The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-04-05
CHAPTER II-Continued

IN IniS HleNdSe, Whit NdS us ouSihcSS
in this house of mystery and of muir
der2 felt instinctively that the
other man was her worthy cousin"
Colonel Lopez was the trusted aide of
his majesty, Macmillan, almost his
chief of staff: he was behind half the
moves that the emperor made. Not
only that-tOlonel Lopez had fos.
tered the investigation that led finally
TO the trial and execution of La An.
ita's father. True. he had kept him.
self In the background.
had never trusted Colonel Lopez.
nor liked him. and this thing only
added fuel to the flames of my resent
ment. Red rage possessed me; If
Colonel Lopez
moved toward the door, for indi
rectiOn of action has never been a
fault of mine; but even with hand
extended | stopped, for ] heard the
sound of a fOotstep. | turned. and
came face to face with La Anita.
There was a smile of welcome on
her face She was dressed in black
lacy gown cut very low. | think
must have gasped at the sheer beauty
of her, for light of triumph famed
for an instant in her eyes. Her clear
musical voice was pitched unnatural
ly high: Captain Vigny. It is good
of you"
my poor ears" | cried; surely.
senOrita, you cannot think that am
deaf"
Her laugh was even of greater vol
ume. "YOur pardon, senor," she said {;
THAT stupid cocinera of mine can
neither cook nor hear. After | have
talked with her | speak unconsciously
louder for a space. Is II not drollT
listened The murmur of voices
had ceased. | stood aghast, realizing
only too we'll that this situation called
moi for a deft blade. but for a brain
Infinitely more agile than mine.
La Anita laughed softly; hut her
laugh had nothing in 1t of pleasure.
She, too, seemed to be listening.
Had known you were here" said
time on the cocinera. ! had no de-
sire. senior. to keep you waiting"
1.-THE little time accorded me.
senOrita, permitted me to note your
excellent library. and TO enjoy some
of these wOndrous paintings of yours"
She smiled al this. Besides" | con-
tinued, driving straight ahead-as
soldier should-"in strange places one
hears, if ones ears are properly at
tuned mysterious and interesting
sounds"
"Ah; It's but the chatter of idle men,
who. lacking brains to amuse them
selves, drink to pass the time away.
j have an idea that Colonel Lopez and
my worthy cousin. who cannot wait
in patience. have been into my wines
again" She turned to the doorway
wherein stood the darkfaced, silent
mOZO: you may tell Colonel Lopez
and Senior MadreIla that they will
find me here"
Following the mozo they came in
each with half-filled glass in his
hand. Lopez, sighting me, stared an
awkward instant, then he put back
his massive head and went off into
an uncomfortable spasm of laughter.
Another sailor" he cried. ION life's
uncertain ocean, pining for the music
of the lOrelei: another moth bound
for the flame of beauty!"
His tone nettled me- 81 am not a
heauty-hOund moth. senior; neither do
pine. | am here on his majesty's
business" Wherein lied. for the
flame, of La Anita's beauty had burned
me deeply. and visions of her lovely
face had filed my thoughts In my
urgent desire to see her again, to
listen tn the music of her voice. to
thrill in the glory of the very air that
surrounded her. | had almost forgot
ten that the real purpose of my err
rand was TO meet that murderous
cousin of hers
She spoke TO the mOZo again: Get
CaptaiD Vigny some wine.
Monsieur lie Comte ] would present
my cousin, Senior Pablo MadrelIa =
Gutierrez"
Senior Madrella bent his fine body
In the middle and bowed halfway to
the 1oor. He was all of six feet. with
a comfortable breadth of shoulder and
1.-THE grace In his muscular body
that suggested the latent power of
panther His eyes were a deep
blue-gray and they had the steadfast
look of man of courage: his hair
was straight and nearly black, and
a black mustache and vandyke failed
TO hide a resolute mouth and chin.
A vague idea came to me that had
seen him before; even his voice
seemed family familiar.
There is question in your eyes,
senor," said MadreIla.
81 was just wondering" answered,
intent on approaching the crisis with
directness. ''if Senior Madrella and
Colonel Lopez-just nowhere drink
ing his majesty's health"
-Ah,.. cried Lopez. "the French are
ever TESTING people. Must the love.
ly La Anita he saved only for lieuten.
ants and captains; may not colonel
bark TO the lure of beauty? And you
have just denied. captain"
Thus challenged l drew the sum.
mons from my pocket. and La Anita
white of face and swaying slightly
read 1t. She proffered it to her cous.
In who considered IL with grave eyes
"Just what may my cousin expect on
the morrow, captain" he asked.
| turned to Lopez and found a dis
tinct threat in his dark eyes. | knew
that lie and Lestrange were behind
this NAVE. and~Lknew that Lopez bad
brought about the execution OF La