Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1854-10-12

was not one 10 be so easily thwarted.
One afternoon, not long aflef this, as the
twilight was settling over the town, tile ol
soldiers halted Just opposite the door oil the
little cigar shop; when young man, wearing
n lieutenant's irisigRa, entered and asked the
attendant il her name was Mrilda Estalez, 10
which she timidy responded.
UThen you will please 10 come with me-"
"By what suthority9" asked the trembling
girl. L..
"Tben must obey YOU" she answered,
end prepared to follow him at once.
Stepping to the door with her, the young officer
directed his men 10 march on; and, getting in
10 a voliante, told Miralda they would drive TO
the guardhouse. Butte the surprise OF the gil,
she soon afler discovered that they were rap
idly passing the city gates, and Immediately
after were dashing off on the road 10 Cerito.--
Then il was she began 10 fear some trick had
been played upon her; and these fears were
soon confirmed BY the volante's turning down
the long valley Of palms that led 10 the es-
late of Count Almonte. 1t was invain 10 e1-
postuIate now; she felt that she was in the
mower OF the reckless nobleman; and the pre-
tended officer and soldiers were his own peo-
nile, who had adopted the disguise OF the
Spanish army uniform. -
Count Almonte met her at The door, told hel
10 fear no violence, that her wishes should be
respected in all things, save her personal lib
erty: that he trusted in time 10 persuade hel
10 look more favorable upon him, and that IN
all things he was her slave. She replied con-
temptuously 10 his words, and charged him
with the cowardly trick by which he had gain
ed control Of her liberty. But she was left BY
herself, though watched by his orders, at all
times to prevent her escape. Gfa
She knew very well that the power and
wi OF Count Almonte were 100 strong for any
humble friend OF hers TO attempt TO thwart
and yet she somehow felt conscious strength
in Pedro, and secretly cherished the Idea thai
| he would discover her place OF confinement
and adopt some means 10 delivet her. The
stietto is the constant companion OF the lowel
classes, and Miralda had been used to wea
one. even in her store, against contingency
/ but now she regarded the tinv weapon witt
peculiar satisfaction, and slept with it IN he
bosom asL -t, 90.
Small was the clue by which Pedro Manta
nez discovered the trick of Count Almonte.--
First this was found out, then that ciIcum'
stance, and these being put together, they let
to other results, until the indefatgabe love
was at last fully satisfied that he had discov
cred her place OF confinement. Disguised a
frar OF The order OF San Felipe, he sough
Count Alnonte's gates at favorable moment
fnnst Aisside, -ahaera9 ssher- Hith fresh hope
and retired to arrange some plan Tor her deliv
ery. There was time to think now; heretolor
he had not permitted himself even an hour
sleep; but she was safe-thnt is, not in imm
date danger-and he could breathe more Tree
Nv. He knew not with whom 10 advise; h
feared to speak TO those above him in society
lest they m ghtbetray his purpose to The Coun
and his own liberty, by some means, be thn
ieopardized. He could on yconsider with him
self:must be his own counsellor in this crltl
cal case.
AT last, rs il indespair,. he started 10 his fee
one day, and exclaimed to himself, "why no
do to ad-quarters at once why not see IN
Governor Genera and tell him the whole trnth
All. see him !-how is this 10 be affected &
And then this Count Almone is noolemdn
hey say Tacon loves justice. We shall see
I ,piH 20 10 the Governor General; it cannot d
any harm, if it does not do any good. l ca
l try." And Pedro did seek the Governor.--
Tue, he did not at once get audience Of hi
l-not the first or third time, hut he persevere
4 and was admitted a. last. Here he told h
story in free, manlys.voice; undiseulsedly an
open In all things, so that Tacon was pleased
Sand the girl 7" asked the Governor Ger
eral, over whose .countenance dark scroV
had gathered. "is she thy sister 7"
"No, Excelencia, Sc is tearer still; she
nv betrolhed." a -.s...a
The Governor, bidding him come nearer TOO
a golden cross from the table, and handing,
to the boalman,cs he regarded him searchlngi!
soid: ..e.. a. r.,:at-.
"Swear that what you have related TO me
trne, as you hope for heaven ~ ,,..
I "I swear I" said Pedro, kneeling and klsslf
the emblem with simple reverence.
4 The Governor turned 10 his table, wro'e
few brief lines, and touching a bell, summon
ed page from on adjoining room, whom
ordered to send the capisin oftbe guard to mn
Prompt, as were all who had any connectlc
with the Governors household, the, officer al
peared at once, and received the written o
der, with directions to brng Connt Almon
and young girl named Miralda immediate
before him.. Pedro was sent TO an anterior
and the business Of the day passed on as usu'
lin the reception hall ofthe Governor.
Less thnii two hours had transpred, wht
the Count and Miralda stood before Tacon.'
INeither knew the nature Of the business whl'
lhad summoned them there. Almonte hali su
! ipecied the truth, and the poor girl argued
herself that fate could not be but improved
1.-The interference, let its nature be what
might. s.tl anr ~ - a.a.
"Count Alnonte. you doubtless know wi
I have ordered you to appear hero"
..Excelencla, fear that have been indi
Greet" was the reply.
"You adopted the uniform OF The guards {
your own private purposes upon this youI
girl, did you not ~
"Exceleuci,, cannot deny it."
. "Declare upon your honor, Count Almont
whether she is unframed whom you have th'
kept prisoner"
"Excelencia, she is as pure os when she Ell
tered beneath my roof was the truthful II
ply.
Ibis page, then continued his questions
the Count, while he made some minutes upt
lpaper. Pedro was now summoned to expla
lsone natter, and as he entered the Govern
General turned his back for one moment as
TO seek some papers upon his table, while M
, lralja was pressed in the boatman's arms.
was but for moment, and the next, Pedro WI
blowing bumbly before Tacon. Afew momen
lmoYe and the Governors page returned, ,aecon
panied BY a monk Of the church Of San
Clara, with the emblems OF his office.
| sHoly father" slid Tscon, twill you blr
tkn hardei . r tL;. C.,,a ~ A lrd6rtn and Miralt