The Argosy, Vol. 61, No. 4 — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

590 ‘“Make a sound,” I said, ‘and you are a dead man. I want a paper signed by you, but not for the purpose of dig- ging gold. You have ruined the com- pany of which I seem to be the only honest member, and you have helped ruin me. You have imprisoned one of my countrymen and his wife and daugh- ter. I want you to sign an order to the alcalde, and the alcaid of the prison at Choluteca, to release Innors, his wife, and his daughter.” His black eyes opened as wide as they could, and he looked with ugly con- sternation into the muzzle of my re- volver. : ‘“ Disebey me,” I said, “and I'll put eight bullets into you before your men can break down that door.” He gasped. ‘““Wakler,” I said, “get out paper and pen and ink. The governor is in a generous mood. He will oblige.” “You lie!” said Savanilla. “I will have you shot.” ‘We'll take care of that part later,” I retorted. ‘‘ Now, sign that order as I told you.” Still he hesitated. ‘‘Savanilla,” I said, ““I am a des- perate man. You have the girl I love in that prison, and I’m going to get her out, and her father too. What have you to gain by keeping them there and permitting Innors to be shot? You are a Zambo. What do such men as Mag- nuz, Fonseca, and the alcalde of Chol- teca care for you? They would shoot you as readily as they would me.” ‘“T am governor.” | “No; just now I am. Write as I dictate. You know the names; write to the alcalde and the alcaid as follows: “Release, upon presentation of this order, the American Innors, his wife and daughter.’ Got that? Now sign your name.” 2 Hesitating and cursing, he did sign, and I folded the paper and put it in my pocket. “Now,” I said, “bind this fellow, stuff something in his mouth, and we'll hurry back to Choluteca. Our work is about done.” Wakler grinned, though he was pale with fright, and Quinchincha gurgled his pleasure. THE ARGOSY. | In five minutes the acting governor of Choluteca was a live mummy, and just as helpless as a dead one. CHAPTER VIII. TOO LATE. “WELL,” said Wakler, as he and Quinchincha and I rode leisurely away from the inn at Gracia, “for a fellow who has not lived a life of adventure, you are the most adventurous individual I’ve ever seen. I’ve jabbed that old hulk of a Puffer round here with my heart in my mouth, expecting to go feed the alligators any minute, but I’ll be hanged if I’d dare do what you’ve done.” “You see, Wakler,” I answered, “Pve got a girl in prison, and I’m go- ing to get her out. It makes a differ- ence. If I had only myself to <hink of, I’d run away from a cow.” Old Quinchincha chuckled. “Anyhow,” said Wakler, “so far so good. What are your further plans?” ‘First, to get a nfove on. This slow and easy business was all right while we were in Gracia. But now, come on.” The horse I rode, though the larger of the three animals, was the most worn. . Quinchincha’s burro was somewhat jaded, while Wakler’s big mule seemed ready for any kind of a picnic, so long as it had plenty of grub in it. We beat them all into a gallop until we had almost killed my horse, and then, imagining that pursuit—if there was one —would not be very rapid, we slowed down to an easy jog. Of course, we made better time than when outward bound, because we did not stop at any village except for rest and refreshments. We had no inquiries to make. ““T suppose we’ll go straight to the prison,” said Wakler, as we approached Choluteca. ‘“‘ The the __ bet- ter, ely?” “Well, as to that,” I replied, “ I’ve been planning a little on the side as we came along. I’m not going to lose any chances. I’m not going to place all our dependence on the obedience that may be shown the order of Savanilla. pose the real governor returns?” ‘Surely the acts of his deputy would be upheld?” sooner ECO OO (Cc Sup- (©