The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1910-06-17

members of the presidents staff who
usually dined at the tinca were now
absent. there was no lack of lively
chatter. A very Babel of tongues
mixed in amity. The prevalent note
was one of CHEEKY animation. Carmela
exerted herself to win popularity, and
a presidents daughter need not put
forth very strenuous efforts in that d.
rection to be acclaimed by most.
Iris was listening with real interest
to Verity's description of the finding
of Macfarlane in the Andromeda's boat
by a Cardiff bound collier three days
after he had drifted away from Fer
nando Noronha.
"The yarn KEN to us through the
consul at Pernambuco," he said. "Evi-
IDENTIFY, from wot you tell me, it's all
right. Poor ole Mac 'ad a bad time
afore e was picked up, but e was
alive, an I'm jolly glad of it, for ELL
be first rate witness wen this bust
ness comes up in court
"Wot court?" demanded Coke sharp
ly.
"The court that settles our claim, of
course" ret-ted Verify. with a quick
ferret look at his fellow conspirator.
"There'll be no claim The president
means to stump up in style. You take
my tip an shut up about courts" said
Coke.
It'll cost Brazil tidy penny" re-
marked Bulmer thoughtfully.
A criado. a nondescript manservant
attached to the household, stopped
over Iris and whispered something.
She gathered that she was wanted in
the pateo. or courtyard, which, owing
to the construction Of the house, stood
on one side instead of in front, where
the lawn usurped its usual position.
"Who Is it?" she asked.
Colonel San Benavides, senhora."
"Tell him to wait" she said, hoping
to gain a moment wherein to decide
how best to act.
tempo. the colonel said"
go! That is my answer"
Iris had no wish to meet San Bena-
videS. If she We're seen with him In
the dark pateo at this late hour fuel
would be added to the fire Of Carme-
las foolish spite. She was aware Of
Carmela's covert glance watching her
from the other end of the long room.
What was to be done? Why not send
Carmela in her stead? They were al
most of the same height and dressed
somewhat alike In lowered muslin.
1t would be an amusing mistake,
though annoying perhaps to San Bena-
vides. At any rate. Carmela would not
object. and Iris was fully resolved not
to keep the tryst in person.
She walked straight to her enemy.
Colonel San Benavides awaits you
IN the pateo." she said in English.
Awaits me.'
There was no mistaking the CLEAN
In those jet black eyes. The smolder-
ing fire famed into furnace heat at the
implied indignity Of such mandate
being delivered by Iris.
81 suppose So" said Iris carelessly.
"a servant brought the message. He
came to me In the first instance, but
am just going to my room to pack my
few belongings. We leave here at
daybreak, you know"
So at last Carmela would learn the
truth. Salvador was out there alone.
She would soon judge him. If he were
innocent she would know. If he had
merely been made the sport Of de-
signing woman she was ready to for
give. In q more amiable mood than
she had displayed at any moment since
her arrival at Las Flores, Carmela
fastened along a dark corridor, crossed
bare hall, passed through porch
and searched the shadows Of the
pateo for the form Of her one time
lover.
A voice whispered in French:
Come quickly, senhora, pray you'll"
1t startled her to find San Benavides
talking French until 1t occurred to her
that Iris and he must converse in that
language or hardly ut all. The thought
was disquieting. The volcano stirred
again.
"Senhora, je vous priew again plead
ed the man, who was on horseback
under the trees.
She did not hesitate, but ran to him.
Without word of explanation he
caught her in his arms, drew her up
until she was seated on the holsters
strapped to gaucho, saddle and
wheeled his horse into a gallop. Filled
with q grim determination, she uttered
no protest. Not Il syllable crossed her
lips lest he should strive to amend his
woeful bunder. she noticed that they
were not going toward the camp, but
circling round the inclosed land in the
direction of the hills. Though the
night was dark, the stars gave light
enough for the horse to move freely.
Carmela's head was bent.
But San Benavides wondered why
the cold Ingleza had surrendered so
silently. He expected at least
scream. q struggle. an impassioned de-
mand to be released.
Zone word, senhora," he muttered.
"You must think me mad. / am not.
All is lost. Our army is defeated. In
an hour Las Flores will be in flames"