The Washington times., 1911-11-18
CHAPTER VII (Continued).

I've heard II said that men always
think more clearly when they smoke"
she explained.
Sparhawk laughed lightly.
THE experiment is worth trying"
he replied. I'm rather inclined to
think your informants are right"
He filled the pipe deliberately. then,
without glancins at the young woman.
he crossed to the door and opened 1t.
"Tom," he called.
Yes, Jlm," came the clear. full voice
OF Connerton.
"How's your Jndian?"
"Oh, he's como around all right, but
he's fighting mad and wants to get at
you again. II he doesn't quiet down
pretty soon. I'm afraid I'll have to lay
him out"
Send him In
An instant later Mayta came in with
rush. Seeing Barbara calmy seated
In the room of the man she Lad wish
ed slain only few minutes before, Re
paused abruptly just inside the door
and looked alternately at her and Spar
hawk. An exchange OF a few sentences
In the Coshan language soon reas-
sured him, however. and he turned a
sullen face toward the American.
"Idt mas DeCOne OF sonora PcTl-
guez?" Sparhawk asked.
She died five weeks ago, senor," ,he
man replied.
Dead" cried Barbara, half rising
from her chair.
"Yes, senorita She was broken
hearted. The senorita was welded to
Lieutenant Brabanu"
The man who was assaulted by
yplr char
Yes, senor.''
She was welded against her will?'
asked Barbara.
No, senorita. not against her will.
marry. But she wed ir opposition to
the wishes-the prayers-of her mother -
"Ah. Carlota"' Barbara exclaimed.
She sank back in her chair and turned
her wide. wondering eyes toward the
fioor.. Sparhawk.. pufHng vigorously at
his pipe. strobe slowly to and fro. His
ing nervously. Suddenly he stopped.
"Mayta, Nalo is not d large town. so
an American named Hemingway doubt
Yes, senor.'' answered the Indian
stolidly.
"Do you know where he livesT'
He lives I'm cavern In the noun
tains-a two-hour ride on muleback
sparhawk frowned and began to pace
the floor again. At length his face
cleared, and once more he turned to
1T is not likely that he has left town
ago" he said. Where does he stay
when he passes his nights here?"
The Indian looked thoughtfully and ne
IT think. senior, that he usually lodges
with Pedro Gorge when he stays In
Sna rha uL Saatipo hip,aelf ot tho 20
BILE, wrote a few lines asking Heming-
way to come to him at once on a mat
ter OF the greatest Importance. He
thrust the note into an envelope and
plaeed II in the hands of Mayta.
Find Hemingway and give him this
note: then bring him here" he said.
The Indian glanced interrogatively at
Barbara. whose features wore puzzled
expression. Perceiving that Mayta
awaited some sign from her, she nod
ded.
vice mot mine, Mayta." she said, color
AZ the indian left the room Spar
hawk smiled.
You appear to have overlooked May
ys Tnen Mss ead had he sa nS friends
"Mayta knows my history, but he is
a strange man. I have known him only
as the servant of my friend Carlota. ]
haze have seldom ms spoken pt6nian WIN him; @ When
ono might summon a servant in the
house of a friend
II hope he will continue faithful to
your interests" replied Sparhawk.
lie was pacing the floor again. His
brow was corrugated and he appeared
to be thinking deeply; Barbara watched
him curiously. Suddenly he stopped In
front of her.
Miss Carlton, have you ever had any
love affairs?" he asked abruptly.
Barbara stiffened suddenly in her
chair. and her eyes grew wide with
wonder.
"I-why. no." she answered.
There is no menIbe; Of my sex who
has inspired you with any feeling
stronger than friendship" =.
The puzzled expression oeepened>on
her face.
None. why do you ask me such
questions as these?"
Because. if you are az who ly free
from that sort of thing as I am. 1t is
Just possible that / may aid you in your
attempt to escape from the perils that
threaten you"
'I am afraid that I don't quite under
stand you. Be good enough, please, to
speak more plainly"
Sparhawk stroked his small. dark
mustache with nervous fingers, and hes
itsted before he replied.
There is an old axiom which bids us
of two evils chose the less he said.