Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-09-01
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"He may not comc, she murmured. tho hours
flew by, and ray of hope for n moment illumin-
ed her countenance "But no il is impossible for
the Americans, against such fearful odds, to gain
the day. He will come even ifihey are defeated
he says and unless ho should perish upon the bat
,e-licId there is no escape he will not ihil, how
ever, if safety can be found in flight, coward
for husba nd ~ she exclaimed hastily, and with
flashing eyo :. craven for a bridegroom; would
rather wed the most ignorant rachoro upon my
fathers lands, if he brave, than his man
IGoma del Garcias."
As she spoke, the door Of :he apartment
opened and Maria her old and faithful servant,
entered.
"Senorita ~ she hastily said, "a messenger has
arrived from Sacramento ~
"Whal tidings does he bear % demanded Corin-
"Dreadful indeed, lady, answered the old
woman, with countenance expressive of tho
greatest terror and dismay. 1.-The americans have
defeated tho Chhuahuaensis, and driven them
from the battlefield with dreadful slaughter a II
the prisoners they have captured will be burnt
alive and before 10 morrow night not living per-
son will be left in chihuahua. Holy Virgin de-
fend us I"
"Where is this messenger, Maria :"
'He tarried but moment and then fled, pale
with fear, TO the mountains. On his way through
tho pass, he overlook reireating party among
soon be here"
Hardly had she spoken ere the door was hrown
open, and del Garcus with dress disordercd and
features flushed with excitement, sirode into the
room. followed by Don Rivas and several officers.
There is no time for delay he exclaimed,
-" We pursued and the enemy will soon be
here. Everything is prepared, the priest awaits
our coming, and claim my bride ~
In the centre Of large and brilliantly lighted
apartment, stood surpIiced priest. In his hand
he held book of prayers, and whilst turning
over the leaves, he glanced uneasily around.
"This delay is dangerous" he multered, .lbe
Americans will soon be here"
At this moment door in front Of him was
thrown open, and the bridal party advanced
The countenance Of Algoma was flushed whilst
the features Of Corinna were pale and her lips
firmly compressed.
You force me to wed you, Algoma del Gar
cas,'' said the maiden, low tone, as they ad-
vanced, "but you cannot compel 10 love you.
! am fully aware of the noble motives which
have guided your actions of the generous i'm
pulses which animate your breast, and is it strange
that am not proud Of the alliance. that | am not
oyerpowered with the honor Il union with AlSoma
del Garcias viii confer %
! They stood before the priest, and those present
gathered closely around.
'One moment, holy father" exclaimed Corin-
ma, with all the energy of despair, one word,
ere you perform this ceremony. am about To-
| be wedded 10 man whom ! do not love, but
whom am bound in duty and honor 10 espouse.
! My fate is in his hands. have appealed TO his
sense Of honor and chivalry in vain. J have told
him again and again that /, was impossible for me
10 love, that, on the contrary, loathed and des-
pissed him. Yet he still insists upon The fuhment
| of the promise given by my father, tina, should
be his brde-a promise that may not To broken.
But in obtaining possession of this hand which
/ m ly hpl hp m
fathers wealth, the knowedgc that | love another
shall accompany lis bestowal. In the presence
of yourself, holy father. of my father, and OF
the company here assembled make this avowa.
have performed what | considered my Duty"
continued the maiden, in faltering voice, 'and
am ready ~
At a glance from Agoma, whose face was
pale with rage, the priest amidst the most pro-
found silence, commenced hastily reading the
marriage service.
| He was interrupted by the sound of approach
ing footsteps and tho rattle of sabres in the court,
yard.
| at is the enemy" said the priest, in faIterIng
accents, as he paused and glanced feafuy around.
"Guard the door ~ exclaimed Algoma, hastily
turuing to the officers who had accompanied him.
"Has,en, Seniors, and bar the entrancep ~
Thcy sprang towards the door, but it was too
late, for hardly had he ceased speaking ere VIM
field follow ed by Kah-ra hah, Ducher and Cato,
entered the apartment. As they advanced the
Mexican officers retreated, and escaped through n
side door, leaving Djn Jose Rivas, Algoma and
Cornna alone in the room.
You are my prisoner, Algoma del Garclas,"
said Winfield, ''your sword, sir"
W With glance of she most intense and deadly
hatred, Algoma suddenly drew pistol from his
sabre belt. "Accursed American" he ezcaim-
cd, s'you have ihwar,ed me in my plans, you
have stolen from me the love which priced moro
than life itself, you have been the cause of my
disgrace in the army, but will be revenged y
Ho raised his hand. but ere the weapon was
levelled, kah-ra.hah sprang forward, and with
one blow of his sabre struck down his arm
Another blow sen, the ghtlerng steel crashing
through the Spanard's brain.
With form erect and with flashing eye, Kah-
ro -hah gazed upon the quivering corpse beneath
/ his feet.
.IIe deserved his fate" said the mountalneer,
with a stern and frowning brow, "Eor he was u
villain and coward J"
CHAPTER XIV.
The Return.