Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1854-10-12
Misfellalrtolls
A STORY OF CUBA.

4-t
BaIlou, in his t'History of CAba," deyo'es
considerable space 10 the administration oil Ia
con, who hos left rather doubtful reputation
in Iiayanna, his energy in effecting improve
ments having been combined with such de-
gree OF violence that 10 the people at large he
was on object of terror, rather than of erati-
tude. In accomplishing his purposes, life was
counted Of little vallie, and many Of the first
people were sacrificed to his unscrupuous
aea, Tie following story, which was related
10 The auihnr in Havnna, illustrates his roman
lie love OF Justice, and will bear repeating:
During the first year Of Tacon's governor
ship, there was youne Creole girl named
Mralda Estalez, who kepta cigar slore in the
Gale de Mercadefs, and whose shop was re-
sort for all the young men OF the town wha
loved O, a,choiceIy made and superior cigar. Mi
Sadi res only seventeen, without mother oil
father living, and earned an humble though
sufficient support by her industry in the man
vfactory we have named, and by the sales Of
her little store. She wa. a picture OF ripened
tropical beauty, with finely rounded form,
lovely face, of soft olive tint, and teeth that q
Tuscarora might envy her, At times, there
wasa dash OF langor in her dreamy eve thai
would have warmed an anchoriter and then
her cheerful ests were so delicate yet free, thai
she had unwitiingly turned the heads, not Il
say the hearts, Of half The young merchants il
the Gala de Mercaders. But she dispensed
her favors without partially; none OF the rict
and gay exquisites Of Havana could say they
had ever received any particular acknowl
.edgement from the young and fair girl TO thei
warm and constant attention. For this one
she had pleasant smile, for another wore
of pleasing gossip, for a third q snatch Of I
Spanish song. butto none did she give hel
confidence except to Young Pedro Mantapex
a fine looking bcatman, who Piled between tht
Punta and Moro Castle, on the opposite side
'of the har5or.
.Pedro,wasla manly and courageous youni
fellow; fsther above hissclass in intelligence
nppearance and associations, and pulled hi
oars with a strong arm and light heart, ant
loved the beautiful Mifaida with m ardor ro
mshtic insits fidelity and truth He was sor
ofleader among the boatnlen in the harbof
for the reasons of his superior cultivation ant
intelligence, and his quick -witied sagacit!
was often turned for the beneit of his CON
rsdes. Many were the noble deeds which h,
had done in and about the harbor since boy
for be,lad followed his calling Of a waterman
from boyhood, as his father had done before
him. Mirad1 in turn ardently loved Pedro
and when lie came at night and sat IN tht
back par. Of her little shop, she had always |
neat and fragrant cigar for his lips. Now ant
then, when she could steal away from he
shop on some holiday, Pedro would hoist a
tiny sail in the prowtof his boat, and securing
the little sternsawniBg over Miralda's head
steer ont into the gulfan coast along the TO
mantle shore. Ag alaf sGs, ..r,..
There was famous roue, well known a
this time In Havana, named Count Almonte
who had frequently visited Mralda's shop, an
conceived qaiis passion for the girl, and in
deed he had grown to be one Of her most lib
etal customers. With a cunning shrewdneS
aud knowledge OF human nature, the Coun
besiegcd the heart of his intended victim with
cut t'appearng to do 80, and carried on his plal
of operations for many weeks before The limo
cent girl even suspected hi s possessing par
tialityfot her. untiloae day she was surprset
bya present from him Of so costly nature q
to.lead her 10 suspect the donor intention a
once, and 10 promptly deehue .he offered gift
Undismayed by this, still the Count continue,
Ms profuse patronage in way to which Mi
ralda could find no plausible pretext Of com
plant. 81 ir a.} 81.
Atlast, seizing upon what he considered |
favorable moment, Cornt Almonte declared
hts passion to Miralds, besought her 10 come
and be the mistress Of bis broad and rich es
tstes pt Ctti.e, near The city, and offered al