The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-01-22
CHAPTER XI-Continued

brain. With the lieutenant as his
prisoner he held a powerful card in
his game of Woman that he doubtless
intended TO play, for the Senorita's
beauty had cast a spell upon him, and
the love she bore her brother might
be used. This lieutenant prisoner
of ours, Garde. must be taken to a
safe place"
AYE, my colonel"
"And / fear, almost, to give him in
charge of a squad of Indian soldiers,
for the men of Venezuela patrol the
streets of Valencia, and the life of
Lieutenant Lamartina might therefore
be endangered. If may prevail upon
you to escort him to the calabozo and
to deliver him into the keeping of
Captain lopez"
"Assuredly."
PM thought a moment "You IN
derstand, Garde, that you will be held
personally responsible for the pris-
oner?'
Have no fear, my colonel"
There was apprehension in Dulce's
eyes, and she whispered anxiously, as
bent over her hand: do you leave
me thus, Loren?"
~ must save Polito," said softly;
'I will return within the hour" 1
smiled reassuringly. "a little craft,
my own, little guile, and we have
Won"
She gave me a divine smile, kissed
her brother tenderly, and then we
went out, leaving the Senorita and
PM together.
Take hold of my stirrup. Polito,"
said, "and walk beside the horse, as
a prisoner should"
We travelled two streets eastward
and then turned north. "If you are
unfamiliar with the city of Valencia,
Major Garde, l might tell you that the
calabozo lies southeast"
Therefore we go north, Polito, for
do not like calabozos; and you must
be very soon upon the road to Puerto
Cabello."
"Senor," he cried, "you cannot do
this thing! l cannot permit you"
1T is not that you permit, Polito-
danger, Polito, and because Of you,
your sister, who loves you, is in deadly
danger"
Perhaps am stupid" he said
Don't you see, my friend? Colonel
PM is at present commandant Of
Valencia, his word is law. If the fas-
cinating colonel, whose amours are
f1.l 4, 81,
attempt to win the favor of the
Senorita-as, indeed, he must-he will
use your life as a cudgel to compel
submission on her part. She loves
you, Polito, and, therefore, would save
your life at any cost"
"NIust we purchase freedom at your
expense, Senior"
| laughed. No harm will come to
me. Cheer up; will put you on the
road to Puerto Cabello. Then / shall
return with all speed to Colonel PM.
Who may have other errands for me-"
Hating anon. before a tiny fonda.
I lifted the fat somnolent storekeeper
out of late siesta by aid of a lusty
YELL From him l purchased simple,
two-piece suit of blue, a wide SON.
brero, and pair of alpargatas for my
prisoners feet. l helped him trans
form himself from lieutenant in his
majesty's service to a lowly peon.
'We will look you up, Polito, some
day, for peace will come to this un-
happy country now. Please remem-
Der that Major Garde has killed Col
onel Fuentes, so you may go back in
safety to your service If the star of
my luck does not forsake me l shall
deal definitely with Colonel PM be-
fore another hour has passed. Now
adios."
He took my hand, tears in his eyes,
then he turned and bent his steps
toward the port of Cabello.
I gave my horse his head and we
raced through the streets of Valencia,
TO the danger of all and sundry. for
my mental picture of PM and the
Senorita was not pleasant one.
had determined. at last, to settle my
affair with the clever colonel.
The Sonora Ybarra let me in and,
as l heard murmur of voices from
the chamber 1 stopped at the portal
and. hidden by the rude portieres, lis
tened. The voice of Colonel PM was
pleading, passionate.
do not say no, my lady" he cried !;
ST was mad with wine that day In
Maracay, and for that / offer humble
apologies. Every hour since that mo-
ment l have been filed with contri-
fion. Will you not listen to my words
of pleading, Senorita?'
1 heard her frightened murmur, and
PM went on again: 81 am a poor
slave, Senorita, to my love for thee;
! am a moth burned in the flame of
thy beauty. May / ASK"
mo-" she said, mo! All, Dios-al-
ways and for ever-noi"
"When one is mad with love,
Senorita. one might do regrettable
things. The city of Valencia belongs
to me, dear lady; as commandant /
hold the power of life and death over
those within it's limits. For only a
small portion of your love that power
of life and death will be put into your
keeping"
what do you mean, Senor," she
gasped. "Will you tell me, Senior.
what is in your mind-ere go mad?''
"Assuredly; your comely brother.
Lieutenant Polito. whom you doubtless
love with a sisters sacrificing love,