Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-10-04
CHAPTER XII.


distance by Martial the Tigrero, who en-
tered the Gale del Pajaro, and about the
middle Of the street saw the capataz's
horse, held BY an Unlocking fellow, who
gassd curiously at him. Don Martial
stopped before the door, dismounted,
threw his bride to the fellow, and, with
out saying a word to him, resolutely en-
tered the house.
He then found himself In utter dark
ness, but after cropping his way, pushed
forward. After crossing the saguan, he
entered square yard with several doors !:
one Of these doors was open, and man
was standing on the threshold It was
Carnero.
The tiger slayer went up to him; the
other walked on. The capataz took him
by the hand and whispered, "Come with
me-"
His guide led him through several
rooms, took him UP flight Of stairs, and
opening door conducted him into room
family lighted by lamp.
Now" said Carnero, after closing the
door, from which the Tigrero noticed that
he removed the key, "sit down and let US
talk, for we are in safety. I must give
you q few words In explanation Of the
mysterious way IN which brought you
here"
II am listening to you," the Tgrero
answered. SO
1--WE are In the mansion Of General Don
Sebastian Guerrero" the capataE then re-
marked.
"What?" the Tigrero exclaimed, with
q start Of uneasiness.
"Reassure yourself, no one saw you en-
ter, and your presence here Is quite un-
known, for the simple reason that I
brought you In my private entrance"
Il do not understand you"
"And yet 1t Is very easy to explain. For
reasons too long to tell you, and which
would interest you but slightly, during
Don Sebastian's absence as Governor Of
Sonora l had private passage made. Ev-
erybody save myself is ignorant Of the ex-
istence of this communication, which,"
he added, with glowing smile, may at
q given moment be Of great utility. The
room in which we now are forms part of
the suite l occupy, in which the general
has never yet set foot"
"But suppose you were to be sent for,
through the general happening to want
your
Certainly, but I have foreseen that
1t Is my system never to leave anything
to chance. Although 1t has never hap
pened yet, no one can enter here without
my being informed soon enough to get
rid of any person who may be with me-"
That is capitally arranged, and am
happy to see that you are man of pru-
dence."
Prudence is, as you know, senior, the
mother of safety. Enough on that head,
II you have no objection. A man, whose
name it is unnecessary to mention, but to
whom, as have already had the honor of
telling you, I am devoted body and soul,
sent you to me to obtain the information
you require, and which he supposes me
able to give"
"Senor," the Tigrero answered, "I
thank you heartily, for you know as we'll
as l do what perils are connected with
the carrying out of these plans"
What you are saying is true, but 1t
will be better, l fancy, for the present,
for me to assume to be ignorant Of them"
Yes, yes, my position is 30 precarious,
the struggle I am engaged In Is soawild,
that, although l am supported by sincere
friends, must be prudent. Tell me,
unfortunate Dona Anita de Torres. Is
she really dead?"
DO you know what happened In the
cavern after your fall down the preci-
piceT
ALAS no; my ignorance Is complete"
Carnero reflected for moment.
"Listen, Don Martial; but must tell
you long story. Are you ready to
hear it?"
"Yes," the other answered, without
hesitation, "for there are many things I
am ignorant Of, which ought to know.
So speak without further delay"
AT the time when the facts occurred
am about to tell you was living at
the Hacienda del Palmar. Hence l was
only witness to a portion Of the facts
the rest 1 know from hearsay. When
the Comanches came, guided by the white
men, Don Sylvia de Torres was lying
mortally wounded, holding In his stiffened
arms his daughter Anita, who had sud
denly gone mad. Don Sebastian Guerrero
was the only relation left to the hapless
young lady, and hence she was taken to
his hacienda"
"What?" Don Martial exclaimed In sur
prise. Don Sebastian is relation to
Dona Anita"
"Did you not know that?"
II had not the slightest idea Of It."
"Well this is how the relationship
exists Don Sebastian married a niece of |
Don Sylva's, 80 you see they were close
iy connected. Still, for reasons never
thoroughly made known, a few years after
the generals marriage dispute broke out
which led to total suspension of inti- |
macy between the families"
The Tigrsro shook bis head. "Go on"
he said. "How did the general receive
herT
"Hs was not at the hacienda at the |
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