The state herald., 1910-04-08
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 king. and South
American adventure might venture to
gaze admiringly upNn this beautiful
gentlewoman. yet vaulting ambition
should have care Lest 1t o'erleap
itself. Oh. well, 1t was not much had
to overcome-merely an impression, a
fugitive admiration which would early
perish. for 1t 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 1t.
smiled grimly at thought OF SO in.
sane a dream of love at such time
and place. Here was I. alone. unable
TO 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
girl never seen before. probably
never to be seen again. But smile
can leave 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 a 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 burly 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 I gazed curiously into
4 round. bronzed face. guarded by
closely clipped side-whiskers. and H.
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?"
II was the name had assumed. and.
with closely pressed lips. bowed in
silent acknowledgment OF my Identity.
feeling little doubt about the mans
mission. Tho round. rather compla.
cent face broke into genial smile Of
reiife.
Must fortunate am TVS to dis.
cover you with such facililJ." he con-
tinued nuently. using both hands in
gesticulation. "Senor. II is now a
greet favor ! would ask Could you
yield me the honor OF \ private inter
view In my own room'" pointing up.
ward 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. Tho preliminary details
can ali be arranged here"
He gazed at mo in surprise. rub
bling his hands together swiftly.
"Thc Sanchez afiair! know not ~
20 that. senior. Tho matter on which
come Ia most delicate. most secret:
Il In not for other ears. IT'S because
OF what ! would communicate that
seek private audience"
remained motionless. looking
straight Ut him. my teeth clcnched on
my cigar my mind busy with cxpedi.
cnts. II his call had nothing whatever
90 do with my quarrel with Sanchez, It
must BIO an arrest. Yet why was the
fellow 40 mysterious? What did he
require OF mo In private audienco1 Ali
a bride. probably-h. desired TO learn
first what amount I would giyo for
an opportunity to escape. I arose TO
my feet. tho whole AFFAIR settled with.
in my own mind. and cool enough to
take advantage OF every opening thus
presented.
VERY well. nenor: lead the way
and will follow"
''Bucnoi" IIo laid ono hand upon
my shoulder. bis eyes darkening with
delight You have tho courage. senior,
the nudacity OF the brave soul. 'Tis
IN tho face. tho eye. and gives mo
hope Of my mission Arcady. We will
20 by the outside stairway. no M to BIO
unobncryed by those within"
followed him silently up the steep
iron steps and along tho narrow. dim.
ly lighted hail. lilo paused finally. un.
locking door. and stood politely
aside while ! entered. A moment he
fingered outside. peering Huspiolousiy
UP and down tho deserted hallway.