Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-11-01


to reach the convent.
Where are we going?" the Tigrero
asked presently.
ITO the Convent of the Bernardines."
81 fancy we are not going the right
road"
"That is possible, but at any rate, it
is the safest"
81 humbly confess that cannot under
stand it at ALL"
NJ. Rallier began laughing.
"My good fellow" he replied, you will
understand at the right time. so be easy.
You need only know that in acting as
am now doing am carrying out to the
letter the instructions of Valentine, my
friend and yours"
Il have no repugnance to obey you,
Senior Don Antonio" the Tigrero an
swered. "The confidence our common
friend places in you is sure guarantee
to me of your intentions. Hence dispose
of me as you think proper, without fear
ing the slightest objection on my part"
THAT is the way to talk" the banker
said, with a laugh. "Now, to begin, my
dear senior, you will do me the pleasure
of changing your dress, for the one you
wear is slightly too worldly for the place
to which we are going"
"Change my dressT the Tigrero ex-
claimed. "You ought to have told me so
at your house."
Unnecessary, my dear sir. have all
you require here"
"Here?"
swell, you shall see," he said, as he
took from one of the coach pockets
Franciscan's gown, while from the other
he drew a pair of sandals and cord.
Have you not worn this dress before"
II have"
"Well, you are going 70 put IT on
again, and for the following reasons: :
At the convent people believe (or pretend
to believe, which comes to the same
thing) that you are franciscan monk.
For the sake, then, Of the persons who
are not in the secret, it Is necessary that
l should be accompanied by a monk, and
more, that they may be able, If required,
to take their oaths 10 the fact"
II obey you. But will not your coach
man be surprised at seeing a Franciscan
emerge from the carriage into which he
showed a cabelleroY
my coachman? Pardon me, but 1 do
not think you looked at him."
Indeed l did not. All these Indians
are alike and equally hideous."
THAT is true; however, look at him."
Don Martial bent forward and slightly
lowered the shutter.
L. IL l.
as he drew back. "He, and so well dis
guised"
do you now believe that he will be
surprised?"
81 was wrong"
mo, bupt you did not take the trouble
to refeca."
"Well, will put on the gown, since I
must. Still with your permission l will
keep m yweapons under It,"
"Caspita My permission? On the
contrary, order you to do so. But
what are they?
"You shall see. A machete, knife,
and pair of pistols"
THAT Is first rate. If necessary,
shall be able to find you a rifle"
While talking thus, the Tigrero had
changed his dress.
There" the Frenchman continued,
you are a perfect monk"
"No; I want something more, some
thing which is even indispensable"
whats that?"
"The hat"
"That's true"
'That part Of my costume I hardly
know how we shall obtain"
Man Of little faith!" the Frenchman
said with smile, "see, and be con-
founded"
While speaking thus he raised the
front cushion, opened the box it covered
and pulled out the hat of monk of St.
Francis, which he gave the Tigrero.
"And now do you want anything else?"
Indeed, no. Why, your carriage is a
perfect locomotive shop"
The Frenchman opened the door, for
the carriage had stopped in front of the
Convent Of the Bernardines. Two or
three Unlocking fellows were prowling
about; and, in spite of their affected in
difference, 1t was easy to recognize them
for spies. The Frenchman and his COM
panion were not deceived. They got out
with an Indifference as we'll assumed as
that of the spies, and approached the
door slowly, which opened at their first
knock, and closed again behind them with
a speed that proved the slight confidence
the sister porter placed in the individuals
left outside.
"'What do you desire, senoresT she
asked, politely, after curtesying to the
newcomers with smile of recognition.
"My dear sister," the Frenchman an
swered, ''be good enough to inform the
holy mother abbess Of our visit, and ask
her to favor us with an interview for q
few moments.
1T is still very early, brother" the
nun answered, "and I do not know IL
holy mother can receive you at this mo-
ment."
Merely mention my name to her, sis
ter, and l feel convinced that she will