huge but dwarfish frame as he strained at
on with the Eoat book, can't you?"
A wicket In the gate above them rattled, the weight of the bridge.
Presently it waa up, and leaning on the
and the voice of the sentry challenged
handle of the wheel Otter chuckled aloud.
them.
“Now we are safe for a time," he said,
"A friend, a friend,” answered Leonard
in Psrtuguese, "one who is a stranger "and I will dress myself. Let the baas
and would pay bis respects to your leader, forgive me for appearing thus before him,
By H. RIDER HAGGARD.
Dom Antonio Pereira, with a view to busi­ I who am so ugly."
ness."
“Tell us the tale. Otter.”
[Copyright, 1«B. by the Author. J
“It is short, baas," the dwarf replied
“What is your name?" asked the guard
“Well, Otter, I can tell you one thing. 1 suspiciously.
as he put on his robe and turban. “When
have coiue a long way on thia job, and I
"Pierre is my name. Dog is the name I left you, I watched, I who can see in the
axn not going to turn my back on It now of the dwarf, my servant, and, as for the dark, and in a little while I saw the guard
I have never yet turned my back on a ven­ old woman, you can call her anything you come down the steps and sit by the edge
ture, and I will not begin with this, like.”
of tho water. He was sleepy, for ho
though I dare say that my death lies in
“The password, ” said the sentry. “None yawned and lit a roll of paper to smoke it.
it
Presently it went out, and he had no more
comes in here without the word.”
“Come, Soa,” be continued, “we have
"The word—ah, what did the Dom matches. He looked up to the house here,
traveled here to please you. Now give us Xavier say it was tn his letter? Fiend?' l but was too lazy to fetch them. Then I
the benefit of your suggestions. How are No; I have it. ‘Devil’ is the word."
guessed that he was alone, for else he
we going to get your mistress out of that
would have called to his companion for
“Where do you hall from?"
camp?”
“From Madagascar, where the goods you file. Now be grew sleepier, and I said to
“Loose the slavesand let them kill their have to supply are in some demand just myself: ‘Otter, Otter, bow can you kill
masters, " Soa answered laconically
now. Come, let us go. We don’t want to this man silently? You must not shoot,
because of the noise, and if you throw a
“I doubt that there is much fight in sit here all night and miss the fun."
The man began to unbar the door and knife or a spear you may miss or wound
slaves," said Leonard.
him only.’
“There should be 60 ot Mavcom’s men stopped, struck by a frosh doubt.
'And my snake spoke in my heart and
"You are not of our people,’’he said.
there," she replied, “and they will fight
"You speak Portuguese like a cursed Eng­ answered: ‘Otter, Otter, dive, seize h:s
well enough if they have arms."
feet and drag him down swiftly and stamp
Then Leonard looked at Otter, seeking lishman."
“No; I should hope not. I am a 'cursed him into the mud, you who are half a fish
further ideas.
“My shake puts it into my bead," said Englishman'—that is, half—son of an and can swim as no other man can swim.
the dwarf, "that fire is a good friend when English lord and a French creole, born in Do it at once, Otter, before the light comes
men are few and toes many; also that the the Mauritius, at your service, and let me and men can see tho drawbridge move.'
reeds yonder are dry, and the sea wind ask you to be a little more civil, for cross Well, and so I did it, baas. Wow! I trod
him deep into the mire! Never will he
rises and will blbw hard before midnight. bred dogs are fierce. ”
Now at length the 6entry opened one come up again. After that I roso and ran
Moreover, all these bouses are thatched,
and in a wind fire jumps. But can a regi­ side of the gate, grumbling, and Leonard into the guardhouse, fearing lest there
ment have two generals? You are our cap­ swaggered up the steps, followed by the might be another. When I was a slave two
tain, baas. Speak, and we vsill do your other two. Already they were through it,
bidding. Here one counsel is as good as when suddenly he turned and struck Otter always kept watch there, but there was
another. Let fate speak through your in the face.
none, so I let the bridge down. Ah, I re­
"Why, dog,” be said angrily, “you have member how it worked! And this is the
mouth. *'
forgotten
to
bring
up
the
keg
of
brandy,
tale, baas."
“Very well," said Leonard. “This is
‘ A great tale, Otter, but it is not finish­
my plan. It goes a little further than my little present for the dom! Go and
fetch
it!
Quick,
now!
”
ed yet. Now let us to the slaves. Come,
yours, that is all. We must gain entrance
“
Pardon,
chief,
”
answered
Otter,
“
but
take tho light and lead the way. Here we
to the nest while it is still dark, before the
moon arises. I know the watchword— I am a small man, and the keg is heavy are safe. Is it not so?”
for
me
alone.
If
you
will
deign
to
help
“Here, baas, we are safe, for none can
‘Devil.' Disguised as we are, perhaps the
reach u3 except by 6torm, and yonder is
sentry will let us pass unquestioned. If me, for the old woman is too weak."
"Do
you
take
me
fora
porter
that
I
the big gun which turns upon itself. Let
not, we must kill him, and silently."
“Good!" said Otter, “but how about the should roll kegs of brandy up steps? Here, us twist tho gun round first, so that if
my
friend,
”
he
went
on,
addressing
the
need bo we can fire into tho camp.”
woman here?"
sentry, “if you wish to earn a little pres­
• I don't know much of cannon,” said
“We will have her bidden in the bush. ent
and
a
drink,
perhaps
you
will
give
She could be ot no help in the oamp and this fellow a hand with the keg. There is Leonard doubtfully.
“But I know something, white man,"
might hinder us."
a spigot in it, and you can try the quality taid Soa, speaking for tho first time.
"No, white man,” broke in Soa afterward.
”
‘Mavoom, my master, had a small one up
“Where you go I go also. Moreover, my
“Right, senor,” said tho man briskly at tho settlement, and often I bavo helped
mistress is yonder, and I would seek her." and
led
the
way
down
the
steps.
to fire it for practice und us a signal to
“As you like," answered Leonard, then
A look of dreadful intelligence passed boats on the river, and so have many of
went on: “We must get between the hut between
the
dwarf
and
his
master.
Then
—there is only one—and the low wall that Otter followed, his Land upon the hilt of tho men who were carried away, if we can
borders the canal separating the nest from the Arab 6aber which he wore, while Leon­ find them yonder. ”
“Good,” said Leonard.
the slave camp, and if the drawbridge is ard
and Soa waited above. They heard
A path ran along tho top of the embank­
up and no other means can be found we the man's
heavily
tooted
feet
going
down
swim the dike, dispose of the sentry there the steps, followed by Ottor’s naked foot­ ment to the platform on which tho gun
was mounted. It wa3 a six pounder muz­
also and gala the slave camp. There wo fall.
zle loading gun. Leonard unhooked the
must try to free some of the slaves and
“Where is your keg? I don’t see it,” rammer and ran it down tho tuuzzlo.
send them round through the garden Into said
the sentry presently.
“The gun is loaded,” he said. “Now
the morass to tile the reeds should the
“Lean over, senor, lean over,” answered let us swing her round.”
wind blow strong enough. Meanwhile I Otter.
