The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1919-08-22
CHAPTER V-Continued.

Unfortunately, in answering his
summons to the rancho, came too
late for him to make me cognizant
Of the hiding place. Perhaps you,
prima mia, are better informed?'
Perhaps" she answered him quiet
ly, though the color still ran red In
her cheeks.
"And perhaps" added Stairway sig
nificantly, "Senor Tore would be glad
to have knowledge of this banco;
would be glad to have the money
banded over to his emissary?"
"Emissary?" Again Torres black
brows arched 1.-The fabrications of
the Americano's suspicious are truly
wonderful! He would suspect me of
robbing myselfT'
He laughed insolently. Stairway
looked questioningly at the girl.
"Prima mia," began Tore
The girl whirled upon him, her eyes
flashing.
"Senor Tore" she cried passion
ately, you make it necessary for me
to remind you that our relationship is
not of my choosing, and that we are
not close enough for you to call me
cousin If you find 1t necessary to
address me at all l should like to be
addressed as Senorita de la Guerra.
| Please remember"
Tore flushed angrily but managed
his careless smile.
GAS you wish, Senorlta de la Guer-
ra," he retorted. May l suggest
something's"
| What is it?" shortly
Merely this: This man who calls
| himself Captain JuareZ may be rank
| tmpoStor, as well as a scoundrel. Be
! fore even considering the matter of
ransom, would 1t not be we'll to ask
him to prove to us that he knows at
least where our kinsman is? If you
rang for Pedro again and sent him
with the message"
Teresa rang and sat in a musing
silence until Pedro came.
Pedro" she said then, tell Captain
Juarez that we are considering his
proposition. Tell him further that we
wish to be certain that he really
comes from the senor."
Pedro bowed. withdrew, and re-
turned almost Immediately, his face
strangely white. his hand shaking as
be held out something to the girl.
at is the masters ring" he said
deeply agitated. "The ring he wore
always upon his left hand. Senorlta
senorita," his voice choking, his eyes
gllstening, you will not let them kill
him?"
mo, Pedro" She took the ring her
own eyes shining. IF harm comes to
bin, Pedro" she went on steadily, 1--WE
shall know what to do, shall we not?"
Pedro made no spoken answer. But
his eyes, suddenly hard and cruel,
went straight to Tore, resting full of
meaning upon him. Then, turning alb
ruptly. the servant left the room.
ut is papa grandes ring, Senior
Stairway" She ignored Tore entirely.
II am afraid that Captain Juarez
speaks the truth"
Stairway stood with drawn brows,
staring at the floor. The whole affair
was so eloquent of rascality on the
part of the debonair, black-mus-
fached Tore it was so inconceivabIe
that his presence here now was not a
part of dark design, so ridiculous to
suppose that Antonio de la Guerra had
ever really purposed disinherIting the
girl who was dearer to him than
| daughters to most men-and yet what
to do?
Suddenly Stairway bent forward.
whispering swiftly, guardedly. to the
girl.
And then, after Stairway had fin
ished and stood erect again, looking
down upon her. as Tore watched. his
eyes narrowing suspiciously, her
hand clenched, her chin squared, de-
termination came into her mien and
voice.
at is chance, senor," she said.
She rose and stood looking at him
steadily, still ignoring Tore. at is a
game of dice with our destinies"
and you will play it, senorita p
eagerly from the American.
She made little gesture as though
HE were handing something to him
II place the dicebox in your hands
nay |, Senior Billy?"
"Then," cried Stairway, 1--WE must
waste no time Call Pedro"
She rang. Tore. still watching sus-
aiciously, made no comment. Pedro
] ezme I'm his swift, silent fashion,