Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-05-09
CHAPTER Y

The travellers had scarce time to con-
ceal themselves ere several knocks on the
door warned the landlord that the mystic
rious guests he expected were beginning
to arriv.
The door was hardly ajar ere several
men burst into the inn. thrusting each
other aside in their haste, as if afraid
of being followed. These men were seven
or eight in number, and it was easy to
see they were officers. in spite of the pre-
caution of some among them who bad put
on civilian attire.
They laughed and tested loudly. The
door of the rancho had been leit ajar by
the landlord, who probably thought it I'M
necessary TO close it; the officers succeed
ed each other with great rapidity. and
their number soon became so great that
the room was completely filled.
As for No Lusacho he continually
prowled round the tables watching ev-
erything with q corner of his eyes. and
being careful not TO serve the slightest
article without receiving immediate pay
ment At length. one of the officers rose.
rs Don Sirven here?"
Eyes, senor," a young man of twenty
at the most answered as he rose.
assure yourself that no person is abb
sent"
The young man bowed and began walk
ing from ono table to the other. exchang-
ing two or three words in a low voice with
each of the visitors. When Don Sirven
had gone round the room, he went to the
person who had addressed him and said
with a respectful bow:
'Senor colonel the meeting is compIete
and only one person is absent; but as he
did not tell rs certainly whether he would
do us the honor of being present tonight.
i"
That will do" the colonel interrupted:
remain outside. watch the environs and
let no one approach without challenging
him. but if you know who arrives intro
duce him immediately"
You can trust me, colonel" the Young
man answered. and, after bowling to his
superior officer. he left the room and clos
ed the door behind him.
The officers then turned round on the
benches and thus round themselves face
TO face with the colonel. who had sta
toned himself in the middle of the room.
The latter waited few minutes till per-
feet silence was established, and then
spoke as follows:
Let me- in tie first place. thank YOU.
cahalleros, for the punctuality with which
you have responded to the meeting | had
the honor of arranging with you. | am
delighted at the confidence it has pleased
you 10 display in me, and, believe ME, |
shall show myself worthy of it; for it
proves TO ne once again that you are
really devoted to the interests of our
country and that l may freely reckon on
you In the hour OF danger. You under
stand as well as | do that we can no
longer bow our necks beneath our dis
potic government. The man who at this
moment holds our deStinicS in his hands
has shown himself unworthy of his man
date. The hour will soon strike for the
man who has deceived US to be over
thrown"
The colonel had made a start. and
would probably have continued his plaus-
IDLE speech for long time in an en-
phatic, voice he'd not one OF his audience
interrupted him:
That IS all very Gne. cc;onel," be said,
I'VE are all aware that we are gentlemen
devoted. Body and soul. to our country
but devotion must be paid for. What
shall we get by this after all?"
The colonel was at first slightly en-
barrassed By this warm apostrophe: but
he recovered himself at once. and turned
with smile to his interpreter:
Il was coming to it, my dear captain,
At the very moment when you cut across
my speech
"Oh. that is different" the captain an
swered.
In the first place" the colonel went
on. Il have news for you which l feel
assured you will heartily welcome This
is the last time we shall meet"
Very good" said the practical cap
tain.
TIE colonel saw tha. he could no long
e. daily with the matter, for all his hear
ers openly took part with their COM
raGc. At the moment when he resolved
to tell all he knew, the door of the inn
was opened, and man wrapped IN a