The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-12-04
CHAPTER VI-Continued
10

l laughed softly, for l saw another
chance at life, and another chance to
win the glorious Lamartina. IF Boil
var has many men like you, Manuel"
We turned toward the south and
ran for half mile, stopping at last
in the gloom afforded by tall adobe
building. Here we found two horses,
one saddled for travel, and the other
already bearing q man. "Polito" I
cried, for the riders head and throat
were almost concealed by the folds
of a bandage
His shoulders shook, in silent
laughter supposed, and he whis-
pered something unintelligible and ges-
tIred toward the other horse.
But, Polito. my friend" objected,
"you cannot do this thing. 1t will
wreck your career. and-and you owe
me no sacrifice. / cannot let you;
rather would seek the firing squad"
The gauRtleted hand that Polito put
upon my shoulder shook little. He
tried to speak, gasped. caught at his
throat, and went off into a CONFUSION
of coughing.
Manuel spoke, deep earnestness in
his voice: You must do as we sug-
gest, Senior, for many things of i'm
portance depend upon it. We plan a
swift stroke. Senior, and your assist
ance is necessary in our planning.
Besides, you owe your life to those
who follow Bolivar. Have not a score
of men this night jeopardized their
lives for thee? Have not II"
Now | was ashamed, for the crafty
Manuel spoke only truth. "Yes. my
friend" said l. | threw a leg over
the horse, and the swarthy sailor
prOffered pistol, which | pocketed
| put a hand on his shoulder. IF
Bolivar needs another arm, Senior, he
will find mine strong enough, and very
willing indeed, for | owe him much"
viva" said the sailor. Point your
horses toward the Southern cross and
ride throughout the night; ride swift
", for TIA, mounts you have are the
best this city affords. Sunrise should
find you beyond Ocumare, where the
lines of Bolivar begin, and where you
will find safety. Now, adios A
pleasant trip to both of your"
With the flaming Southern cross to
point the way, with the glory of the
full moon above, the open country
ahead. fine horse between my knees,
and a companion well, perhaps
my companion did lack necessary COM
panionable qualities. Yet | could at
tribute some of his silence to his cold
and the rest of it to the black thoughts
that must possess him, for no man
turns his back upon his country with
light heart.
With a sidelong glance studied the
1.-THE figure that even the black and
gray cloak could not entirely hide.
"A perfect night, Polito, eh?'
He nodded
"You art silent, my friend"
He turned his head to give me one
swift look, then regarded the road
again
Il must thank you, Polite, for the
part you took in my escape this night
Adolfo planned to have me shot to-
morrow morning, sc my life is yours"
This brought gasp-no more-and
] tried again: do you know, my
friend" | ventured, where your sis
ter is?'
He was silent, and l continued: II
have told the Senorita, PolitO, of my
love, and failed miserably, as l de-
serve"
He offered no comment.
''She told me, today, in the home
of the good Tomas, that tomorrow she
would wed De Fuentes."
No" he whispered, nor
"a sort of sacrifice. my friend. for
what she imagines | have done for
her; thing that makes me love her
very much"
But she would not" he said
"Not now there is no need Be
Sides" now | laughed. "Adolfo will
FE1llllae1 ga Ease s3tS