Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 22, 2025
For the last few moments he had been considering, in that comfortable spirit of relaxed attention that comes with the after-dinner tobacco, two subjects: first, the beauty of the evening; second, the temperament, character, and appearance of Felice Zavalla. As for the evening, there could be no two opinions about that. It was charming.
And then it was that a wail rose into the night, a wail of agony and mortal apprehension: "Signor Lockwude, Signor Lockwude, for the love of God, don't shoot! 'Tis I Chino Zavalla."
This state of affairs was further complicated by the fact that Felice was the wife of Chino Zavalla, shift-boss of No. 4 gang in the new workings. It was quite possible that, though Lockwood could not have told when and how the acquaintance between him and Felice began and progressed, the young woman herself could. But this is guesswork.
Goodwin and Zavalla moved everywhere, but without ostentation, watching the loopholes of escape. The customs officials crowded importantly into their boat and rowed out to the Karlsefin. A boat from the steamer landed her purser with his papers, and took out the quarantine doctor with his green umbrella and clinical thermometer.
This was sent down by express to the smelting-house. But it was necessary to take the brick from the mine to the express office at Iowa Hill. This duty devolved upon Lockwood and Chino Zavalla. Hicks had from the very first ordered that the Spaniard should accompany the superintendent upon this mission.
It may appear difficult of belief that the men, the crude, simple workmen, knew how to take Felice Zavalla, while Lockwood, with all his education and superior intelligence, failed in his estimate of her. The explanation lies no doubt in the fact that in these man-and-woman affairs instinct is a surer guide than education and intelligence, unless, indeed, the intelligence is preternaturally keen.
Zavalla was absolutely trustworthy, as honest as the daylight, strong physically, cool-headed, discreet, and to Hicks's mind a crowning recommendation close-mouthed. For about the mine it was never known when the brick went to town or who took it. Hicks had impressed this fact upon Zavalla. He was to tell nobody that he was delegated to this duty.
Throughout the entire republic there seemed to be a spirit of silent, sullen discontent. Even the old Liberal party to which Goodwin, Zavalla and other patriots had lent their aid was disappointed. Losada had failed to become a popular idol.
"Not even" Hicks had leveled a forefinger at Chino, and the cold eyes drove home the injunction as the steam-hammer drives the rivet "not even your wife." And Zavalla had promised. He would have trifled with dynamite sooner than with one of Hicks's orders. So the fortnightly trips to town in company with Lockwood were explained in various fashions to Felice.
Goodwin and the ardent patriot, Zavalla, took all the precautions that their foresight could contrive to prevent the escape of President Miraflores and his companion.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking