Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 31, Number 353, 29 January 1907 — Page 7

lfte Hichmond Palladium. Tuesday, January 29, 1907.

Pane Seven

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'27 ' "

THE KNIFE THROWERS By FREDERIC VAN RENSSELAER DEY. Author of "Not Like Other Men," Etc

CHAPTER I. PREPARING FOB THE DVTXj. YHh trim PEXDLETON shoved his 1UC arms through the sleeve hole JO of bis fur coat, accepted the lighted wax match bis valet offered him, applied it to tbe end of his looked again Into the mirror that .ided from floor to ceiling and bev leisurely to draw on bis gloves. Beneath the coat he had so carefully buttoned across bis ample chest he was faultlessly attired. Faultlessness in all things was Burr Pendleton's chlefest bobby among many, and on this par tlcular occasion be bad been more Im portunate than usuaL Tbe reason was odvious to the man who waited upon him and whose attentions, always strictly correct, were on this occasion Imbued with a touch of indescribable tenderness. . . : . - "Is there anytbing more, sir?" he Inquired, stepping backward two or three paces and regarding bis employermaster would be a more approprlpte term In this case with a glance that was almost reverential. "Nothing, James ah. yes, the case of pistols." was the indifferent reply. "Will you not permit me to take them to you, tlr?" asked the valet eagerly. "No. I will take the case with me. You are to remain here, James, and on no account leave these rooms until I return or until some accommodating friend calls to tell you that I am not likely to do so." "If the matter were to be settled at fence, sir. Instead of with pistols, I fcbould feel better, but" An Imperious gesture Interrupted further remark by the servant, and a moment later Burr Pendleton said quietly: "Perhaps you bad better fill my cigar caw. James. 1 may not have enough with me. On the table In my dressing room you will find several letters that I have written during the day. If 1 do not return that Is, If I ara not here by jicou tomorrow you will see that they are delivered. I refer, of course, to Hucb of them as can be delivered. The others you will post. Among them Is one for yourself, but on no account are you to open it before 12 o'clock tomorrow, or we will say n quarter past 12. How much ready money have you at band, James?" "Something over $2,000 in American money, sir. It Is In the secretary. Shall I get It for you?" ... "No. no. I do not want It. In the event of your reading the letter to which I have referred It will tell you just what to do. The amount you have will be sutlicient for your expenses, 1 think. That is all, I believe. No; there is one thing more." "Yes. sir." "Among tbe letters you will find one addressed to Mr. Craig Wyndhani. I think 1 would prefer that you should deliver tbat In person. James. I have remembered everything else In the letter to you. What time is it? Half past S? I will be late at the opera." "And yon will not return here after the opera, sir?" "No; at least not before tomorrow. Tbe meeting Is to be at 5 in the niorn- . ing. 1 am booked for supper at tbe Concordia at 1. and It will be 4 or thereabouts before we break up. Captain Agramonte is to be one of the party, and doubtless we will go to the shooting gallery In San Felipe Neri afterward if there Is any time to spare. After that" The abrupt pause was suggestive, and tears gathered In the eyes of the valet. For a moment be remained irresolute; then he stepped suddenly forward and extended his right hand toward his master. "You will forgive me, sir." he said tremulously. 'but things would be easier for me during the next f.w hours If you would shake hands with old James. Begging your pardon for the Impertinence, Mr. Burr, you could not be dearer to me If you were my own on. Will you shake bauds with me. sir. before you go out." Burr Pendleton grasped the valet's band firmly In his own. "Dear old Jimmy.' he said, "did yon think' I would go away without doing that? You are uot about to flunk, are you. Jim? Just feel how steady my torve Is. eh? Not a tremor. James. There really isn't anything about this matter to give you the doldrums, you know. It is true that Romero Is a noted duelist and that he numbers some very good men among bis victims, but I lon"t think I am billed for eternity just yet. You may expect me here a little before neon tomorrow, but if I do net come you must make the best of it and pee that my Instructions are carried out to the letter." "You may trust me to do that, sir." I know it. James. If things end happilyfor me we will leave Mexico for borne tomorrow night. Good night, Jimmy." "(Jod bless you. sir." Tbe door opened and closed, and James was alone, but a long time passed before he moved from his position In the middle of lie floor, and only God and Llmself knew what words be whispered during tl ose moments of silenC agony. It was true that Burr Pendleton hat! on engagement at tbe opera that evening, but it Is also true that be bad co Intention of going directly from bis rooms in the Hotel Gilo to tbe theater. Tbe Idea of being late in keeping bis engagement to hear the divine Patti lid not appall him, and Instead of walking the short distance along tbe Clnco de Mayo to the Teatro Nacional Le signaled to a blue flag carriage, gave ft hurried direction to tbe driver, sprang Inside and was carried toward San Francisco street, thence through tbe Avenida Juarez past the Alameda and F 1 Caballitc and out upon the. famous

