The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-29
CHAPTER " The Man Pays.

The Ardens saw a great dea1 Of | Lieo.enant Carril in the next weeK MT. ard Ms. Arden liked him from the n ou:ent of introduction; Billy adopted him as brother. The emo tions of Beatrice were less easy to define.
 After their return from the flower market, the fr.t morning she had sought information from her hance.
 'eCarril is the bes.-liked officer m his corps" Billy lad eluc1dated. 'SHe's got record of daredevil, hair raisin' feats that reads ike a dime novel. His mother was an American, a Californian, an he was edU cated in the United States. Owns silver mines an haciendas, an all that sort of thing. He's just Tn rom acrIve service against the rebels, an next week he'll join his regiment in Guer- rero, where it's been rusned south"
 The girl pressed her hand against her heart.
 Billy, I know him."
 "You do? Where did you meet him-home?"
 q do not know. It is like the se- rape cannot remember. But when he looks at me-
 tYes?"
 "I do not know!" she cried hyster- ically. 'tBilly. Billy, I do not know"
 More self-control1ed than Beatrice, Carri1 never gave aid to her strug- gling memory. Never. by word or glance, did he betray a previous meeting with the grrI he had held a night long in his arms. But he could not hide another thing-an emotion women are quick to recognize.
 One morning, when ne and Beat rice chanced to be alone for a mo- ment in the patio of the hotel. she spoke abruptly.
 "Where have I known you?" she challenged, turning upon him.
 "In the flower market, Miss Arden. I had the honor''
 ''No! Before then, somewhere be- fore then!" He shook his dark head with a gesture of excuse. Pardon me, Miss Arden, 1t is in- seeing you.'' She looked at him hxedly, her bosom rising and falling rapidly un- der linen and lace. 'eWhy do you come here then, Lieutenant Carril? The city is fuQl of your friends-why do you give your time to us, mere acquaintances of a week?" His gray eyes lighted dangerously, meeting hers. "If you wish to know, Miss Arden, will tell you. I am at liberty to in l dulge myself in the few days left me, since next week I am going where I | may be lucky enough to meet the rebel bullet that should find me" "Shouldl Why?" startled into | pallor.
 "A debt of honor" he answered, | and moved to join the entering group. Tx HI, -txr | should drive to Chapultepec Park on | that morning. Laughing and testing, | they were taking theiy seats in the carriage when a soldier galloped up | to the curb, dismounted and came 10 | a salute. his eyes on Carril. Well, Perez?" the officer demand | ed.
 The man saluted again. "I have to report that Private | Diego Torres, supposed to have been killed at his post on the night of the | recent attack by rebels. was yester- day discovered and arrested as a de- serter in the house of woman in Guerrero Carrirs hand fell from the carriage door.
 Arrested? Alive?" seYes, sir He has been tried by ! court-martia1 and sentenced to be l shot,"
 "You will go to the teIegraph-" | The man saluted. | Pardon, Senor Teniente, the rebels | have cut the wires.
 Your horse is fresh ?'
 ''Yes, sir.''
 l "I will take it; you may so report. | The Americans were listening, ex- cited and Curious. To them Carri1 turned, his dark face set and color less.
 ..I am riding to save Ife," he apol, ogized composedly. Ct is not prob l able, hardly possible, that I shall re- turn; pray forgive my abrupt leaving hope you will have . pleasant drive"
 Beatrice exclaimed rainuIy, but nc one noticed her. Carril bowed over the fingers of the two ladies and shook hands with MT. Arden.
 Mot me- Billy refused the fare
 well. 'Im comin' aHong. If you'l have me-"
 "Coming?" Carril repeated. paus, from the soldier. >
 With you. I'm sick or sight seein'-I want to see sometnin' real It's only an excursion; can De back in couple of days"
 ''This is not pleasure trip | Graeme."
 "I know it isn't. You're ridin' tc | save that deserter's neck, an I wan to see you do it-What? I'll get ( horse an follow. If Pm in your way any time go on an leave me-" | One foot in the stirrup, Carrn look
 ed at him. looked him over in a keer glance of examination.
 'The man is innocent" he stated But if what you want to see a mar shot, come-that is, If you can stand
 the pace. I am going out the road | showed you yesterday"
 The horse was readily supplied tt
 his demand. Outside the stable
 chauffeur dozed on the seat of a taxi
 cab. To him Billy dashed, clutchins
 at the mans leggings with one hand
 while, with the other, he drew quantity of silver from pocket.
 Take 'em off" he adjured breath lessIy Here. take Jhis-aM of it- only take lem off"