The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1907-02-07

Don Jose read the missive, which
lad come to him In the badly-baked
oaf, three times with the utmost de-
liberation. He sighed heavily, picked
lp his pruning-knife and walked out
INTO the gardens of the old Chateau.
This evening he tended the flowers
With even greater diligence than
Usual. AS he would be dead before
he twilight Of another evening gath
cred in the gardens, he rendered
!hese services with the good will of
'ne who, departing on lonely jour
iey, seeks kindly remembrance.
When Don Jose had concluded
these labors he retired once more
10 the Chateau, where, seated by an
open window, he slipped his wine with
great gravity and re-read the letter.
The letter ran as follows:
They have discovered everything.
The chateau has been surrounded
since daybreak, and there is no pos
hbility OF escape. Do not look for
help. They will probably not strike
antil tonight or the late eveninS.
"(Signed) ADRIAN"
Don Jose folded the letter, sighed
again heavily, and slipped his wine.
The fellow Adrian has been more
faithful than l expected" he mused
as he tore the letter leisurely into
little fragments. 1T is strange, be-
cause he cannot expect money from
dead man; but perhaps he has
conscience"
Don Jose closed his eyes and dis
posed of himself for sleep. He ac-
eepted the inevitable in a manner
that was almost magnificent. The
thought of death did not greatly dis
turb him, although he had found life
an exciting and profitable pastime.
The announcement that he had re-
eeived through the medium of the
baker was not altogether unexpected.
He had been in Dantzic now nearly
aine months, during which time he
had been instrumental in the deaths
Of so many politicians that it was not
strange the dead mems friends and
relatives should try reprisals. For
Aine months he had carried his life
sn his hands with true Spanish dig
nifty, and he was sufficient of an art
list not to spoil the pose at the last
moment.
Expecting a visitor, he slept light
~. and awoke to hear the sound of
Footsteps stirring amongst the long
grass below the window. The sound
lent the blood thrilling through his
veins. He sprang from his couch and
retreated into the shadows of the
narkened room, with large horse
pistol grasped in either hand. He
felt that it would be useless fight
against overwhelming odds, but fam
lily tradition, as we'll as personal
bravery, demanded that he should
die with his face to the foe. So he
crouched in the shadows and waited.
Suddenly some one sprang into the
ppen window and for an instant a
mans profile was silhouetted against
the summer sky. A good angel re-
strained Don Jose with his horse
pistols. In another moment the cark
hgure framed in the window scram-
bled into the room and fell sobbing
for breath on Don Jose's favorite
souch.
"One movement, and l blow your
PAoAAo OGbg odlQ lnC OOn
The intruder gave cry of anguish
and burrowed deeper into the cush-
;ons on the couch.
Mercy, senior; mercy. for love of
heaven, mercy!" he implored.
What! countryman," exclaimed
Don Jose, "and why have you trav-
eled all the way to Dantzic to take
my life, friend?"
Take your life, senor Mother of
Heaven, l am innocent of any such
intention. cannot see your Excel
lency, but, by my soul, l am your
most faithful slave"
You speak pleasantly, friend;
nevertheless l feel it would be safer
to lodge this bullet in your skull be-
fore we are further acquainted"
The intruder relapsed into mar
ticulate verbosity. He likened the
unknown senior to all the saints he
could remember, and opined that If
the most glorious of men would deign
to grant the dog beneath his feet a
further lease of his miserable life
the gratitude of heaven to the most
glorious of men would pass all earth
ly comprehension.
II am to understand, my friend,
that you did not come here to murder
me?" said Don Jose.
20 heaven! Is your Excellency
mad? Merciful Providencel"
''To what, then, do owe the honor
OF this yisit?"
Don Jose had lighted a candle and
surveyed his visitor narrowly. He
found him of middle age and height,
and from his dress evidently of the
peasant class. His large earnest eyes
had curious frightened expression.
His limbs trembled, and evcE now
he drew breath with difficulty.
"A fool. who is in fear of his life,"
thought Don Jose, and aloud repeat
ed his former question.
The visitor buried his face l.. his
great brown hands and sobbed.
II will be frank with you, senor,"
he groaned.
You are wise. my friend; pro.
ceed."
II will resign my destiny into
your Excellency's keeping; l place
my soul in your hands"
''They are in safe keeping, but you
have not answered my question"
II lied here because l am pursued
by enemies have been pursued all