Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-06-27

|
no efforts could detach his thoughts from the
fearful doom which awaited him on the NOR
row. Suddenly voice spake close beside
| him. He turned, and tall form dressed IN
| complete white stood near. At first shudder
of superstitious terror passed through him as
he saw the white robes fluttering in the breeze
and he feared that he had evoked spirit
ssChristian,'' said the figure, in Peruvian.
s.Who speakss'' answered Reggie, boldly.
| ga friend
ssThen you must have come from the dead,
for all who love me there"
] esI am aliye-''
| GA peruvian? a friend? No, no"
81 am all that have said, and have come to
save you.''
.sTis the voice of maiden!'' murmHred
Reggie. 81 have heard that voice before o,
tell me who are you"
aWaste no words. am friend. 1 come
to save you from deathi'
| She stopped down, and with sharp kaife
| severed his painful bonds. The Spaniard rose
| to his feet The figure before him was enyel-
oped in white, and but a small part of her face
was visible. Riggio looked at her, and fellup-
/ on his knees before her.
| sRise, rise.' she said impatiently. sTh1nk
only of safety. Follow me-
And she glided from the room without noise;
a small light which she held in her hand, gui-
| ded him for distance as he followed softly
| after her. She stopped at length, and pist
| string in his hand, one end of which size held
herself. Then extingushing the light, she
| laft - imam ba floor and walked on. RegpIO
followed They went through wide rooms,
and long halls, through narrow passages and
labarynthian galleries, until at last the fresh
ness of the air told Reggie that he approached
the outside. She drew back some heavy bolts
that slipped noiselessIy to her touch. She
opened the ponderous door
Reggie repressed an exclamation of joy
| Looking out he saw his horse standing there
with muffied feet, ready to bear him away in
! silence A gnn-and sword lay there aisos
Beautiful being! How can | ever repay my
debt of gratitude to you?' cried Reggie in a
| transport.
s'Tis my debt. l repay it. Haste. No
| words more.
Il will not go without you, he cried passion
ately. Come, o, come with met
The maiden stood still,
%, GOMEZ he cried, imploringly. You
will not force me to stay
.No.' she said, tenderly. You can go
without me-
sNever.' he cried. He took her in his arms.
She did not resist. In few moments both
were seated on a strong horse. few cheer
ing words, light stroke, and the horse and
its riders were gone. They went slowly, until
out of hearing. Then Reggie dismounted and
took off the cumbersome foot coverings.
eHa,' he cried, swhat noise is that?'
sThey have discovered it-up, or you are
Iost,' cried the maiden. up
Reggie sprang upon the horse. Far behind
him sounded deep murmur, as though many
voices were crying together.
80, were some of my brave comrades near!'
Think not of that. Think not of that.
Fly!'
Hold me tightly he cried, as his horse fed
| swiftly along the road. Hold fast,' His own
arm was around her. She clung closely to
him, and away they went far from their enc
mics. When the sun arose, danger was far
away The two travellers paused upon the
| summit of gentle ascent which overlook ed
a small town. There the ensign of Spain fut-
tered from large building which appeared to
! be used as a barrack.
eLet me down here,' said the maiden, to
| Reggie. Il must descend
| Reggie dismounted and took her to a rock
upon which she sat.
sChristian we must part here
.What!' cried Reggie with start.
| sWe must part
sNever, never shall you leave me-
christian, you must not detain me. Would
it be fit for him whom have delivered, to
| keep me prisoner?'
sNot a prisoner. o, no! but something dea-
rer,' cried Reggie passionately. But who are
youl l have heard your voice before
| sYes. At Caxamalca-'
| sWhat?' cried Reggie, starting
sDo you not remember when the perfidious
| invader came to Caxamatca? Our Inca thought
| not of de ceiving them. He treated them a
great king should. Do you not remember
how his hospitality was returned? Thousands
of the dead can tell. The ghost of murdered
Inca can speak from its gave and tell.
| Reggie was silent.
| 90, what scene of terror there was,' said
| his companion, swhen the invaders, armed
with thunder, rushed on their unarmed and
unsuspecting hosts. The guest murdered his
| entertainer. Those whom we had treated
with hospitality became our murderers.'
| Rerpio sighed deeply.