Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

IN PERILOUS WAYS. 121 what they were going to do with me. I did not relish the idea of a Mexican prison, or Mexican justice. Both were bad enough at best, and I had no favors to expect. | I finished dressing, then sat down on my bed to try to think of some way to secure my release or devise a plan of escape. I knew that I could expect no assistance from the American consul. He was not in a position at that time to enforce his demands, and his requests were likely to go unheeded. Besides, my conduct would not bear investiga- tion. My own acts would place me in a bad light. My escape must be effected by my own shrewdness. The more I thought over my situation, the more I was convinced that it was a very serious one. My chances for escape were very small. [I could not let myself out of the window without falling tnto the hands of the soldiers. I had discovered that there was a company of them stationed at the house. There was a chance for escape if I threw open my door, and with drawn re- volvers, after the manner of desperadoes, made a dash for liberty. But even then, if I succeeded in gaining my freedom I would be a fugitive and could not expect to escape the police. I could but blame myself for the brawl at the pulqueria. The affair would become known all over the city; and the description obtained of me would make it impossible for me to venture on the street without being recognized. This was likely to embarrass me seriously, if not defeat my plans to rescue Sefiorita Teresa. I determined to await developments, which was about all I could do. The situation appeared ludicrous to me, despite its seriousness. I was sitting on my bed with drawn revolvers guarding the door on the inside, while a couple of sentinels were standing without, to see that I remained a prisoner. I had discovered, on attempting to talk with the guard, that the men would hold no conversation with me. Even had they been willing to talk it was probable that I could have learned nothing from them as to the cause of my arrest. But I was not to be kept long in suspense. An hour or two later I heard some one come along the walk, speak to the guard, and then knock at my door. “Who comes?” I demanded. ‘““Qne who has something of importance to say to you,” was the reply. “ That may be,” I answered, “ but I am not receiving callers this morning.” “One comes who has authority to negotiate with you,” I was informed. ‘ One who may be able to secure your release.” “ How am I to know what your authority is?’ I asked. “ Will you please state who you are?” } “ If sefior chooses to admit me, that will be made known to him. Sefior can do as he pleases.” I thought it best to admit the man, whoever he might be; so shoved the bolt of the door, stepped back, and told him to come in. The door was pushed slowly open, and a monk stalked into the room and stood motionless before me. (TO BE CONTINUED.) GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT