Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 11, 1901)
f 5 10 The Firebrand. By S. ttynopxl of I'rccfilliiK ClniitTi. Ilamon Oarcln, known ns HI Sarrla, hav Ing been Induced to believe that his wife, Dolores, Is unfaithful, stabs u village fop, Itafacl Flores. whom ho finds presumably kissing Dolores through the window. Ills estates are eonfl.icati.il and ho becomes a hunted man. At the same time n young Hcotrh adventurer, Hollo lilalr, comes to Hpaln, nnd during an Inn quarrel Is aided by John Mortimer, an Englishman. 'Hit two start to visit Don Haltasar. nunot or tho monastery of Montblanch. Blair nnd Mortimer are entertained lavishly by the nbbot, and meet Ktlenne St. Pierre, a French gallant who Is studying for holy orders These three, with HI Sarrln. iu has found protection at tho monastery, nro commissioned by the nbbot to capture tha queen recent nnd her little daughter In th Interests of the church. Enroute for tho camp of Cabrera, the Carllst general, they puss tho home of Ml Sarrla, who lenrns that Dolorts was not fale to him and that his downfall was plotted by Luis Fernandez. Dolores Is Imprisoned In Mils' homo and tha son to whom she has Just given birth Is about to be burled nllvo by huls' brother. Tomns, when HI Sarrla falls upon him. Kl Barrla rescues his child and takes It ti the Convent of the Holy Innorcnls, where Conchas Is also staying. Then, nld.d by Jlolln Ulalr and his companions, li cap tures Fernandez' home and rescues his wife. (Copyright. 1901, by 8. It. Crockett.) L'HAI'iilll Wlf. A flrnvr Irn-RiilnrUy. With Rollo now for a tlmo tho tale runs moro briskly. Ho net off for tho ventn, where ho found Ktlenne and John Mortimer sitting at meat. "Oood morning, friends of mine," he cried, "you nro In excellent case, I see. John, I have mado arrangements for you to go and visit somo vineyards today. Old Gasper will guldo you with his gun over his valiant shoulder. You can pick up points nbout wluo buying without doubt. As to you, Ktlenne, mon vlcux, I hnve found your Concha and I am going to sco her myself In half nn hour. Shalt I glvo her your lovo?" "What!" cried Saint I'lerre, "you Jest it cannot bo my cruel, cruel llttlo Conchlta who lied from mo and would not take the smallest, notice of nil my letters and mcs nagcs. Where Is sho?" "Sho Is at tho nunnery of the Sisters of Mercy outsldo tho village, l'oor Ktlenno, I am indeed sorry for you. With your re ligious views It will bo Impossible for you to make lovo to n nun!" "Would I not," cried Ktlenno eagerly, "mon Dlcu, only procure mo a chanco and I will let you sec! Hut a nunnery Is a hard nut to crack. How do you propose to man ago It?" "I Intend to make friends with tho lady Buperlor," said Hollo, confidently. "You havo n letter of Introduction to her, doubtless?" said Ktlenne. "I do not at present oven know her name, hut nil In good time!" said tho youth, coolly. "For stark assurance commend me to n Scot," cried Ktlenno with enthusiasm. "Btlenno," said Hollo, suddenly checking his glass in midair ns nn Idea occurred to him, "lend mo that ring of your salntcl uncle's, tho one with tho picture of Don Carlos." The young Frenchman Indolently drew It from his linger, laid It on the polished Tnnrblo top of tbo tablo nnd with his fore finger flipped It across to Hollo. "What shall I Fay to your Conchn that 1b, If I chanco to see her?" said Hollo, as ho brushed his clothes and saw to the neat ness of his neck ribbon. Ktlenno held down his head. "Indeed," ho said n llttlo reluctantly, " am not so anxious thnt you should say nny thing' nt ull nbout mo. The llttlo minx did not treat mo so very well when I came thli way on my last visit to my uncle. And to tell tho truth, there Is an exceedingly pretty girl living only three doors from tho vontn. I havo already spoken to her nnd she litis smiled at me thrlco over tho fence.' "That leaves me n freer hand with Concha, then," murmured Hollo to himself na ho stuck hi hat nn the back of his head and strode out Into tho stable yard, smiling to himself. Ho had his horse brought nut and saddled Then ho mounted nnd rodo down tho village Btreet toward tho convent of tho pious Sisters of Mercy. IIo smiled to himself aa he rodo, for he wondered how ho would suc ceed with thlH good mother superior, and what manner ot girl he would find that wicked, trlcksomo Concha to be, whoso name was In all men's mouths with a cor toln approving llavor, as of a 'pleasant naughtiness to bo alternately scolded and cajoled. Ono thing this Master Hollo was ns sure oi us mat no was n acot. Anu mat, was he never could, would or should fall In lovo with such a girl. I So Rollo rodo up with a clatter of spurs' nnd accoutrement to the gate of tho con-1 vent.' Dismounting ho advanced briskly to' the goto nnd knocked loudly upon It with his riding whip. , In a few moments n sour-faced portress I opened tho llttlo square wicket and looked I through at him, "I must seo the mother superior Immcdl-j ntely on Important business," quoth the brisk youth, slapping his waistcoat and settling the hilt of his sword. In a business Ho mnnncr. ns if he had all his life been In the habit of making early morning calls upon mother Mipcrlors. Tho