Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-11-20

| Now, Pedro" said he. here Is the
| letter. You will deliver it as I say
| He slipped the document across into
| Pedro's hand. 1t was addressed to
his major domo. and on the outside
| was written. IF do not return with
in fifteen days. open and act"
And now, my lord" said Pedro,
| go, for all Is settled. and there Is no
| more need Of words"
The next few days were. for the
| Count of Polema. period OF waiting.
His one aim was to discover whether
| Pedro Agachona had really escaped.
| Until he knew this he could do moth
| ing. and as it happened it was Don Q.
| himself who supplied the necessary
| information.
All three were sitting one evening
| after dinner, and the conversation
| had turned curiously enough upon
| ingratitude. when Don Q. said. would
you believe 1t, senores. that what
| ever service you may do manor
at least a man such as these" and
| he waved his hand toward the fires
| around which the brigands congre-
| gated. 'it will make no impression
| on him. These men have no graft
| tude."
Indeed" said Polema.
Yes" continued Don Q. They
| come to me fleeing from the law.
| and ready to take any oath. and then
| they are just as ready to break it.
l
| OF them has deserted-a fellow. by
| the way. count. who was once in your
| employ. Pedro is his name. though
| his comrades usually call him Aga
| chona, which means the snipe. Three
days ago he did not return from his
patrol in the foothills"
| Polema suddenly leaned across the
| table. so" he said. Lopez has
escaped. May 1 beg for a few mo-
ments with you in private. senor?'
| Don Jaime rose from the table.
bowed. and wandered out into the
| southern dusk.
you will perhaps tell me why you
| wish to speak with me alone"
Yes" said Polema. Il wish to
place tomorrow at dawn.
Don Q. stared. What does this
mean?" he asked.
1T means that whereas up to now
you have been master here, you are
''This is a very bad joke. senor.'
said Don Q: IT am waiting for you
II do not Joke. I tell you that I
am master here. I knew that Pedro
he carried for me a letter down the
mountains. That letter he has handed
| to one Of my representatives-nev
mind which. I have many. On the
outside Of it is written. II do not re-
turn within fifteen days. open and
letter. senor?"
| There must be something in it.
| in the efficacy Of which you believe
, very thoroughly, count, or you would
hardly forget yourself SO far as to
speak like this. But what is it?'
1.-THE mere statement Of the rela-
tionship between you and Dona
Moves"
noN Q. leaped to his feet and his
" hand instinctively sought a
weapon, but Polema said smiling. IF
you kill me, do not forget what will
happen. Next Saturday the whole Of
Spain will know your secret"
"And suppose I do let you 60 to-
! morrow what them" questioned
Don Q.
letter again." said Polema.
"And when you have done SO,
| senor," said Don @.
Moves. Afterward will destroy that
letter"
"And If she is unwilling?"
'In the face Of what I know. I do
not think we need discuss that"
Don O. was q man Of instant de-
| cision. He glanced at Polema with
a curious Pickering Of the eyelids
which might have been a warning to
any one who knew him we'll.
F! you are at liberty to depart to-
morrow morning." said he.
A little later Don @. and Don
Jaime were talking together out in
the soft Spanish night. Po1ema had
gone to make his preparations for
| his departure.
Senior" said Don O.. II am going
| to ask you a strange question"
'sYesT said Don Jaime.
/ when you and the count fought,
| what was the real cause Of that
duel?"
Don Jaime paused moment before
replying.
he said at length.
"Senor." said Don O., IT am sure
that even In the short space you
have known me, you have come to
recognise that do not ask pnneces-
[ sary questions. Az to your duel,
know the reason why you fought.
You sec, the count 10 not 30 reticent
| Is you are and he has mentioned
the name Of .. Donna Moves. Tell