New-York tribune., 1921-05-29

A v instant he thought; "Ihis is NEW
York That's old Compton at the door.
7 mus. be late for breakfast" Then he real
lied that he was occupying the spare bedroom
OF the American Consulate at Magea.
The door opened and Pug saw the con-
sul's troubled face,
"Sorrv to disturb you," he said. ITS 3
o'clock, and I've just been awakened out Of
sound sleep by squad of Dego's soldiers.
Carlo Gonell is going to be shot at dawn. AS
matter of courtesy you're invited to the
execution"
Pug shouted and leaped out of bed.
"Where's MY coat? Great Scott! Gonelh
mustn't be shot,"
The consul smiled rather wearily and sat
down on the edge of Pug's bed, dangling his
feet clear of the cold floor.
YESTERDAY" he said, "Gonelh was your
enemy. You rubbed his impudent nose in the
dust. What happened? The Magellans have
forgotten all about him, A defeated leader
is dead leader, You can't possibly save
him No, my dear fellow, advise you to go
to the execution and to behave like a gentle
mana Magellan gentleman"
Pug was struggling into his clothes Hanged
if I'll do anything of the Sort" he laughed.
lie brushed by the astenished consul and took
the stairs four at time.
Diegos soldiers were waiting; they saluted,
bringing their heels together sharply, with
rattle of swords and spurs. Pug nodded, the
consuls Indian boy opened the heavy door
md the brisk funeral party trotted out into
the street.
The sky was still patterned with stars, but
Pug saw band of light, very wan and faint,
behind the sawtooth peaks of the Santa Chris
tina.
Where to?" Pug asked.
One of Diego's fancy soldiers turned a
smiling face "To the fortress, signore"
''Who signed the order for the executon?"
President Diego. They woke him up at 2
o'clock, and he signed Good riddance! We
Magellans never follow a coward"
"Was Carlo Gonelli a coward?"
Isl, signore. He had rifles, ammunition,
followers who were ready to die for him
What did he do? He surrendered to you-
an Americana! You defeated Gonell Very
well. We follow you. Until some day you
surrender to a stronger man. Then we say
ta-ta-goodby!"
Pug laughed. But his eyes were on the
deepening band of light in the east He had
no idea where Diegos men were leading him
until Lney swung Sharply around a corner
into the Piazza Independence.
They crossed the square and trotted brisk
ly toward the Presidents palace
Pug glanced up at the palace. Where is
the Presidents room?" he asked.
cover the door, signore."
There was no sign of any one save the
solitary entry doing near the entrance. Pug
clenched his hands. cts worth taking
chance" he whispered II guess I'll try"
He kicked off the consul's bedroom slim
pers Then he leaped for the cornice of the
big doorway, caught it, stuck his bare toes into
the ornate carving Of the frame, swung himself
UP from the balcony to the ledge above. and
scrambled through the open window of Presi-
dent Diegos room.
Pug heard scuffle of feet, scream; then
some one certainly not more than a foot away
demanded in tense, furious voice: where
the devil are you?"
Pm right here. I'm Signor Pug, at your
service. And l want to see Diego
A chair turned over with a crash. A match
fared and Pug saw President Diego stand
ing before high black marble mantel. Diego
was wearing an old-fashioned nightshirt, and
his thin old legs very spindle e-shanked, were
as bare as an urchn's. His heavy crop Of
white hair was standing erect like lions
name. He glared at Pug, pointing his revol
YER straight at the sputtering match. "Be