portress laughed. "A likely story," she- said, "that I am to trail across tho yard nnd leave my business hero to fetch tho lnily superior from her devotions to sco n young man at tho gate." "If you do not admit me." Rollo went on unabashed, "not only tho lady superior will suffer, but tho cause which all good Christians have nt heart." Ho suddenly thrust his bare hnnd closo to the wicket ntid showed tho ring which Ktlenne had given him. "Do, you know this?" he said. At his first threatening motion tho woman had mechanically withdrawn, but now curi osity brought her again closer to the grat ing, on perceiving that Hollo madu no at tempt to Intrude his ba'nd within. "Thcso are tho royal arms of Spain, are they not?" sho snld, ami dropped an invol untary courtesy. Thon Hollo plnyod his trump card. The ring was mado with u certnln secret spring beneath tho stone, which, when touched bprans up like tho lid of a box and n beautiful little miniature was revealed, en circled with hair of a dark brown color. "Do you 'know who this Is?" ho said. IIIh nhanlute mn.1eitv. Cnrtna Ontntn!" aid tho portress with a deep reverence. "Well, then," Hollo went on, "take this ring nnd with It the hair of the an o hit til nnd Christian king. It Is a great trust, but I gave It Into your hands. Carry It roveu- ently as a token to tho lady superior that n messenger from the king waits to speak a word with her!'-' Tho head of the portress disappeared from tho young man's sight with the profundity nnd compass of tho reverence with which sho received tho imago of the sovereign of all Catholic hearts. As the young man stood drumming his fingers upeu the window sill suddenly the most piquant faco in tho world appeared at the wlckut. "Hotter that you should look to your (9 R. CROCKETT. horse," a pair of red lips said In the soft southland speech of Andalusia. ine eutcro Is chafing himself to pieces on a too tight curb!" "Thank you. acnorlta! said itouo, nis heart Instantly disturbed within him, for he was a merciful man by naturo anu coif slstently merciful to his beast. Then he turned about, loosened the curb and looked over his horse, noticed that tho tall .strap also lathered the animal, whereupon ho eased that. Then with a smiling counten ance he turned for npproval to tho face at thn ulcket. but he was too late. Ills mentor had vanisncu. The door of tho porter s lodge wns opened and he caught tho heavy rustle ot cloth clogging itself nbout unwontcdly hasty ankles. The mother superior walstsl" gasped tho portress, opening tho great door suddenly, and the young man found himself forthwith within tho Convent of the Holy Innocents, The lady superior proved to be n woman of about 55 or GO years of age, In person stout and rubicund, a smile of good humor habitually repressed upon her Hps nnd a mouth slightly pulled down nt the cornors, contradicting tho first Impressions ot her Jovial countenance. "You nro young, colonel," she said, frown tng upon Hollo's good look with a certain ntfectntlon of gloom qulto foreign to her nature, "very young to bo tho messenger of n king!" "I can, Indeed, hardly claim (hat honor," said Hollo, smiling and bowing, "but I havo tho honor to belong to the army of Carlos Qulnto, nnd to bo entrusted with a most serious mission on his behalf. My good friend, Don Ilaltntar Varcla, prior of the Abbey of Montblanch, a name probably known to you." "How can I assist youl" sho said; "com mand me. Thcro Is nothing consistent with tho order and discipline of this houso that I will not grant to you." Hollo bowed grandly. "I thank you In tho name of my master," ho said; "tho king will not forget fitly to reword his faithful servants. I nsk what Is, Indeed, somewhat irregular, but Is nevertheless necessary. There Is a mau of this placo who for tho king's causo hns become nn outcast, one Hamon Garcia" Tho prioress rcso from her scat Indig nantly. "Ho Is n murderer In intent, If not In net," sho said. "He Is no truo man, but a villain- "Many men havo been called so," said Hollo sadly, "who for tho king's sako havo homo reproach gladly of whom this Hamon, called Kl Sarrla, U one. What he has dono hns been done by order of our Don Cnrlos " "Indeed, thnt Is true, my lady," Inter jected a very prutty nnd unconventional young person, rising suddenly from behind certain frnmcs of embroidery, whero sho had been nt work unseen; "the gentlemen refers to that samo Ramon Garcia whose lotters recommendatory I had tho honor of submitting to you this morning. To kill In the king's name Is surely no sin, else were soldiering a sin and your reverend worthiness knows that, shriven or un- shriven, tho soldiers of Carlos qulnto go straight to heaven. And nono can deny thnt whllo on earth n handsome uniform covers a multltudo of sins." "Hush, child, hush," cried the nbbess, holding up her hnnds In horror: "your talk savors of the world, nnd, Indeed, that ro. minds me how In tho world came you hero?" "I was seated at tho embroidery," said the girl, demurely; "you set mo the task yourself to be ready for our Lady of tho I'Ular's festival on Tuesday next." "Well, child, well, you can go now," said the nbbess, with a nod of dismission. "I would speak with