The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-01-05
CHAPTER III.

In Which Opportunity Comes.
A period Of decided depression fol.
lowed. the earlier vision of youth IA.
ding swiftly as I realized what the
message of this card plainly meant,
and contemplated the social gulf
yawning between myself and this
woman Of the English aristocracy. A
cat may look at a king. and q South
American adventurer might venture to
gaze admirfngly upon this beautiful
gentlewoman. yet vaulting ambition
should have q care lest II o'erleap
itself. Oh. well. 1t was not much had
TO overcome-merely an impression, a
fugitive admiration which would early
perish. for it was hardly probable we
should ever meet again. in spite of his
lordship's stiff invitation. and her ex-
ceeding warm glance secretly Sec
Onding II.
/ smiled grimly at thought Of so in
sane a dream of love at such a time
end place. Here was I. alone. unable
% change my environment, every
movement bringing new danger. al
most certain of early detection, the
result Imprisonment or death; yet
turning aside to quarrel with one only
too glad to denounce me should he dis
cover the truth, and totally forgetting
every caution in sudden admiration for
a girl never seen before, probably
never to be seen again. But a smile
can leave a deeper wound than a
sword, and my mind would recur, in
spite Of other Intervening thoughts,
to the pleasant mystery behind her
gracious words and action. was thus
lingering over the nuts and wine.
dreaming fools dream, and idly won
dering at the cause of that endless
racket in the streets below, with the
chorus of vivas arising from the
crowded plaza, when the open win
dow facing my table became suddenly
darkened by a 6urly figure. Before
could push back my chair, the unwel
come intruder on my privacy was po-
litely bowling before me, one hand
pressed upon his heart.
Pardon, senior, my so abrupt ap-
pearance"-and l gaZed curiOusly into
a round. bronzed face. guarded by
closely clipped side-whiskers. and il
lumined by steady black eyes-'but
the waiter said should certainly find
you alone here. and my need was most
urgent. / address the Senior West?"
1t was the name had assumed, and
with closely pressed lips. 1 bowed in
silent acknowledgment of my identity,
feeling little doubt about the mans
mission. Tie round. rather compla-
cent face broke into a genial smile of
re;ifc.
Must fortunate I am thus to dis
cover you with such facility" he con-
tinued fluently, using both hands in
gesticulation. "Senor, it is now
greet favor 1 would ask. Could you
yield me the honor OF a private inter-
view in my own ROOM" pointing up
war impressively. 1T is upon the
floor above"
IF your mission is in regard to the |
Sanchez affair. senor," returned |
somewhat coldly. privacy is hardly |
necessary. The preliminary details |
can all be arranged here"
He gazed at me in surprise, rub
bling his hands together swiftly
The Sanchez affair, know not as
TO that. senior. The matter on which
] come is most delicate. most secret;
it is not for other ears It's because
OF what 1 would communicate that l |
seek private audience"
1 remained motionless. looking
straight at him, my teeth clenched on
my cigar, my mind busy with expedi-
ents. II his call had nothing whatever
to do with my quarrel with Sanchez. it
must be an arrest. Yet why was the
fellow DO mysterious? What did he
require Of me in private audience. All!
a bribe. probably-he desired to learn
first what amount I would give for
an opportunity to escape. l arose to
my feet. the whole affair settled with
in my own mind. and cool enough to
take advantage Of every opening thus
presented. r-- --~ on.
Very well. senior; lead the way
and I will follow"
'Bueno!" He laid one hand upon
my shoulder. his eyes darkening with
delight. You have the courage. senior
the audacity of the brave soul. IT'S
In the face. the eye. and gives me
hope of my mission already We will
go by the outside stairway, SO as TO be
by those within"
followed him silently Up the steep
iron steps and along the narrow, dim
~ lighted hall. He paused finally, un-
locking door. and stood politely
aside while / entered. A moment he
fingered outside, peering suspiciously
up and down the deserted hallway.
and. stepping within closed and bolted
the door, even carefully lowering the
transom before turning up the gas
lights. He hastily crossed the room,
shut down the single window and drew
closer the heavy shade. / watched
these evidences of excessive caution
with considerable amusement I'M
bribery of the Valparaiso
secret police was considered a most i.
serious affair. A table occupied the
center of the room, and with a wave
Of his rather fat hand my mysterious
invited me to occupy a
chair beside II. The perplexity exhib.