The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1915-01-15

Mother. you shall not leave this room
rntil you have done sol"
A subtle, inscrutAble smile played
around the corners OF Rowe's mouth
and he lighted fresh cigar with much
elaboration before replying. Then he
looked the captain sQuarely in the eyes
and his jaw took on a determined sci
that made It seem squarer than ever
Il intend to be dictator of Vene
xuela." he said very distinctly.
Again silence. On the old-fashioned
marble mantle shelf an ornate little
! clock licked loudly. and from some.
where near at hand came low moan,
80 low and faint that none of the men
heard it, prepossessed as they were
with the stupendous statement that
had just been made.
And how do you intend going
about attaining this mild ambition
asked the second officer with mock
courtesy. A look from Rowe cut him
short. and wiped the smile from his
face.
Il have already gone about IT," Rowe
said In his precise way 1T 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 coatrol-a no mean
force as am quite aware-and / win
present you each with the Official ap-
pointmsnt which you most desire In
the Venezuelan government--you shall
be ministers. admirals, premiers--even
treasurers--anything you win. when
once ! 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.
ton. Mark my wprds-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!"
Il do not believe you'll" cried the sec
ond officer holly. 7 think you are
lyingl'
Rowe looked straight at him. meet
ing him eye to eye.
you. know | am not lying" he re-
sponded slowly. TRY it. If you doubt
mel"
"You would be ruined If we did so
and It 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 sigh.
We'll. 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. II you are to be trusted to
fulnll your promises to US. which l
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 tall" he said.
Il 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 clanking
across the little paved court. leaving,
him alone.
"Graeios q Dios, that Is over!" said
he, stretching lnxuriously
1T II not over!" said q voice behind
him.
He wheeled about. and there stood
the sonora. her golden hair In disorder,
her face white as death.
4 have been outside for ten min
utes." she ssia:. and | have heard ev-
srythInEls
Heard = you you listenedl" he
stammered. the room seeming to reel
about him.
..Yesi I heard listened and /
found out how yos have been dsceiv.
ihg me-you whom / have trusted.
whom | have loved As a friend Of nv
heart, whom have nut nv faith in.
and come away With into this strange
land. on Won have cheated. ana re-
= .s.4-1