The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-13

A iaint tin horn whistle was heard
around the curve. The fast mail OF
the Chantillo line approached She
approached, but seeing the obstruc
ton on the track, she hesitated, halted
came to full stop. The two masked
men leaped upon the engine and held
up the crew with their ever-ready
guns.
Hernandez stepped into the car be-
hind. He fired three shots He aimed
at no one. The shots had their eff
fcc.-on two persons at least. Joe
Welcher ducked at once. Mrs Har.
din followed suit No one was hit
Annette alone retained her nerve
So" she said fearlessly. its you
again. And where is your charming
friend, Miss Irene Courtier?"
Brute" cried Hernandez, throwing
off his mask. bring those two men
here"
The Brute brought them. Take the
bell cord said Hernandez to the
train crew. land tie this young girl
up"
Hernandez, still with his gun on
guard, bent over the girl. He plunged
his hand into her breast, and with a
Jerk tore the chamois bag from her
neck.
I'll tie this man myself" said Her.
aandez. approaching Joe Welchcr He
.eaned over Joe, and wound some cord
loosely about his hands
'I'll need you" he whispered, but
make no mistake. Mistakes are fatal
when I'm around
He left the Brute on guard and
marched the crew back to the engine
How near are we to the nearest sta.
tion?" he queried, tell me truth.
Not for miles. senior" they gasped
only little farther on in a deserted
'taton, Montrada. No trains stop
here. 1t Is discontinued
Any occupants" queried Herman.
,eZ.
Monet is deserted. 1t is even
aunted. senior.
Iiow-haunted?"
Something there goes click-click
click-click -always when we pass.
Hernandez chuckled to himself. "A
telegraph instrument" he said to him
self. 81 thought so-that's the shack
we passed this morning Now" he
commanded. come out here and clear
the track of these distractions no,
you do it." he commanded the Brute,
The Brute ran from his position in the
car. leaped to the ground. and with a
twist or two OF one hand tossed the
felled trees from the track.
Now" said Hernandez. run us
| down to that shed. / don't know what
I'm going to do just yet. but III find
out there
He whistled softly. A third figure
emerged from the forest. tripred
across the rails and entered the has
| gage car. This was lnez Castro. She
passed on into the passenger end OF
the coach. She smiled gently at An
nette.
So my charming friend" she said
at last YOU have seen hit to intrust
YOUR treasures to Senorita Inez Cas-
tro. Good. my little one.
They reached the ancient shed Over
| is closed doorway was an old sign
Montrada"
Hernandez broke open the door by
means of his usual agency-the Brute
| Hernandez darted to the keys-he
vas soldier oil fortune and this learn
ing was one of mis- equipments. Bound
! as she was in the car, Annette could
hear what the instrument said, for
singularly enough Hernandez. wher
he first called, used the Spanish
tongue; later he clicked in English
words. II was clear that Ponto was
at the other end of the wire. and some
where near La Plaza.
What news. good Ponto?" he in.
luired over the keys. Any danger OF
pursuit."
And Ponto answered: That" ne
said. Il cannot tell. But much activ.
ity. There is talk of war. There is
talk OIL a detachment coming over
and
BY train?"
By train said Ponto, telegraph
ally speaking.
And the next train?"
DAYS OF" said Ponto.
Good"
Wait said Ponto. there is more
I ,aws snail call YOU up again"
What news?"
L do not know There is something
yoing on. / shall find out in an hour.
1