Beadle's Dime Library No. 237 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

Long-Haired Max. 15 ridge, but had he done so, the rocks and bushes would in a measure bave concealed them, The woman, however, was much excited, as Max could see by her flashing eyes and con- tracted brow, and she suddenly drew a revolver and stepped forward to a large rock. Bayond that she had a clear view of Barstow, and she thrust forward her weapon and seemed to take aim. ‘* Hold!” exclaimed Long-Haired Max, cateh- ing her hand. ‘‘ In Heaven’s name, do not fire!” She instantly withdrew the revolver and laughed in an unmusical way. ** Have no fear,” she said. ‘I am aware that his time has not yet come, but it is a satisfac- tion to hold bim for one moment at my mercy.” ** You are not his friend, then?” She made a quick gesture. **T am more of a friend to a hideous snake.” ‘Have I not seen you before?” ** Possibly.” “Tf I am not mistaken, you one night warned me that a man was lying in ambush for me.” “You are right; 1 have no wish to deny it. But see; Barstow is entering Casa Victoria.” “I see; but perhaps you can tell me why he goes. ‘* Have you not suspected his object?” ‘“* Dimly, perhaps; but I would like light.” “He, too, seeks light—that of the eyes of Donna Inez.” The cavalier started. ** Are you sure?” he asked, “1 am, but I cannot tell all that is in his busy mind. I know that he asked for the girl’s hand and that Don Ramon gave him no satisfaction. He said that Donna Inez was not to marry until after a season or two at Wasbington, but Bar- stow was shrewd enough to see that Victoria did not care to give his daughter’s future into such hands. I heard Barstow swear that he would find some way of bringing them to the dust, as he expressed it, and I know that he has some scheme now working which aims at that end. What the scheme is I do not know.” “You are an inmate of his house, are you not?” pal Nad ‘Will you tell me in what capacity?’ ‘** Not at present; but as I am his foe, I see no reason why we should not work together against him. I know how you hate him, for I overbeard your interview, but it is only one of the dark chapters in his life; he isan adeptin crime, He thinks me a creature of clay, and, though we often pass weeks without speaking, he believes I bave not the strevgth of mind to be cangerous, He shall see by and by!” Long-Haired Max looked in surprise at this strange woman. She was probably not more than thirty-five years of age, but she was pre- maturely aged. Already she was as gray and time-marked as she should have been at forty- five. Max thought of Miss Lingard, and won- dered if the touch of James Barstow was a plague. Wherever he went he left sorrow; but oot woman seemed to have a good deal of spirit 8 In one hand she carried a scarf which she now roceeded to arrange on her head. Before her ong, loose hair had been uncovered, and this, with the light in her eyes, gave Max grave doubts of her sanity. Some furtber conversation convinced him that she could indeed tell no more of the colonel’s plans, and as she had declined to speak of her- self, he referred to her offer to become his ally. She readily epreed, and promised to keep him informed of all that fell under her notice, ** | have means of hearin thinks he confides only to himself,” she added, with a triumphant smile. “TI often hear you spoken of, and though the colonel has vainly laid three traps for you, he relies chiefly on the fact that he has men watching for the arrival of your chief witness. He hopes to assassinate him on his way to Nuevo Madrid.” ‘*Ha! so thatis why he has troubled me so little?” ‘Yes; but you are far from being safe, will attack you again, rest assured of that,” “‘I thank you very much for your news, and now I can work against him more easily. Tl try to keep my witness out of his hands.” “Enough for now then, for I must return much that Barstow to the house, ar should you receive a note signed * Miss Smith,’ you may know it is from me, Good day.” She said no more but hurried back along the ridge, *nd before she was out of sight Max was striding toward Casa Victoria. Let us precede him, and enter with Colonel Barstow. Don Ramon and Inez were alone when the Visitor was announced, and he was at once ad- mitted. He came in quickly, and as they were seated near each other, gave each a band, “IT have come over early because I wish to do all I can for you,” he explained, with a profuse show of friendship. ‘‘] cannot express to you how deeply I feel for youin your trouble, and knowing that you are innocent of any complici- ty with this unfortunate affair, I propose to use 6 privilege of a neighbor and fight by your side until the battle is won.” He had aroused quite a ripple of enthusiasm, but it was plain to see that it was confined to his own person, Inez. having released her band, looked coldly at the floor, and Don Ramon re- tained his usual dignity and composure. **] thank you for your kindness,” be said, ‘“but I am disposed to regard this affair as one almost trivial. What is there against me? Nothing except the fact that I am a Spaniard, while, | suppose, my nephew isimplicated. in my favor there is much, Every one of my ac- quaintances knows that I am devoted to the cause of the United States.” ‘*] wish the first statement was as true as the last!” sighed Barstow, turning his gaze away, “Ha! do you mean to rg, Rasen is proof against me?” demanded Don Ramon, with un- usual vehemence, ‘Pardon me, sir; I do not mean as you think, but I am aware that certain papers exist which have a bad look. Doubtless your name has been used without any authority, and it is to buffle your enemies, to become your champion, that I ave called to-day.” Barstow uttered this long speech in gentle, oily tones, but Don Ramon grew mors and more excited as he proceeded. A terrible fury burned in the Spaniard’s eyes, and, suddenly arising, he grasped Barstow’s arm and almost thundered bis reply. “Dare you insinuate that an which are compromising to my hemently cried, ma oc AS CHAPTER XX. THE PRICE OF SAFETY, BRAVE as Colone] Barstow uaquestionably was, he shrunk back from the storm he had raised, The old don was so rte, emer rand in his wrath that the lesser soul of the plotter cowered before him. He put out both bands deprecatingly. ‘*T implore you be calm; save your anger for those who deserve it. Have I not said that I believe your name was used without your con- sent? If I have referred to ¢ mpromising pa- rs, it 15 only because [ bave seen that of which speak.” Before he had finished Don Ramon had drop- d his hand and the look on his face told that e deeply regretted his hasty indignation. _ “T beg a thousand pardons, colonel,” he said, with that deep regret which, in one of his station in life, never degenerates into self-abasement. ‘* At my age, a man should not be so hasty. If I have not wounded you too deeply, 1 would like to hear what you have seen.” Barstow sighed heavily and looked through the window a moment before replying. He wished to give the impression that he was reluc- tant to tell bad news, and as an actor he was very good in his old role of a hypocrite. ‘Certain papers,” he slowly said, ‘‘ were found on the person of Eduardo Castro, papers which related to this incipient rebellion. In these occur the names of many of the conspira- tors, and, Don Ramon, Uy some unaccountable chance, yours is among them.” Inez clasped her hands and became very pale, but Barstow’s manner had already prepared Victoria for the announcement. “Say, rather, by some one’s perjury,” he said, calmly. ‘* How it occurred I cannot say, but I think I see the hand of Eduardo Castro in this. If he has engaged in treasonable work, what is more likely than that he should have used my name as a cover for his intrigues, for the control of bis timid allies.” The words were spoken more as a soliloquy than to those present. z ‘Oh! madre de Dios!” exclaimed Inez, * this cannot be. Surely, thereissome mistake. Col- onel Barstow, are you sure you read correctly? Eduardo would not be so base; there is some mistake!” The colonel bent his head to hide the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes, At last Inez Victoria was touched; before the game was ended he would have ber at his feet. ‘* Nothing would be more pleasing to me than to know I was mistaken, but I have even more than the evidence of my own eyes. I have been allowed to copy two of these papers, and you shall read for yourself.” He drew them from his pocket and passed one to each. We need not give their contents here; it is enough to sav that the originals, if genuine, seemed to brand Ramon Victoria as a traitor to his adopted country. Without losing his calmness, he read both and then silently handed them back to Barstow, “No,” said the latter. “‘Keep and destroy them. Ido not want them in my possession.” “You say you were allowed to copy these?” ‘Yes, Don Ramon, but only after long hours of argument and entreaty. I went to Lieuten- ant Mellough and asked for the privilege, re- minding him that I, too, had been a soldier. He firmly refused. I asked again, and again he re- fused; but persistence at last won the battle. Perbaps not much was gained, but I was re- solved to know what they bad against you, and ive you a chance to form a defense. should ave come here directly from the jail, but as I papers exist onor?” he ve- i ae ees ee Seems eee SS ....eQE ee had not retired at all during the night, I went first to rearrange my toilet.” Barstow told bis lie with ease and cunning, for under the last sentence he had said, in sub- stance, ‘* I bad worked for you all night.” Don Ramon, who did not think of doubtin his word, was really touched by all this. 6 had never liked the colonel, but it seemed that be bad a generous nature, after all, So the unsuspicious Spaniard, thoroughly hon- orable himself, expressed his thanks warmly, Barstow expected as much from Inez, but she | was looking steadily outof the window, ‘“‘l have but just begun,” continued the schemer. ‘‘I have been a soldier, and it is a part of my creed never to cease fighting while the enemy isin arms. I now propose to destroy all proof of your connection with this affair, These papers which speak against you are living lies; they must not appear at the trial,” ‘* How can it be prevented?” “ Easily enough, if you agree to my plan,” * What is your plan?” ‘Your safety demands that the papers be burned. There is but one way todo this; We must secure them by some stratc gem,” Don Ramon looked troubled, for even with his own safety at stake he did not like the idea of doing anything not strictly honorable, but Donna Inez looked at the matter with the elas- ticity of youth. ‘* How can that be done?” she asked, quickly, *“T have thought of a way, but I hesitate to break it to you.’ “Then it must be dishonorable, and conse- quently not to be considered,” said Don Ramon, ‘Wait, padre mio; let us bear the plan,” said Inez, placing her hand caressingly on his shoulder, The crisis was at hand, but at that moment the schemer hesitated, To himself bis plan — weak and sure to fail, but it must be tried, ‘*T have a plan,” be continued, ‘* which must succeed if I can put it in force, and in its exe- cution only my own hands will be needed. Donna Inez and yourself need do nothing. I said the papers must be Lurned, but that was to test your feelings in the matter, I have a surer way. I possess a liquid which, when poured upon writing, will at once remove all trace of the ink. You have heard of such things, I possess the article.” ‘* Bat how is it to be used?” denianded Inez, who was not slow to grasp bis meaning. Barstow was delighted. Cool as the senorita had been but a moment before, she was now all interest. She believed she saw bope for saving her father’s reputation, and in her opinion the end justified the means, ‘''t hat is what puzzled me at first, but it oc- curred to me, after a little reflection, that if T could get the lieutenant to lodge in my house I might pont the liquid on his papers while he slept. I gave the invitation and be declined. ‘Since my blow is to fall on the Mexicans,’ he said, ‘it will not do for me to lodge with an American. People will then say that justice is blind and all Americans free from suspicion.’ ” ‘““He was thoughtful,” commented Don Ramon, | “IT then suggested that he take up his resi- dence in your own casa, but again he declined.” ‘* For what reason?” “He said that if be lived with a Mexican, Americans would then accuse him of sympathiz- ing with them,” ‘A foolish objection,” said Don Ramon, upon whom these objections acted as an argument in favor of destroying the dengerous writing.” ‘*T told him so, but he was firm. Later, how- ever, be laughed, and said: ‘If I could but find a household where the master was of one nation- ality and the mistress of another, I might then accept their hospitality and run no risk,’” ‘*This Mellough is more keen-witted than I mek him,” Don Ramon said, in sarprise, “Yet, 1 outwitted him! I overt rew bis scruples! I played a card which swept the board!” Barstow declared, rubbing his hands with satisfaction. ** What was it?’ Inez asked. ‘ Do not keep us. any longer in suspense,” “TIT expect to forever lose your friendship when I confess what | said. True, he fell into the trap blindly, but you cannot forgive my presumption.” —_ i ‘“* We will forgive everything at this moment,” an Inez, who had been wrought up to a nervous state. “Then you shall hear, but, hearing, 1 pra that you will forgive. In answer to Mel- lough’s last words I exclaimed; ‘Then it is to Don Ramon’s you must go, for Donna Inez is my promised wife!” The colonel’s words struck forcibly, but less so than would have been the case had he been an urgent suitor. Donna Inez bad never suspected his faney for her; what Don Ramon knew we have already seen. Barstow expected to see his plan fail, and upos Victoria’s face « look of dissatisfaction appear ed; but Inez at once cried; ‘Bravo! you have done well, Colonel Bar- stow.” “ But,’ remonstrated Don Ramon, “ thie will Eomichbooks.co m