Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-22


sage. but paused there to examine a
heavy iron grating hooked back against
the wall about half way through. 1t
worked on hinges; he pulled and it came
smoothly to; there we're strong bolts on
either side.
He shot those next him and went back
| we'll pleased.
Were safe as a church" he told his
friend. There's a portcullis at the en-
trance and I've closed it,
How high are we above the street?'
asked Allardyce. and. crossing to the
| outer rail. he dropped coin. 1t fell
tinkling on the cobbles below.
"Too high for any one to climb without
a good long ladder" he concluded. IL
don't think any one will interfere with us
tonight
did you notice that blind beSgar at
the street corner as we drove up?" asked
Corbyn.
IT noticed nothing but those con-
"He was standing there a. we came in. -
the other continued. feeling about him
with a stick. seemed to recognize him
somehow, although I can't see how that
when your face showed under the lamp
at the entrance. I don't like blind men
who are able to interest themselves IN US
to that extent"
The Englishman looked grave.
You give me the creeps." he answered.
II don't think I'll undress."
Nor t. said Corbyn.
They blew the lights out and lay down
fully clothed. Allardyce fell asleep In
stantly but Corbyn tossed and turned for
some time before he dropped into q trou-
bled doze. His wound was stiffening and
was more painful now. but it was his
| thoughts that hurt most. He was think
ing Of a very beautiful face. seen but for
an instant through dust and darkness
and Of the cruel, triumphant features
dimly outlined beside it.
1t was late that night before La Boca
settled down after the days, events. The
provided incident. The citizens were we'll
pleased with such an excuse for lingering
about the clubs and cafes. They knew
he was to spend the night at the gov
errnor's villa. There might be further
entertainment for them before morning.
Nor were they disappointed In their ex-
pectations for presently there came upon
them out of the bystreets a troop OF
horsemen. who abused them with the nat
of sword blades to such purpose that,
within five minutes, the thoroughfares
| were empty and every idler was indoors.
to stay.
There were no two ways about any,
thing when the Tiger of San Benito saw
III 10 SHAKE his INdIiSO uSL III Tic 0lTSC~
ton of the timid townfolk.
The swarthy troopers sneered to each
other as the populace melted into thin
air before them, but made no noise, since
that had been forbidden. Even their
shaggy ponies scurried soundlessly from
point to point, for each had pads Of felt
made fast to the calkins, in accordance
with Won Rudolf's ideas Of strategy. as
applied to night work within the walls.
So sudden and unexpected had been
fhniv h0f M Af
coming could spread, and they were able
to draw a close Gordon round the Golden
Eagle without the inmates Of that hos
telry being aware that it was the OBJ
jective Of the expedition.
The blind beggar, who was swearing at
the closed grating which blocked his way
to the rear balcony, heard the mufned
thud OF horses feet on the uneven GAUGE
way, and. turning About with marvellous
celebrity in spite Of his afniction, was able
to get the great gates fast before the
stormfng party reached them.
And even after the officer in charge had
Numbered long and loudly on their oaken
panels, 1t took time to wake the Golden
was required Of 1t.
First came to the grated spy hole at the
outer gate an old and deaf and decrepit
| woman. who could not be brought to
| law and that without delay.
Thieves and assassins!' she screeched
to the raging leader. "Wait where you
| are till I call my mistress. Robbers and
| murderers! Be patient. but for q mo-
ment.''
They heard her hobbling of still NUT
tering maledictions on them. 1t took ten
| long minutes to bring back the pro-
prietress, who had many apologies to
make for the unfortunate delay and sent
| her on a second errand for the keys.
These found, the soldiery rushed in. in
vaded every corner. dragged all the other
| inmates from their beds and stood them
| shivering in the courtyard.
Corbyn awoke to hear them hammer
| ing at the grating in the passage and
Aliardyce sprang up at the same instant.
They were ignorant Of what the noise
presaged. but 1t was evident that there
was something wrong.
| They ran out into the open and stood
listening for moment.
Wed better bolt" suggested Corbyn.
1t was no time to hesitate. They clam
bered over the balcony rail, let 60 to-
gether and dropped into the darkness.
Swift shadows darted on them as they
| fell. They fought and struggled vainly.
The trap was too we'll set and they were
prisoners.
crash and a cloud Of dust overhead
way to violent methods. Lights appeared
on the balcony. They could hear cries OF
rage and disappointment.
| A, lantern flashed on them from above.
| nave you got the DIlnQ OeGRAr!
asked voice very anxiously. who are
those two?''
1.-TWO strangers We caught them az
they were escaping. No one else has
Two Of you take them round to the
front. The rest stay here, and II you
see the blind man, shoot"
The two captives passively obeyed the
| order to march. 1t would have been idle
to resist. since every street seemed to be
| occupied by the enemy. They were
| thrust through to the inner court and
there intrusted to the guard set round
their unfortunate fellow guests, most OF
whom were protesting voiubiy. although
quite vainly. against the treatment be-
| slowed on them.
| A systematic search was being made
| throughout the building. No single nook
or Granny was left UNEMPLOYED. Even the
| well was plumbed to make quite sure
that no one might be lurking in It. The
pOrtly proprietress wrung her hands AZ
she heard the crash of breaking glass
the splintering Of woodwork, and the
crone who had first encountered the In
| truders kept up q ceaseless comment on
their conduct and its consequences.
1.-The poor blind beggar will have a
pretty bill to pay" she cried, in he1
cracked voice. latter these sons Of Satan
have finished"
BE silent. hag!' soldier shouted
bringing the barrel Of his carbine across
her shoulders. She shrank back and sub
sided into senile mutter1ngs.
Here's our good friend Gonzalez" Al
| lardyce observed in low tone. as that
worthy came into the courtyard.
He's slipped the net.'' said he, sourly
to an approaching ofncer, who nodded