To j. o v o r o it T r T

rasaeo ae m uerorma. Xnere toe oriver lashed the horses into a run so that the four miles to Chapultepec were quickly covered, and ten minutes later the vehicle came to a stop In front of the great gambling resort In the village of Tacu baya. Tbe hour was rather early for tbe frequenters of the place, and only Just one aspirated breath oj surprise cscapea nim. three of the tables were In operation. Fcndleton did not bestow so much as a glance upon any of them, but strode tho length of tbe salon, passed out again upon the piazza and down among the network of graveled paths which dissected Into every conceivable design the luxuriant vegetation of tbe garden. Ho followed one of these paths until it ended abruptly at a rustic summer bouse. December nights, even in and near the City of Mexico, are chilly If not cold, and tbe fur lined coat that Pendleton wore was by no means a burden. As he approached the summer bouse he drew the collar around his ears and passed inside. Perceiving that be was tbe sole occupant, b lighted a cigar and stood with bis back against a section of the framework while be awaited the absent party to tho tryst. Ten minutes later his patience was rewarded. Pendleton could bear the sound of approaching footsteps on the gravel, and presently the vine shrouded doorway was darkened by tha figure of a woman closely veiled. Behind her. six feet away, was another, but instead of tbe lace mantilla which decorated the bead while it concealed the features of her companion she was covered by a dark colored serape, aud even lu that dim light which was almost darkness it was easily perceivable that she filled the capacity of duenna. Pendleton cast bis cigar aside and, lifting his bat. bowed low. "I am glad, senorita. that I arrived before you did. since it has spared you tbe unpleasantness of. waiting." he said. "Your message assured me that you speak English and that your servant does not. from which I decided that you preferred me to use that tongue. Will you be seated, senorita?" She was silent a moment before re plying, as If she lacked tbe courage to spenk. but at last, in a low voice tbat was Indescribably sweet, she said slowly: - "I thank you a thousand times, senor, not only for your kindness In coming to me here, but also for tbe secrecy that I feel assured you have imposed upon yourself at my request." "You may be assured of tbat much, senorita." "If you will indulge me still further. I wiil remain In the doorway as I am now. My position serves two purposes, since 1 remain In full view of the servant and at the same time screen you from observation. I asked you to meet me here, senor, because I knew that I was less likely to be recognized In this place and also because the grand opera In tbe city has attracted nearly if net quite all of those who might identify me." Pendleton bowed, but mad? no reply Presently she continued: "You n re to engage in a duel In the morning Spnor Pendleton. I have been so inl'ot : . j " "Your i' ;: rmation is correct." "I commit an impertinence, but may I Inquire tbe cause?" "It grieves me. senorita. that It is out of my power to enlighten you." "Do you mean that you cannot or that you will not?" "Possibly both, senorita. It would scarcely accord with my idea of ethicto do so any case, but happily I a:, spared necessity for discrimln - tion. for t do not know the reason m self, at least not the real cause. O course tbe gentleman who compelb Ine to challenge him insulted me grossly before I did so. but I am utterly un aware of bis reason for seeking tL quarrel." "And be is' she whispered tb name evidently to prevent the duenna from hearing it "Captain Ignacio Ra Luero." Pendleton bowed again. "You fight with pistols?" "We are expected to do so." "May I ask the name of your second In this a flair?" "Captain graraonte." She took one impulsive step forward End then, as if remembering that the eyes of the other woman were upon her. as hastily withdrew to ber former position, but ber voice was keyed a tone lower, and it was plethoric with intensity when she spoke again. "I am the cause of your duel, Senor Pendleton." she said. "You?" he responded Incredulously "1 have not even the honor of knowing your narlie, senorita. I nm quite sure that I Lave never beard your voice before, becruw it 1s one tbat I could not forget. I do not know if I have ever ecu your face, since I cannct see it

now. ana i am very sure ruat I nave Siren no wan cause for sncli a meeting on account of anywGman since I hate been in Mezieo." Again she was silent for a moment. Presently, in a tone so lowered that it barely reached bis tense of bearing.

' she murmured: "If you will step to one side so that Maria cannot see you and will strike a ceriilo under tee pretense of lighting your cigar, I will draw aside my mantilla. I think tbat will help you to un derstand.' Pendleton obeyed tbe suggestion with EUCh promptness that she was cot fully prepared for it. and the conscious flush that suffused her face at her own temerity was there still when the light of tbe wax match was reflected hack upon him from her dark but brilliant e3'es. Just one aspirated breath of surprise escaped him; then he turned away and leisurely lighted his cigar. "Thank you." he said, resuming his former position against the framework of the summer house. "Do you understand now, Senor Pendleton?" she asked. "I think so In part, not wholly." "The duel must not take place." "It cannot be avoided, senorita." "You are the challenging party; you can withdraw." "Impossible." "Captain Romero is tbe best shot la Mexico. He will kill you." "Quite likely," with an expressive shrug of bis shoulders. "There must be no duel! It shall not take place!" she said vehemently. "Unless Senor Romero elects to apologize to me and withdraw, which is extremely unlikely, It must take place, senorita." "If I will tell you my name and explain all that you do not know of this affair" "Pardon me, senorita, but you are wasting words. l'ou bhould understand that even better than I. If Romero kills me, you will have nothing to regret; If I kill Romero, I should prefer to remain in Ignorance of your name. I think, therefore, it Is better to leave things as they are. I perceive also tbat Maria, as you called her. Is becoming Impatient or anxious." fche understood perfectly well bis meaning, but she remained motionless and silent several moments, drumming one of her little feet Impatiently upon tbe earthen floor. Finally she took one ... step nearer to bim and extended one band, In which was a letter. "Will you take this?" she asked. "It contains something that I wrote this j afternoon, and it is for you. I ask only ' i that you will read It; not now, not j here," she added hastily when she saw macne was prouuemg nis case or cenilos; "later, at your leisure, before you meet Captain Romero. Good night, senor." She turned away the instant his fingers closed upon the letter, passed through tbe doorway and, followed by her servant, disappeared along tbe winding pathway. Pendleton smoked on leisurely for some time; then bo lighted another ce rillo and looked at bis watch. The hour ( was nearly 10. and be hastened from A. scrape cti thrown over his head. the place, entered bis carriage and. ' telling tbe driver to return even faster than he came out, started toward the city, six miles distant. From Tacubaya to Chapultepec the highway is particularly desolate, and at night it Is shrouded in Impenetrable gloom. Formerly tbe locality was a favorite resort for bandits, and until recently the night tramcars were escorted by mounted soldiery. Even now : they go in pairs and trios for the sake of additional safety. Now occurrences when travelers along that thoroughfare are molested are very rare indeed, but such Incidents do happen once or twice in the course of a year. Midway between tbe village and tbe castle Pendleton heard a sharp command to halt. At the same instant tbe carriage stopped suddenly and a motneat later several faces appeared at tbe windows on cither side, and the passenger was requested firmly, but politely, to alight. He bad not a weapon of any sort except the case of unloaded dueling pistols, and there was nothing for him to do but obey. Then, almost as soon as bis feet were on tbe ground, a serape was thrown over his bead, a lasso was wound several times around his body, and be was let! away through the darkness. He heard his own carriage start rapidly down the road just as his abductors thrust him Into another one, and then be could not tell in which direction be was taken, for tbe rchicle made several turns before it adopted a direct course. "I will miss all my engagements for tonight and the one in the morning, too. unless I can bribe these fellows to help me out," was bis mental comment. My friend the senorita may have ber way after all. It did not occur to bim that "the senorita" might have taken forcible measures to prevent the duel in the event of his refusal to accede to ber wishes ref , V,k w .r ! letter and thought, vmh a gnm smile, tbat be was more than l.kely to have, ample time to read it, as she bad sug gested, at his "leisure.' CHAFTER H. AS AS FAIE OF HO:CK. W HEX the carriage in which Burr Pendleton was a prisoner arrived at Its destination, the lasso was remov ed, but tbe serape which so effectually hoodwinked hhu was not disturbed. One of his captors took bim by the arm. ! axul be was informed that if he would 1

