White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1932-02-25
CHAPTER XI--Continued

read the plan forming in his crafty
brain. With the lieutenant as his
prisoner he held powerful card in
his game Of Woman that he doubtless
intended to play, for the Senorita's
beauty had cast spell upon him, and
the love she bore her brother might
be used. "This lieutenant prisoner
of ours, Garde, must be taken to
safe place."
"Aye my colonel"
"And I fear almost, to give him in
charge Of 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 I'M
derstand, Garde, that you will be held
personally responsible for the pris-
oner?"
'Have no fear, my colonel"
There was apprehension in Dulces
eyes, and she whispered anXiously, as
bent over her hand: do you leave
me thus, Loren?"
81 must save Polito," said softly;
II will return within the hour" I
smiled reassuringly. "a little craft,
my own, a little guile, and we have
won"
n wi no S.y,li1n III
her brother tenderly, and then we
went out, leaving the Senorita and
PM together.
"Take hold of my stirrup, Polito,"
I said, "and walk beside the horse, as
a prisoner should"
We Travelled two streets eastward
and then turned north. eff you are
unfamiliar with the city of Valencia,
Major Garde, I might tell you that the
calabozo lies southeast"
''Therefore we go north, Polito for
I 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"
IL ID llOI lldL yOu pcilIll,
you are my prisoner. Your life is in
danger, Polite, and because of you,
your sister, who loves you, is in deadly
danger"
Perhaps l 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-
nj 1,,ho
notorious over Venezuela, fails in his
attempt to win the favor Of the
Senorita-as, indeed, he must-he will
use your life as cudgel to compel
submission on her part. She loves
you, Polite, and therefore, would save
your life at any COST"
"Must we purchase freedom at your
expense, Senor?'
/ laughed NO harm will come to
me. Cheer up; will put you on the
road to Puerto Cabello. Then I shall
return with all speed to Colonel PM,
who may have other errands for me-"
Hating anon, before tiny fonda,
I lifted the fat somnolent storekeeper
out of late siesta by aid of lusty
yell. From him l purchased simple,
two-piece suit of blue, wide SOM
brero, and pair Of alpargatas for my
prisoners feet I helped him trans
form himself from a lieutenant in his
majesty's service to a lowly peon.
eve will look you up, Polito, some
day, for peace will come to this I'M
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 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.
l 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 a 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 l 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;
II was mad with wine that day in
Maracay, and for that / offer humble
apologies. Every hour since that mo-
ment / have been filled with contri-
ton. Will you not listen to my words
of pleading, Senorita?"
heard her frightened murmur, and
PINT went on again: II am a poor
slave, Senorita, to my love for thee;
] am moth burned in the flame of
thy beauty. May | ask-?'
mo" she said, mo! All, Dios-al-
ways and for ever--nO!"
"When one is mad with love,
Senorita, one might do regrettable