The Fate of a Crown

before, and considered it natural he sho

would have no hesitation in giving him the ring had he demanded it. On the contrary, our general was already inc

ly. "But, gentlemen, you all stand in need of refreshment, and Senho

. Following our guide we came to a back room where a table was set for six. A tall, studious-looking Brazilian greeted us with a bow a

f which, however, was serious, merely uncomfortable-and I felt

me a nod, glanced questioningly at the others, and then approached the table and p

le to repress my anxiet

at down with a gloomy e

on my 129arrival at Rio did I discover that Senhora de Mar had traveled

as Mazanovitch who

ld with excitement, and swearing

, approaching the table. "We have time for

voice. A slender figure, draped in black a

new arrival threw aside his clo

ce that quavered somewhat. "For to-morro

ke; die to-night, 130for all I care. The rest of us intend to l

arco, who was busily eating, "we a

the man's name, I regarde

revered by the people of Brazil; yet not even the general was regarded with the same unquestioning affection. For Piexoto was undoubtedly a friend of the people, and despite his perso

er than a statesman, and his entire personality was in 131sharp contrast to the bravado of Fonseca. To see the

remark, "you say there is no danger? Is not de Pintra dead? Is n

nswered Fonsec

, the American secretary, I suppose. Well, sir, what excuse have you to make

senhor," said I, stiffly; "nor, in view of y

e, with its half-closed eyelids, in my direction. But

eck as any present. 'Tis really a time for action rathe

discovered the present possessor o

ce, save in a few cases, and none of them has see

doubt?" asked

uld know its value? Who else would hav

own spy to be murdered?" inquired Fonseca, i

he not have killed her himself, in order to be rid of her and at the same tim

"is in Rio Grande do Sul. He has b

e there w

d Piexoto. "I want to know what

esidence," said Figgot. "But we know

Marco stoutly; "that Francisco Paola is

oto looked at him with the nearest appro

e one another

is above personalities, and as for your loyalty, I dare not doubt it. But we wander fro

" said Mazanovitch, slowly; "you

gave a

, "otherwise we would