“It Is in the stern of the canoe.
They did so easily enough, bringing tho
propose to walk boldly into the camp, sa­ Let me help
you. ”
I muzzle down upon the nest camp, and
lute Pereira, pass myself off as a slaver,
There was a moment’s pause; to the lis­ then they entered the littlo ammunition
with a dhow at the mouth of the liver, and teners
hours. Then came the hut which stood alongside. Piled up in
say that 1 have come to buy slaves, and, sound of it a seemed
blow and a heavy splash. They it, in case of emergency, wore half a dozen
above all, to bid for the white girl. Luck
ily we have a good deal ot gold. This is harkened on, but nothing more was to be rounds of grapnel shot am! powder.
“Lots of ammunition, if we should want
my plan so far as it goes, and the rest we heard except the beating of their hearts
must leave to chance. If I can buy the and the noiso of tho revelry from tho camp. to use it,” said Leonard. “It never oo-
Three more seconds, and Otter stood be­ curred to those gentlemen that a gun can
Shepherdess, I will; if not, I must try to
side them, and in the dim light Leonard shoot two ways. And now, Otter, load us
get her oft in 6ome other way. **
“Good, baas, and now let us eat, for wo could see that his eye3 stared wide and his to the slaves, quick. "
“This way, baas, but first we must get
shall need all our strength tonight. Then nostrils twitched.
“Quick was tho blow; strong was the the tools. They are in the guard hut, I
we will go down to the lauding place and
blow; silent Is the man forever," whisper­ ! suppose.”
take ote chance."
So tboy crept back to the hut, holding
As yet the night was intensely dark, and ed Otter. “So the baas commanded, so
their headsas low as possible, for tho light
the gloom did nut tend to raise their splr it is.”
was increasing, although the moon wus
Its; also, as Otter had predicted, the wind
CHAPTER VI.
not yet up, and they feared lest they
was getting up and soughed the reeds and
“Help me to bar the gate,” said Leon­ should be seen agaiust the sky line. Hero
willows in melancholy notes.
they found boxes containing nippers,
So the time passed till it was 8 o’clock. ard In presently.
another minute the great iron bar chisels and other instruments such us are
“We must move down to the landing ba<l
been dropped Into its place, and Leon­ used to undo the irons upon slaves; also
place," said Leonard. “There will soon ard withdrew
the key and put it in bis they found the keys ot the padlocks that
be some light—enough for us to work by." pocket.
locked the Iron burs to wblch the captives
Then Otter took the lead, and slowly,
“Why do you lock tho door, baas?" were tethered. Taking a lantern with
step by step, they crept back to the road
Otter.
them, but leaving another burning, as bo-
and followed it down the shore of tho canal whispered
"To keep the real Pierre out in case he fore, in the but, Jest its absence should ex­
opposlto the water gate. Here was a place should
come this way. Two Pierres would cite suspicion, they passed through two
where boats and canoes were tied, both for
one too many at this game. Now we strong gates and down tho steps on tho
convenience in crossing the canal to and be
or perish. ”
farther side of the embankment. A few
from the camp and for the use of the slave must win
they crept along the embankment paces beyond was the first slave shed, a
dealers when they passed to the secret till Then
they
gained
the
shelter
of
tbo
hut
or
harbor six miles away, where the dhows barrack shed which stood with its back to rough erection supported on posts, but
without sides.
embarked their cargoes
dike that separated tho nest from the
They entered the shed, Otter leading the
Here they waited awhile. From the neat the
slave
camp.
Happily
none
saw
them,
and
came the sound of revelry; from the slave there were no dogs in the place. Dogs way with the lantern. In tho middle was
camp there rose other sounds—the voice make a noise at Inconvenient times; there­ a pathway, and on either side of thi3 path-
| way ran the long bars to which tho cap­
of groaning, broken by an occasional wall fore slave dealers do not love thorn.
tives were fastened in a double row. Per­
wrung out of the misery of some lost
The
end
of
the
shed
behind
which
they
creature who lay there in hell. Gradually were crouchiug was situated some eight or haps there might have been 250 of them in
■ this shed. Here the sights and scenes were
the sky brightened a little.
ten paces from the drawbridge that formed such as ueed not be described. Of tho
“ Perhaps we had better be making a tho
only path of entry to the slave camp. miserablo captives some lay on the wet
■tart,” said Leonard. “There is a canoe
“Baas,” said Otter, "let me go forward ground, men and women together, trying
which will serve our turn.”
and look. My eyes are the eyes of a cat. i to forget their sorrows in sleep, but the
Before the words were out of his mouth I can see in the dark. Perhaps the bridge most part of them were awake, and the
they beard a sound of oars, and a boat crept is down."
sound of moans ran up and down tholr
past them and made fast to the water gate
And without waiting for an answer he lines like tho moaning of trees in gusts of
20 yards away.
crept forward on his hands and knees so wind. When they saw the light, the
“Who goes there?" came the challenge quietly that they could scarcely hear a slaves ceased moaning, for they thought
of the sentry in Portuguese. “Speak movement Notwithstanding his white that this was a visit from their captors,
quick, or I fire.”
dress there was little chance ot his being and crouched upon tho ground like dogs
“Don’t be in snch a hurry with your seen, for the shadow of the shed was that await the whip.
rifle, fool!” answered a coarse voice. “Tho dense, and a fringe of rushes grew along
Some of them indeed strotohed up their
very best of friends goes here, an honest the edge of the dike.
manacled bands, imploring pity, but these
trader called Xavier, who comes from his
Five minutes passed, ten minutes pass­ wore the exceptions. The most of them
plantation on the coast to tell you all good ed, and Otter did not return. Leonard's 1 had abandoned hope and were sunk in
bewa ”
anxiety grew very keen.
dull despair. It was pitiful to see. the
"Pardon, senor,” said the sentry, "but
“Let us go and see what has happened, glance of their terror filled eyes and the
bow was a man to see in the dark, big as mother,” he whispered to Soa.
sympathetic quiver of their wheeled frames
you are? What is the news, then? Are
They crept along to tho end of the shed. whenover an arm was lifted or a sudden
the dhows in sight?"
Within a yard of it they discovered the movement made. _
"Come down and help us to tie up this arms and clothes of Otter, but Otter?
Soa went down the line, rapidly examin­
cursed boat, and I will tell you. You Where was he?
ing the faces of the slaves.
know where the post is, and we can't Und
“The black one has deserted us," said
“Do you see any of Mavoom's people?"
It.”
Soa beneath her breath.
asked Leonard anxiously
Th» sentry obeyed with alacrity, and
“Never!” answered Leonard.
“Not here, white man. Let us go to the
the man called Xavier went on. “Yes,
By now the clouds were breaking before next 6hed unless you wantto loose these.”
the dhows are in sight, but I don't think the wind, which was rising 6teadlly, and
“No good in that, mother,” said Otter
that they will got in tonight bccauso of some stars shone out, giving a little light. “They would only betray us.”
the wind, so you may look for a busy day Tho dike lay deep between its banks and
So they went to the next shed—In all
tomorrow loading up the blackbirds. One was not more than 20 feet in width, so that there were four—and here at the second
is in, by the way, a small one, from Mad­ the air did not ruffle It. Moreover, as any man who was sleeping, his head bowed on
agascar The captain is a stranger, a big observer of nature will have noticed, the his chained hands, Soa stopped suddenly
Frenchman named Pierre, or he may be surface of still water Is never quite dark, like a pointer dog when he scents game.
an Englishman for anything I know. I even on much blacker nights than this.
