They reached the office
at the same time as Mike O'Halloran, who greeted them with the
good news that the day was won. The Megales faction had melted
into mist, and all over the city a happy people was shouting for
Valdez.
"I congratulate you, general. We have just telegraphed the news
over the State that Megales has resigned and fled. There can be
no doubt that you will be elected governor to-morrow and that the
people's party will win the day with an unprecedented vote. Glory
be, Chihuahua is at last free from the heel of tyranny. Viva
Valdez! Viva Chihuahua libra!"
Bucky at once introduced to General Valdez the American prisoner
who had suffered so long and unjustly. He recited the story of
the abduction of the child, of Henderson's pursuit, of the
killing of the trooper, and of the circumstantial evidence that
implicated the Texan and upon which he was convicted. He then
drew from his pocket a signed and attested copy of the confession
of the knife thrower and handed it to the general.
Valdez looked it over, asked an incisive question or two of
Bucky, heard from Henderson his story, and, after a few moments'
discussion of the matter with O'Halloran, promised a free pardon
as his first official act after being elected to the
governorship, in case he should be chosen.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284