Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-07-23

Dios! wat care We for papa"
She perceived me plainly now, lean
ing forward just outside the window
directly behind the fellows back. I
know not what message of encourage
sment she may have read in my face,
but into her eyes there instantly swept
mute. passionate appeal. For the
fraction Of moment hesitated, feel
ing convinced that any action ON my
part would only serve to hasten my
own fate. Yet 1t was not in my nature
to hold back. Half rising and bend
ing forward, reached through the
open window, twisted my fingers into
the fellows coat collar. and the next
instant he was lying nat upon his
back on the balcony door, nothing re-
naming to show his recent presence
in the dining hall except an overturned
chair
1t was rather smartly. prettily done.
the astounded lieutenant possessing
neither wind nor opportunity for the
slightest outcry, and once without,
promptly throttled him, meanwhile
muttering . few important admoni-
tons into his ear In well-selected
Spanish.
Lie still there. you drunken idiot.
Make another attempt to bite me. and
I'll pound your head on these stones.
Bah! save your threats, senior, and if
you make the slightest uproar Ill hoist
you over the railing yonder, and it's
80 feet to the pavement below. Now
stand up! Do you see this. senor?"
and pressed the cold muzzle Of re-
volver against his swarthy cheek.
ooh, you do! Well, you probably
know also how II works. Now listen
to me-there are stairs at that corner
yonder; you 60 down them quietly
and disappear-disappear; do you un-
derstand that? II you dare return to
that dining room tonight, or attempt
again to address that young woman,
am going to kill you, senor."
My voice was cold and low, but 1t
carried weight. Painting still from the
fierce choking, his eyes hot with an
ger, his lips trembling, he endeavored
to speak. ae
"Nombre de Dios," he burst forth
at last, his face full of murder, yet
standing helpless before my gun.bar-
rel. II cut your heart out! You in
suit me, Chilean sailor. ! have re-
yenge for my honor. You fight me for
this, senor.'
"Oh, certainly, anything to oblige,"
I returned. indifferently. only you
~
Sanchez"
"Caramba! you know my name,
senior; but know not yours"
drew card from my pocket across
which had been written the cognomen
I had assumed at the hotel.
you possess it now" / said some
what tartly. Besides, senior, that
happens to be my dinner coming yon-
der, and l prefer eating it undisturbed.
You either go down those stairs quiet
ly at once, or I'll kick you down."
was obliged to smile while watch
Ing him back away. Beyond question
the fellow was an arrant coward and
bully, yet sufficiently angry and out
ragged to have fought gladly, If only
opportunity served. followed him
to the head Of the stairs, watching him
closely while he descended, cursing
fercely to himself at every step until
he finally vanished into the blackness
below. The chances were strong that
should hear from him later, but in
the meantime my interest veered to
the excellent dinner being served The
lieutenant would have his turn, and,
perchance, bring me swift release
from all my troubles on the morrow.
The English party still remained at
their table, lingering over the dessert.
but noticed that conversation had
lapsed. and precious little eating was
being done. Evidently only the require
ments of good form held them to their
places, the elderly gentleman especial
ly denoting his nervousness by con-
tinual side-slances about the long
room. overheard him mutter some
thing indistinctly regarding having
left his pistol upstairs. and it was
plainly apparent he felt thoroughly
ashamed Of his late passiveness under
insult. Madame was flushed and un-
easy, angry still over the episode, and
greatly inclined to sputtsr now that
all real danger had passed: but the
younger woman merely toyed with her
spoon In silence, her eyes downcast,
her cheeks devoid of their previous
color. She made fair picture. the
brilliant light overhead flooding NJ.
dark hair, and 1t was not in young
human nature to refrain from gazing
At her through the invitingly open win
dow. Finally they all pushed back
their chairs to retire, and, as she
glanced up while rising to her feet,
| eur eyes met fairly, and . warm wave
u oolor swept across he uplifted, SEN
! sitive face. The next instant, yielding
apparently to some sudden impulse Of
/ gratitude. she stepped through the
s1sA window. and stood beside ne
N extended hand.
"0sneF." she said, speaking . hsukea
Spanish very prsttiiy. ~ vas extxsme
y kaad Of You to asslst IN removing
that horrible man, and eanaot leave
without some expression Of my graft
tuAe."
was upon my feet Instantly, bow
Ing before her as to queen, yet feel
ing . strange embarrassment.
That incident was nothing, senior
ita." insisted. yet venturing to loos
directly into the depths Of those Aara
cray eyes, 20 intensely studying my
lace under the dim light Of the Ian
terms. Il did no more than any MAJ
would consider q privilege. realized
yOu AaA ~ youlker nrntaator =,