“Peter, Peter,” she said.
bailed him and found that be is ull right,
Why had Otter taken off his clothes?
The man awoke—he was a fine fellow
but I didn’t see him. However, I sent Leonard wondered. Evidently that he about 30 years of age—and glared round
him a note to tell him that there was fun might go into the water. And what could wildly.
on here tonight, which was generous of me. he want to go into the water for unless
“Who called me by my old name?” he
as he may be a rival bidder. ”
it was that his heart failed him, and, as said hoarsely. “Nay, I dream. Peter is
“Is he coming, senor?” I ask, ‘ because, Soa suggested, he had desertet? But this dead.' ’
if so, I must look out for him. ”
was Impossible, for he knew well that he
‘ Peter," said the woman again,* awake,
“I don’t know. He answered that he would die first. In his great perjilexity child of Mavoom. It 13 I, Soa, who am
would if he could, but bow is the English Leonard stared at the dike.
come to save you. ”
girl? She is to be put up tonight, isn’t | Now he could see that on its farther
The man cried aloud and began to trem­
she?”
side was a flight of wooden steps, protect­ ble, but the other slaves took no notice,
“Ob, yes, senor, there will be a great ed by gates, and that a man was seated thinking only that ho had been smitten
deal to do at 12, whan the moon is high. on the lowest step, with a rifle beside him, with a scourge.
As soon as she has been bought the priest his feet hanging down to within a few
"Be silent,” said Soa again, “or we are
Francisco is to marry her to the lucky inches of the surface of the dike. It must lost. Loose the bar, black one. This is a
man there and then. The old fellow in­ be the sentry. Next instant Leonard saw headman from the settlement, a brave
sists on it. He has grown superstitious something else. Beneath the feet of the man.” Soon the bar was undone. Then
about the girl and says she shall be prop­ man a ripple grew on the face of tho deep Otter hade Peter bold out his wrists while
erly married."
water, and something flashed in the ripple he twisted off the fetters. Presently they
Xavier laughed aloud. "Has he, now? like the flash of steel. Then a small black wero gone, and in the ecstasy of bis recov­
He is getting into his dotage. Well, what object projected Itself toward the feet of ered liberty the man leaped high into the
does it matter? We have a good law of the sentry, who was half asleep and hum­ air, then fell at Otter’s feet as though be
divorce in these parts, friend. I am going ming to himself drowsily. Suddenly they would embrace them.
in for that girl. If I give a hundred saw the man slide from bis seat as though
"Get up, you fool,” said the dwarf
ounces for her, I will buy her, and I bavo by magic. He said nothing; but, making roughly, ‘and if there are anymore of the
brought the gold with me.”
one ineffectual grasp at some rushes, he men of Mavoom here show them to us.
“A hundred ounces for one girl! It is a vanished into the depths below. For a Quick, cr you will soon be fast again!”
large sum, senor, but you are rich, not minute or more Leonard oould distinguish
“There should be 40 or more,” Peter
like us poor devils, who get all the risk a slight disturbance on the surface of the answered, recovering himself, “besides a
and little profit.”
water, and that was all.
few women and children. The rest of U3
By this time the men had finished tying
Now he guessed what had happened. are dead, except the Shepherdess alone, and
up the boat and getting some baggage or Otter had dived, and rising beneath the she is yonder.”
provisicns out of her, Leonard could not feet of the man, had seized him, and with
Then they went down the lines, slipping
see which. Then Xavier and the sentry a sudden movement dragged him down to the chains from the settlement men. Soon
went up the steps together, followed by death by drowning. Either this or an al­ they had unmanacled ten or more men
the two boatmen, and the gates were shut ligator had taken him, and that flash was whom Soa selected, and others stood about
behind them.
the flash of his fangs.
them with their hands still chained. As
“Well,” whispered Leonard, "we have
As Leonard thought thus a dark form they went about the work Soa explained
learned something at any rate. Now, Ot rose gasping at the foot of the steps. It something of the position to Peter, who
ter, I am Pierre, the French slave trader drew itself out of the water and slipped was fortunately a native of Intelligence.
from Madagascar, and, understand, you are stealthily up them. It was Otter, and he He soon grasped it and earnestly seconded
my servant As for Soa, she is the cook, held a knife In his hand. Now the dwarf Leonard's efforts to preserve silence and
or interpreter, or any one you like. We vanished through the gates into the little to prevent confusion.
must pass the gates, but the real Pierre guardhouse at the top of the embankment.
“Come,” said Leonard to Soa, “wo have
must never pass them. There must be no Another minute, and ropes began to creak. got enough to begin with. I must be off.
sentry to let him in. Do you think that Then the tall drawbridge, standing up­ You can loose the rest at your leisure. The
you can manage it, Otter, or must I?”
right like a scaffold agaiust tho sky, was noon is rising, it Is a quarter to 12, and
“Itocmes into my bead, baas, that we seen to bend Itself forward. Down it came we have not a moment to lose. Now, Ot­
may learn a lesson from this Xavier. I very softly, and the slave camp was open ter, before we go, how can we send men to
might forget something in the canoe, and to them. Again the black shape appeared, Bro the reeds through the garden?"
the sentry might help me to find it after this time on the bridge.
“No, baas, I have thought of a better
you have passed the gates. For the rest I
“Come along,” whispered Leonard to way, the way by which I escaped myself—
am quick and strong and silent.”
his companion. “That hero, Otter, has that is, if these men can swim."
“Quick and strong and silent you must drowned the sentry and won the bridge.
“They can all swim,” said Soa. “They
be. A noise, and all is lost.”
were bred on the banks of the river.”
Stop; piok up his clothes and arms.”
Then they crept to the canoe wblch they
At that moment Otter arrived himself.
“Good. Then they must swim down the
had selected and loosened her. They got "Quick,” he said. “Come over, b3as, •dike where I killed the sentry, four of
in, and Otter took the paddle. First he before they see that the bridge is down. them. At the end are bars of wood, but
let her float gently down stream and un­ Give me my clothes and the gun."
in my day they wero rotten. At the worst
der cover ot the shore for a distance of
“All right; here they are,” answered they can be climbed. Then they will find
about 50 yards Then he put about, and Leonard, and in another minute they were themselves in the morass among thick
the pair began.
over the bridge and standing on the para­ reeds. But they must not fire these until
“Now, you fool, where are you paddling pet of the slave camp.
they have worked round to the place of
to?" said Leonard in a loud voice to Otter,
"Into the guardhouse, baas. The wind­ the sunrise, whence the wind blows strong­
speaking in the bastard Arabic which lass is there, but no man."
ly. Then they must go from spot to spot
passes current fora language on this coast.
They entered. A lamp was burning in and bend down the driest of the reeds, set­
“You will have us into the bank, 1 tell the place. Otter seized the handle of toe ting fire to them. Afterward they can get
you. Curse this wind and the darkness! windlass and began to wind. He was to the back of the fire and wait till all is
Steady now, you ugly black dog! Those naked, and it was a wonderful sight to see dene, one way or the other. If we win,
must be the gates the letter told of. Hold the musclqs starting out in knots on his thev wlu e~4
if we are killed, they
THE PEOPLE
OF THE MIST.
can try to run away. But will the men
go?”
So» stepped forward and chose four of
their number, but Peter she did not
choose, for he also knew something of the
working of cannon.
“Listen,” she said. “You have heard
the words of this black one. Now obey,
and if you depart from them by one jot
may”— and she poured out so fearful a
curse upon them that Leonard stared at
her astonished.
“Aye,” added Otter, “and if I live
through this I will cut your throats!”
“No need to threaten,” said one of tho
men. “We will do our best for our own
sakes as well os for yours and that of the
Shepherdess. We understand the plan,
but to light the reeds wo must have Are. ”
“Here arc matches,” said Otter.
“Wet matches will not light, and we
must swim," answered the spokesman.
“Fool, do you then swim with your
head under water? Tie them in your hair. ”
“Ah, he is clever!” said the spokesman.
“Now, if we live to reaoh them, when
shall we fire the reeds?”
“As soon as you are ready,” answered
Otter. “You v.’ill not come easily to the
back of them. Farewell, my children, and
if you dare to fail pray that you may dio
rather than look upon my face again!”
“Ou! We have seen it once. Is that not
enough'” nnswered the spokesman, look­
ing at Otter's huge nose with wonder not
untouched by fear.
Two minutes later the four men were
swimming swiftly down the dike, taking
their chunco of the alligators.
“Drop the bridge,” saidLeonard. “Wo
must be off.”
Otter lowered it, at tho same time ex
plaining Its mechanism, which was very
simple, to Soa, Peter and 6ome other of
the settlement men.
“Now, mother, goodby,” said Leonard.
“Loose all the men you can and keep a keen
lookout, so as to bo ready to lower the
bridge if you should sen us or your mis
tress coming toward it. If we should not
como by dawn, be ready also, for then we
shall probably be dead or prisoners, and
you must act for yourself."
“I hear you, lord,” answered Soa, “and
I say that you are a brave man. Whether
you win or lose, the red stone is well
earned already.”
Another minute, and they were gone.
Having crossed the bridge, which was
instantly hoisted again, Leonard and Ot­
ter avoided observation by creeping back
toward the water gatoas they had come—
that is, behind tho shelter of the shed.
Emerging from this, they ran a few yards
till they wero opposite tho gale, then
walked leisurely across the open space, a
distance of 50 yards or more, till they
reached the thatched hut where the sale of
slaves was carried on. There was nobody
in this hut; but, looking between the
posts on which it was supported, they
could see by the light of the moon, now
growing momentarily clearer, that a great
and uproarious concourse of people was
gathered beyond in front of the veranda of
tho nest Itself.
“Como on, Otter,” whispered Leonard.
“We must go among these gentry. Watch
mo closely, do what I do, keep your weap­
ons ready, e.nd If it comes to blows get be­
hind my back and fight like a devil.
Above all, don’t ba taken prisoner.”
Leonard spoke calmly, but his heart was
in his mouth, and his sensations were
such as must have been known to Daniel
when he went into tho lions’ den, for, as
in tho case of the prophet, lie felt that
nothing short of a special providence could
save them. They were round the shed
now, and immediately in front of them
was a mixed gathering of desperadoes—
Portuguese, Arabs, bastards and black
men of various tribes—such as Leonard
had never seen in all his varied experience.
Villainy and greed were written on ev­
ery countenance. It was a crew of human
demons, and an extensive ono. These
wretches, most of whom bad already drunk
too freely and were drinking more, 6tood
with their backs to them, looking toward
the veranda of the nest. On the steps of
this veranda, surrounded by a choice group
of companions, all of them gaudily dress
ed, a man was standing whom Leonard
would have had no difficulty in identify­
ing as the Dom Pereira, even without Ot­
ter’s warning whisper of “See! The Yel
low Devil!"
This remarkable person demands some
description as he stood in glory that night
at the apex,'and, though ho knew it not,
the conclusion of his long career of infamy.
He was old, perhaps 70, his hair was white
and venerable looking and bls person
obese. His black eyes were small, cun
nlng, cold and bright, and they had the
peculiarity of avoiding the gaze of any
person with whom he was In conversation
—at least when that person was looking
his way. Their glance passed over him,
under him, round him—anywhere but at
him. As his sobriquet suggested, tho col­
oring of Pereira's flesh wa* yellow, and
the loose skin hung in huge wrinkles upon
his checks. His mouth was large and
coarse, and his fat hands twitched and
grasped continually, as though with a de­
sire of clutching gold. For the rest he
was gorgeously dressed, and, liko his com
panluns, somewhat in liquor.
Such was tho outward appearance of
Pereira, who was believed in his day to be
the very wickedest man in Africa, a pre
eminence to which few can hope to attain,
and tbo fountain head of the slave trade-
on this part of the coast. Until bis face
bad been seen, stamped as it was with the
traces of long and unmentionable evil,
few honest men could guess to what depths
humanity can sink. Somo indeed have
declared that to see him was to understand
the devil and all Lis works.
they wero names of ill omen. Things
looked serious, and Leonard saw that he
must do something, aDd quickly, 60 he
lost his temper, or pretended to.
“Curse you all for a pack of suspicious
curs!” he said “I tell you that my dhow
lies yonder. I am half an Englishman
and half a creole and ns good a man as
any of you. Now, look here, Dom Pereira,
if you or any other man dares to doubt my
word, just step out, and I will ram this
down your lying throat,” and placing his
hand on the hilt of his saber he took a
pace forward and scowled. The effoct was
instantaneous Pereira turned a little
pale beneath his yellow skin, for, like
most cruel men, he was a great coward.
“Put up your pig sticker,” he said. “I
see you are one of the right sort. I only
wanted to try you. As you know, we must
be careful in our business. Come and
shake hands, brother, and be welcome.
I trust you now, and old Antonio never
does things by halves.”
“Perhaps you had better try him a lit­
tle further,” said a ycung man who was
standing near Pereira as Leonard pre­
pared to accept tbo invitatiou. "Send for
a slave and kt us have tho old test. There
is none better.”
Pereira hesitated, and Leonard’s blood
turned cold.
“Look here, young man,” he said more
furiously than before, “I havo cut tho
throats of more men than you have whip­
ped, and if you want a test I will give you
one. Come down, my young cockerel,
come down. There is plenty of light for
comb snipping.”
Tho man turned white with rage, but
stood a moment contemplating Leonard’s
athletic form and keen eyes. Apparently
ho found that in them which gave him
pause, for instead of springing at him he
burst into a volume of threats and filthy
abuse.