this young man alone!" Tho girl cast a look at Hollo wblcli re mained with him long. Ho held up his hand almost Involuntnrlly. "If this damoscl is by chance tho Sonor ltn Concha Cnbczns, ns I have some reason to suppose, though I have never seen tho young lady, It might be advantageous It sho remained. Sho was formerly, ns I nm Informed, In tho family of Don Rnmon Gar cia nnd can nssiBt my mission very ma terially." Then Rollo opened out his plnns In so far as they concerned Dolores, showing the prioress how Important It was for tho success of the arduous mission on which thoy havo been dispatched thnt Kl Sarrla should leavo no anxieties behind him, nnd boeecchlng her for tho snkc of tho king's cause to r,ecetvo Dolores within tho convent as sho had nlready received her child. Tho prioress considered a while, nnd, nftor many dubious shakings of tbo head, finally agreed. "It Is Indeed gravely Irregular," sho said, "but In these untoward times tho king's service overrides all. I will receivo Dolores Garcia." "And if It bo your win I win arrange tho details with Sonoiita Concha," said Hollo, promptly. "I coed not, In that enso, further dotaln tho noblo nnd reverend prioress!" The lady superior bent n quick, sharp look upon tho pair, hut Hollo was gravo and high of demeanor as became tho envoy of a king, whllo Concha sat at her embroid ery as demure as a mouse. You will do your best. Concha," sho said gravely admonishing that maiden with her forefinger, "to further the objects of this young man. And, above all, bo sure to show him tho defcrenco due to his rank nnd mission!" "Yes, my lady superior!" said llttlo Concha Cabezos, "I will treat him ns If ho were tho king's own high majesty In por- son." "A very proper spirit!" snld the prioress, nodding nnd going out. "Cultivate it, my young friend." "I will," said llttlo Concha, and dropped n curtsy behind her back, which, nlns, was not without n certain wicked suggestion of contempt for kings and dignitaries and tholr emissaries. CHAl'THIl XVIII. A l Iutt.T of Hm! and White. "At your ambassodorlal service!" eald tho Senorltn Concha, bowing still lower u ml holding nut her skirts at cither side with ii prcttylsh exaggeration of defer' ence, "what commands has your Scottish excellency for poor llttlo Concha?" "Ahem!" said Rollo, moro than a llttlo puzzled, "they were not so much com mands ns as I thought you might be nblo to help me." "Now wo are getting nt It!" Bald Concha Cabezos, nodding with a wise air. "1 must be on my guard with this clrl! thought Rollo, "I can almost bring myself to believe that yet it seems impossible tnat tlio girl is cnaning me me!" "I wished to sco you!" he went on. Tho girl curtsied again, bringing her hands together In n little appeal almost childish. It looked natural, yet Hollo was not sure. Hut nt nny rnto the sensation was n now one. He began to think of what ho had heard In the Venta. Hut no the girl looked so sweet and demure such babyish smiles wickered and dimpled about tho mouth all ecentcd ot fresh youth like TIIE OMAHA DAILY TFAZ: SCZsDAY, Al'G TST 11, 11)01. n Juno hayfleld. No, she she must have teen traduce!. Not that It muttered In tlio least to htm. He was cased In triple steel. HI heart was ndnmant. Or nt ' least us much ot It as he hitd not left In I tho possession of I'eggy Ramsay and when , ho catno to think of It sevoral others! Dut the girl's expression altered as soon , os she heard the service thnt was required of her and slio folfowcd with rapt atten tion tho tale of the garrisoning of tho Mill houso of Shrtla nnd the sire need of her former mistress nnd friend, Dolores Gar cia. Little Concha's coquetry, her experiment ing upon all and sundry who came near her, her moods and whims, transient ns the flaws that ruffle the ripple, breathe upon and again set sparkling the surfneo of n mountnln tarn all these dropped from tho Andaluslan maiden at the thought another's need. A moment beforo this young foreign soldier with tho handsome faco and the excellent opinion of himself had been hut fair game to Concha; n prey marked down, not from nny fell Intent, but for tho duo humbling of pride. For Concha was Interested In bringing young men to a sense of their position, and, mostly. It may bo confessed, It did them a vast deal of good. Dut In that moment she became. Instead, ROLLO LIFTED CONCHA'S HAND FROM HIS SLEEVE AND KISSED IT. "WITH tho eager listener, tho ready, self-sacrific ing comrade, tho friend as faithful and I reliable as any brothor. "Let mo see lot mo see," sho raurmurod, thoughtfully. "Walt I will come with you. (Sho took a glanco nt tho young cavalier armed cap-a-plo and thought doubtless of tho horso chafing and shaking Its accoutre ments In tho shade of tho porter's lodge.) No, I will not como with you. I will fol low Immediately and do you, sir, return as swiftly as possiblo to tbo Mill houso of Sarrla!" And without tho slightest attempt nt co quetry, Concha showed Hollo to tho door nnd thnt arrogant youth, slightly bo- wildorcd nnd uncertain of the march of events, found himself presently riding away from tho whlto gnto of the monastery with Ktlcnno's ring upon his finger nnd n bo llef crystallizing In his heart that of all tho maligned and misrepresented beings on tho earth tho most mnllgncd nnd tho most Innocent was IJttlo Concha Cabezos. Tho Mill houso remained os he loft It when ho rode away. Tho sunshine fell broad and strong on Its whitewashed walls and greon shutters, most of them closed hcrmetlcnlly nlong tho front, as was tho custom In Sarrla, till tho power of tho sun was on tho wane. As Hollo went down tho little slope past tho corner of the gnrden, whero Ramon hnd spoken first with La Olralda, It Boomed to him that over Uie broiling roofs of tho Mill houso ho caught tho glimmer of some thing cool nnd white. Ho halted his horse nnd stood momentarily up In his stirrups, whereupon tho glimmer upon tho roof seemed to ehnnge suddenly to red and then as Bwlftly vanished. Certainly thero wns something wrons. Rollo hurried on, giving tho throo knocks which had been agreed upon nt tho closed outer door of the house. It was opened by La Olralda. "Who Ib signaling from the roof?" no asked hurriedly. Tho old gypsy Rtnred nt him nnd then glnnced apprehensively at his face. It had grown whlto with sudden nnxlety. "A touch of sun you aro not nccustomed you nro not of tho country tt, rldo nbout at this tlmo of dny. No ono has been sig naling. Don Rnmon Is with his wife, wait ing for you; and, ns I think, not rinding tho tlmo long. I will bring you n drink ot wine and wntcr with a tleano In It, very judicious in cases of sun-touch!" nut Rcllo was not to bo nppcased till ho had tummonrd Kl Sarrla and with him examined tho strong room whero tho prisoners were kept. As beforo, Don Luis snt listlessly by the table, his brow upon his hand. Ho did not look up or spoak when they entered. Hut his brother moaned on about his wounded head and complained that La Tla had drunk all tho water. This being replenished, Don Tomns wandered oft Into muttered confidences con cernlng his early travels, how ho had mado lovo to tho alcaldo's dnughter of Granada, how he bad fought with a contrabandist;! at Honda fair with other things too Inti mate to bo hero set down, ever returning, however, to his plea that tho Tla Elvira had defrauded him of his -fair sharo of the water Jug. "Nay, not so," said tho Tla soothingly, "every drop of tho water you havo drunk Don Tomns. Hut It Is your head, your poor hsad. I turned the poultice nnd with tho water he speaks of moistened tho leaves afresh." Hnd Rollo but followed tho direction of her gazo ho might havo had, his doubts of La Glralda's theory of sunstroke to ex plain the signaling from tho roof. For thcro, clearly to be seen out of tho half- open trapdoor, was a little scarlet strip of cloth btirred by tho wind nnd doubtless conspicuous from all the neighboring hills nbout the village of Sarrla. Hut Rollo, eager to get to his task of arranging transport for tho evening, so that Dolores might bo taken In safety and com fort to the Convent of tho Holy Innuccuts, was already turning to be gono Urine wine and water!" cried Rnllo to i I. a Olrnlla. "and. Don Luis. In mi hour I will trouble you to take a little tour of the premises with me, Just to show that nil Is right." So Hollo Ilia Ir ami his companion with drew Into tho cool saloon of the Mill house without having seen the llttlo waving drip of red upon tho roof. As soon as they were gone, however, Don Luis leaped up, and with n long fishing pole he daunted a strip of white bealdo tho red, waving It this way and that for a long time, till In the close atmosphere of the strong room the sweat mined from him In great drops. Then he leaped down at last, muttering, "If tho general Is within twenty miles, ns I think he is, that ought to bring him to Sarrla. Tho angels grant that he Is In time" there he paused a moment, nnd ' otrthen added with a bitter smile "or tho devil's either. I nm not particular, so bo that ho come!" CII.U'THIt XIX. "MhiihN of Storm." A long strip of .Moorish-looking wall and certain towers that glittered white In tho Bun. advertised to Hollo that he npproached . the Venta of Sarrla. Without that building might have passed for tho palnco of n grandee; within but vc know alreudy what It wns liko within. Rollo wns Impatient to find his compan ions. IIo had Just discovered that he had most scurvlly neglected them, nnd now ho was all eagerness to mnko amends, nut tho houso plnco of the Cnfo do Mndrld was ten anted only by tho valiant nnd a clean si lently moving maid. Hollo's questioning produced nothing hut a sleepy grunt from Don Gasper I'erlco. "My companions whero aro they?" said Hollo hastily. Ho had much on his mind and wished to dispatch business. "Your companions nay, I know nothing of them," said tho veteran. "Truo It Is ho of tho stoutness desired to buy my wine, nnd when I gavo him a samplo, fine ns Iced Mnn- zaullla, strong as tho Btraw wino of Jerez, ho spat It forth upon tho ground and vowed that ns to prlco ho preferred tho ordlnnry robbers of tho highway!" Hollo laughed a llttlo nt this description of John Mortlmerc's method of doing busi ness, but ho wns eager to find his comrades, so ho hnstlly excused himself. Hut ns ho passed Into the nrcadod "patio" of the Inn the sllont mnldservnnt passed him with a flash of whlto cotton gown. Her grass shoes mndo no noiEo on tho pavement. Sho wns beckoning to him to follow her. Thcro could bo no doubt of that. Sho turned abruptly through n low doorway, upon the top of which Hollo nearly knocked out his brains. Tho Scot followed down a flight of stops, beneath blossoming oleander bushes, nnd found himself presently upon n narrow ter race wnlk, divided from n neighboring gar den by n lattice of grcon-pnlnted wood. Tho silent maidservant Jerked her thumb n llttlo contemptuously over her shouldor, elevated her chin, nnd turning on her heel disappeared agnln Into her own domains. A llttlu to tho right, tho path bent some what, nnd round tho corner Hollo could hear n hum of voices. It wns In this direction nlso thnt thu silent handmaid of Gnspar I'erleo'H kitchen hnd Jerked her thumb, Hollo moved slowly along the path and presently he came In sight of a protty dnm- sel on tho farther Bide of tho trollls paling, deeply engaged in a most Interesting con versation. Her hand hnd been drawn through ono of tho dlamnnd-shapcd apertures of tho green trellis-work, which proved how mnll n hand It was. And, so far ns the young Soot could Judge from various contributory movements on tho woinnn's part, It was at that moment being passionately kissed by somo person unseen. "What fools!" ho muttered, turning on his heel, adding as an afterthought, "and especially nt this time of day." IIo wn3 walking oft In high dudgeon, pro- purcd to glvo tho client maid a plcco of his mind, Indeed a sample most unplcnslng, when something In tho tono of tho lover's voice nttracted him. "Fairest Maria, never havo I loved be fore," tho voice was saying. "I havo wan dered tho world heretofore, careless nnd hcartfrco, that I might havo the moro to offer to you, tho pearl of girls, tho all In comparable Mnrla of Sarrla!" Tho fair hand thrust through tho lattices was violently ngltnted nt this point. Its owner had caught sight of Hollo standing on tho pathway, but tho lover's grap waa too firm. As Hollo looked a head was thrust forward nnd downward as It were Into the picture. And there, kneeling on tho path was Monsieur Ktlenne, lately Hrnther Hllnrlo of Montblanch, fervidly kissing the hand nf reluctant beauty. As Hollo, unwilling to Intrude, but se cretly resolving to glvo Master Lovelarn no pcaco for some time, was turning away, a Bhnrp exclamation from tho girl caused tho kneeling lovor to look up. She snatched her hand through the Interstices on tho In stant, fled upward through the roso and f uchblu bushes with a swift rustic of skirts and disappeared Into n neighboring house. Ktlenno de Saint I'lerre rtwo in u leisurely manner, dusted the knees of his riding breeches, twirled his mustache nnd looked nt Hollo, who stood on the path regarding him. "Well, what In the devil's name brings you hero?" he demanded. The mirthful mood In which he had watched his comrade kneel was already past with Hollo. "Come outside and 1 will tell you," he said, and without making nny further ex planation or asking for any from Ktlenne, he strode back through tho courtyard of tho Vente, and out Into tho sunlit road. Then turning to his friend, who still con tinued to ecowl, he said abruptly, "Where Is Mortimer?" "Nay, that I know not looking for an other meal, suppose," nnswored the llttlo Frenthman, shrugging his shoulders, one higher than tho other. ' Holla glanced at him from under hit gloomy brows. "Nay," he said, "this Is serious. I need your help. Do not fail mo tonight, nnd help mo to find Mortimer. I had not the smallest Intention of Intruding upon you. It is no; for myself," nnd forthwith, In n low voice told bis tnle, the Frenchman assenting with MY LIFE AND MORE," HB SAID. a nod of the head ns each point was mado clear to him. Unconsciously they had strolled out of tho village, In tho direction of the Convent of tho Holy Innocents, nnd they were nlmo.u under Itn walls when tho llttlo Frenchman looking up suddenly, recognized with a start whither he was being led. "Lot us turn back," ho said hastily. "I havo forgotten an engagement." hey had not left tho whlto walls of tho convent behind before they were hailed In Kngllsh by n stcntorlnn voice. "Here, you fellows," It said, "here's a whole storehouse of onions ns big nu a fac torystrings and strings of 'cm. I wanted to go InBldo to mnko an offer for them, and tho old witch at tho gato slammed It In my face." Looking nround thoy Baw John Mortlmor standing on ono leg to oko out his stnturo nnd squinting through n holo In the whlto wnshed wall. "Just look there!" ho cried engcrly, "did you ever seo tho liko of that? a hundred double strings hung from the colling to tho floor right ncross. And tho factory nearly 150 yards long. There's n shipload of onions there a solid cargo, I tell you, and I want to trade. I bellevo that I could make my thousand pounds quicker that way, and unions nro as good as wine nny day! Look In look In!" To satisfy his friend Rollo applied his eye to the nperturo and saw thnt ono of the con vent buildings wns Indeed filled with onions as John Mortimer had said. "A thousand pounds, Hollo," moaned John Mortimer, "nnd thnt old wrotch nt tho wicket only laughed nt me nnd