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wais ttiong quretiy. no tiurui wouut intall him. lie complied without deigning to spcakl lie was conscious that bis feet crunched upon gravel paths which wouud in and out among shrubbery, for the branches frequently brushed against bim, and once be thought it probable that be was again within the secluded garden of the Tacubaya gam bling bouse. This illusion was soon dis - pelled. however, for after passing acrcss an extended court that was flagged with stone and thence into a secI ond shrubbed and graveled iaclosure be was directed to mount a flight of tbree steps, and be knew that he entered an apartment of some kind. There was the yielding touch of soft carpeting under bis tread, and the warm air was quite In contrast with the chill without. He was bidden courteously to wait one moment and was left standing in the middle of the floor. He beard the sound made by a closing door, and after what seemed an interminable period, although it could not have been more than a minute or two. be attempted to relieve himself of the blinding serape. There was no resistance, and upon casting it aside be discovered that be was alone. His conductor had disappeared. For a moment he stared around bim in amazement. This was certainly not the sort of treatment he had expected. He began to think that perhaps they were not bandits after a'll; the surroundings of that moment did not suggest such an explanation. The room ! was richly, even luxuriously, furnlsh- ; ed. and his first quick glance told him . tbat it was the favorite living room of j a lady; the pictures on tbe walls, the chairs, the piano and the books that . littered tbe table all assured bim of ! that much. The wide, low window, through which be believed he had entered the room, was open. Not so the iron bars that protected It, but they told him nothing, since every house In Mexico has Its windows so furnished. He peered out through the grating, but he could see nothing except the outlines of tall trees showing against the sky. There was nothing by which he could determine his locality, so he turned back into the room again and crossed to the table, where one of the lamps with which the apartment was supplied was burning. His glance rested upon a slip of paper with writing upon it, and be read these words: Senor Pendleton If you re mystified concerniv.tc the events of this evening:, read the letter tbat last came into your possession. There was no signature, but he rec- j ognlzed the cbirography as the same 1 as that he bad received early In the day calling bim to Tacubaya, and he added mentally, "Where I was fool enouen to go to dc irappea r,y a woman. iii3 cigars were intact, ana he lighted one. Then, after arranging the lamp more to bis purioses. he dropped into an easy chair near the table, produced the letter which had been given to bim by his companion in the summer house, broke the seal and began ' I crave your pardon, Senor Pendleton, for the indignity that 1 am forced to thrutt upon you. I have determined to prevent the meeting between you and Captain Romero, and aa 1 have no hope tiiat you will consent to abandon all thought of it I have prepared this in anticipation of your refusal. You-will not be detained longer than is necrssary that it, only a little longer, for it will not be possible to liberate you during the hours of daylight. Twenty-four hours will be the duration of your imprisonment. In the meantime you will be left entirely alone. Your room is supplied with every necessity you will require durin-r that" time, and when it expires, as aoon as you have placed the serape over your head so that you cau see nothing, you will be taken back to the city, or at least as far as El Cabillito. I am informed that it is your intention to return to New York tomorrow night. I rejrret that I will not be able to liberate you 6oon enough for you to carry out your plan. The train leaves three hours too early for that. But you need not be prevented from taking the early morning train on the other road. If you will leave your New York address on the table. I will communicate with you. again; also, should you care to commi nicate with your servant, if you will write the message and throw it through the prating at your window, it will be delivered at once. If I have placed you in a false position concerning the duel and your masculine conception of honor, I can assure you that the day will come when you will thank me for what I have done, it the opportunity occurs. I wiil sign this letter as I did the one that brought yov to Tacubaya. One who prefers, for the present, to be known to you only as Cashes. Pendleton folded the letter and returned it to bis pocket. Then he looked at his watch and discovered tbat it was nof yet mfunrgbt. After that Tie paced moodily up and down the room many times. "Of course she means to read whatever I write to James," be mused, "and if I say anything in explanation of my j absence tbe message will not go. Tbe j only thing I can do is to tell bim to let j things stand as they are until later, j and I must do tbat; otherwise be will ; be out of tbe city before I am out of i here unless" , There were writing materials on the table, and be Indited the followin message to bis valet: ' You will extend the time cf waiting for me twenty-four hours. Do nothing whatever until that time. If there should be callers, tell them all that I will be prepared to receive everybody at midnight tomorrow night tonight of the day you receive this. B. P. He thrust tbe message through the grating, extinguished the lights in the room and stood on guard to see the person who should come to take it, and when that person appeared be recognized In the graceful walk and carriage tbe lady of his interview in the gambling bouse. She kept her face turned away notwithstanding the fact that it was concealed by the lace mantilla. But be bad already seen it twice since be came to Mexico, and be understood tbe act to mean tbat she did not wish bim to address her. so be permitted her to depart in silence. Eurr Pendleton by reason of his fa talistic propensities might have been a gQofl Mohamn3edan anfl fce accepted fcls enforced leisure with entire calm ness. He knew that he could not break through the bars at the window, and i i even if he might have done so be i wnlilfl !"iiiTitlo ho roMntiira.1 TTo i bad thought out the predicament in whIch fae found tlmgelf whUe . , he wrote the message to James, and he bad arrived at the Zenoesque decision that what could not be cured must be endured. Intensely annoyed and deep down in his heart intensely angry, he only shrugged his shoulders, smiled cynically and wondered, not without amusement. What Captain Agramonte, Romero and others would think and say of bim when he should fail to appear on the dueling ground at tbe appointed time. Then, still standing, at the3rindow io

tne aaric ana pumng teisurety-at nis cigar, be begca to plan his conduct after his liberation. It was not aa

easy thing to do. for be realized that j and coat where they are. I have proeven Agramonte. bis friend, would find t vlded a scrape and a sombrero for it bard to believe tbat be bad been for- j you." cibly detained from keeping bis cn- j It is not ueeciary to describe the gageuienr. lie knew that Romero aud escai from the house aud grounds his second would lose no time in brand- I more than to add tbat it was accotu-

- j Ing tbe American as a coward and that. j according to the code duello. Captain j Romero wov.ld have tbe undisputed right to refuse another appointment, In concentrating his mind upon these perplexities be also unconsciously concentratpd bis gaze upon a given point among the shrubbery at a spot where two paths parted at an acute anule. both to disappear In the darkness, and suddenly at the apex of the two paths be discerned motion. At first he believed It to be an animal of some kind, but It seemed larger, and presently he decided that it was a human figure stretched at full length upon tbe ground and 6lowly. but surely, "approaching the window where be stood. Instantly his perplexities were forgotten, and be watched the approarhing figure curiously. It was a man c!ad In tbe charro costume of home tanned leather affected by rurales, indescribable in color and almost invisible at night. Pendleton realized that be would never have discovered tbe figure bad it not happened tbat his gaze was concentrated upon It at the very instant it appeared. Two men at tbe same window engaged In conversation and not intent upon anything in particular might have looked upon it a dozen times without seeing It once. Quite naturally be asked himself the reason of the mysterious visit. Ho thought of an attempt at assassination, but dismissed the idea at once, and after conjecturing upon many possibilities, all of which were improbable, be gave it up and waited. The true reason "did not once occur to him. The Mexican nature is naturally chivalrous, all critics to tbe contrary notwithstanding, and Pendleton was soon to have oc .r proof of It. The stranger glided up the steps with tbe silence and grace of a ser pent, and when at last be had disposed bis full length laterally against the building, with his face close to the grating, be hissed very much like one. Pendleton in tbe meantime had remained motionless and silent, but when the man hissed he replied in his natural tones by asking in Spanish what was wanted. "Silence!" commanded the man in a sharp whisper. "It was I who brought you here tonight, senor. I have returned for the purpose of serving you. If you will take tbe trouble to get down on the floor as close to me as pos sible, there will be no danger of being ; overheard If It should be discovered tbat I am here, my power to serve you .will be past, and I will be in grave 'trouble. Que la gusta. senor." j Pendleton was amused. He was also interested, and he did as tbe man directed. "Say on." he said then, and the stranger continued: "You have an appointment with Captain Romero near tbe Passeo at 5 in the morning. Is tbat true?" "Quite true, unfortunately, for I cannot keep It. If you have come here to offer yourself as a messenger. I will be most grateful and. with your permission, will reward you to almost any extent." replied Pendleton. "I will do better than that, senor. If you will agree to the conditions I will make." "What will you do and what are the conditions?" "I will enable you to beep the appointm'i!t yourself, senor?" "I cannot imagine conditions that would" make me hesitate upon tne acceptance of such an offer, my friend. What are they? I agree to them In advance." "I have the key that unlocks this grating that is, I have a duplicate, which is as well. I have horses saddled and waiting, and there is still time for all that Is required even if you should xish to send me to the city before the hour for tbe meeting. If you agree to the conditions. I will accept your word, and we will start at once." "I have already agreed to them without bearing them. Let me know them quickly, since you insist upon It." "As soon as we are under the shelter of the trees I will blindfold you. You are not to attempt to see anything, nor can you remove the bandage from your eyes until I grant permission. You must promise not to go to the city and to make no attempt to see or to speak to any person except those who are engaged In this affair, and to them you must not explain any of the circumstances. If it is necessary to send me to the city to communicate with your second or another, you will wait at our place of parting until I return. After tbe duello there will still be time to return here without discovery, and you must submit to tbe bandage again, do exactly as I direct and resume your ) place in this room as If you had not been absent. And there is one other point where I depend entirely upon your honor, senor. It may be that we will meet people on the road on our return. You must remember tbat it will then be daylight. In such a case x wouiu ue oougea to remove the Dand- i ... ... ? age irom your eyes until we nave passed, but I hope such an event may be avoided, but If It should occur we will remain motionless until I can replace tbe bandage. One more thing and the last you will promise never to recognize me after tonight either by name or by sight, and that you will never attempt through me to seek out tbe Iden tity of tbe lady who bas caused you to be Imprisoned. If you agree to all inese conuuions. senor, we need not , aciay. i "I can think of only one reservation, my friend, and that concerns the return here. If I am alive and able to sit on a horse. I will do as yon say, but it Is quite likely that I may not be able to return with you at alL In that case yon will be in trouble." "I have considered that, senor. and I will take the risk. I do not think you were intended ror a Duiiet nrea oy Captain Romero. Now a word or two of instruction: I will open the grating just sufficient for yon to pass out. I will then close It and relock It. Tha window you will lea re as It Is. Ton cannot crawl on the ground as I can do, nor do I think it necessary now. Once outside the window you will go to tha bottom of the step;, and f rem

