The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-02-25
THE SPANISH HEADSMAN.

THE SPANISH HEADSMAN.
The town clock of Menda had tOed the hour of mid
night when young French officer leaning the wall
OF extensive terrace which formed the bounds Of the
gardens OF the chateau, appeared lost m reecnon and
absorbed IN deeper contemplation than generally accom-
panies the CAV houg hessness OF military e although
undoubtedly, plaes season, and all by which he was
surrounded, most pTopous to meditation Ii was
OF the clear and c0udess nights OF opain the twin
king of the stars and the moons pale and partial beams
threw soft hight the rch and romantic valley In
which a hundred feet beneath him, was situated the
small bat handsome of 1lenda skirtng the base OF a
rock, which sheltered Observation-Disclosures Tonthe north wind
and the summit whereof was placed the vast and an
tque chateau and thence the waters OF the Atlantic,
tending far either side, might be fully deserted The
chatsau OF Menda, however, contrast TO the calm
and silence of the around it, From It's numerous
easements blazed forth profusion of light the lively
clamOr OF The cheerful Dance the sounds OF nirthiul
music, and the joyous voices OF the assembly, often
mingled with and Ollener OyerpOwered, the noise OF the
more distant dashing against the shore. The
feshing coolnesso the Night succeeding day ofexta
ordinary heaI with the delicious perfume OF trees und
flowers BY which he surrounded, in restoring him
from the fatigue which the military duties OF the
orsng oeeasoHed had long detained the young soldier
In that delightful spot and induced him 10 orego the
social ehjoymenis which the interior Of the mansion
afforded.
The chateau itself belonged to Spanish grandee of
the first rank whO with his family resided there.
OF his two daughters the eldest partc ularly hand
some and had during Tire evening, greatly attracted the
admiration of tine French officer whose notice had ev
IDENTIFY not been dsregarled by the fair Spanard but
whenever she addressed him. there was mixed up with
her looks and tones OF kindness, singular expros
sion of seeming and compassion that, haply the
impression had made him, had led ann 10 with
draw from The company, and induced his deep and
heightened reverie Notwithstanding she one OF
five children the great wealth OF the Marques justified
the idea that Clara would be richly endowed but Vic
tor Marchand could scarcely bring himself TO hope that
10 any event. the daughter of of the proudest and
Al n WOulI
mtfed to regard with than ordinary cvllIty, the
son of a Partisan grocer.
The French were hated; and General G%%t+-r, COM
andant of the province, having had strong reasons 10
suspect that the Marques de Leaass contemplated
insnrreetOn of the inhabitants OF Isi and the surround
ing country in favor of Ferdinand the SEVENTH the bat
talon commanded by Victor Marcaand had been sent
90 garrison Menla and TO Overawe ITS inhabitants and
the people of the neighborng towns and villages who
the disposal and under the influence OF the Mar
guess. Indeed, a recent despatch from Marshal Ney
had even communicated the probability OF the English
attempting landing the coast, and OF the Marques
being in active correspondence with the cabinet OF Lon
don. So that notwithstanding The welcome and hos
pitalty eviaced BY the Marques TO himself and hls
comrades Victor Marcband never relaxed ih the adop-
ton Of every precautOn that prudence could suggest
la pacing the garden terrace, and casting keen aud
waichfu glance from time ne TO ascertain the state
OF the town. OF which his position gave him distinct
and general view or in listening occasionally To what
ever sounds arose from the valley below, in which II
law he sirov0 yainy reconcile to his mlnd the open
and almost unreserved friendship the Marques had
displayed towards him. aud the peace and tranquility OF
the country ITSELF with the doubts and fears expressed
BY his general, when his curiosity was suddenly
awakened and his suspicious aroused by new and some
what unaccountahe circumstances. lnnumerabe lights
at and the instant were to be seen moving ~
the town bel,w he hum of many voices was simuita
neOusy heard, where all had been for many hours
darkness and reposc. Although it the feast OF 81
Jago, lac had issued. that very morning, severe and
perempory orders, that every where with the excep
ton Of the chateau fire and light should be extlu-
guished at the hour appointed by tn, military regula
tons Again he looked, and mare intestly, and GER
tainly could distinguish the gllterng of muskets ana
bayOnets at several of the posts where his ssntnes
were stationed. The lights vet seen, but so
ienn silence succeeded TO the noise, which wa:
wholly distinct from that which might he supposed L
accompany the observance Of festival of the church
Whence could proceed general and extraordnar,
an infraclon of military orders, in despite OF the
than adequate nocturnal police and rounds which h.
had organizedi He resolved 10 fathom the mvs
tery; and al once, and with all the impetuositv q
YOUTH he was in the act of scaling the terrace WALL Il
reach by direct and raPi descent of the rock, tn
corps e-gare stationed the entrance of the towr
on the side OF The chateau, when slight movemer
near him. resembling the light step of female on III
sanded alley Of the garden, induced him to pause.
Ito 30 Continued