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

speak, my friend"
What l have to tell you Is short and
gloomy, senores. The general, after a
secret conversation with his man of bust
ness, ordered me to carry letter to the
Convent Of the Bernardines."
ITO the conyentT Don Martial ex-
claimed.
Silence" said Valentine. "Do you
know the contents of this letter."
"Dona Anita gave it me to read. The
general informs the abbess that he is
resolved to finish the matter; that wheth-
er his ward be mad or not, he means to
marry her, and that at sunrise on the
day after tomorrow, a priest sent by
him will present himself at the convent
to arrange the ceremony"
What is to be done?" the Tigrero ex-
claimed sadly.
Silence" Valentine repeated. "Is that
all, Oarnero?"
NO the general adds that he requests
the abbess to prepare the young lady
for this union, and that he will himself
call at the convent tomorrow, la order
to explain more fully his inexorable
wishes"
"Very good, my friend, thank you
for this precious information it is Of the
utmost Importance that the general should
be prevented from going to the convent
before three o'clock"
do not be uneasy, my dear Valentine
the general shall not go to the convent
before the hour you indicate"
Il count on your promise, my friend; ;
and now good-by."
He offered him his hand, which the
capataz pressed forcibly.
my friends" Valentine then said, I'VE
have now arrived at the moment for the
final struggle which we have 80 long
been preparing. We must not let our
selves be led away by hatred, but act like
judges, not as men who are avenging
themselves. Blood demands blood, 1t is
true, according to the law of the desert,
but remember, however culpable the man
whom we have condemned may be, his
death would be an indelibe spot, brand
OF infamy which would sully our honor"
"But this monster" the Tigrero ex-
claimed, SIS beyond the pale of human
ity."
"He may re-enter 1t to repent"
"Are we priests then. to practice for
getfulness of insults?" Don Martial ask
ed with fendish grin.
mo, my friend; there are men in the
grand and sublime acceptance of the
term men who have often been faulty
themselves, and who, rendered better by
the life of struggling they have led, and
the grief which has frequently bowed
them beneath its iron yoke, infict a
chastisement, but despise vengeance,
which they leave to weak and pusillani-
nous minds. Who Of you, my friends,
would dare to say that he has suffered
more than /? To him alone will / con-
cede the right of imposing his will on
me, and what he bids me do will do"
Forgive me, my friend" the Tigrero
answered, you are ever good, ever great.
Heaven, in imposing on you a heavy
task, endowed you at the same time with
an energetic soul, and a heart which
seems to expand in your bosom under the
blast of adversely, instead of withering."
Through my own sufferings, can
understand what yours are. l, too, often
feel my heart bound with wrath and in
dignation; for, believe me, my friend, /
have a constant struggle to wage against
myself, not to let myself be led away
to make vengeance of what must only
be a punishment. But enough on this
head; time presses, and we must arrange
our plans SO as not to be foied by our
enemies. went to-day to the Palace,
where l had secret conversation with
the President of the Republic, whom, as
you are aware, l have known for many
years, and who honors me with friend
ship of which I am far from believing
myself worthy. At the end of our inter-
view he handed me paper, species of
blank signature, by the aid of which I
can do what 1 think advisable for the
success Of our plans"
did you obtain such a paper?"
II have 1t In my pocket. Now, listen
to me. You will 60 at sunrise tomorrow
30 the house of Don Antonio Rallier; he
will be informed Of your coming, and you
will follow his instructions"
"And your"
"Do not be anxious about my move
ments, good friend, and only think of
your own business, for, repeat, the de-
cisive moment is approaching. The day
after tomorrow begins the feast Of the
anniversary Of Mexican independence;
that is to say, on that day we shall do
battle with our enemy, and meet him
face to face; and the combat will be
rude one, for this man has a will Of
iron, and terrible energy. We shall be
able to conquer him, but not to subdue
him, and if we do not take care he will
slip through our hands like serpent;
hence our personal affairs must be fin
ished tomorrow. Though apparently alb
sent, I shall be really near you, that is
to say, will help you with all my pow
er. trust that you have heard and
understood me, my friendT
"Yes, Don Valentine"
"And you will act as recommend"
IT promise It."