snapped tho catch in my faco." Hollo took his friend's arm and drew him awnv. "This Is not the tlmo for It," ho snld soothingly; "wait. We nro going to tho Convent tonight. Tho mother superior has permitted tbo lady on whoso account we aro hero to bo removed thcro after dark, and wn want your help." "Can I speak to the old woman about tho onlon. then?" "Certainly, If there is nn opportunity," snld Hollo, smiling. "Very well, thon," said Mortimer, "I'm your man. I don't mind doing a llttlo cloak-ond dagger for trimmings hut busl- iioHH Ik business." Tho throo friends proceeded Vcntaward, and Just ns they passed the octroi gato a muleteer went in before thorn. And as hn entered he tossed his hand casually to ward Gasper I'erlco, who sat In tho receipt of custom calmly reouing anu om paper. "N'nw. that's curious." said John Mor timer; "that fellow had a red and white ninth in hla hand. And all tho tlmo when I was skirmishing nbout nfter thoso onions In tho nuns' warehouse, tliey were -wnmg red and whlto flags up on the hills over Hinm wlirwac. like that! And with IiIb hand ho Illustrated tho Irregular nnd arbltary behavior of the flags upon tho hills which overlooked tho village nt Snrrla to tlio SOUtn. And nt the sound of his words Rollo started, and his countenance changed. It was then no mero delusion of tho eye nnd brain that ho had seen when ho entered tho precincts of tho Mill houso of Sarrla, as La Olralda would fain nave pcrsuaueu nun The thought started a doubt In his mind. Who wns that old woman? And what rnuso had El Snrrla for trusting her? None at all. ns far ns Rollo knew, fave tnat ne hated the Tla Elvira. Then that flicker of red and white on tho hllJsldo to the south among tho scattered boulders and Juniper bushes, and tho favor of tho same coior in tho muleteer's hand ns he went through tho gato! Varllv Rollo had somo matter for reflec Hon ns. with his comrades on either hand of him. ho strolled slowly back to the Ventn. And outside, though they knew It not, tho red nnd white pennon wns still flying from the roof of the Mill houso of Snrrla, and on the hills t,o the south, through the white sun glare, flickered nt Intcrvnls nn an swering signal. Meanwhile In n hushed ehnniber the out law sat with his wife's hnnd In his nnd thought ou nothing, save that for him the new day had come. t'll.U'TP.II AX. Tin- Hotelier of Tortonn. Upon the village of Sarrla and upon Its circling mountains night descended with Oriental swiftness. The white houses grow blurred nnd Indistinct. Red loots, green shutters, dark window squares took on tho t-a!iie shade of Indistinguishable purple. In the Milt houso of Sarrla they were not Idle. Ramon Garcia and Rollo had con structed n carrying couch for Dolores, where, on n light nnd pliant frnniework of tho great bulrush ennes that grew nlong the canal edges, her mattress might bo lnld. Very gently, and, ns It were. In ono piece, like n swaddled Infant, Dolores wns lifted up upon the hastily nrrnnged nmbul- nnce. Tho four bearers fell In. La Olralda locked the doors of tho Mill house, and by n circuitous route which nvoldcd the village nnd Its barking curs they proceeded In the direction of the convent buildings. As often ns the foot of any of the bearers slipped upon a stono Ramon grew sick with apprehension, and In n whisper over his shoulder ho would Inquire of Dolores If all was well. "All is well, beloved," the voice, weak and feeble, would reply. "You nro here you nro not nngry with me. Yes, all Is well." They moved slowly through tho darkness, La Olralda with many crooning encourage ments waiting upon Dolores, now lifting up tho corner of a coverlid anil now anxiously adjusting a pillow. Thoy were soon passing under the eastern side of the convent. "Ah, I can smell them," murmured John Mortimer; "a hundred tons If not more. I wonder If I could not tncklo tho old woman tonight nbout them?" At last they wore at tho llttlo whlto cowl of tho porter's lodge, out of which tlio black bars of tho wicket grinned with a semblance of ghastly mirth. Hollo knocked gently. Tho panel slid back noiselessly nnd there was tho fnco of I Concha Cabezos dimly revealed. No longer mischievous or oven piquant, but drawn nnd pale with anxiety. 'Thero aro bad people here," sho whis pered, "who havo persuaded tho lady bu pcrlor that you nro Impostors. Sho will not receive or keep Dolores Garcia unless sho Is satisfied " "What?" enmo from tho rear In n thun derous growl. "Hush, I bid you!" commanded Hollo sternly. "Remember you havo put this In my hands." And tho outlaw fell back silenced for tho moment, his heart, how ever, revolving death and burnings. Trust me with your papers your cre dentials," snld Concha quickly. "These will eonvlnco her. I will bring them to you at tlio Mill house tomorrow morning!" Hollo ran his knlfo round the stitching of liU coat whero ho carried thcso sacrc'.est possessions. "There." ho said, "remember do not let them out of your sight a moment. 