The Spectator., 1915-01-15

AOuT you summon us ana OlSClO6e tnlS astounding matter. What does 1t mean? Explain, for by the Holy Mother. you shall not leave this room until you have done sol"
 A subtle, tnscrutable smile played around the corners of Rowe's mouth. and he lighted fresh cigar with much deliberation before replying. Then he looked the, captain sQuarely in the eyes and his jaw took on determined set that made it seem sQuarer than ever
 T intend to be dictator of Vene- xuela," he said very distinctly.
 Again eilence. On the oldfashioned marble mantle shelf an ornate little clock licked loudly, and from some where near at hand came low moan, so low and faint that none of the men heard 1t, prepossessed as they were with the stupendous statement that had just been made.
 And how do you intend going about attaining this mild ambitiol?" asked the second officer with mock courtesy. A look from Rowe cut him short, and wiped the smile from his face.
 q have already gone about it." Rowe said in his precise way. "It only re- mains for you gentlemen to make a decision between the situations. On one hand, you support me, lend me the power which you control-a no mean force as l am quite aware-and l will present you each with the official ap- pointment which you most desire in the Venezuelan government-you shall be ministers, admirals, premiers--even reasurers-anything you will. when once l am seated in the presidential chair. On the other hand. refuse,, and will simply bring my two turtle.doves together. and there will be no revolu- tion. Mark my words-the tariff on asphalt is only minor issue with our friend. Once he has the lady, he'll risk neither life nor money in our enterprise!"
 "I do not believe you1" cried the sec ond officer hotly. 'I think you are lying!"
 Rowe looked straight at him. meet ing him eye to eye.
 You know l am not lying" he re- sponded slowly. Try it, if you doubt mel"
 You would be ruined If we did so and 1t proved true." murmured the captain.
 I'd rather see us all ruined than fail of my pet plan." rejoined Rowe.
 A long silence followed. which was broken at last by the captain, who arose with a sigh.
 Well. Valdez" said he. you have got us at your-shall we say-mercy think the other gentlemen will agree that there is nothing for us to do but consent to help you, and incidentally, ourselves, if you are to be trusted to fulfill your promises to us. which I doubt. Any other course We may take seems even more likely to land us in prison than this does"
 One by one they agreed and then, with regal gesture. Rowe dismissed them.
 Tomorrow we shall talk" he said T shall meet you all here at ten o'clock in the evening Meanwhile, sweet dreams of our future power"
 Then. one by one, they left. string ing out down the steps, and clankins across the little paved court. leaving him alone.
 "Gracios Dios. that is over!" said he. stretching luxuriously.
 Tt is not over!" said a voice behind him.
 He wheeled about, and there stood the senora. her golden hair in disorder. her face white as death.
 q have been outside for ten min utes." sshe said. "and have heard ev. erythipg!"
 Heard you you listened!" he stammered. the room seeming to reel about him.
 Yes! heard! listened and I found out how you have been deceiv- ing lme-you, whom l have trusted, whom 1 have loved as a friend of my heart, whom have put my faith in. and come away with into this strange land. Oh! you have cheated. and re- yiled me, and l believed in you. You have lied to me-lied. lied, lied! About my lover you have lied. about my coun- try. about your patriotism-you have used me as a tool with which to ac- complish your own dishonorable ambi. tions! Have you lied to me about my childf Answer me! k she dead. even as you said? Why does she write no more? Teh me, do you know? Ahl would not believe you even if you spoke. and yet. must-I must Where is my lover? Where? Tell me! You shall tell me! will have the truth out of your lying throat!"
 Garment" he cried. For the love of God be quiet! You are like a mad 
 "Mad!" she screamed. Would you sot be mad? Tell me where he is. | aay!" T will not!" he stormeA. Tell you -As you think I am mad slso!"