The Washington times., 1911-11-22
CHAPTER x (Continued).
\ SCARCELY think will keep them


Antonio replied. you have
asked me to postpone the ex-
ecution Of Heredia. You shall have
your wish. l will postpone that
execution for the reason that I
postpone yours-that I may wiring from
both OF You the full truth of your con-
spiracy.
That you and Heredia are in some
KIND OF alliance I do not doubt
whether or not you have succeeded In
communicating with each other prior to
your arrival in Valo is one of the ques-
tions 1 will have to settle before
stout rope lifts you from the Office of
chief engineer of the Calistar Railroad
Company"
Turning abruptly to Colonel Torico.
the governor addressed him in a voice
SO low that Sparhawk was unable to
hear his words. The colonel nodded an
started toward >his men. Don Antonio
was following more slowly when a word
from Sparhawk again brought him
face to face with the American
"Stop!' said Sparhawk.
The voice was low, but in it there was
. ring of authority that caused the gov
ernor to lift his brows. Torico con-
tinued on his way.
THE brother to the bullet that drop
ped the buzzard is behind the willow
yonder. your excellency," sparhawk
said. "It will reach you the moment
men,"
Following the direction Of sparhawk's
glance, Don Antonio met the eyes Of
Connerton as they looked from behind
the tree over the barrel Of his rife.
ntn
was no coward, but even bravery is
sometimes eclipsed by discretion.
The colonel is a fast walker" said
Sparhawk meditatively.
'Torico" cried the governor in a
sharp, though husky, voice.
The colonel stopped and looked behind
him.
Here" commanded Don Antonio.
While Torico was retracing mis- steps
Sparhawk said:
Your excellency will have three min
IIeredia, who will accompany you to the
house which you have been good enough
TO place at my service"
Don Antonio hesitated, then, with an
effort he replied:
Have a care. senor. The advantage
lies with you just now. You will do
well to use it wisely"
"You shall have no occasion to re-
cxcellency," rejoined Sparhawk, with a
Torico now stood before them
Colonel. have decided to grant
Senor Sparhawk a private interview"
him to his house. Take your men with
you to the palace and await my instruc-
tions there Leave heredia with IN me-
of rorico. ard, as he hesitated, he look
ed doubtfully from the governor to
Sparhawk. The man behind the tree
escaped his wondering glances, and, af
to Heredia.
AS Heredia. with an expression of
wonder on, his face, approached Don
or three orders to his men. The beat
ing of the drum was resumed, and soon
the soldiers were leaving the place of
execution behind them.
When the soldiers had disappeared
from view Sparhawk turned to Don An
"Your excellency, in view of the fact
that you found it desirable to threaten
me with death, am compelled to ask
you for some evidence of more pacific
Intentions" he said. Il will, therefore,
request you to deliver to my friend, Mr..
Handley, your sword, and whatever
other weapons you may have about
The governors face grew nvid
my sword is the only weapon l have
ousIy; "but 1t would seem that you fear
IL might prove more formidable in the
hands OF gentleman than the rifles
and revolyers which are carried by you
and your fellow-brigahds. That your
fears may be allayed. will commit it to
your keeping
Thus speaking. he unfastened his
accordance with Sparhawk's directions
the governor then seated himself beside
Young in the first seat of the automo-
Behind him sat Connerton, Sparhawk
Handley and Heredia, all crowded into
the rear seat, and at word from Spar
hawk Young headed for the house they
had left about an hour ago.
The Journey homeward was unevent-
full. All remained silent until they ar
rived at their destination and alighted
in the courtyard. Sparhawk led the way
up the stairs to the gallery. Immedi-
ately behind him came Don Antonio,
who, IN turn, was closely followed by
Connerton, Handley and Heredia.
Sparhawk paused in front of the door
ouening to the room he had occupied,
and was III the act of putting his hand
on the knob when the door suddenly
opened and Barbara appeared on the
threshold. The face of the young won,-
an frightened, and she was about to ad-
dress Sralhawk, when she beheld the
face of Den Antonio.
A cry of elarm fell from her lips and
as she recoiled, a sudden grayness OYER
spread her features. Don Antonio was
scaIcely less astonished. AS he looked
his face turned purple.
"In the devils name, what is the
meaning of all this? he demanded, ad-
dressing Sparkhawk.
"It means, your eXcellency. that your
sudden appearance here has taken your
hostess by surprise" said Sparhawk
easily. "Indee1. Mrs. Sparhawk did not
even expect me mere so soon"
MRS. Sparhawkl' exclaimed the now
thoroughly amazed governor.
''Why. yes" said Sparhawk. Surely