The Argosy, August 1905 — page 26: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

He is then something in the army of the republic? ” “ That is as you will; he is frequently intrusted with important messages.” “T think,” said Perote carelessly, “that he has honored my house on more than one occasion. The last time he traveled southward with a companion.” “Oh, that must have been Captain Amador, who also enjoys the general’s confidence,” replied the officer, and went on to describe the elder of the two men who had put Perote to the torture. Perote rejoined the group of cavalry- men with a curious expression on his face; his lips moved frequently, repeat- ing the words “ Valeno” and “ Am- ador,” “ Amador” and ‘Valeno.” Once he pressed his fingers lightly over the bandages which crossed his face. Having watered the horses, the caval- cade proceeded upon the journey., riding northward toward the Rio Grande. It was well past the noon hour when it drew up near a small village, where the captain had expressed his determination to dine. . But as they approached the miser- able tavern, the presence of a dozen horses in front of the door gave warning that others were before them. And that these were members of Santa Anna’s army was evident, for the men who guarded the horses were in uniform. The captain pulled in his mount. “A thousand curses!” growled he. “There is to be found in such places scarcely sufficient food for three hungry men, and see who are before us. We shall get nothing here, that is certain.” Still he urged forward his horse, and, followed by his men and Perote, rode up to the door of the tavern. “Where are you going?” he de- manded of one of the men who were guarding the horses. “To the capital, sefior,” replied the soldier. “‘ Have you come from there?” “Only part way. Are you acting as an escort, or what? ” “Yes and no; but we are hunting for - certain ones, and one in particular, who gerous to the welfare of the re- om are you speaking—an - : . "We —— 7 " “7 “Who can tell that, senor, for scarcely any one has seen him. It is re- ported that he is more than half wolf, and avoids people easily. It is said that a certain innkeeper, between here and Chalco, has seen and talked with him.” “But surely you know something of the man for whom you are looking, else how will you tell when you come across him? ” «hat may be known to our captain, but nothing has been explained to us, only that we are looking for a spy who is sharper than the devil himself.” * And who is your captain? ” “Tt is Senor Amador, who is at this moment dining within.” The cavalryman behind whom Perote was seated felt a sudden sharp move- ment. The ex-tavern keeper was slip- ping from the back of the horse to the ground. The captain was speaking. “T will join Senor Amador; we once served in the same regiment,’ said he, and, dismounting, bade his men await his return. “ This means an empty stomach until the next village is reached; he will eat, but we are allowed to go hungry,” growled one of the troopers, making a wry face. Then catching sight of Perote moving cautiously toward the rear of the tavern, he called: “It is fortunate, my friend, that you are not yet a soldier, for you can go where you please. If you find anything, save half a loaf for me; I will not forget the favor.” But Perote did not seem to hear. He was thinking only of who was in the house, and that, did Captain Amador appear suddenly, it would be better were he not visible. The time to come face to face with the man who had tortured him had not yet arrived. In the rear of the tavern was a win- dow, and, as Perote approached this, voices fell upon his ear. A conversation was being carried on between the officer Pes accompanied and Captain Ama- _ “So you are going northward it were better that you a for I am commissioned 7 = 4 eo - _ - comicbooks.com