Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1906-08-17
CHAPTER XII

In meat LII &C udyS were on the WQOlo
the most uncomfortable l have ever spent
IN my life. | got little sleep and no rest
went about with a revolver handy all
day, and Jumped every time l heard
sound. l expended much change in buying
every edition of all the papers I listened
with dread to the distant cries of news
vendors, fearing, as the words gradually
became distinguishabe, to hear that our
secret was a secret no longer. l was
bound to show myself, and yet shrank
from all gatherings of men. I transact
ed my business with an absent mind and
face of such superhuman innocence
that, had anyone been watching me, he
must at once have suspected something
wrong. | was incapable of adding up a
row of figures, and Jones became most
sollcltous about the state of my brain.
In word, my nerves were quite shat
tered, and | registered a vow never to
upset government again as long as |
lived. In future the established consti-
tuition would have to be good enough for
me. verify believe that only the thought
of the Signorina prevented me making a
moonlight fitting across the frontier with
whole skin at least, if with an empty
pocket, and leaving the rival patriots of
Aureataland to fight it out among them
selves.
Happily, however. nothing occurred to
justify my fears. The other side seemed
to be sunk in dull security. The Presi-
dent went often to the ministry Of finance,
and was closeted for hours with Don
Antonio; I suppose they were perfecting
their nefarious scheme. There were no
signs of excitement or activity at the bar
racks; the afternoon gatherings on the
Piazza were occupied with nothing more
serious than the prospects of lawn tennis
and the grievous dearth of dances. The
official announcements relative to the debt
had had Quieting effect, and all classes
seemed inclined to wait and see what the
Presidents new plan was.
SO passed Wednesday and Thursday
On neither day had 1 heard anything
from my fellow-conspirators our arrange
ments for writing had so far proved un-
necessary-or unsuccessful. The latter
| possibility sent shiver down my back, and
my lively fancy pictured his excellcncy's
smile as he perused the reasonable docu-
ments. If | heard nothing on the morn
ing Of Friday, l was determined at al
risks to see the Colonel. With the dawn
Of that eventual day, however I was re-
lieved of this necessity. l was lying in
bed about halfpast nine when my servant
brought in three letters.
"Sent on from the bank, sir" he said
with Mr.. Jones' compliments, and are
you going there this morning."
MY compliments to Mr.. Jones, and he
may expect me in five minutes" l re-
piled.
The letters were all marked "Immedi-
ate'-one from the Signorina, one from
the Colonel, one from the barracks.
opened the last first and read as follows ::
''The officers of the Aureataland Army
have The honor to remind Mr.. John Mar
tin that they hope to have the pleasure
of his company at supper this evening at
10 D. m. precisely. In the unavoidable
absence of his excellency the President,
owing to pressing cares of state, and the
Hon. Colonel McGregor from indisposi-
ton, the toast of the Army of Aureata-
land will be proposed by Major Alphonse
DeChair.
"P. S.-Friend Martin, speak long this
night. The two great men do not come,
and the evening wants to be filled out.
"ALPHONSE DE CHAIR"
"It shall be long, my dear boy, and we
will fill out your evening for you,' said
1 to myself, we'll pleased so far.
Then | opened the Signorina's epistle.
Dear Mr. Martini" it began-"Will
YOU be so kind as to send me in the course
of the day twenty dollars in small
change? l want to give the school chill
dren scramble. l enclose check. | am
so sorry you could not dine with me to-
night, but after all 1 am glad, because /
should have had to put you off, for | am
commanded rather suddenly to dine at the
Golden House. With kind regards, be-
leve me, yours sincerely,
"CHRISTINA NUGENT."
every good" said l. Il reckon the
scramble will keep. And now for the
Colonel"
Dear Martini inclose check for
$500. NV man will call for the cash to-
morrow morning. I give you notice be-
cause I want it all in silver for wages.
Carr and I are here together, both seedy.
Poor Carr is on his back, and likely to
remain chere for a day or two. I'm bet
ter. and though I've cut the affair at the
barracks tonight, l fully expect to be
up and about this afternoon. Ever yours,
GEO. MGREGOR."
ooh, so Carr is on his back and likely
to remain there. is he? Very likely, L
expect: but l wonder what it means. |
hope the Colonel hasn't been very drastic.
However, everything seems right; IN fact,
better than l hoped"
In this more cheerful frame of mind |
arose. breakfasted at leisure, and set out
for the bank about eleven.
Of course the first person I met on the
street was one of the last | wanted to
meet, namely, Donna Antonio. She was
on horseback, and her horse looked as II
he'd done some work. At the sight of me
she refined up, and 1 could not avoid
stopping as l lifted my hat.
"Whence so early?" asked.
"Early?" she said. Il don't call this
early. I've been for long ride in fact,
I've ridden over to Mr.. Cars place.
with message from papa; but he's not
there. Do you know where he is, Mr.,
Martini"
Haven't an idea" said |.