The Washington herald., 1912-01-29

clearing gave challenge, and two more Of
the bandits came across the glade. With
/ them walked a little brown man, suave
and gentle-the little man whom Brockett
thought long since dead in the waters Of
North River-the tireless agent OF Japan
mona less than Mr.. Yazimoto!
Baron Zollern greeted the Nipponese
with evident surprise, but with forced
courtesy.
'T subbosed," said he, "dot my abb
bointmend vos exclusive nit de captain.
Sdill, Herr Yazimoto, you are welcome
You understand. OF course. dot haf de
Wrist und only CLAIM TO desc EsteTal
documents? De key OF de cipher code.
Herr Yazimoto. I will share NIT you, und
gladly. Iss dot agreeabler'
Mr.. YaZimoto purred his dissent. The
entire dossier OF EsteraI letters. as well
as the cipher code, he explained, were
his. After he had perused them, he
would gladly let his old friend. the Baron
Zollern, glance through them, but for
the present time. though It desolated him
to be so selfish, he must insist upon the
first inspection OF the papers. already
purchased from the honorable captain.
Baron Zollern glowered and growled
his statement that he had paid for the
letters, and that he, he alone. should
have first reading of the mIssives. Both
men appealed 20 Juan Torrejon. That
in his ignorance OF the English tongue.
Loud language was heard; the big Ger
man purpled in the face, and the suave
smile left the countenance OF Mr.. Yazi-
motto. Brockstt. fascinated by the faces
OF these two men, whom he had thought
removed from his path forever. almost
forgot that he was a prisoner and COM
pletely forgot the dangers OF his situs-
ton as he listened to the quarrel
Juan Torrejon stood by and smiled
humorously at the babel OF tongues. but
finally seemed to tire OF the uproar. He
beckoned the young Mexican who had
previously translated his words to Brock
EFT and calmly laid down the law to the
contending spies.
II must confess, senores," said Tore
jon, pleasantly, that forgot which one
OF you should have precedence in your
dealings with me. 1t Is true, also, that
did accept money from you both. That
money, however. was but retainer, an
advance fee, let us say. Here are the
letters. intact. even as but few hours
since took them from this young cabal-
lero. Suppose, senores. that you make
further offer for them?"
Baron Zollern emitted snort Of in
dlEnatton. "A hold-up, iss id?' he fair
ly beloved. well, should haf objected
Id. Here"-and he dragged a capacious
wallet from his inner pocket-'1ss ten
tousand dollars more. VIII dot sufice
your rabacity?"
Juan Torrejon bowed with all his
grace Of a true Spanish cavalier. 1T
will be ample. senor-unleSs this other
gentleman desires to offer still more"
Mr.. Yazimoto turned white beneath his
saffron skin.
Il had imagined" he protested, that
the bargain concluded with the honor
able captain was a business transaction.
Unfortunate 10 declare, brought no
money with me. Still, II the honorable
captain will agree, l will bring $1,000
dollars before the sunrise OF another
morning"
Torrejon shook his head.
II fear" said he. that present op-
portunities must be accepted rather than
future chances. Senior Zollern, permit
me to present you with the documents in
question"
Grunting with heartfelt pleasure, the
German seized the envelopes and thrust
them, unopened, into his pocket.
Mr.. Yazimoto, clenching his small
brown hands in rage and disappointment,
eyed him like a wildcat hesitating be-
fore a spring.
''Dere vas great need" said Baron
Zollern, dot I should haf desc Iedders.
Herr YaZimoto. 1 rebeat TO you-you vas
endirely Welcome to de cipher code. VII
you ACCEPT i'd from me tomorrow Also
promise you, you shall haf de OBJ
bortunidy to examine all portions on
desc babers dat may concern you or your
gofernmend. Vot say you? VIII you ag-
cept a SECOND reading7"
'1t seems to me-" came a soft, we'll
modulated voice, that a third reading
will be better for Mr.. Yazimoto. Att
least, that is my opinion"
Juan TorreJon, petrifled where he
stood, was staring open-1yed and open |
mouthed at a small, almost insignifi- |
cant Individual. standing not ten feet
from the bandits side. The members
of Torrejon's gang, suddenly converted |
into most peaceful citizens, had dropped |
their arms and were ranged IN meek
and gentle groups along the glade. |
Across the clearing was streaming a |
long column of superoIy armed and
mounted riders and additional horsemen
were already holding every exit from
the camp-ground.
II believe" the little man resumed, |
that every man is entitled to a FIRST
perusal OF his own correspondence.
win you kindly hand those envelopes
to me, Herr Zollern? I am Gomez |
Esterar'