The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
CHRONICLES OF DON Q.
(continued from Previous Paae)

him in a. cage in the grand Plaza of Castelleno for the crowd to gaze at. Upon . .the third day he would be garroted in gbc with much ceremonial to impress | jl-doers. @ -sass 2.
 \ll these sayings were faithfully carried
 Don O.. tsHe
 imagine this animal without honor to jm I sent Pablo!' he exclaimed to dor Truly 1 took an overhigh view of lalumanityi As to my garroting in pub 1ic-'' he laughed. Come with me. Senor Labor and see how Don Q. begins to stand at bay"
 He went out and stood on the edge of the terrace and clapped his hands. The valley was unusually full, for all outlying parties of the band had been called in. From the fires and shelters the men hur- riedly collected In a group Joking up at their chief.
 Place yourselves in your ranks, my children" the sibilant voice cried softly, and the three-score and odd picturesquely clad figures fell into line. The chief exam- 1ned them slowly between his eyelids be- fore he spoke again.
 My children, there are many soldiers and many of the civil guard coming from the plains against us. I am told that 300 hope to stand where you now stand be- fore three days pass. We shall see"
 The men broke out into a tumultuous defiance of words and gesticulations. For a moment only, and then the yellow, meagre hand again imposed silence.
 We are 70. I shall not need so many to protect me. Every alternate man fall out, and stand together
 They did so. Don 0. looked them over dn their turn.
 "Thirty-four. That is we'll, he said. .'You will scatter, you will go down into the plains and lose yourselves in the towns. Go where you will but, my chil dren, remember, lead always honest lives, give none occasion to speak against you. And when I have destroyed the army of the governor of the prison of Castel- leno, will in due time send for you again."
 The wild faces were painted with as tonshment and awe. Who but Don Q. would prepare to resist a powerful force by half disbanding his own? The very act added to the mysterious reputation Inc already owned
 Next morning a similar scene was gone through. Again the chief carefully ex- amined the men, gave orders for every alternate one to fall out, exhorted them to lead honest lives and dismissed them with the same formula
 By this time Labor noticed that, with the exception of Robledo. the chief had got rid of all the staunch and most re- liable men of his band. It seemed strange that in a moment of such peril, he should retain the least loyal about his person. He ventured presently to ask Don O. a question on the matter.
 'I have my little design" replied the thief. smiling with cruel infection of his thin lips. You perceive that I have already made an immense impression on my people-when they come to hear all, 1t will be yet deeper As for these wolves these jackals, rather" he pointed a scorn- ful finger at the fellows remaining in the valley. they are quite good enough for the purpose intend them to serve"
 What are we going to do them?''
 "Senor," said the chief, turning his lbald-browed peaked face to the young man, 'we-that is. you and I-are about Ito part. Perhaps the hour of my death draws near Should you be sorry. tell me?''
 Labor caught the sad smile on the oth- er's lips.
 T believe I should he said.
 Then, senor, if die wonder. you will grant me favor I am about to ask of ] Gou?"
 r Yes"
 Today you go down into Castelleno to Httie posada, where you will dwell in safety until Robledo brings you the last news Of me. Listen, Senor Labor, the fa- vor that l would beg is that you will chronicle or cause to be chronicled the manner of my death. you will tell the world how the greatest brigand of all ages turned at bay among his mountains. alcne, as he had lived. save for sixteen disloyal men. against huge odds
 T will do so.''
 "I have further left you large sum to engage an adequate illustrator It would be a pity, senor that so memora ble q fight, as that which is about to take place, should not receive full justice. I have had much pleasure In your society. my dear nephew" Don Q. put out his