The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1915-01-01
CHAPTER xvlI-Contlnued.

MY friends-my very good friends"
began Rowe slowly, tracing the table
cloth designs with stiletto, which,
In Its capacity of paper-cutter, lay at
hand, Il shall tell you all; but first
let US review the situation as 1t 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 30 much inter
ested In the overthrow Of the present
rotten and corrupt government be-
cause 1t Is such an Ubiquitous admins
tration as because of his immense as
phalt interests there, and the dispro-
portionate exporttax 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
Ia known to me alone; more, without
ny holding out this interest as bait
to him, there would be no money forth
coming, and consequently no revolu-
ton at ALL"
There was moment of stupefied
surprise. Then the captain brought
his fist down upon the table resonantly.
What do you say! No revolution!
or do you really hold such a secret?
Come, no playing, we are busy men!"
II have made no exaggeration of the
truth, senores," replied Rowe. And 1t
VIII take but little time to prove as
mach. Let us speak of Sonora Daussa!"
-Ah! the 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 so much needed courage!
Whose immense popularity will be of
such value to us!"
you, first of all, that the honored
sonora knows no more of this revo-
luton than this table doesv'
KNOWS nothing of the plans! Why,
Valdez, is It not her interest which has
banded US together, which" began
the captain.
Her interest! You have only my
word for that" said Rowe. You have
never-not one of you-spoken single
syllable with her on the subject"
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
will you please to explain this ac-
ton Of yours In so deceiving us-and
furthermore, what bearing 1t has upon
vanderpool?
The last is the easiest to reply to-"
replied Rowe, "and, therefore, to take
1t first. What bearing has 1t upon
vanderpool? Good captain, she is the
lbaiti"
"Dios!" exclaimed the first man.
There was a pause, then:
rs It permitted to ask how?" said
the captain with exaggerated polite
mess.
but certainly" replied Rowe cheer
fully. "Vanderpool has been In love
with her for years; he believes her
to be prisoner in Venezuela. l alone
OF his acquaintances know exactly
where she Is! Ha! ha! behold your
revolutionl 1t Is very simple!"
And shell How do you hold her,
and where?" demanded the captain,
his face purpling ominously. How
comes she to be with your"
THAT Is soon told-at least, part
Of It," said Rowe, who, for hidden rea-
sons Of his own seemed bent on MAX
ing considerable confession. "She
many years, and am supposed to be
assisting her to find him. Find him,
while all the time l am In constant
touch with him. Meanwhile, tell
her that the search is hopeless-that
/ cannot find this lover of hers!
All! ah!"
sAnd 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?" reared 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
WAS. and now that we ara In too dee N