Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

120 THE ARGOSY. “ Sefior Harvey, I am indebted to you for possibly saving my life. I shall remember you. Men do not interfere as you did tonight for the love of the business. You might have received a knife thrust. I thank you again. [ shall be pleased to see you any time you may find it in your way to call upon me. But I am here and there. I do not remain in one place long.” With the advice for me to look out for myself he left me. Reaching my lodgings, I sought my own room. I had received some wounds, which, though insignificant, yet needed attention. That night | slept well, was up early the next morning, but had not finished dressing when there was a tram» of feet outside my door. ; “Ts this the room?” I heard some one ask. “Yes, but I do not think he has yet risen,” some one answerea, and I knew the voice to be that of my landlord. “We will wake him,”’ said the first speaker. There was a rattling of my door, accompanied by noise enough to wake a deaf men. I let them pound, sitting on my bed meanwhile trying to deter- mine what it was all about. I confess that I had some fears that it meant trouble for me. “What is wanted?” I finally demanded, when there was a lull m the. pounding. “Open the door and you will soon find out,” was the gruff reply. “TI will not open the door until you first tell me what is wanted,” I re- torted. “I demand that you open the door,” came the same authoritative voice. “Not until you inform me of your business.” “ Madre de Dios!”’ he exclaimed, “ I will break down the door then—I will force it. I- have an order for your arrest.” And again there was an on- slaught on the panels. —“ And I choose not to be arrested,” I cried, as soon as I could make myself heard. “I will shoot the first man who attempts to execute the order.” I had drawn my revolvers, and as if to emphasize my threat I fired, and the bullet crashed through the upper part of the door. There was a precipitous retreat of the enemy: and negotiations were carried on after that with less active demonstrations from those on the outside. With a grim determination to resist if force was attempted, I refused to admit them; and they, doubtless believing that they had either a desperado or a madman to deal with, dared not break down the door. The controversy finally ended by their stationing a guard there, thus making me a prisoner in my Own room. I smiled to myself and was somewhat elated over my victory when I found what they had done. They had certainly proceeded about their task in a clumsy way. ‘Had they, in the first place, waited until I came out, it would have been a very easy matter for them to have arrested me, for I would have had no opportunity for effective resistance. As it was, seeing that I had stood them off thus far, I Geterminied to hold out against them as long as possible. At least I would try to learn their authority for attempting my arrest, and GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT