Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

54 THE ARGOSY. ing against sparing Crenshawe from instant death. It was equally plain that the Don had reasons of his own for not firing that revolver. The weapon was half raised again when Crenshawe stood up, but the latter waved his hand contemptuously towards it, and said: “There will be time enough to draw on me, Don Ignacio, when I make another charge.” “You had best stand still,” returned the Don. “ It isn’t necessary for me to shoot you. At a word | could bring a hundred faithful slaves who would tear your limbs asunder.” “Why don’t you say it then?” snapped the American. There was a faint suspicion of an oily smile upon the Spaniard’s face. A suspicion, merely, for the Don was yet trembling with the excitement of Cren- shawe’s unexpected attack. ‘TI prefer to make use of you,” he answered. “And this boy here? ” Crenshawe demanded, pointing to Tony. “He must be punished.” ‘What has he done to deserve it?” “You know better than I, Americano. You know who it was that cut through two bamboo poles just beneath the surface of the ground, and then who cut almost through the same posts a few inches higher up. That made it possible to push the almost severed ends in, and through the aperture thus formed to push one cake of rice in after another. Small wonder, Americano, that hunger fatled to bring about your submission earlier. There is no other among the slaves but Tony who would have dared to do such a thing, even if he had thought of it. My shrewd Josefo here discovered the whole trick, and I myself have seen the severed bamboo poles which Tony pulled back into place after he had pushed the rice cakes through.” ‘You have no other evidence,” said Crenshawe, “ except supposition, have you?” “T am not in the habit of answering my slaves’ questions,’ returned the Don, “ but I am willing to call your attention to the fact that crumbs of rice were found beneath your bed.” . ‘Phat isn’t the point,’ Crenshawe explained. ‘“ I have made submission, and you have me in your power. The point is, that you don’t know that this lad was guilty of bringing me assistance.” “ We are satisfied of it,” said the Don. ‘And you mean to punish him? ”’ ‘‘ Assuredly, and I warn you that any further interference on your part will cost you bitterly.” For a moment Crenshawe stood as if debating with himself. As a matter of fact, his mind was made up ere this, but he paused for the effect it might produce on the Don. “Your Excellency,” he said presently, speaking in a very mild tone, “ | had the good fortune yesterday to perform a little service for you which aroused your gratitude.” At this, the Don’s eyes glistened eagerly, and a smile that was almost pleasant came upon his face. COMIC OOOlKS. CO