Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-03
CHAPTER XIV.
Won Rudolf's Promise,

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The Tiger of San Benito was at his
wits end. He did not know where to
turn.
Only an hour ago he had ESCAPED by
the skin of his teeth from his own i'm
pregnable stronghold. which was now
held against him. and with a sufficient
garrison. by the man he hated worst in
all the world. He knew that it would be
impossible to regain possession of the
great natural fortress by force of arms
While as for strategy Corbyn had out
shone him at all points save one. He
rubbed his hands, gloating over that, as
he looked across the camp fire at the
white pavilion wherein Beatriz lay weep
ing. There was the prize for which the
American and he were striving. His one
point was worth more than all the others
put together-if he could carry it through.
But there was the trouble.
The death of Dom Agustin had deprived
him of an ally Indispensable. Until he
could replace the priest no binding cere-
mony could be celebrated. and he knew
better than TO leave his cousin any loop
hole of escape Where there was prop
erty concerned and that in the United
States. one could not be too careful that
the due legal forms we're all complied
with.
He planned and plotted. gnawing at his
finger nails with ever and anon a calcu-
1ating glance at his companion. He was
lying i'm his chair. feet stretched toward
the fire, for all the world az if he had
been President of San Benito. Ygnacio
Ybarra, the impecunious cavalier of for
tune.
Since Won Rudolf was his right hand
man in matters military, he must still
overlook the Austrian's insouciance. For
matters military were in bad shape at
hat tv
the troops dissatisfied. He must have
money. and that without a moments loss
of time. He had pledged his word to the
people that he would bring a wealthy
bride back from the Golden Horseshoe.
The marriage must take place without
delay.
He rose, his mind made up.
II wish you'd find me a reliable es-
cort Karl" he said. I'm going to ride
in to Alta Cruz and see what Sariors
about. He's such untrustwOrthy
scoundrel-between ourselves I'll bring
priest back with me. and-I must leave
unsafe to take her with me to the
capital
Whereat the soldier scowled. He did
not care TO stay i'm camp while there was
still less to act as gaoler TO a pretty girl.
and said so TO Ybarra bluntly.
She Will not worry YOU I'm any way"
his excellency promised. II shall be back
DsfOTe size speaks 10 any one. II nave
taken precautions to keep her quiet"
Won RudOfs scowl became a sneer but
lie went out without more words to pick
men for the presidents safe guarding,
and. later. watched the lifeguards ride
away. without him. for the first time
since he had enlisted them.
All next day he went to and fro in evil
temper. finding fault with everything.
When night fell again he sat down alone
to smoke until Lights OUT should
sound.
Challoner hot and dusty. came in from
la Boca his motor bicycle before
them. He knew Won Rudolf as he knew
most of the men worth knowing in those
parts. and they sat down together to dis
events. Had the. correspondent
known that the chief executive was in
Alta Cruz he would not have come SO far
in search of him. AS IL was. he learned
what he cotiid from his companion, and
much of that surprised him.
The two of them were chatting AMIGA
bly, when an escort brought I'm woman
come from the hacienda to their outpost
and asking for his excellency. In her
Won Rudolf recognized Beatriz Ybarra' $
bashful companion. while Challoner. his
face expressionless. but inwardIy per-
turbed, arrived at an altogether different
conclusion as to her>identity.
She seemed to be too shy to speak, and