1 nm putting far moro than my own llfo Into your hands." "I will cherish them ns tho meet precious thing In the world. And now I will go and show them to tho lady superior." "Not till you havo taken In my Dolores ns you promised," enmo tho volco of Kl Sarrln, "or by heaven I will burn your con vent to tho ground. Sho shall not bo left hero In tho damp dows of tho night." "No. no," whispered Conchn, "hIio shall bo laid In tho lodgo of the portress, nnd Ia Olralda shall watch her till her own cham ber Is prepared, nnd I have eased tho mind of tho lady superior." Tho great bars wero drawn. Tho bolts gavo back with many creaklngs nnd thr .ugh tho great black gap of tho main gate thoy carried Dolores Into tho warm, flower scented darkness of tho portress' lodge. Sho was lnld on a bed nnd tho moment nfter Conchn turned earnestly upon the tour men. Now go," sho snld, "this Instant! I nlso havo risked moro than you know! Go back!" 'Can I not stay with her tonight?" pleaded Kl Sarrln, keeping tho limp hand, wet with chill perspiration, closo In bin. "Go, Go, I fay!" said Concha. "Go, or it may bo too Into. Seo yonder." And on a hill away to the west n red light burned for a long moment nnd then vanished. Tho three young men went out, hut El Sarrla lingered, kneollng by his wife's bed side. Hollo went back and touched him an his shoulder. "You must como with us for her nike!" ho said. And ho pointed with his finger. And obediently at his word tho giant, nroso nnd wont out. Hollo followed quickly, but as ho went a little palm fell on his arm nnd a low voice whispered in his ear- "You truat mo, do you not?" Rollo lifted Concha's hand from hln olcove and kissed It. "With my life and more!" he said. "What moro?" queried Concha. "With my friends' lives," ho answered. And as ho went out with no othor word Concha breathed a sigh softly nnd turned toward Dolores. Sho felt somehow as If tho tables were being turned upon her. Outside there wns n kind of waiting hush In the air, an electric tension of expectn Hon, or so, nt least, It seemed to Rollo. As they marched along tho road toward the Mill house they saw a ruddy glow to ward tho south. "Something Is on Are there," said John Mortimer. "Thoy aro more like eampflres behind tho hllK" commented Etlenne, from his lnrger experience. "I think we had better clear out tonight." "That," said Rollo firmly, "Is Imposslblo so far ns I nm concerned. I must wnlt nt the .Mill houso for tho papers. Hut do you threo go on and I will rejoin you tomorrow " "I will stay," said El Sarrla ns soon ns Hollo'j words hnd been Interpreted to him "And I." cried Etlenne. "shnll It ho snld thnt n Saint I'lerre ever forsook n friend?" "And I." snld John Mortlmor, "to look nfter tho onions." Tho Mill houso was silent nnd dark ns they hnd left It. "Let us go and sec that nil Is right," said Hollo, nnd led tho way Into tho large room whero they had found Luis Fernandez. He walked up to tho window, n dim oblong of blackness, only less Egyptian than tho chamber Itself. He stopped to strike his flint and steel together Into his tinder box nnd von ns tho email, glittering point wlnkod Hollo folt his throat grasped back nnd front by different pairs nf hands, whllo others clung to his knees and brought him to tho ground. "Treachery out with you, lads Into tho open!" ho cried to his companions, ns well ns he cculd for thn throttling fingers. Hut behind him there nroso the sound of a mighty combat. Furnlturo was oversot or broken with n pharp, crashing nolHo as It wns trampled under foot. "Show a light there," cried a quick volco. in a tono of command. A lantern was brought from an Inner room, nnd thero on tho floor In the grasp of their captors wero Ramon Garcia, still heaving with his mighty exertions, nnd Rnllo tho Scot, who lay very quiet so soon ns he had avsurrd himself that present re slstnneo would do no good. "Hrlng In the others," commanded tho voice again, "and let U3 see what tho dogs look like." Mortimer nnd Ktlcnue, havliif been cap tured In the hall while trying to unlock tho outer door, were roughly hauled Into tho room, Hollo was permitted to rise, hut th" giant was kept on his back whllo they fn.i tcned him up securely with ropes. Then Luis Fernandez came In. an ell smile on his dark, handsome face, nnd be hind hint a llttlo, thick-set, active man in some military dress of light material. Tho uniform wns unfamiliar to Hollo, who for n moment was In doubt whether ho was In tho hnnds of tl o Crlsllnos or In thoso of the partisans of Don Cnrlos. Hut n glanco nbout tho chamber eased his mind. Tho white bolnns of the Unsquo provinces mingled with tho red of Navarro told him thnt he had becu captured by tho Cnrllsts. "Well," said tho little dark man with the curly hair, black nnd kinked like a negro's, "give nn nccouut of yourself nnd of your proceedings In this vlllnge." "Wo nre soldiers In tho service of hla excellency, Don Carlos." said Hollo, fear lessly, "we are on our way to the camp of General Cabrera on a mission of Import ance." Luis Fernandez looked ncross nt his com panion, who hnd Bcnted himself cnrclcssly In a large chair by the window. "Did I not tell you he would say thnt?" ho snld. The other nodded. "On n mission to General Cabrera," repeated the chief ot Hollo's captors, "well, then, doubtless you ran provo your statement by papers nnd documents. Let me see your credentials." "I must know first to whom I hnve tho