Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-05-16
CHAPTER XII.

9tOppth Utltit the AOOAF u'1AiiNNA4ScNs
threw his bride to the fellow, and, with
out saying a word 20 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 a square yard with several doors
one of these doors was open, and man
was standing on the threshold. 1t 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 a flight of stairs, and
opening a 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. 1 must give
you a few words in explanation of the
mysterious way in which l brought you
here"
Il am listening to you" the Tigrero
answered.
I'VE are in the mansion of General Don
Sebastian Guerrero" the capataz then re-
marked.
WHAT" the Tigrero exclaimed, with
start of uneasiness.
'Reassure yourself, no one saw you en-
ter, and your presence here is quite I'M
known, for the simple reason that l
brought you in my private entrance"
Il do not understand you"
And yet it 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 | 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
a given moment be of great utility. The
room in which we now are forms part of
the suite | occupy, in which the general
has never yet set foot"
But suppose you were TO be sent for,
through the general happening to want
you"
Certainly, but l have foreseen that !;
it is my system never to leave anything
to chance. Although it 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 a man of pru-
dence."
Prudence is, as you know, senior. the
mother of safety. Enough on that head
if you have no objection. A man, whose
name it is unnecessary to mention, but to
whom, as l have already had the honor of
telling you. l 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 81
thank you heartily, for you know as we'll
as | do what perils are connected with
the carrying out of these plans"
What you are saying is true, but it
will be better, / fancy. for the present,
for me to assume to be ignorant of them
Yes, yes, my position is so precarious,
the struggle | am engaged in is so wild
that although ! am supported by sincere
friends, | must be prudent. Tell me-
then. what you know as to the fate of the
unfortunate Dona Anita de Torres. Is
she really dead?"
DO you know what happened in the
cavern after your fall down the preci-
pce?"
Alas no. my ignorance is complete"
Carnero reflected for a moment
Listen Don Martial; but l must tell
you a long story. Are you ready to
hear it?"
Yes" the other answered, without
hesitation. for there are many things
am ignorant of. which / ought to know
So speak without further delay"
AT the time when the facts occurred
am about to tell you l was living at
the Hacienda del Palmar. Hence l was
only witness to a portion of the facts :;
the rest | 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?"
81 had not the slightest idea of it,
well. this is how the relationship
exists Don Sebastian married a niece of
Don Sylva's, so you see they were close
ly connected. Still, for reasons never
thoroughly made known, a few years after
the generals marriage dispute broke out
which led to total suspension of init
macy between the families"
The Tigrero shook his head go on.
he said How did the general receive
herr"
HE was not at the hacienda al The
time but an express was sent off to him.
The general came post haste. seemed
greatly moved, gave orders for her to be
kindly treated, appointed several women
to wait on her, and returned to his post
at Sonora"
Summoned by :he French invasion. !
presume you are aliuding to that?'
YES Almost Immediately after these
events the general returned to the Palmar
He was no longer the same man. The
horrible death of his daughter rendered
him gloomier and harsher. For whole
week he remained shut up in his apart
ments but. at last, one day he sent fol
me to inquire as to what had happened
at the hacienda during his absence.
had but little 20 tell him. The genera
let me say all l had TO say. and wher
I ended, he, too, remained silent for some
time. At length. raising his head, ht
looked at me for a moment angrily."
What are you doing there?" he asked
L am waiting" 1 answered, "for the
orders it may please your excellency tc
give me-
He looked at me for few moments as
If trying to read my very thoughts, anC
then laid his hand on my arm. ''Carnero,
he said to me, you have been a Ions
time in my service, but take care lest
should have to dismiss you. You do moi
like he said. servants who are too in
telligent and too clear sighted; and nov
lead me TO Dona Anita's apartments"
Il obeyed with hanging head; the gen
eral remained an hour with the youn:
lady, and l never knew what WAS sale
between them. 1t is true that now an(
then | heard the general speaking loudl!
and angrily, and Dona Anita weeping
and apparently making some entreaty t,
him but that was all. When the genera