Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1916-02-02
THE SIGNAL
A Story of Revolution
I'm Mexico
By F. A. mitchell

: By F. A. mitchell
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The republic Of Mexico had been
tranquil under the presidency OF lppoli-
to Quintares, and it was supposed by
that people of many governments that
they would he permitted to continue at
peace and to recover from the effects
Of anarchy.
But no one can tell what is about to
happen in Mexico. In that country
revolution IS liable at any time to fash
like lightning from clear sky.
One afternoon Manuel Coral, d neph-
ew and the secretary Of the presi-
dent, rode into the country distance
Of dozen miles to the residence Of
General MuneZ. whose title had come
from his once having commanded
band Of revolutionists. But Coral was
not going to see the general. Inez
Garcia, the daughter of former pres
ident of Mexico who had been deposed
and garroted, being without means of
support had been taken into the Munez
family and made governess to the gen
erals children. Manuel Coral had met
her and fallen in love with her.
The young man reached the Munez
hacienda as the sun was setting and
rode up between an avenue Of trees
to the house. The general was sitting
on his veranda. Coral threw himself
from his horse, turned the beast over
to dusky stableman and advanced to
meet the general. To his surprise the
visitor saw under an assumed cordial
ity partially concealed antagonism.
The general seemed to be displeased
at his coming. His previous visits had
been welcomed by the host, and the
visitor had every reason to presume
that his attentions to Senorita Inez
were approved by the general and his
family. Their approval was a matter
OF importance, for the young lady owed
them much and was treated more like
one Of them than q hireling. Manuel's
first thought was that for some reason
unknown to him they had withdrawn
their consent for match between him
and their protegee.
You will find Inez within" said the
general after placing his hand coldly
In that Of Manuel. "She Is arranging
flowers for the table. OF course you
will sup with u.s.
Manuel went into the house, meeting
Sonora Munez I'm the hall. She started
on seeing him and knit her brows; then
resuming her usual cordial manner she
welcomed him, called lnez from the
dining room, and the visitor and the
senorita passed into the drawing room.
1nez, II she did not appear discom-
posed at his coming, seemed troubled.
'Something Is wrong, sweetheart"
said Manuel. '"The general received
me with, to say the least, embarrass-
ment. Sonora Munez was startled at
seeing me, and you do not greet me as
usual. Tell me what it all means"
lnez was silent for a moment, then
made a reply that Coral knew was a
prevarication.
Don't you think you are exaggerat-
ing the want Of cordially Of your re-
ception? The general and Sonora Mu-
nez may have something annoying on
their minds that renders the presence
of visitor In the house just at present
inconvenient to them"
Manuel studied her face, which was
half averted, for a few moments and
made up his mind that something was
on hand which might be important,
something that he should know. He
resolved to conceal his suspicion.
Il can very we'll understand such a
situation" he said. "Unlucky the hosts
as we'll as the visitor who comes at an
inopportune time. But, now l am here,
we must all make the best Of 1t. My
ride from the city has given me an ap-
petite, and the general has invited me
to supper. If find later In the even
ing that my presence is annoying l
will go back to the city. 1t is a two
hour ride and there are cutthroats on
the way, but I will not force myself
upon those who do not wish my COM
pany."
At the mention Of his riding over a
road that was infested by robbers 1nez
chung to him, appearing much disturb
ed. But she said nothing. and in an
other moment supper was announced.
After the meal Coral and his sweet
heart were again permitted to occupy
the parlor together. Manuel did not
refer again to the want Of cordiality
with which he had been received. At
8 o'clock he arose to 90. 1nez seemed
but did not invite him to re-
main. Passing into the hall, the gen.
eral came out Of room opposite to
meet him.
you are not going to the city to-
nightY p said Munez.
Certainly. Why not?"
Better remain here. insist upon
1t. should not forgive myself II you
should meet with trouble on the way"
"What trouble?"
"Never mind that. We have a room
for you, and shall expect you to &C.
cupy it."
This was spoken not in a tone Of in
vitation, but Of command. Coral was
more surprised than ever. Something
was surely in the wind.
Every well, general. Since you in
sist upon my remaining I will do 20.
But the president will be in his office
early In the morning. That means that
bis secretary must be there early also.''