The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-03-18

/ Any account Of their conversation would
be superfiuous. Robledo went away I'm the
earliest train that left the city; thus it
came to pass when Don Luis del Monte
arrived by a roundabout route at the
foothills, the news of his coming and
his errand had already been thoroughly
handled in the remote glen where Don
c. lived In his solitary greatness like tho
vulture whose name he bore. =
Robledo has made extraordinary haste
to carry to his chief intelligence of the
danger that threatened, for rumors OF
Don Felipe Maiada's instructions from
Madrid and his anger thereat with his
perplexity as to how they should be car
ried out, had afforded the last week 5
talk In the mountain gorge.
Evening was once more drawing on
when Roblcdo sprang up the narrow wind
ing path to the mouth of the case in the
rock face where Don O. chose to- house
| himself apart from his followers.
The chief sat moodily in the cave with
his concentrated lvid-lidded glare upon
the young robber And, although Roble-
do was a brave man, he crossed himself
furtively.
Then the chief put question or two,
and Robledo told his story at fun length.
He had followed the governor to Malaga,
after that so much WAS known. so much
was guessed, but the plot was fairly I'M
derstood and hung we'll together. For
Don Luis had told nothing, he was far
too experienced for that, but something
had been overheard, and a good deal in
ferred from the purchases he had made
and. in fact. Robedo had proved himself
a very creditable detective. As. he grew
more excited with his story he gave way
to those picturesque ordinations and
gestures which the Andnlusian loves. And
Don q. listened, laughing here and there
tenderly as a man laughs who sees a
subtle and hidden humor When the tale
was finished and the last low laugh had
died away. the chief fell into thought;
when he looked up he asked:
And what is your counsel Robledo?'
But Robledo knew his master too well.
my lord orders" he answered glibly.
There is no knowledge nor viii in the
sierra but my lord s"
Don Q. closed his delicate claw-like
hand.
That is well, Robledo. my child for
If there were it would die"
Robledo crossed himself again suddenly
and involuntarily, and the chief caught
the motion.
"And why that, Robledo?" said he
II was thinking of the soul of this
Don LUIS del MONTE feplleu RODltHO
with ready untruthfulness.
"Ah, then, bring Casper and Andres
In a very few moments the three men
stood in silent line before him.
"Robledo," he said, you will go down
beyond the valley of the cork-trees, and
wait on the southern track to Ronda.
Take men with you, for 1t may be that
Don Luis will come by that way And
you will deal gently with him. You
Andres will go toward the passes, for 1t
also is a travellers path through the 81
ezra. You will bring this cabelero to
me very safely. And listen, Robledo."
YES lord"
1--WE share a secret between us and"
Yes lord"
when it ceases TO be a secret you will
cease TO be man. Now goi'
The two men turned away from the
terrace, and Don @. followed the lean,
sinewy figures till their scarlet fajas dis
appeared down the slope then, seeming
to forget the presence of the third, his