Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-10-25
cus OTTER yxI,-fcontinned.,

49, ~ 49,
"SpeaB, my friend"
What have to tell you is short and
gloomy, scnores. The general, after q
secret conversation with his man of bust
ness. ordered me to carry a letter to the
Convent of the Bernardines."
so the c%onyent?" Don Martial ex.
claimed.
"Silence," said Valentine. .tDo 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-
err 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 rrans the ceremony"
"What is to be done?" the Tigrero ex-
claimed sadly.
Silence" Valentine repeated. is that
all, Carnero?"
"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, in order
to explain more fully his inexorabie
wishes"
Every good, my friend, I 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 Jour you Indicate"
Il count on your promise, my friend !;
and now good-by."
He offered him his hand, which the
capntaz pressed forcibly.
my friends" Valentine then said, 1--WE
have now arrived at the moment for the
final struggle which we have SO 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, it is
true, according to the law of the desert,
but remember, however culpable the man
whom we nave condemned may be, his
death would be an indelible spot, a brand
OF infamyswhich would sully our honor"
.But this monster" the Tigrero ex-
claimed, sis beyond the pale of human
ity."
.He may re-enter it to repent"
Are we priests then. to practice for
g%etfuIness of insults?" Don Martial ask
ed with a fiendish 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. VINO OF you, my friends,
would dare to say that he has suffered
more than /? To him alone will l con-
cede the right Of imposing his will on
me, md what he bids me do l will do"
Forgive me, my. FRIEND the Tigrero
answered, VOC are ever good, ever great.
Heaven, in imposing on you a heavy
task, endowed you at the same time with
energetic soul, and a heart which
seems TO expand in your bosom unda. the
blast OF adversely, instead of whitening"
Through my own sufferings, l can
understand what yours are. /, too, often
feel my heart bound with wrath md in
for, believe me, my friend, /
a constant struggle to wage against
not to let myself be led away
to make q vengeance of what must only
be q punishment. But enough on this
head time presses, and we must arrange
our plans so as not to be foiled BY our
enemies. went to-day to the Palace,
where I had . secret conversation with
the President Of the Republic, whom. as
are aware. / have known for many
years, and who honors me with a friend
hip sss IS which lam fer from believing
myself worthy. At the end of Dur inter
view he handed me q paper, q species of
blank signature, by the aid Of which l
do what I think advisable for the.
success Of our Plans"
@..Dii %ypu Mpbts,sn ii i a,,9@=
II have it in my pocket. Now, listen
me. You will go Mt sunrise tomorrow
the house of Don Antonio Rallier be
will be informed of your coming, and you
will follow his instructions"
And you?"
"Do not be anxious about my move
nents, good friend, and only think of
vour own business, for, I repeat, the de-
moment is approaching. The day
,fter tomorrow begins the feast of the
anniversary Of Mexican independence;
hat is to say, on that day I'VE shall do
attle with our enemy, and meet him
ace TO EuCt , Anu - Smui ~ OG u
.ude n for this man has a will Of
ron, and q terrible energy. We shall be
Ible to conquer him. but not to subdue
i'm. and il we do not take care he will
lin through our hands like a serpent;
,ence our personal affairs must be fin.
shed tomorrow. Though apparently abb
ent. l shall be really near you that Is
8 say / will help you with all my pow
/, / trust that you have heard and
Understood me, my friend7"
Eyes, Don Valentine"
.And you will act Al l recommends"
II promise It"
sReeect that you are perhaps risking
he loss Of your future happiness"
II viii NOT forget your recommended
ION, / swear to you: | I'M risking too
yreat . stake in this game, which must
lecide my future life, to let myself be
induced to commit any act Of violence"
sGood: l am happy to hear YOU speak
ahus ; but have confidence. my friend,
certain that We shall succeed"
sAIay heaven hear you'll"
ut always hears those who appeal to
( With ! pure heart and a lively faith.
Hope tell you !; and NOW, my dear Don
Martial, permit me "a say q few words
= = worthy friend Bslhumsuxs
= VII WithAsAwl
WTEEA