The San Francisco call., 1906-03-25

y y = VI
seouestra dores, brig-
sen, Don Q had had dealings with many
sorts and conditions Of men Persons OF
divers callings had passed through ms
-sportsmen, politicians. merchants
q doctor, a couple OF English NJ = 8 q
h.gh-church parson OF the same national
,+v. the German Count Won Squeilalotte'
en American newspaper proprietor sno
many adventurers: but when his men, pa
rolling the lower passes, lassoeo Garth
Ialor. they added TO Don Q's list a gen
tleunan OF q profession with which he hao
never before come in contact
Garth Lalor was nearer % than he cared
10 own, fun OF the irrepressi5-e sap OF
youth. and OF q racial blend that made
n difficult for him TO take things seTi-
ously.
without much delay Don Q sent for
him. L.alor was distinctly stirred by the
romance Of the situation, for the brigano
was e man with an ominous record, and
the captive looked with good deal OF
curiosity at the fragile figure muffieo IN
coax. that crouched beside the great
NE. spreading bIoodless hands 10 1he
n f. n e
and terrible character they spoke OF IN
tre plainsg As usual wide soft brim
.f fer hid his features, and he seemed
unlvare Of the entrance Of the party
,.--il l.alor stepped suddenly beside him
{. the IresiGe.
Good morning, senor. It is precious
cold" le said.
His two guards sprang forward at the
MORO ana thrust him back roughly Don
q raised his head and looked fun al this
k-ssaI prisoner
IL Excuse my not taking OF my hat, Sc
nor" the chief spoke at last in smooth.
derisive tones, but. as you say. il is cold
I regret that your visit 10 Us should be
made in such unpleasant weather Stiil
We welcome you, for We have been in dan
ger OF suffering from duilness lately, and
/ foresee both pleasure and profit from
your society"
Garth Lalor was very adaptable young
man. That's right" Re said good hu-
noredIy.
Ata sign from Don Q the guards re-
tired TO the door Of the cave
Pray be seated, senor," he went on.
y perceive that you are English. one
forFives much to the English"
Berry" said Lalor, If I've done any
ching wrong" Don Q's face cleared.
II feel quite sure we shall enjoy each
others society while you remain with
ne" be remarked urbenely- Let US at
once get over the disagreeables Of busi-
ness. and then, when We understand the
position, we can dismiss all sordid con-
Hldsrat1ons from our minds-for the
present. But irst 1 must ask you to
reply 70 e few questions"
LRtor nodded.
quite at your service, senor. 1 hope
III turn out satisfactory"
The chief looked him over. Garth
LAfor was q strong-built, clean-limbed
young fellow, rather over the middle
height, with marked features and
sleepy gray eyes.
Il trust SO. replied Don @. with
some emphasis. ''Senor, you puzzle me-
TO what profession do you belong7 You
have the fingers OF a man Of practical
mind and the eyes OF a dreamer"
Lalor smiled. The old pleasant smile
vas by no means lost on the chief
u Wen, II had TO sign a census paper
] should write myself novelist, or, any
how, author"
To his surprise Don showed symP-
toms OF pleased excitement.
How interestingi I have never be-
fore in the course OF my career had the
good fortune 70 meet one OF your call
ing. Bat OF that later. We must, per-
force, deal first with the little matter
OF your ransom"
-Ransom?" calculated Garth Lalor,
and he broke into a cherries TT OF
laughter. Don Q looked at him IN sur
Prise.
you are amused, senor. May I be
permitted 70 share your amusement
BY all means. such as it is" said the
lad. you spoke OF hoping for q ran
som. The idea uickled me-that is ALL"
The brigand's livid eyes hiekered ON
inously.
Il stiil fail to see the point of the
joke" ne remarked
AN my possessions are before you.
The clothes 7 stand up in, f5 in English
money and half a poczetful Of the coin
or the country, Of which the delicacy of
your followers permitted them to re-
lieve me-" replied Lalor, unable for the
life OF him TO avoid initiating the chiefs
elaborate manner OF speech.
The brigand waved his emaciated yell
low hand airily.
Your relations-they must cherish
you. I can well understand it. Then
there is your government, rich as a
dream. and pitifuI. I have heard Of a
public subscription-for a popular
author thousands could be raised. Is it
not so2"
7 dare say it Is" LaIor's lips took an
Eonical curve. But, you see, unluck-
s1y I am not a popular author. only an
Unknown oue-yet. Ingham, the Con-