Judsonia weekly advance., 1918-06-26

teban said:
 You would like me to confess to some black iniquity that would make us better friends, eh? We'll, it so hap pens that 1 was not alone tonight, but that another person saw the poor wom- ans death and can bear me out in ev- erything l say. No, PanchO, you over reach yourself Now, then''-Esteban was quick-tempered, and for years he had struggled against an instructive distrust and dislike of the plantation manager-''remember that I have be- come the head of thls house, and your employer. You will do better to think of your own affairs than of mine. intend to have careful reckoning with you. l think you know have a good head for figures" Turning his back upon the elder man. he walked away.
 | Now it did not occur to Cueto really to doubt the boys innocence, though the circumstances of Donna Isabel's death were suspicious enough to raise question in any mind; but in view of Esteban's threat he thought it wise to protect himself by setting back fire.
 | AS he sat on m old stone bench moodily repicturins the catastrophe as Esteban had described 1t, his attention fell upon an envelope at his feet. It was sealed it was unaddressed. Cue to idly broke it open and began to | read. Before he had gone far he start | ed; then he cast furtive glance | about. But the place was secluded he was unobserved. When he finished reading he rose smiling. He no longer | feared Esteban. On the contrary, he rather pitied the young fool; for here between his fingers was that which not only promised to remove the boy from his path forever. but to place ln his hands the entire VarOna estates. One afternoon. perhaps week later, Don Mario de Castano came puffng and blowing up to the quihta, demand ing to see Rosa without moments delay. With directness unusual even in him, Don Mario began:
 Rosa, my dear, you and Esteban have been discovered was at lunch with the conmandante when I learned the truth. Through friendship I pre- vailed upon him to give you an hours grace"
 What do you mean, Don Maro?" inquired the girl.
 Come, come" the planter cried im- patiently. Don't you see you can trust me? Heavenl The recklessness. the folly of young people! Could you not leave this instruction to your | elders? Or perhaps you thought il a matter of no great importance. an amusing thing"
 "Don Mario!" Rose interrupted. "l don't know what you are talking about"
 You don't. eh?" The callers wet checks grew redder; he blew like a porpoise. "Then call Esteban quickly !! There is not moment to lose" When the brother appeared De Castano burted out at him accusingly: Well. sir A fine fix you've put yourself in. Perhaps you will be interested to learn that Colonel Fernandez has issued or ders to arrest you and your sister as agents of the insurrectos"
 ''What?" Esteban drew back. Rosa turned white as Il lily and laid a flut- Gerng hand upon her throat.
 You two will sleep tonight in San Severino." grimly announced the TO- tund visitor. "You know what that means"
 Rosa uttered smOthered cry.
 "Coone Fernandez" Don Mario proceeded, impressivery, "did me this favor, knowing me to be a suitor for Rosa's hand. In spite of his duty and the evidence he"
 "Evidence? What evidence?" Este. ban asked sharply.
 "For one thing. your own letter to Lopez. the rebel. warning him to be- ware of the trap prepared for him in Santa Clara, and advising him of the government force at Sabanilla. Oh don't try to deny it! I read 1t with my own eyes, and 1t means-death."
 Rosa said faintly: "Esteban 1 warned you."
 Esteban was taken aback, but it was plain that he was not in the least frightened. "They haven't caught me yet" he laughed.
 You say they intend to arrest me also?" Rosa eyed the caller anxiousiy. "Exactly!"
 "Who accuses her, and of what? P Esteban demanded
 "That also have discovered through the courtesy of Colonel Fernandez. Your accuser is none other than Pan obo Cuoto