The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-22

. brown finger a the fires in the glade
begins to pail after a while
! Don @. sat silent for a moment swal-
lowing his wrath. This low-bred animal
had for the second time, dared to speak
of the villainous Gaspar and his like
as the Comrades of their chief
Il have been thinking much the same
SENIOR He spoke at last with steady
! voice.
That is well. II you let me go tonight
I will pay YOU half as much again rs
the ransom YOU ask"
You are in a hurry to descend the
mountains Tonight. you suggest? O, no,
senior, / grieve to disappoint you. This
day month, shall We say?'
Suppose We say this day week in
stead?' amended the prisoner. notion
| struck him that he would play with Don
Q.-play with his avaricious desires-fool
him with 4 dream of wealth. You re-
member our conversations on financial
methodist"
The chief glanced at him for a mo-
| ment then lowered his eyes.
Perfectly, senior
In a few sentences McCorlxadale ex-
planned the situation. He himself was
the genius responsible for the famous
corner in corn. He stood to gain some
thing over two millions provided he
itdNuth i-blupH III llhlt
Don q. listened, nodding to emphasize
the points. Although he did not speak.
a certain excitement was discernible about
him.
and if you do not arrive in London on
| the 2lst?" he questioned.
'Of course. the whole scheme will fall
through It will mean ruin, in short
ITO you?" inquired the chief, with in
terest.
..r,..,..,,., - a., II,
not even allude to that most unlikely
alternative. You, who are also busi-
ness man he began persuasively.
Yes, yes softly nterjected Don @.
we are both brigands. You are a brig
and of the city, | of the mountains. [
deprive the rich of their superiority, you
rob the poorest of their bread"
The Cuban arched his black eyebrows.
These are details" he said, pickering
the ash from his cigar
1T is your intention to starve many
thousands-poor women and little chill
dren-that you mny grow richer-you
who are rich already?" pursued Don Q.
in a colorless tone.
McCorkadale stared him in the eyes.
THAT is their business-or at any
rate. of their husbands and fathers
True, true assented the chief. with
the meekness of one convinced.
- lnOuBnL you would see IL IN my
light especially If l gave you my word
that if you enable me TO reach London
in good time. ], on my part, will engage
to make over to you % per cent of any
profits l may make on the deal"
1T is clear" commented the chief po-
ltely, that my patron saint sent you
into the sierra
Anyhow, it will be a record haul in
the annals of brgandage"
You must pardon me- senior, if ! make
one small amendment to your plan. J.,
% course. trust YOU; but we are, you
said. business men, and certain sum in
hand before you leave me, by way of guar
tee for the rest you have with so much of
generosity promised would Ue more salts
factory to my children down there in the
valley. Suppose we name G100.000 as the
sum to be placed in my hands by next
Sunday. If you will have the goodness to
write your Instructions now the money
may come in time for the 21st You will
pardon me-
well, it is uncommonly inconvenient."
McCorkadale objected.
what would you? My children must
be satisfied. They do not comprehend the
operations of high finance"
Think again, Don @. Surely there is
no need to lift so much capital Let the
original sum stand
Pray do not force me to repent once
again of a transaction between us. If
you desire to bargain we can postpone
the matter for another week No? Then
I will send you writing materials for
your letter"
The chief passed into the cave, leaving
McCorkadale upon the terrace.
At first the Cuban frowned at the