Part 27 (2/2)

Somewhat dazed though he was, Frank noted that, beyond a doubt, the ones who were so very curious and who so rudely demanded his name were visitors in New Orleans. More than that, from their appearance, they were people who would not think of such acts at home, but now were eager to know the Northern lad who by one nervy and daring act had made himself generally talked about in a Southern city.

Some of the women declared he was ”So handsome!” and ”So manly!” to Frank's increasing dismay.

”I'd give a hundred dollars to get out of this!” he thought.

He must have spoken the words aloud, although he was not aware of it, for a voice at his elbow, low and musical, said:

”Come dis-a-way, senor, an' I will tek yo' out of it.”

Frank saw Manuel Mazaro close at hand. The Spaniard--for such Mazaro was--bowed gracefully, and smiled pleasantly upon the boy from the North.

A moment Frank hesitated, and then he said:

”Lead on; I'll follow.”

Quickly Mazaro skirted the edge of the throng for a short distance, plunged into the ma.s.s, made sure Frank was close behind, and then forced his way through to a doorway.

”Dis-a way,” he invited.

Frank hesitated.

”Where does it lead?”

”Through a pa.s.sage to annodare street, senor.”

Frank felt his revolver in his pocket, and he knew it was loaded for instant use.

”I want to get ahead of this procession--I want to see the Queen of Flowers again.”

”I will tek yo' there, senor.”

”Lead on.”

Frank pa.s.sed his hand through the crown of flowers, to which he still clung. Without being seen, he took his revolver from his pocket, and held it concealed in the ma.s.s of flowers. It was a self-c.o.c.ker, and he could use it skillfully.

As Mazaro had said, the doorway led into a pa.s.sage. This was very narrow, and quite dark.

No sooner were they fairly in this place than Frank regretted that he had come, for he realized that it was a most excellent chance for a.s.sa.s.sination and robbery.

His one fear was of being attacked behind. He was quite ready for any that might rise in front.

”Dis-a way, senor,” Mazaro kept repeating. ”Dis-a way.”

Frank fancied the fellow was speaking louder than was necessary. In fact, he could not see that it was necessary for Mazaro to speak at all.

And then the boy was sure he heard footsteps behind them!

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