The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-08-04
CHAPTER ~.
In Which opportunlty Comes.

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 arlstoeracy, A
cat may look at a king, and South
American adventurer might venture 10
gaze admiringly upon this beautiful
gentlewoman, yet vaulting ambition
should have a care lest It o'erleap
itself. oh, well. II was not much | had
60 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 It.
/ smiled grimly at thought Of so in
sane a dream Of love at such a time
End place. Here was /, alone, unable
to change my environment, every
a2oyement bringing new danger. al
riost certain of early detection, the
result Imprisonment or death; yet
turning aside to quarrel with one only
cover the truth, and totally forgetting
every caution in sudden admiration for
a girl never seen before probably
never to be seen again. But smile
can leave a deeper wound than
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
darkcned by a burly figure. Before
] could push back my chair, the unwel-
come intruder on my privacy was po-
litely bowing 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 Senor West?"
It was the name l had assumed, and,
wish closely pressed lips, | bowed in
silent acknowledgment Of my Identity.
feeling little doubt about the mans
mission. The round rather compla
cent face broke into a genial smile of
rclife.
Must fortunate ! am thus to dis
cove. you with such facility he con
tirueG nuantly, using both hands in
rcst!culation. "Senor, it is now
greg. favor | would ask. Could you
yield me the honor of a private inter
view in my own room?" pointing up
war mpressively. 1T is upon the
focr above"
IF your mission is in regard to the
Sanchez affair, seGor," ! returned
somewhat coldly, privacy is hardly
necessary The preliminary details
can an be arranged here
Eo gazol al me in surprise, rub
bin his hands together swiftly.
Tte sanchaG affair! I know not as
SO TIE. senor The matter on which
ctra is most delicate, most secret,
Il - rot for other cars, 'Tiy because
@ what | would communicate that ! !
sect nrivatc audience
remained motionless. looking
sua.aat nj him my teeth clenched on
uy igar. my mind busy With eXpedi- !
cat n nj, call lad nothing whatever
10 10 l j my quarrel with Sanchez, It |
IL an arrest Yet why was the |
fellow so mysterious? What did he |
lglule Of meJn private audience? All! !
a brba, probably--he desired to learn !
lirs what amount | would give for
aa opportunity to escape. arose, to
my feet, the whole affair settled with
in my own mind. and cool enough to
taEe advantage Of every opening thus |
presented
Very wei, senior; lead the way
and | win follow"
"7ueno!" He laid one hand upon
my shoulder, his eyes darkening with .
dc.igh You have the courage, senior,
the 0udacity Of the braas soul 'Tis
IN Il face, the eye, and gives me
lore Of ny mission already. WE viii
80 ny The outside stairway, so as 10 be
ucobseryed by those within"
followed him silently up the steep
Iron steps and along the narrow dim
~ iighted hall He paused finally, I'M
locking door and stood politely
aside while entered A moment he
fingered outside, peering suspiciously
a and down the deserted hallway
stepping within, closed and bolted
door, even carefully lowering the
Nom before turning up the gas
He hastily crossed the room,
Nwn the single window, and drew
the heavy shade watched
idences Of excessive caution
M siderable amusement UNI
bribery Of the Valparaiso
Ne was considered a most
Mr. A table occupied the
room, and with a wave
fat hand my mysterious
tvited me TO occupy a
The perplexity exhib