The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-28
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Isl: -: The WISDOM .:: ::::::
Is: ':::::: ::. OF DON JOSE. .::::s' ':::::.
.:::::: 80: ::...............:::::' ':::::::.

CO
had come to him in the badly-baked
loaf. three times with the utmost de-
liberation. He sighed heavily, picked
up 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
the twilight of another evening gath
cred in the gardens, he rendered
these services with the good will of
one who, departing on lonely jour-
ney, seeks kindly remembrance.
When Don Jose had concluded
these labors he retired once more
to the Chateau, where, seated by an
open winSow. 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
sibility of escape. Do not look for
help. They will probably not strike
until tonight or the late evenini;.
"(Signed) ADRIAN"
Don Jose folded the letter, sighed
again heavily, and slipped his wine.
The fellow Adrian has been more
faithful than expected" he unused
as he tore the letter leisureIy into
little fragments. ''It is strange, be-
cause he cannot expect money from
dead man; but perhaps he has a
conscience"
Don Jose closed his eyes and dis
posed of himself for sleep. He ac-
copied 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-
ceived through the medium of the
baker was not altogether unexpected.
He had been in Dantzic now nearly
nine months, during which time he
had been instrumental in the deaths
OF 30 many politicians that it was not
strange the dead mems friends and
relatives should try reprisals. For
nine months he had carried his life
In 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
ly, and awoke to hear the sound of
footsteps stirring amongst the long
grass below the window. The sound
sent the blood thrilling through his
veins. He sprang from his couch and
retreated into the shadows Of the
darkened room, with a large horse
pistol grasped in either hand. He
felt that it would be useless fight
against overwhelming odds, but FAM
lily tradition, as well 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
open window and for an instant
mans profile was silhouetted against
the summer sky. A good angel re-
strained Don Jose with his horse
pistols. In another moment the cark
figure framed in the window scram-
bled into the room and fell sobbing
for breath on Don Jose's favorite
couch.
Zone movement, and I blow your
brains out" said the Don quietly.
The intruder gave cry of anguish
and burrowed deeper into the cush-
ions on the couch.
Mercy, senior; mercy, for love of
heaven, mercy!" he implored.
What! a countryman." exclaimed
Don Jose, land why have you tray
eled all the way to Dantzic to take
my life, friend?"
Take your life, senior! Mother of
Heaven, I am innocent of any such
intention. / cannot see your Excel
lency, but, by my soul, I am your
most faithful slave
"You speak pleasantly, friend;
nevertheless / feel it would be safer
to lodge this bullet in your skull be-
fore we are further acquainted"
The intruder relarsed 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.
IT am to understand, my friend,
that you did not come here to murder
me?" said Don Jose.
20 heaven! Is your Excellency
mad? Merciful Providence!"
ITO what, then, do owe the honor
Of this visit?"
Don Jose had lighted 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 even 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 fare II. his