TEn IPaffSadsmnm Today

tin-re two tju.i :U leaps wiu taKe jou into the shadow cf the shrubltery, where you ivill await me. Leave your bat ', plisbed without Incident. Bv half after 1 o'clock the two men were on the road together, each astride a horse, though Pendleton's eyes were tightly bandag ed. It was only human nature for bim to endeavor through his knowledge of tbe topography of the country to locate himself, and his companion seemed to realize this, fur he talked constantly so tbat the American would have no op- ' portuuity for logical conjecture. The : horses were soou put to a canter also, f which rendered the task still more difficult. "I wish you would tell me why you were so g. od as to do all this for me?" Pendleton said as soon as an opportu- . nlty offered. "I will tell you the truth, senor." was the calm reply. "There are several reasons. I might have decided to act be- ; cause of any one of them, but because of all of them I could not hesitate. 1 First, then. I know about you and your mission In this country. I realized fully the unfortunate circumstances in which you were placed, and I know tbat you would have not one but a dozen duels on your hands in less than , two days If you could find anybody who would fight you nfter failure to meet Romero. From such dishonor I desired to save you, because if the positions were reversed I would be glad to have somebody do tbe same for me. I In the shooting gallery on San Felipe. Neri I have seen you at practice, and I believe you to be as good a shot as Romero. With a word of instruction that I can give you I believe you will be victorious in this affair. That word is this: It is Romero's practice to fire one fractional part of an instant before the word 'tres. The second will cry, 'Attencion, uno. dos. tresP Romero's practice is to touch the trigger when tbe t" is sounded; he does not wait for j the end of the word. If you will do tbe same, bueno! There is one more reason. which you may not approve. It is that The stranger glided vp the steps with the grace of a serpent. I hate Romero and would rejoice to see him killed. I alao believe that you will kill him. He once committed a great wronsr acralnst a member of mv familv.

My social position wiU not permit me ! Pendleton's aide. to challenge him. I might assassinate i "Komero Is not dead." said the Amerhira, but I do not wish to do that That ' ,cn- "leaking rapidly. "I did not kill is All, senor. I am in the employ of the hIm l'ut h wl11 not want a sehorita. I am tbe administrator of an ! bot- through bis hips.

estate that belongs to her. I am her servant and therefore yours also. Que mas. senor?" "May I not reward you for your service?" "If you are killed, you cannot do no; if you kill him. tbat will be sufficient reward," was the calm reply. "We ore now on the Passeo. not far from the place of meeting. Do you wish me to go to tbe city V "Yes; to the Concordia. Captain Acramonte is supping there. Tell him to meet me at the appointed time or a little before it if possible and whatever else yon choose to add. Ah, and say to him that I wish him to make arrangements with Romero's second to permit you to be present. That may be accomplished if they will add one witness." "I bad thought of that, senor. If yon will pull in your horse a moment, I will remove the bandage from your eyes. Will you await me here or do you prefer to go nearer to tbe cltyT "I will ride slowly up and down between this spot and tbe Indian statue until you return. How may I address you? It will be necessary to Introduce you to Senor Agramonte." "I will Introduce myself to him at the Concordia. You may call me Tancho. without prefix. 1 will pass as a servant. Hasta lnego, senor. I will return in an hour." "One thing more, Pancho. We forgot my case of pistols." "It is better so, senor. You will use ; Romero's without tossing for choice, j

Ynu will be given tbe selection. It , senor wm do me the honor to count me would be natural for you to take tbe i M R friend?" one nearest to you in the case when honor will be mine, Senor PeDbls second places it before you. That ; dieton." was the reply. Then the two is what you will be expected to do. So- meQ grajtpe(i hands, bowed to each othlect the other one, and you will win. ! and f,artKi. fw moments biter.

Do It carelessly. Adios!" Tb" chnrro nut snurs to his horne and , rode away. While he was gone PendI?ton rode np and down tbe Passeo between tbe points named, and be was soon gratified to see tbe charro return much sooner than be expected. "Everything is arranged." tbe charro announced. "I found Senor Agramonte without difficulty. He was much dis turbed because he had not seen yon. bnt Is all right now. Tbe place f mtin- i r-hann-oH Thn i. roM cypress grove under Chapultepec opnosite the nark It is to be there. If you are ready, we will go at once." With the rising of the sun. a half hour before the appointed time. Agramonte appeared, and promptly on the minute came Romero with bis seconds and tbe surgeon. Tbe principals bowed courteously to each other, and the seconds began Immediately to arrange the -ground. When It was paced off. Agramonte won tbe choice of position, and, although tbe location was such that it offered little or no advantage. It was regarded by Pancho as a good omen. "Ton wiU kill hinCsenor,' he said in a confidential aside. Be seemed to regard Pendleton as quite as bloodthirsty as himself. "Is it your first duel?" be added presently. . TejLf