honor of spcnklng," said Hullo, firmly. "You shnll," said tho man In tho chair. "I nm Oenernl Cohrcrn, In tho service of his absolute majesty, Carlos V. of Spain. I shall bo glad to receive your credentials, sir." Then It flashed upon Hollo that nil his papers wero In tho hands of Concha Cabezos. "1 can Indeed glvo you n message nnd thnt Instantly," snld Rollo, "hut I nm un fortunately prevented from showing you my credentials till tho morning. Thoy aro nt present nt the , in the hands of a friend " Here Hollo stnmmercd nnd enmo to n full stop. Luis Femnndcz lnughod scornfully. "Of course." ho said. "What did I tell you, ge.ncrnl? He hns no credentials." Cabrera struck his clenched flat on the table. "Sir," he said, "you nro n strange mcs- sengor. You pretend n mission to me, and when asked for your credentials you tell us that they nre In tho hands of n friend. Tell us your friend's name, nnd how you enmo to permit documents of valuo to mo, nnd to the cnuso for which you say tnat you nro fighting, to fall Into nny hnnds hut your own." Hollo snw that to refer to tho Convent of tho Holy Innocents or to mention Concha's name, would infnlllbly betray tho hiding place of Dolores to her enemies, bo ho could only rclternto his former nnswor. "I nm unfortunntely prevented by my honor from revealing tho nnmo of my friend, or why tho documents wore so en trusted. Hut If your excellency will wnlt till tho morning I promise that you shall bo abundantly satisfied." "I nm not nccustomed to wnlt for tho morning," said Cabrera. "Thero is no Blackening of rein on tho king's service. Hut I have certain Information ns to who you nre, which may provo moro pertinent to tho occasion nnd perhaps may provont any delay whatsoovcr." Cabrera leisurely rolled nnd lighted n cigarette, giving great attention to tho closing of the paper In which It was en wrapped. "Senrch for them," commnnded Cabrera suddenly In n sharp tono of nnger, In which tho latent cruelty of his naturo came out. Their captors with no groat delicacy ot handling began to overhaul tho contonts of tho pockets of tho four. .They examined tholr boots, tho lining of their coats nnd ripped up tho senms of their waistcoats. Upon Rnmon nothing at nil was found except tho fragment of n handbill Issued by tho nationalist general offering a reward for his capture. Dut in tho outer pocket of Hollo Hlnlr was found a far moro compromising docu ment. When tho searcher drew It forth from his coat tho eyes of Luis Fernandez Clcnmed with triumph. Cabrera took tho paper and glanced It over caroIeBsly, but ns soon as his eye fell upon tho slgnnturo tho fashion of his coun tenance changed. Ho leaped to his feet. "Nogucras!" ho cried. "You nro In cor respondence with Nogucras, thn villain who In cold blood shot my poor old mother for no crlmo but that of hnvlng borno mo! Havo tho fellows out Instantly nnd shoot him!" Rollo stood n moment dumfonnded, then ho recovered hlmsolf nnd spoke. "General Cabrera," ho said, "thlo Is a frlck. I havo hnd no correspondence with Nogucras. I had not even hcnnl his name. This has been dropped In my pocket by somo traitor. I hold a commission in tho service of Don Carlos and I havo had no communication with his enemies." Cabrera took up tho letter again and road aloud: "To the young Englishman of the rorelgn legion, pretending sorvlco with Don Carlos. You aro ordered to obtain any Informa tion ns to tho movements ot the brigand Cabrera nnd his men by penetrating Into their district nnd if possible Joining their organization. You will report the same to mo nnd this pass will hold you safe with all servants nnd well wishers of tlio government of tho quoon regent. "NOGUERAS." Tho Cnrllst commnndor, whoso voice had been rising ns he read, shouted rather than uttered tho namo of tho murderer of his mother. Moro than ono Carllst soldier glanced at his neighbor with a look which said, plain as printed proclamation, "It Is nil over with tho foreigners!" At last Cabrera stopped his promenade. Ho folded his arms nnd stood looking up nt Hollo. " 'The morning' I think you said well, I will give your friend till tho morning to bo ready with proofs of your Innocence. Hut If not, so soon ns tho bud rises over tho hills out there, you four shall bo shot for spies and traitors. Take them awayf (To bo Continued.) 31 SUMMER 8PECIALS. $44,00 New York and Return Daily $25.75 Buffalo and return daily. $21,50 Louisville, Ky. and return on sale August 21, 23 and 2d. $24,75 Cleveland, 0, and return on saio September 7 to 10. Homeseekers' Excursions On sale first nnd third Tuesday each month. Tourist Hat oh on sale DAILY to all sum mer resorts allowing stop-overs at Detroit, Niagara Falls, Duffnlo nnd other points. For rate, lake trips, Fan-American doscvlp tlvo matter nnd all Information, call at CITY TICKET OFFICE, 1115 FAHNAM STREET. (l'.iNton Hotel Hlock). or wiito HARRY L. MOOHKS, tl. A. I'. I)., Omaha. Nebraska. WILCOX TANSY PILLS Monthly Regulator. Sale and Sure. Ntur Falls. DruggllU or by Moll. Price, (2 Send lor Woman' Safeguard (tree). WILCOX MEO. CO.. 329 N. iSth St., I'hlli.. Pe. Solil ti- Minil.M.W ,fc McCOWi:!.!, Illtlt; CO,, S. V. for. ItltH mill Itoduo M., Oniiilin, A'rli,