The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-01-18
THE SIGNAL
A Story Of Revolution
In Mexico
By r. A. mitchell

!: By F. A. mitchell. !:
ssssssssssssssssssssssssss
The republic Of Mexico had been
tranquil under the presidency OF Ippoii-
to Quintares, and 1t was supposed by
that people of many governments that
they would be permitted to continue at
peace and to recover from the effects
Of anarchy.
But no one can tell what In about to
happen In Mexico. In that country a
revolution is liable at any time to fash
Ike lightning from clear sky.
One afternoon Manuel Coral; neph-
ew and the secretary Of the presi-
dent, rode into the country q distance
Of 4 dosen miles 10 the residence of
General Munsg, whose title had come
from his once having commanded
hand Of rsvolutionists- But Coral was
not goiug to zee the general Inez
Garcia, the daughter Of q former pres
ident Of Mexico who had been deposed
and garroted. being without means OF
support had bssn taken fnto the Munez
family and made soverness to the gen.
erals children. Manuel Coral had met
her and fallen IN love with her.
The young man reached the Munez
hacienda a. the sun was setting and
rode up between an avenue of trees
TO the house. The general was sitting
on his veraada- Coral threw himself
from his horse, turned the beast over
b dusky stableman and advanced to
meet the general. To his surprise the
vtsitor saw under an assumed cordial
ny a partially concealed antagonism.
The general seemed to be displeased
at his coming His previous visits had
been welcomed by the best, and the
visitor had every reason to presume
that his attentions to Senorita Inez
were approved by the general and hts
family. Their approval was a matter
Of importance, for the young lady owed
them much and was treated more Ike
one Of them than q hireling. Manuel's
nrst thought was that for some reason
unknown to him they had withdrawn
and their protegee.
You win end Inez Within" said the
general aftef placing his hand eoldiy
in that Of Manuel 'She is arranging
flowers for the table. OF course you
win sup with us."
Manuel went into the house. meeting
Sonora aIgteg In the hall She started
on es-, aim and knit her brows: then
-esumIng her usual cordial manner she
welcomed him, called lnez from the
dining room, and the visitor and the
senorita passed into the drawing room
Inez. IL she did not appear discom-
posed at his coming. seemed troubled.
Something In wrong. sweetheart
said Manuel 1.-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. Tel me what 1t all means"
Tnex was silent for a moment. then
made a reply that Coral knew was a
prevaricatton-
"Don't you think you are exaggerat-
ing the want Of cordiality of your re-
ceptionf The general and Sonora Mu
nez may have something annoying on
their minds that renders the presence
Of q visitor In the house just at present
ineenvenient to them. q
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
II can very well understand such a
situation" he said. "Unlucky the hosts
a. well N the visitor who comes at an
inopportune time. But. now am here,
we must all make the best Of It, My
ride from the city has given me an ap-
petite, and the general has invited me
to supper. II end later in the even
ing that my presence II annoying l
win 20 back to tbs city. 1t is a two
hour rids and there are cutthroats on
the way, but win 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 Inez
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 asain permitted to occupy
the parlor together. Manuel did not
refer again to the want Of cordially
with which he had been received, AT
q o'clock he arose to 90. Inez seemed
disturbed. but did not invite him TO re
main Passing into the hall. the gen
ernl came out Of room opposite tol
meet him.
'You are mot going to the city to
night?" said Munex-
Certainly. Why notf"
Better remain here. insist upon
It I should not forgive myself II you
should meet with trouble on the way. +.
what troubled"
"Never mind that. We have a room
Tor ron. and shall expect you TO oc.
cupy II"
This was spoken not In tone of In
vitation. but OF command. Coral WAS
more surprised than ever. Something
was surely In the wind
svery wen. general. Since you in |
sist upon my remaining win do so. |
But the president win be In his Office