"Your nerves ore. like steeL lot will triumph. I know it. Cara, but I will be glad!" The enthusiasm of this stranger, strangely enough, commuuicated Itsell to Peudletou. He begau to believe thai he would le successful. lie knew perfectly well that Romero always shot tc kill and tbat if the bullet touched htm It would doubtless tind a fatal spot Until be was actually on the ground

be bad believed himself doomed, but - uovr co remembered tbat be was hi m self a perfect marksman, and. aided bj the suggestions of Pancho. be knev tbat be would have tbe advantage la weapon. It rctuaiued for bim to touch the trigger tbe Instant he heard tbe aspirated "t." Tbe necessary preliminaries were soon completed. As Pancbo had proph esied, the case of pistols belonging tt Romero was placed on the grouud foi Pendleton to make selection, and. stepping up carelessly, be iwluied to th ; one oa the farther side. Agramonte leaned forward and touched the out nearest him, but Pcndletou said qui- ; ctly: i "Not that one. captain; tbe ether." j The weapons were quickly supplied with powder and ball, the priucipali were directed to their positions and tha pistols placed In their hands. At th . moment of selection Pendleton hac glanced in the direction of his opio Kent. He saw an angry scowl (lit aero bis face, aud from that instant be believed the battle to In? his. Tbe sensa tlon reminded bim of a time loug be fore when bis favorite horse bad takei the bit lu bis teeth aud started at mad pace along tbe boulevard in Ncm York, at that time thronged with car riages; bow heirless be had felt for moment and the reaction that cam wheit suddenly the bit was freed and Ik regained control of tbe animal aud icr feet confidence in bis power to mastet the incident. That quick glance at Ro inero accomplished the same result. Coats, waistcoats and suspenden were removed. Pendleton and Roiuert stood facing each other. Agramout asked If tbey were ready and gavt tbem the stereotyped instructions, standing directly between them wblli he did so. "I shall walk ten paces at a right an gle from your positions." he said calm ly. "I will then pause and turn. Whet I turn. I will say, 'Attencion V and afterward the words. 'Uno. dos. tres. Al the word 'tres' you will fire. Bewar lest either fire in advance of the word If either principal Is wounded and stlE desires to continue the combat, th privilege belongs to biro, but no mor than three shots each will be permitted. Are you ready?" The seconds responded In tbe affirmative. Agramonte began his slow counting of ten paces; be turned; there was an instant of silence, and then sharply and clearly on the crisp morning air aounded the ominous words: "Attencion! TJno! Dos! Tres:" The reports of the two pistols sounded like one. There was a brief Interval . . i i i . I ai icr mai, uunog wuii-u wnu iuvu ! stood like statues facing each other. , Then, without warning, Romero's legs ; gave way beneath him, and be crashed to the ground on the very fpot where he had stood. Ills own friends ran toi ward him, while Agramonte hurried to Itomcro'M legs gave way beneath him. Let us depart as quickly as possible. Have the kindness to express to Captain Romero my regrets and assurances of my good wilL" He remained firmly at bis post until Romero's second approached and, extending his hand, taid courteously: "We are satisfied. Senor Pendleton. My principal Is seriously but not fatally wounded. I trust tbat you have escaped unharmed?" . "Thank you. yes; Captain Agramonte j,.. alreadr conveyed my rerrets to TOu. I believe. May I hone that you. having bidden adieu to Agramonte. Tendleton. escorted by bis charro friend, Pancbo, was again on the road returning to bis place of Imprisonment. That tbey arrived without Incident and therefore undiscovered was due doubtless to tbe management of tbe Mexican guide, but It was with mingled sensations of pleasure and regret tbat Pendleton composed himself to the luxury of rest when be was again alone In tbe room of bis mysterious jailer, with the iron grating closed and locked and Pancho gone. Whatever tbe events of the day might Toucbsafe, Le ftlt that be was prepared to meet them, having kept his engagement on the Passeo and bavlrg outwitted the designs of tbe woman whom once he bad rescued from the ferocity of tbe very man who that morning had fallen before bim. stricken by the very bullet which he had Intended to place amoof -he . ritals of the American. (TO Be Con tunned.) Artificial gas, the 20th. Century fuai 8ee how what you nave reartf look In print and net a dollar for dolna it Win the nws Hp" prize