The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1914-12-18
CHAPTER xViI-continued.

CHAPTER xViI-continued
MY friends-my very good friends,
began Rowe slowly, tracing the table
cloth designs with a stiletto, which,
In its capacity of paper-cutter. lay at
hand, Il shall tell you all; but first
let US review the situation as it stands.
To begin with, then. there is to be a
revolution in Venezuela, in which we
are engaged-a fact that we are abb
sorbed in to the exclusion of all else
at this time, being good patriots all,
and having the best interests of our
splendid country most sincerely at
heart. Secondly, our patron, who shall
be nameless. Is backing this patriotic
and righteous enterprise with his good
American dollars. Now, to those inter-
ested and active in this most glorious
undertaking, he has represented
frankly that he is not so much inter
ested in the overthrow Of the present
rotten and corrupt government be-
cause 1t Is such an iniquitous admins
tration ais because of his immense as
phalt interests there, and the dispro-
portionate export-tax which is at pres.
ent being put upon it, and which a
clean new government would promise
in advance to diminish. All this he
has told you and it is true as far as
it goes. But there Is another and a
deeper interest which Is the real mo-
tive behind his assistance, and which
Is known to me alone; more, without
my holding out this interest as bait
to him, there would be no money forth
coming, and consequently no revolu-
ton at ALL"
There was a moment of stupefed
surprise. Then the captain brought
his fist down upon the table resonantly.
What do you say! No revolution!
Are you trying to make fools of us,
or do you really hold such secret?
Come, no playing, we are busy men!"
81 have made no exaggeration of the
truth, senores," replied Rowe. "And 1t
will take but little time to prove as
much. Let us speak of Sonora Daussa!"
"Ah! the brave and noble senora!"
exclaimed the little officer fervently.
1T Is she whose presence among us
and whose interest In our cause gives
US the so much needed courage!
Whose immense popularity will be Of
such value to us!"
"Wait!" said Rowe LET me inform
you, first of all, that the honored
sonora knows no more of this revo-
luton than this table does!"
Knows nothing of the plans! Why,
Valdez, is it not her interest which has
banded us together, which" began
tho captain.
'Her interest! You have only my
word for that" said Rowe. You have
never-not one Of you-spoken a single
syllable with her on the sub1ect!"
1t was too true. Save for that one
interview, when little or nothing had
been said, Sonora Daussa's sympathy
and support had been taken entirely
upon hearsay, furnished only by Rowe
and Sancho.
"This is most extraordinary! ex-
claimed the captain in bewilderment.
viii you please to explain this ac-
ton Of yours in SO deceiving us-and
furthermore, what bearing it has upon
vanderpool?"
"The last is the easiest to reply to-"
replied Rowe, "and, therefore, to take
it first. What bearing has it upon
Vanderpool? Good captain, she is the
bait!"
"Dios!" exclaimed the first man.
There was pause, then:
''Is 1t permitted to ask how?" said
the captain with exaggerated polite
ness.
But certainly" replied Rowe cheer
fully. "Vanderpool has been in love
with her for years; he believes her
to be a prisoner in Venezuela l alone
of his acquaintances know exactly
where she is! Ha! ha! behold your
revolutions! 1t is very simple!"
And she! How do you hold her,
and where?" demanded the captain,
his face purpling ominously. How
comes she to be with you?"
u,
Of it." said Rowe, who, for hidden rea-
sons of his own seemed bent on max
ing a considerable confession. She
also has been in love with him for
many years, and l am supposed to be
assisting her to find him. Find him,
while all the time l am in constant
touch with him! Meanwhile, l tell
her that the search is hopeless-that
cannot find this lover of hers!
All! ah!"
And where is she?" growled the
captain, never taking his eyes from
Rowe.
That is another question" snapped
Rowe. THAT is something l do not
intend to answer, save that you are
not likely to learn"
Then in the devils name, what is
your scheme-what do you want to
do?" roared the captain. First you
mislead us into joining the revolution
on the strength of Sonora Daussa's
influence, proposing to make her son
president, even as his idolized father
WdS dllO III" tu6k VIC nIO III IOO uCcp
to withdraw, you tell us that she
knows nothing Of the plot, and by that,
of course, intimate that she would not
approve it, You defraud Vanderpool,
playing him and the sonora off against
each other, and then, at the eleventh
hour you summon us and disclose this
astounding matter. What does it
mean? Explain, for by the Holy
Mother, you shall net leave this room
until you have done sol"
A subtle, inscrutable smile played
around the corners of Rowe's mouth,
and he lighted a fresh cigar with much
deliberation before replying. Then he
looked the captain squarely in the eyes
and his jaw took on a determined set
that made it seem squarer than ever.
81 intend to be dictator of Vene-
zuela," he said very distinctly.
Again silence. On the old-fashfoned
marble mantle shelf an ornate little
clock licked loudly, and from some