moving about so I went
In, curious to know whether he had Jared
equally we'll with myself I found him
struggling. with Pedro's assistance. slow
ly and rather painfully into n somewhat
similar suit to that which I had donned:
but the poor fellow, though stiu very
ter and altogether more comfortable than
] had seen him for long time. our new
friend, Don Manual. having personally
dressed his wounds for him before turn
ing him over 10 the hands OF Pedro
The second lieutenant looked at me IN
astonishment
why. Hawkesley, Il that you7' he
exclaimed. Upon my word. young gen
tleman. YOU look vastly comfortable and
vastly well. too. in your borrowed plumes
Why. you are worth dozen dead men
yet"
II think I may say the same of YOU
glad to see so great change in your ap-
pearance."
Thank you very much" he returned
"Yes. I fell actually comfortable once
more. Don Manuel has dressed and
bound up my wounds applying soothing
salves 20 them. and altogether tinkering
mo up until I am pretty nearly as good
as new. But. Hawkesey my dear boy.
arc we In our sober senses. or Is this only
delightful dream? I can scarcely re-
alize that / am awake: that we are ac-
tually among our fellow w-men once more;
and that / am surrounded by the walls
and sheltered by the roof OF a material
house In which. as II seems 10 me, we
are likely TO enjoy good many OF the
comforts OF civilization. But come" as
he settled himself I'm a loose. white flannel
Jacket. "let US Join our host. who. have
reason TO believe. Is awaiting our pres
ence at his dinner table. Heave ahead.
Pedro. my lad; we're quite ready TO
weigh"
Pedro might have understood smeiie's
every word. 80 promptly did he ding open