Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-08-04
CHAPTER II
4 Ednddnpo in chihuahua.


-.- Fdnddngo in chihuahua.
In large house, situated on the Gale Santa
Maria, one square distant from the Plaza, the
sound of music and dancing was heard, the night
after Frank Winfeld's arrival in chihuahua. A
room. one hundred feet in length, was crowded
with beautiful senoritas and dark. featured dons.
The scene was one of remarkable brlliancy. The
gay color of the dresses worn by tho ladies, and
the happy, smiling counenances Of the younger
portion of the assembly, werc in strange contrast
with the lowering brows and stern features of the
men, who, evidently, were greatly excited as ever
anon they glanced towards group who were ga
thered together in end Of the room. The par.
ty whose presence seemed to call forth this exhi.
bi.ion of .feeing on the part of the Mexicans,
consisted of Winfield, Wells, and our dark friend
Cato. In careless manner and easy attitude, the
two former stood conversing together, apparently
not regarding the menacing looks Of the men,
Full many voiuptuous glance beamed from the
dark eyes of the senoritas and senoras, who filled
the room. Us their gaze fingered upon the fine form
and noble features of Frank Winfield But al
though the eyes Of the latter followed the airy
forms that moved gracefully in the dance, his
thoughts were far distant.
Those who have wandered among strangers, in
far distant lands. have felt the deep yearning for
the companionship Of friends they love-the de-
sire 10 look once more upon scenes endea red by
thousand tender recollections, engraved indebly
upon the memory and heart, by incidents trivial
in themselves, but remembered with n smile or
sigh of regret. Many a wandcrer has felt that
The value of the happiness enjoyed at home ca
only be properly appreciated after The experience
which long absence bestows. From such mus
ngs as these Winfield suddenly aroused by
his friend excaming, in low tone,-
:" We must leave this place, Frank; nave you
not observed the black looks Of these Mcxica ms
we evidently the subject matter of their con-
nj r;,,h,
they are pointing towards now. | wonder what
can have happened ~
Nothing, out of the way, | think" replied
Winfield, sour situation 1T the best is a preca RI
Gus one, and all we have TO do is to brave il out "
p" But something unusual must have happened"
persisted Wells. " don't like their manner and
do you observe the look of pity with which some
OF those women regard Us Are you armed %
Winfield replied in the affirmative, and nj the
same moment the music, which had ceased for n
few moments, again commenced with lively
waltz. Advancing towards n number of ladies
who wero seated on of the settees, Winfield
selected one, and in the Spanish language, which
he spoke with and fuency, requested the ho-
nor Of her hand. The lady glanced timidIy To-
wards group Of officers gathered near, but after
some hesitation arose. and placed her hand in his.
number were already ON the floor. and Win.
field, with his partner, were lost in the ma zes
of the dance. Wells, however, returned to his
position a. the upper end Of the room. A person
sta nding at distance, and gazing upon the heavy
impass;ve countenance of the trader, would never
have surmsed that he was observing the move
ments Of those around. ..
lie was ono of those persons whom we often
meet in our intercourse with the world /: uncom.
municative, and seemingly unobsorvant, yet when
aroused. full OF life, and vigor Of thought and ac.
ton. Sauntering slowly towards group of citi.
zens, he placed himself in o position where, unno.
tced, he could plainly overhear their conversation.
AS he listened, the lines in his forehead deepened
and his grey eyes flashed fiercely beneath their
heavy brows. Uttering low intersection, he re-
treated to his former position. The waftz finished
ne was joined by Winfield, whom he addressed
hurredIy.
"By heavens. we are caught, Frank 7 over.
heard those fellows yonder talking Colonel Do
nlphan has been ordered south, to this place, and
the whole city is IN an uproar. Although | am
well known as trader, they suspect you as spy;
they have sent to Governor Tras information of
your presence at this fandango, and urge the ne.
cessIty of having you arrested. We must, if pos
sible, leave the room. Keep cool, as if YOU had
no intimation of danger-these Mexicans resem-
bic cowardIy cur-they will follow fiercely a
flying foe, but hesitate attack one who they see
fears them not"
With one hand resting careessly upon the pis
tol in his belt, Wells, followed by Winfield and
I Cato; advanced towards the door, around which
the Mexcans had crowded IN such manner that
it was impossible to force passage. ks they
stood undecided, the rattle of arms was heard, q nd
file Of soldiers, tnder Command OF heu,ena Mt.
drew up In front of the entrance The officer ad-
vanced, sword in hand, and with polite bow and
sarcastic smile, he Informed the Anne ricanos,'' -
as he termed the party, that they were prisoners
Casting hosfy glance around the room, which
was thrOnged with citizens and officers, and TO-
wards che windows, which were secured by iron
bars, Wells was aware that escape was impossi.
Bile, and that resistance would have been certain
death, for already deep murmurs and mutlered
curses on the "spy" were heard among those in
tho assembly, whilst single cry in the street was