How the matter would have ended it is
difficult to say, but at this junction Pere­
ira thought it well to interfere and vigor­
ously.
“Peace!” he thundered in bls great
voice, bls white hair bristling with rage.
“I have welcomed this man, and ho is
welcome. Is my word to bo set aside by a
drunken young brawler like you? Shut
your ugly mouth, or, by tho 6aints, I will
havo you clapped In irons. ”
The slave driver obeyed. Perhaps he
was not sorry for an excuse to escape the
quarrel. At any rate, with a scowl at Leon­
ard, he dropped back and was silent.
Harmony being thus restored, Pereira
proceeded with the business of tho even­
ing. First, however, he called Leonard to
him, shook him by the hand end bado a
slave girl bring him drink. Then he ad­
dressed tho company thus:
“My lumbs, my dear companions, my
true and trusted friends, this is a sad mo­
ment for me, your old loader, for I stand
here to bid you goodby. Tomorrow the
nest will know the Yellow Devil no more,
and you must find another captain. Alas!
1 grow old and am no longer up to tho
work, and the trade is not what it was,
thanks to those infernal Englishmen and
their cruisers, which prowl up and down
our waters, seeking to rob honest men of
tho fruits of their enterprise.
“So I retire with such modest gains as I
have won by a life of labor—Indeed they
have gone before me, lest somo of you
might bo put in tho way of temptation—
to spend the evening of my day in peace
and prayer. And now there is one more
little thing. As it chanced during our
last journey, the daughter of an accursed
Englishman fell into our hands. I took
her and brought her here, and as her
guardian I have asked you to meet me
tonight that I may choose her a husband,
as it is my duty to do. I cannot help my­
self. I am far too old for 6uch vanities,
and among the settled people near Mo­
zambique, where I am going to live, it
might excite remarks. So I will be gen­
erous and pass her on to another, but to
whom shall I give this prize? Among so
many worthy gentlemen how can Isct one
above the others and declare him tho
worthiest of the girl? I cannot, so I must
leave It to chance, for I know that heaven
will ohooso better than I. Therefore to
him who is ready to make tho largest pres­
ent to me I will give this maid, to com­
fort him with her love—to make a present,
mind you, not to pay a price. Still per­
haps it will bo best that the amount of
the present should be ascertained in tho
usual way—by bidding—in ounces of
gold, if you please! One condition more.
There shall be nothing immoral in this
matter, nothing Irregular, my friends.
The church shall have Its say in it, and he
whom I select must wed the maid here,
before us all. Have wo net a priest at
hand, and shall we find no work for him?
Now, my children, time draws on Ilo,
you, bring on the English maid!”
This 6peocli was nut delivered quite so!
continuously as it is printed here. On tho
contrary, it was subject to many interrup­
tions, mostly of an ironical nature, the al­
lusions to “a present” to be given for tbo
girl and to the proposed marriage cere
mony being received with screams of ri­
bald laughter. Now all this died away,
for every eye was watching for the appear­
ance of Juanua.
In a few moments a figure clad in white
and guarded by several men was seen ad­
vancing from the direction of the arrus-
housc. Tbe figure came on through the
moonlight with a swift, agile step, looking
neither to the right ncr the left till it ar­
rived in front of the veranda and halted.
Then it was that Leonard first saw Juanna
Rodd. She was very tall and slight; her
dark hair was twisted Into a single knot at
tbo back of her shapely head; her features
were small; her face fair in coloring and
somewhat rounded ixi form. So much he
saw at a glance, but it was not until she
looked up and round her that Leonard dis­
CHAPTER VII.
covered the girl’s peculiar glory, the glory
At the moment of Leonard's and Otter's of her eyes. Then and in that liglit ho
Introduction to his society the Yellow could not tell their color, a difficult task
Devil was about to mako a speech, and
, svery eye was fixed upon him so Intently at any time, for they varied from gray to
that none saw or heard tho pair approach. blue, according to the shadows which fell
“Now, my friends, make a path, if you upon them, but l;e could see that they
please,” said Leonard in a loud voice and were wido and splendid, fearless and yet
speaking in Portuguese. “I wish to pay soft. For tbe rest she was clad in an Arab
my respects to your chief.”
robe, richly worked, and wore sandals on
A dozen men wheeled round nt once.
her feot.
"Who are you?” they cried, seeing a
Juanna stopped in front of the veranda
stranger.
and searched it with her eyes. Presently
“If yon will bo so kind as to let me they ceased searching, and sho spoke in a
pass, I shall be most happy to explain,” clear, low voice.
Leonard answered, pushing his way
“What do you want with me now, Dom
through the throng.
Antonio Pereira?” she said.
“Who is that?” cried Pereira in coarse,
“My dove,” he answered in his coarse,
thick tones. “Bring him here.”
mocking tones, “do not be angry with
"There, you hear him. Let us through, your slave. I promised you, my dove, that
friends,” eaid Leonard. “Let us through.” I would find a husband for you, and now
Thus adjured, the throng opened» path, all these gallant gentlemen are gathered
and Leonard and Otter passed down it, for tho choice. It is your marriage hour,
many suspicious eyes scanning them as my dove.”
they went.
“Dom Antonio Pereira,” tbo girl an
“A greeting to you, senor, ” said Leonard sweted, “for the last timo I plead to you
when they hud emerged in front of the I am helpless here among you, und I have
done you no Injury. Let me go unharmed.
veranda.
“Curse your greeting! Who in satau’s I pray of you!”
"Let you go unharmed? Why, who
name are you?”
“A humble member of your honorable would hurt you, my dove?” answered the
profession,” eaid Leonard coolly, ‘‘come satyr. “You go to a husband.”
“I shall never go to any husband of
to pay his respects and do a little busi-
your choosing, Dom Antonio,” JuanDa
. ness. ”
“Are you? You don't look it. You said again in a low and steady voice. “Be I
look like an Englishman. And who is that assured of that, all of you. I havo no fear
abortion, pray?” And he pointed to Otter. of you, for God will help me In tho last re­
“I believe that you are spies, and, by heav­ source. And now, as I have pleaded to
you for the last time, so for the last time
en, if you are, I am the man to deal with I warn you, Dom Antonio, and yourwlek-
you!”
cd companions also. Goon .vith this if
“This Is a likely story,” said Leonard, you will, but a judgment awaits you
laughing, “that ono man and a black dog Death is near to you, you murderer, and
should venture into the headquarters of after death vengeance!”
gentlemen like you, not being of the cloth.
Thus she spoke, not loud indeed, but
Hut I think there is a noble gentleman with a conviction, a power and a dignity
among you—I mean the Senor Xavier— of mien that carried terror to the hearts of
who can vouch for me. Did he not send a the most hardened villains there. It was
note to one Captain Pierre, whose dhow at the conclusion of her speech that her
lies in the harbor yonder, hailing from eyes first met those of Leonard Outram
Madagascar? Well, Captain Pierre has tbo He was bending forward to listen, and in
honor of accepting his invitation and ar­ his grief and anger be had forgotten to
rives here, not without difficulty. Now he preserve the truculent expression which
begins to think that he would have doDp was his part to wear. Once more Leon­
better to stick to his ship.”
ard’s face was the face of an English gen­
“That is all right, Pereira," said tleman, noble and open, if somewhat
Xavier, a huge Portuguese with a dash of stern. Their eyes mot, and there was that
negro blood and a villainous countenance, in his which caused Juanna to pause. She !
the same mau whom they had followed looked at him swiftly, as though she
through the gate. “I sent a note to the would read his very soul, and in answer
senor. I told you of it. ”
he put all his will and heart's desire into
“Then I wish you had left it alone,’ bis gaze, the will and the desirc that she '
snarled Pereira for an answer. “I don’t should know him to be her friend. They
like your friend's looks. He might be the had Dever met before. She did not even
captain of an English man-of-war rigged dream of his existence, and there was lit­
up in our dress. ” At the words “English tle in Leonard’s outward appearance to |
man-of-war” a murmur of fear and anger distinguish him from tiie ruffians by whom
went through the assembly. Some of he was surrounded. And yet her quick j
those present had experience of these sense, sharpened by despair, read what
hated vessels and their bigoted crews, who was written in his eyes and read it aright, j
loved not this honest commerce, and to all From that moment Juanna felt that she
fear of tho girl ‘fend
was not alone among these wolves; that now, friend Pierre, before wo ratify this had a superstitious
her. Therefore he was glad that
there was one at least who would save her littlo matter by the aid of holy church, I believed
purchaser should go, lest it might be
if ho oould. In an instant she had searched . perhaps you will table the gold. This is a her
said that ho had murdered him in order
his face and dropped her eyes again, fear- cash transaction, remember.”
“Certainly,” answered Leonard. "Where to retain both the woman and her price.
ing lest she should awake suspicion.
he bado him farewell, and Leonard
Tho scene was one which Leonard never is that black dog of mine, the dwarf? All, So
turned to depart, followed by Otter and
forgot. Above the bright moon shone in there be is! Dog, weigh out the stuff. If Juanna,
whom he led by the band.
the heavens, before him were rank upon you have not enough, here is more, ’’and
And now all might have gone well for
rank of evil faces, each marked with some he unbuckled bis belt, from which ha had that
time had it not been for an unlucky
new emotion, and standing alone in their been careful to extract the ruby, and chance.
Ixxmard's scheme was to walk
midst was the licautiful girl, proud in the threw it to Otter.
“Now, gentlemen and companions,” he toward the water gate, but if no better
depth of shame, defiaut even in the power
went on, “ for I hope that wo may do busi­ plan of reaching it should offer to turn
of foes gathered to destroy her.
and run for the drawbridge,
For awhile tho wind had dropped, and ness together by and by, drink my health suddenly
the silence was deep—so deep was it that and my bride’s. I have paid pretty dear where Soa and the others would be wait­
Leonard could hear the mew of a kitten for her, hut what of it? A gentleman of ing
Already he had started when the great
which had crept from tbo veranda and was our profession should always be ready to
rubbing itself agaiust Juanna's feet. Sho back his fancy, for if his is apt to bo a Portuguese, Xavier, who liad been watch­
heard it also, and, stooping, picked up the short life he may as well make it a merry ing, plunged in sullen thought, stepped
forward “At least I will have a kiss for
one.”
little creature and held it to her breast.
"Sho will think tbe hotter of you, and my trouble,” he said, aud seizing Juanna
“Let her go!” said a voice from the
crowd. “She is a witch and will bring ill you of her, for it,” cried a voice. “Here round tho waist he drew her toward him.
Then it was that Leonard forgot his
is to Captain Pierre and tho girl,” and
luck upon us.”
At the sound Pereira seemed to awake. they drank, shouting aloud in their half caution, as under such circumstances a
man with nerves already strained to
With a hideous oath ho flung himself from drunken merriment.
Meanwhile Otter, advancing with obse­ breaking point well might do. Doubling
tho chair and waddied down the steps to­
quious stops, was pouring hundful after his fist, he struck the giant in the face
ward his victim.
“Curso you, you slut!” he said. “Do handful of gold coin and ingots into the with such force that Xavier fell headlong
you think to frighten men with your large scales which Pereira caused to be to the ground, dragging Juanna with
threats? Let God help you if ho can. The held before bint. Nowall the gold was in, him. Leonard would have done better to
have suffered her to be insulted, but just
Yellow Devil is god here. You are as a shining heap.
The balanco does not turn,” said then he remembered only that he was pro-
much in my power as this brute.” And
; tectiDg a helpless girl.
he snatched the kitten from her arms and Xavier. “I claim tho girl.”
Juanna was up in a moment and at bis
"Baas,” said Otter in a low voico and
dashed it to tho ground, where it lay bro­
ken. “You sec, God does not help tbekit­ speaking in Dutch, “havo you more gold? side. Xavier also sprang to his feet, curs­
ing with fury and drawing his saber as be
ten, and he will not help you. Here, strip The weight is short.”
Leonard glanced carelessly at the scales. rose.
her. Let men see what they were going to
“Follow me,” said Leonard to Juanna
buy.” And, gripping the breast of her They were trembling on tho turn.
“As much as you like, ” be said, “but mil Otter. Then, without more ado, he
whito robe, lie rent it open.
took to his heels.
With one hand Juanna gathered up tho here is what will do it.”
And drawing off his signet ring he
torn dross, and with the other sho began
A shout of laughter went up from the
to do something to her hair. An agony of threw it on tho pile. The ruby cxeepted,
fear took bold of Leonard. He knew tho it was tbo last thing of value that be had mob.
“This is tho brave man. This is the
story of the poison which she carried. Was about him. The scale vibrated and sank French fireeater,” theycried. “He strikes
down.
she about to use it?
“Good,” said Pereira, rubbing his bands unawares and is afraid to fight.” Nor did
Once again their eyes met, and there
they stop at words. Ail of them wore
was warning in Ills glance. She loosed her at the sight of so much treasure, “but jealous of tbe str mger and would havo re­
dark hair Indeed and let it fall about her bring me the acid that I may test the joiced to see him dead. .
shoulders, covering her rent robe to the stuff. No offense, stranger Pierre, but
Stop him!" they shoutod. and »cores
waist, but 6he did no more. Only after this is a wicked world, in which brass has of “ men
started, running like dogs to turn
that Leonard saw that sho kept her right passed for gold before today.”
The acid was brought aud the ingots a hare.
hand closed, and he knew that her death
Leonard might havo won through,
was bidden within it. Then she spoke tested at hazard, Pereira holding them to for Still
ho was swift of loot, but neither Juau-
tho light of tbe lamp.
onco more to Pereira.
“They are good!” ho said. “Now, fa­ na nor Otter could run as fast as he, and
“In your last hour may you remember
; his pace must be their pace. Before ho
these two deeds, ” she said, pointing to the ther, do your part.”
The priest Francisco stepped forward. 1 had gone 50 yards he found himself con­
writhing kitten and to her torn dress.
fronted by a dozen or more men, somo of
Now slaves drew near to do their master’s Ho was very pale and seemed terrified. whom
had knives in their hands.
bidding, but even that audience would not Leonard, watching him, wondered what
“Stop, coward, stop and fight," they
bad brought him Into such company, for
suffer this.
in Portuguese and Arabic, waving
“Leave her alone,” they said. “We can the man’s face was good and even refined. yelled
“Dom Antonio,” said the priest in a their knives in his face.
see that the girl is fair and perfect.”
"Certainly,” answered Leonard, wheel­
Then the slaves hung back, nor did Pe­ soft, girlish voice, “I protest against this.
Fate has brought me among you, though ing round and glancing about him.
reira repeat his commands.
There, not 80 yards away, was the
Returning to the veranda, he stood by against my own will, and I have been
the chair, and taking an empty glass in forced to bear tho sight of much evil, but drawbridge of the slave camp, and he
his hand by way of an auctioneer s ham­ I havo wrought none. I have shriven the thought he suw it tremble as if it was
dying, I have ministered to the tick, 1 about to fall. Toward him rushed tbe
mer began:
“Gentlemen, I am going to offer you a havo comforted the oppressed, but I havo great Portugee screaming Imprecations,
very choico lot, so choice that It makes up taken no share of tho price of blood. I saber aloft and his hideous face red with
all the sale. The lot is a white girl, half am a priest ot our holy church, and if I blood. At his sido were Otter and Juanna.
"Otter,” he said quickly as ha drew his
English and half Portuguese by bfbod. wed these two before the sight of men they
She is well educated and devout. As to will be husband and wife till death, and sword, “guard my back if you can, for
her docility I can say nothing. That will I shall have set tbe seal of the blessing of when I havo killed him the rest will
be for her husband to attend to. Of her the church upon an act ot shame. I will spring. For you, young lady, reach tho
. bridge If you may. Soa and your people
beauty I ueed not speak. You can all see not do it.”
are there.” Now Xavier was upon him
it for yourselves. Look at that figure,
“
You
will
not
do
it,
you
shaveling
that hair, those eyes. Have any of you traitor!” screamed Pereira in a voice with a rush. lie struck furiously, and
known their equal? Well, this lot will be hoarse with rage. “Do you want to fol­ Leonard avoided tbe blow, springing back­
ward out of reach. Twice be rushed Jon
to him among you who is inclined to mako low
your brother, then? Look here, my thus, an?, twice he smote, but each time
mo tho largest present in compensation— friend,
either
you
obey
me
and
marry
yea, yea, he may take her this very night, these two or”— and he hissed a horrible
7’<> be Conti,.tied.
and my blessing with her. But there are threat.
conditions. Ho whom I approve must be
“No, no,” saidLeonard, anxious to find :
lawfully married to the girl by the priest
Francisco here, ” and turning he pointed an escape from this abominable mockery.
to » small, melancholy looking man, with “Let him be. What do the cheat’s prayers j
a womanish face and dark blue eyes, who matter? The lady and 1 can do without
stood in tbe background clothed in a them.”
“ I tell you, stranger, that you shall j
priest’s robe. “Then I shall have done my
duty by her. One more thiDg, gentlemen. marry this girl, and this sniveler must
We are not going to waste timo in little marry you. If you don't, I will keep both
bids. The upset price will be 80 ounces. ” her and tbe gold, and as for him bo can ,
choose. Here, slaves, tlio sjamboch. ”
“Silver?” said a voice.
Francisco’s delicate face flushed pink, i
“Silver? No, of course not. Do you
think you are bidding for a nigger girl, “I am no hero that I can suffer thus,” he
fool? Gold, man, gold! Thirty ounces of said. “I will do your bidding, Dom An­
gold, and payment to be made on tbo tonia, and may God forgive me the sin!
For you, Pierre aud Juanua, I am about
nail.”
There was a groan of disappointment, to make you man and wife, to join you in
for
a sacrament that is none the less holy and
and one man cried out:
Burns,
“What are we poor fellows to do? Thir­ indissoluble because of the dreadful cir­
ty ounces for a beginning! Where i3 our cumstances under which it is celebrated. |
I say to you, Pierre, abandon your wicked­
Caked & Inflamed Udders.
chance!'”
“What arc you to do? Why, work hard ness and love and cherish this woman,
lest
a
curse
from
heaven
fall
upon
you.
I
Piles,
at your profession and grow rich, of course!
Do you suppose that these prizes are for , say to you, Juanna, put your trust in .
God,
the
God
of
tbe
fatherless
and
op-
j
Rheumatic Pains,
the poor? Now, then, the fair is open.
Who blds for the white girl Juanna? Thir­ pressed, who will avenge your wrongs— ;
and
forgive
me.
Let
water
be
brought
that
Bruises and Strains,
ty ounces is offered. Wbat advance, what
I may concecrato it—water and a ring.”
advanoe?”
“
Here,
take
this
ono,
”
said
Pereira,
lift
Running Sores,
“Thirty-five!” said a wizened little man,
ing Leonard’s signet ring from tho pile of
with a hectic cough, who looked fitter for gold. “I give it back for a luck penny.” j
Inflammations,
a burial than a bridal.
And lie tossed tho ring to tho priest.
“Forty!” cried another, a pure bred
Water was brought in a basin, and the . Stiff joints,
Arab of stately appearance and saturnine father consecrated it.
expression, who wished to add to his
Then be bade Leonard stand by tho girl
Harness & Saddle Sores,
harem.
3nd motioned to tho crowd to fall back
“Forty-five!” »uswered the wizened from them. All this while Leonard bad
Sciatica,
man.
been watching Juanna. She said no word,
Then tbe Arab bid 50, and for awhile it and her face was calm, but her eyes told
Lumbago,
seemed that these two alone were competi­ him the terror and perplexity which tore
tors.
her heart.
Scalds,
When the bids had reached 70 ounces, | Once or twice she lifted her clinched
the Arab muttered “Allah!” and gave up right
hand toward her lips, then dropped
Blisters,
Ho preferred to wait for the hourls.
without touching them. Leonard knew
“Knock her down,” said the wizened it
but too well what deed sho meditated.
Insect Bites,
man. “She is mine.”
He knew also the deadly nature of the
“Wait awhile, my little friend,” said drug
carried. If once it touched her
Ail Cattle Ailments,
the great Portugoe, Xavier, who had pass­ lips! she
suspense was terrible. He could
ed the water gate before Leonard and his bear it The
no longer. Even at the risk ot dis­
Ail Horse Ailments,
companions. “I am going to begin now covery he
must speak with her In obedi­
Seventy-five!”
ence to the priest’s direction lie sauntered
All Sheep Ailments,
“Eighty!" said the little man.
to her side, laughing; then, still laughing,
“Eighty-five!" answered Xavier.
with his hand he separated the tresses ot
“Ninety!” screamed the other.
dark hair, as though to look at the beauty
Penetrates Muscle,
“Ninety-five!” said Xavier.
of her side face, and bent down as if to
“A hundred!” yelled the small man.
her.
Idem brane and Tissue
“A hundred aud five!” replied Xavier, kiss
She stood pale and rigid, but once more
triumphantly capping his bid.
her hand went toward her mouth.
Quickly to the Very
Then, with a curse, his antagonist gave
“Stop!” he whispered swiftly into her
up also, and tho mob shouted, thinking ear,
speaking in English. “I have como
Seat of Pain and
that Xavier had won.
to rescue you. Go through this. It means
“Knock her down, Pereira,” said nothing.
Then,
if
I
bid
you,
run
for
tbo
Ousts
it in a Jiffy.
Xavier in his turn as he surveyed bi« drawbridge into the slave camp.”
prize with affected unconcern.
She heard, tbe light of intelligence
Rub in Vigorously.
“Wait a moment,” put in Leonard,
in her eyes, and her band fell again.
speaking for the first time. “I am going shone
“Come, stop that, friend Pierre,” said
Mustang Liniment conquers
to begin now. A hundred and ten!”
Pereira suspiciously. “What are you
Pain,
The multitude shouted again. The con­ whispering
about?
”
Makes rian or Beast well
test was growing exciting. Xavier glared
“I was telling the bride how beautiful
again.
at Leonard and bit his fingers with rage. I think
her,” he answered carelessly.
He was very near his limit of possible ex­
Juanna turned and flashed on him a
penditure.
simulated glance of hate and scorn.
“Now, then,” cried Pereira, licking his well
the ceremony began.
lips for joy, since tbo price had already run Thon
young priest had a low aud beautl
20 ounces higher than he expected. “Now, ful The
and by the light of tbe moon he
then, friend Xavier, am I to knock down read voico,
Roman Catholic ritual of mar­
this beauty to t he stranger Captain Pierro? riage tho
so solemnly that even the villains
It sounds a lot, but she ¡3 cheap at the who stood
round ceased their jokes and
price, dirt cheap. Lcolt at her and bid up sneers
and
were
silent. All things were
But mind, it is cash down, no credit—no, done in order, though
J uauna made no
not for an ounce.”
reply
to
the
usual
questions.
With much
“A hundred and fiftteen, ” said Xavier, sham courtesy the loathsome Pereira
gave
with tho air of a man making his lust the bride away, their hands were joined,
throw for fortune.
ring was set upon Juanna’s finger, the
“A hundred and twenty,’’said Leonard tbe
blessing was pronounced, aud it was fin­
quietly.
He had bid to the last ounce in his pos- | ished.
All this while Leonard stood like a man
session, and if Xavier went further he
must give in unless indeed he chose to in a dream. He felt as though he were
offer Soa’s ruby in payment. This, need- j really being married It even came into
less to say, he was not anxious to do. bls mind as he looked upon the loveliness
Moreover, no ono would believe a stone of of the mock bride at his side that a worse
that size to be genuine. But of all this he fate might befall liim. Then of a sudden
showed nothing in bis face; but, turning an incident happened that brought hint to
coolly, he called to a slave girl to bring a sense of the facts. The priest had no
him spirits and busied himself with filling brush with which to sprinkle the conse­
his glass. His hand never trembled, for crated water and looked round for a sub­
This extre-
Constipation,
or linary iie-
ho knew well that his antagonist was stitute.
Dizziness,
juvouator
is
“
Here,
take
this,
”
said
Pereira,
with
an
watching for a cue, and if he showed un­
Faffing
Sen­
tho most
certainty all might be lost. But in his ugly laugh, as be snatched a throe thonged wonderful
sations, Nerv­
slave
whip
from
the
hand
of
a
man
who
ous
twitching
discovery of
heart Leonard wondered what he should
of the eyes
stood by and handed it to Francisco. Ho the age. It
do if another ounce was bid.
and other
um been en­
took
the
scourge
which
was
stained
with
Meanwhile the spectators were shouting
puts.
dorsed
b7
the
blood,
dipped
it
into
the
basin
and
scat
­
encouragement, and Pereira was urging
lendingscien-
etrergtheas,
ttfic
men
of
tered
the
holy
drops
upon
them
—drops
of
i n v i g orates
Xavier to increase his offer. For awhile
Europe
and
and
tones the
blood
and
water.
Juanna
saw
and
shiver
­
the Portugee hesitated, surveying Ju­
America.
entiresystem.
anna, who stood pale aud silent, her head ed, and Leonard awoke from his dream—
Kudy&n is
Hudyan cures
Debility,
bowed upon her breast. At this juncture the farce was played. Now he must try to
Nervousness,
Leonard turned, the gloss still in his baud. escape. “There, that is finished, Dom Hudyan stops
Emissions,
Antonio,
”
he
said,
“
and
I
think
I
heard
“Did you make any advance, senor?”
and develop« >
Premhirmss
this lady whisper that with your permis­ of
aud restores
he asked.
the dir-
weak ergons.
“No, curse you. Take her. I will not sion we will bid you good night. My charge in 20
Pains in the
uays.
Cites
canoe
”
—
put down another ounce for her or any
back, losses
LOST
“Nonsense, you will stop here tonight,”
woman on the earth.”
by day or
nightstopped
MANHOOD
Leonard only smiled and looked at said Pereira.
“Thanks, I think not,” said Leonard.
Pereira.
“Going!” said that worthy. “Thewhlto “Tomorrow I may return to do a little
girl, Juanna, is going to the stranger business of another kind. I have a com­
Pierre for 120 ounces of gold. Going! mission for about 50, at a good price for
Over 2,000 private c ndorscmetit.*.
Come, Xavier, don't lose her. If you lo, the right sort. ” A3 Leonard spoke thus, quickly.
Pre-aaturene® means hnootency in the first
you will only be sorry once, and that will glancing to the east, be saw dense masses stage.
It is a symptom of seminal weakness
be always. Now for the last time, ” and he of vapor rising into the air about half a and barrennes«. It can be s.opped in 20 days
lifted the glass in hi3 hand and paused.
mile away. The damp reeds had been fired by the use of Hudyan.
new discovery was mzdo by the Speciai-
Xavier made a step forward and opened at last. The settlement men had not failed lst- The
ot the old iam .us Hudson Medical Institute.
his lips to speak. Leonard’s heart stood in their tasK, and soon the flames would It is the strongest vitalize» made. It is very
still, but presently the Portugee changed be discovered. He must be gone and powerful, but barynksR. Ro'd for it 00 a ps-ck-
ageord packages for E.i-JLl. i. realed boxes).
swiftly.
his mind and turned away.
Written guarantee give;: Zci a earn I f you buy
“Gone!” screamed Pereira, bringing the
“Well, If you must, you must," answer
six boxes and are pet ci ti.cr red. six more
glass down so heavily on the arm of his ed Pereira. And Leonard observed that will be sent to you five cftulcl atzta.
Betid for chculeriand. testimonials Address
chair that it flew into fragments.
he looked relieved as he said it. He did not
Hfb-GN MEDICAL INSTITUTE,
know the reason at the time. It was this: I uuctlon Stockton, Market A till, St*
CHAPTER VIII.
Juanua had told him that the man who
San Francisco, Cal.
“Gone!” said Perejra agairr_ “And bought her woul4 find his death in it, Hv
Mexican
Mustang
Liniment