o.
He deserted from the Imperialistas at Queretaro, but afterward he joined
the plot for Maximilian's escape. We had his description, and I found
him. He wanted to take me to Marquez and Fischer, whom we would also
like to find. He said that he risked himself here, to spy on them, and
that he knew where they had fled, the Leopard disguised in the padre's
cloak. But of course I paid no attention. I did not delay even to tie
his hands. As Your Mercy observes, I had the honor to do my duty, at
once."

"I see," replied Boone dryly. "Lawd, this _is_ a jolt!"

Then he got himself away from there.

"A jolt," he muttered to himself again. "But shucks, it can't--Yes, it
can," he decided fervently, "it can be used. We've got to have something
terrifying, and poor cock-eyed Don Tibby won't care. He'd appreciate it.
And anyhow, I don't seem to be able to stir up inspirations to-day, and
this is the only thing."

He was as pallid as the shooting squad he had just left.

"No matter," he reflected, "I'll need just this ghastly state of mind.
But here, goodness gracious, I've got to be in a sweat," with which he
began to run, a lank knight in gray dented armor.

"Worse luck," his thought pounded along with him, "this here's the first
time I've ever faked. And it's a heap the hottest story I've ever
handled, too. Our little Parisienne will get a frisson all right, all
right, and such a one she'll not be wanting any of again very soon.
Dixie Land, I mustn't smoke, I'm to be too excited."

He came into the Zocalo, and drew up before Driscoll, who was still
there and still ruminating.

"Listen here," Boone panted, "here's your cue.--In ten minutes--to the
second--arrive--knock at her door--appear!"

"With violets?" inquired Driscoll.

"Oh shut up!--Quit, don't stop me, I'm getting cooled off!--Only do what
I say.--In just ten minutes--that is--if you want the girl."

And Daniel was off again, "with high and haughty steps" towering along.

"That Meagre Shanks, there, isn't a fool," Driscoll mentally recorded,
and he took out his watch.

The two girls were stopping at a hotel in Plateros Street, for
Jacqueline had returned to find her beautiful residence, salon and all,
ruthlessly dismantled, looted, robbed by Marquez while she was in
Queretaro, which was a manner of levying contributions not unfamiliar to
the Lieutenant of the Empire.

In the balcony room of their hotel suite the two girls strove valiantly.
Crisp gowns and