Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-19

general, gorgeously uniformed. and yet
no mere carpet soldier. as the good folk
Of La Boca had cause to know. But none
of them knew the story Of why he had
he did his duty so brilliantly. ne hated
and despised the country of his adoption.
The bright eyes on the balconies there
had no attraction for him. He was won
dering where he had seen Fiji before.
hoping that neither she nor the bewitch-
ingly beautiful woman beside Ybarra
would notice him in his shame.
There were more carriages behind for
such Of the officials as were privileged to
attend the president. O'Dare secured the
black looks OF the others, he handed Fin.
The encourage moved of. Won Rudolf rid
ing at Ybarra's side, his restless glance
on Beatriz. and drove toward the out
skirts of the town. in which was situated
the private residence of its governor. with
whom his excellency was wont to reside
during his visits to La Boca.
Having traverSed the main streets at a
trot, amid the cheering Of the throngs
and showers of blossoms from the
his excellency bowed most graciously.
while Beatriz sat motionless beside him.
they came to a more sparsely populated
outskirt, and. leaving that also behind.
reached a long, low white edifice, set
well back from the road behind trim
lamps, was guarded by armed men.
Ybarra helped his cousin to alight and
led her indoors without waiting for his
host. the governor. Her two retainers
footsteps on the tessellated floor. Ybarra
stopped and turned toward them.
Await me in the anteroom," he said
peremptorily. to o'Dare. And you." to
Fin. may follow your mistress"
''I am at Miss Ybarra's orders" O'Dare
answered raro1eSS1V
His excellency looked him up and down
from under narrowed eyelids. looked past
him at the sentries on the porch, and
seemed to be considering something.
''In thig country" he was beginning.
softly. when the other interrupted him.
without regard for etiquette.
'In this country-or in any other"
Dennis O'Dare retorted, truculently, I'm
an American citizen. and don't you forget
that. my friend. Keep your orders for
your own servants"
Enough" snapped Don Ygnacio, furi-
ously. and went his way.
1t led him to a locked door. which he
opened with a master key attached to his
watch chain. He motioned to the others
that they should pass through and closed
1t carefully again. sat seats for the two
women and once more turned to the re-
calcitrant Dennis.
You know my pame?' he asked. and
the suddenness of the question Kissed be-
tween set teeth was disconcerting.
You're called Ygnacio Ybarra, I under
stand" said O'Dare.
I'm called the Tiger of San Benito."
his excellency answered, in a grating
voice You will be wise. my friend, to
keep clear of my claws"
"I'll clip 'em for you when the time
comes O'Dare promised. recklessly.
$50 far l have been patient. for your
cousins sake. but-even now ] have my
scissors ready"
He shook his coat sleeve. holding out
his hand so that only two should see
within its palm the blue muZzle OF the
weapon he was carrying so conveniently.
Ybarra did not blanch, but stood there
motionless.
You are a drawer man than had
thought you. senior secretario." he re-
marked, without a tremor. II wonder-is
gentleman to be trusted, Bea-
triz?' he asked of his cousin, In
changed tone. Can you assure me that
he has no connection with the insurgent
party?"
She looked across at Dennis with anx.
ious eyes. and he bowed in response.
"I'u give you my word for that" she
answered, relievedly.
Thank you said Ybarra. Il think J
can find use for him. Well keep him
with us. had intended
Excuse me for few moments"
He went over to the door. at which
low knock had sounded. and admitted
half a dozen men. all in respondent uni.
form save one. That one was Gonzalez
and he seemed strangely perturbed.
He scowled when he saw O'Dare in the
but took no other notice oil
him. The others had their turn of audi.
ence and disappeared before the president
led his spy to one side and entered into
low-toned conversation with him.
~Excellency," the spy said, there ID
bad news to tell. Two men escaped from
the Hilario, and one was the cursed
Americana. Corbyn.
And worse" he went on hurriedly
while his employer glared at him IL
speechless anger "A number OF mer
and horses have been landed behind
Punta Gorda since the troops there vert
to attend you here. And they
are not natives of San Benito.'
Go be continued tomorroW.l