The Spectator., 1915-01-15
CHAPTER xNN-ContInued.


 'fMy friends-mS very good friends" |" began Rowe slowly, tracing the table- cloth designs with a stiletto, which, In its capacity of paper-cutter, Ray at hand. T shall tell you all; bot first eiet us review the situation as 1t stands. To begin with, then. there is ito be a revolution In Venezuela, in which we are engaged-a fact that we are ab- sorbed in to the exclusion of all else at this tsme. 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 50 much inter- ested in the overthrow eof the present rotten and corrupt government be- cause 1t Is such an liniQuitous adminis- tration as because of his immense as- phalt interests there, and the dispro- portionate export,tax which is at pres ent being put upon 1t, and which a clean new government would promise in advance to diminish. All this he has told you and 1t is true as far as 1t goes. But there is another and a deeper interest which is the real mo- tive behind his assistance, and which knnwn h nm 4A rt,x my holding out this interest as bait to him. there wouldobe no money forth coming. and consequently no revolu- ton at all!"
 There was a moment of stupefied surprise. Then the captain brought his fist down upon the table resonantly.
 What do you say! No revolution! {! Are you trying toumake fools of us, or do you really hold such a secret? Come, no pfaying.Nwe are busy men!"
 Y have made no exaggeration of the truth. sen0rns." replied Rowe And 1t will take but little time to prove as much. Let usspeak of senora Daussa!"
 "Ah! tho brave and noble senora!" exclaimed the little officer fervently. ''It is she whose presence among us and whose interest in our cause gives us the % umuoh needed courage! Whose immenser popularity will be of such value to .us!"
 "Wait!" said Rowe. Let me inform you. nrst of aall. that the honored senora knows mo more of this revo- nyntN haa skh {o xs
 Knows nothing of the plans! Why, Valdez, Is ii not her interest which has banded us together. which" began the captain.
 Her interest! You have only my word for that. tsaid Rowe. You have never-not una of you-spoken single syllable with her on the subject!"
 It was too true. Save for that one interview. when little or. nothing had been said, Senora Daussa's sympathy and support had been. taken entirely upon hearsay. furnished only by Rowe and Sancho.
 This is mast extraordinary" ex- claimed the captain in hbewilderment. "Will you please to explain this ac- ton of yours sn so deoeiying us-and furthermore. what bearing 1t haa upon vanderpool?"
 The last Is the easiest to reply to-" replied Rowe. t'and. therefore. to take 1t first. What bearing has 1t upon Vanderpool7 G0od captain. sahe Is the bait!"
 'Dios!" exclaimed the first lmau. There was pause. then:
 ''Is 1t permitted to ask how." said the captain with exaggerated polite ness.
 But certainly" replied Rowe cheer fully. "Vanderpo0l has been in love with her for years; he believes her to be a prisoner in Venezuela. alone of his acQuaintanees know exactly where she is! Ha! ha! behold your revolution! It is very simple!"
 .,And she! How do you hold her and where?" demanded the captain. his face purpling opinously. How comes she to be with you?'
 That is soon told--at least, part of it," said Rowe. who. for hidden req sons of lhis own seemed bent on mak- ing a considerable confession. She also has been in love with him for many years, and l am supposed to be her to find hin. Find him. while all the time l am in constant touch with lhim! Meanwhile, I tell her that the search is hopaless-that ] cannot finl this lover of hers! Ahi eah!"
 And where IS she?" grow,,ed the captain. never taking his eyae from Rowe. That is another question:" snapped Rowe. "That is sssmething dO not Intend te answer. ave that yos gre not likely to learn" Then h the devils name. what as 1 your schems-what do you want tO 1o?" roared the captain. First yoH us into joining the revolution ,n the strength of senora Daussas influence, proposing to make her son
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