Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

IN PERILOUS WAYS. 109 I waited until I had the satisfaction of hearing them pass on, then at- tempted to go out, but found that I could not now open the door. The archway to which the door admitted me was large enough for a coach and horses to pass through, and led to the inner court or patio. The place was dark, for the lamp above my head had not been lit; but the patio was lighted by lanterns. Why the portero was not at the door, I did not know. My attention had been attracted from the first by the sound of voices and rattle of arms. At the further end of the court was a company of troopers. They stood there holding their horses and apparently awaiting orders. There were also numerous servants about the place, and everywhere there appeared to be excitement and confusion. There were, probably, over fifty persons in the courtyard. I crept along the side of the wall to get a better view, and discover, if I could, the cause of the tumult; but I was unable to arrive at any satisfactory explanation as to what was the cause of it. I could not see Don Carlos any- where, and it finally occurred to me that probably the cavalrymen were wait- ing for him, and served as a bodyguard or escort. An attendant passed me, coming down a stairway which was at my left. He did not see me, and I thought that I might venture to ascend the same stairway, and possibly, in the confusion which seemed to prevail everywhere, find the sefiorita’s room, or at least manage to communicate with her. If seen, I might pass as one of the troopers, as I wore a sombrero not unlike those they had, and the difference in my clothes was not likely to be noticed in the shadow of the gallery. Plants and vines had been trained along ‘tthe balustrade and up the columns which screened the gallery from the court. Watching my opportunity, when there was no one near, I went up the stairs, keeping to the left, and passed half the length of the second gallery, fortunately not meeting any one. I was in some doubt which door I should venture to enter as leading to the room where I was most likely to find the sefiorita, when suddenly a door opened near me and a servant appeared. He was a young man, and stopped abruptly, looking at me with a fixed stare. He was about to speak, but I forestalled him. ‘“ Pardon me,” I| said, bowing low, “I am at a loss which way to turn. Don Carlos’ room is——” I hesitated, as if following directions, but had become confused. “You wish to see Sefior Don Carlos de Ulloa?” he asked, with dignified reserve. I did not wish to see him—in fact, he was the very person I wished to avoid meeting, but I was caught in my own trap. I replied, however, that I wished to see him privately, upon a matter of particular importance. I now fully expected that I would be obliged to meet that gentleman; and I was frantically racking my brain for some excuse to account for my pres- ence in his house and my request for an interview. . The man waited until I was through speaking, regarding me with some disfavor, I thought, and then replied that Don Carlos was not at home. I must have breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Certainly I felt greatly relieved. My most immediate peril did not threaten me. GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT