Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-10-11
CHAPTER XIV.

officers left the rancho the sound of the
Indian horses and mules proceeding to
market was audible on the paved high
way.
The two travellers had seated them
selves again at corner Of the table,
opposite one another, and were dumb and
motionless as statues. At length the per-
son who had always spoken on his own
behalf and that of his companion struck
the table twice, and the landlord hurried
up at this summons.
what do you wish for, excsllency?"
he asked, with an obsequious air.
Il tell you what, landlord" the stran-
ger continued, 'it strikes me that your
criado is long time in returning; he
ought to have been back before this"
Pardon me, excellency, but 1t is long
journey from here to the Secunda Mon
terilla. Still, believe the peon will
soon be back"
At this moment there was a tap at the
door.
Perhaps 1t Is our man." the stranger
said.
After exchanging few words with the
new arrival, the landlord unlocked the
chain and opened the door.
"Excellency," he said to the stranger,
here Is your messenger"
"At last" the traveller said, gladly.
The peon entered, politely doffed his
hat and bowed
"Well, my friend" the stranger asked
him, did you find the person to whom
sent your"
"Yes, yonr excellency, I had the good
fortune to find him at home
"Ah, ah! And what did he say on
receiving my note?"
swell, excellency, he Is a caballero,
for sure; for he first gave me a piastre,
and then said to me: Go back as quick
as you can walk and tell the gentleman
who sent you that shall be at the meet
Ing he appoints as soon as yourself" =
$50 that"
HE will probably be here in few min
utes."
"very good; you are a clever lad" the
stranger answered. Here Is another
piastre for you"
Thanks, your excellency. I should be
a rich man with only two nights a month
like this"
The peon had scarce left the room ten
minutes ere rather loud voice was
heard without horses stamped, and not
only was the door struck, but there were
several loud calls.
open the door without fear" the
stranger said; II know that voice."
The ranchero obeyed, and several per-
sons entered.
hor
Valentine" the newcomer exclaimed in
French, as he walked quickly toward
the travellers, who, for their part, went
to meet him.
Thanks for your promptitude in re-
spending to my invitation, my dear Raj
Her." the hunter answered.
Now" said Valentine, so soon as the
door closed behind the landlord, I'VE shall
talk at least in safety"
Speak Spanish, my friend" said M.
Rallier.
why so? 1t is so delightful to con-
verse in ones own tongue, when, like me-
you have so few opportunities for doing
so. l assure you that Curumilla will
not feel offended"
Hum; did not say this on behalf
of the chief, whose friendship for you
am well acquainted with"
"Who then?"
For Don Martial, who has accom-
panied me. and has important matters to
communicate to you"
"Oh, oh, that changes the question" I"
said the hunter. "Are you there my dear
Don Martial?"
Yes. senor," the Tigrero answered,
merging from the gloom, "and very hap
py to see you"
"Who else have you brought with you,
Don Antonio?"
me, my friend" said a third person.
as he let the folds of his cloak fall.
MY brother thought that it would be bet
ter to have companion"
Your brother was right, my dear Ed
ward, and l thank him for the good idea.
which procures me the pleasure of shak-
Ing your hand few moments sooner.
And now, senores, If you are agreeable,
we will sit down and talk"
~ am ready" Antonio Rallier answer
ed, as he sat down.
IF you like" Valentine continued, I'VE
will proceed in rotation"
First and before all else, my friend"
said Antonio Rallier, permit me to
thank you once again, in my own name
and that of my family, for the service
you rendered me in your journey across
the Rocky Mountains. Without you,
without your watchful friendship and
courageous devotion, we should never
have emerged from those frightful gorges,
but must have perished miserably in
them"
What good is it, my friend, to recall
at this moment"
Because" Antonio Rallier continued
eagerly, II wish you to be thoroughly
convinced that you can dispose Of us all
as you please. Our arms, purses, and
hearts all belong to YOU"
II know it. my friend, and you see that