Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-27
CHAPTER X-Continued.

CHAPTER 6-Continued.
Ybarra seemed to have forgotten that
neither could understand the other. and
the rules of which he had spoken could
not therefore be impaired to the stranger
within his gates. Dom Agustin knew lit
tie English, and O'Dare no Spanish worth
speaking They compounded on such
few words of Latin as the actor still car
ried in his memory, and, having ex-
hausted these, parted with mutual COM
passion, little the wiser of their inter-
course.
Beatriz had shown her cousin, the
president. a bold enough front, but she
was none the less dismayed by his re-
lentless purpose. and, in her dread that
he might carry out the threat he had
made SO seriously, she had confided to
Fiji the secret she had kept locked up in
her own heart for so long She loved
Philip Corbyn. She had always loved
him: how we'll and truly she had not
realized till too late. And she knew. too,
now that he had not sighted her as she
had thought. that she had misjudged
without trial the man she loved. IT hurt
her sorely to recall the past.
II thought he might have called or
written when l arrived in New York from
Europe" she told her friend. as they
paced the weed-grown garden together at
an early hour the next morning. But
feel sure now that he must have done
both without my knowing. and my blind
pride kept me from seeking him out till
1t was too late. Dear, profit by my ex-
perience. Be less ungenerous than have
heavy penalty of my unfaith."
Fins eyes filled with tears, even as she
blushed rosily at thought of the tale
Dennis O'Dare would assuredly tell her
some day. and that at no distant date, her
heart whispered.
"You must not blame yourself" she
said, gently. "You were betrayed. and
the plot was a cunning one. 1t is so diff
cult to find ones way in the dark"
II was blind even in broad daylight"
trust Phil entirely. and yet let d petty
pidue come between U.s. It's all been my
fault. Fiji. and-I don't know what to do
now
She knew what she meant to do II her
cousin should carry out his most mon
strous threat, but that would not bear
speaking about. When the time came
she would act. but until then she must
seek some escape from the net which
was closing about her with every hour
Here's Denny" Fiji cried. very much
relieved. She had apparently great faith
In the resourceful O'Dare. Hell per-
haps have some plan
But Beatr1z did not wait to ask what
she felt must be a futile question: and the
words with which she greeted him
showed the dark trend Of her thoughts.
You've revolver, haven't you, Mr..
O'Dare?'
Il have that" he answered with an as
could find but scanty basis inwardly. He
had spent restless night seeking some
scheme to help her, and that on which
ne had at last and reluctantly settled was
the outcome Of sheerest desperation.
have that, Miss Ybarra. But why?"
would you-will you let me have it
this evenings? she begged, impulsively.
He shook his head.
you must excuse me. butt may have
use for it. If there's any shooting to be
I'm going to be best man at the ceremony
which IL to take place tonight. and 1t will
be my painful duty to show cause why
the said ceremony should be stopped.
III you see me stoop to tie my shoe
lace. stand fast-and don't scream"
She shuddered in the sunshine.
There you are. you see," he added.
YOU'D be far too nervous"
II meant 1t for myself-not him. she
whispered. THAT would be the easier
way
He shook his head decidedly. I'm 60
ing to be best man. he repeated. Leave
all the details to me-"
A fash as of distant lightning fared
up from above Alta Cruz and was fol-
lowed by others in swift succession.
whats that?' Fiji asked. anxious to
change the conversation. She would be
brave enough later on. If need be, but it
was dreadful to anticipate the near flu
ture. ITS been going on all morning."
the sum-" Dennis answered from the
depths Of his superior knowledge, and
grateful to her for the interruption. Per
haps they're trying to signal That's
1t. to be sure. A Photograph, Of course.
They're talking to us hsre-and I only
wish I could read it,
"Beatriz!'' cried a voice from the
veranda behind, and. turning hastily,
they saw the president. Our good
friend. Quentin Sariol. sends word to say
ding; and asks me whether he may come.
Say yes" oDare Whispered to her
from behind and on the impulse Of the
any one from the outside world was to be
desired. She nodded, and his excellency
looked we'll pleased.
Pm glad you're agreeable" he re-
marked, mockingly. and turned again to
where. at one side of the house. field
telesraphist was receiving and answering
the distant signals.
The day passed most drearily, despite
strong efforts on every one part to show
at least an outward unconcern. The two
SAiS weiC Hooheeu ny pIcScutlIHent VI tue
apparently inevitable tragedy that every
ruthless hour was bringing nearer. ODare
was cudgeling his brains for some more
certain means to prevent the atrocious
wrong Ybarra was prepared to perpetrate.
He knew too we'll that it would be but by
miracle that he could hope to carry out
his wild idea of shooting the wrongdoer
down on the steps Of the altar. His ex-
cellency was far too clever. too we'll ac-
customed to such methods, to AFFORD him
any opportunity Of using the Intellectual
weapon he had strapped to his ankle lest
he should be searched. and. come what
might, he could not let the victim of the
wrong take her own life.
I'D throw MYSELF right of this cliff II
It would help her." he reflected. wretch