The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1854-10-25

INC Siii, SuC SOOi aItSI ulSCOSeTcu ll11C
they were rapidly passing the city
gates, and Immediately after were
dashing off on the read to Cerito.-
Then it WAS that sho began to fear some
trick had been played upon her, and
these fears were soon confirmed by the
volante turning down the long alley Of
palms that led to the estate of Count
Almontc. 1t was in vain TO expostu.
late now; she felt that she was in the
power of the reckless nobIeman, and
the pretended officer aud soldiers were
his own people, who had adopted the
disguise OF the Spanish army uniform.
Count Almontc met her at the door,
told her to fear no violence, th:.t her
wishes should be respected in all
things, save her personal liberty; that
he trusted, III time, to persuade her to
look more fayorabIy upon him, and
that in all things he was her slave
She replied contemptuous]y to his
words, and charged him with the COW
ardIy trick by which he had gained
control Of her liberty. Bat sho was
lett TO herself though watched by his
orders ut oil times to prevent her
escape.
She knew very we'll that the power
and will of the CouHt AImontc were
too strong for any humble friend Of
hers to attempt to take her part, and
yet she somehow felt conscious
strength i'll Pedro, and secretly cher
ishcd the idea that he would discover
her place Of confinement, and adopt
some means to deliver her. The
stilctto is the constant companion of
the lower classes, and Miralda had
been used to wear one even in her
store against contingency but she
now regarded the tiny weapon with
peculiar satisfaction, and slept with it
in her bosom.
Small WAS tho clue by which Pedro
Mantanez discovered the trick ofCount
Allnonte. First this was found out.
and then that circumstance, and these,
being put together: they led 10 other
results, until the interchangeable lover
was at last fully satisfied that he had
discovered ner place oi' confinement
Disguised rs a iriar Of the order q. San
Felipe, he sought Count Almonle's
gates at q favorable moment, met
Miralda, checrcd her with fresh hopes,
and retired to arrange some certain
plan for her delivery. There was
time to think now; heretofore he had
not permitted himself even an hours
sleep; but she was sale-that is, not in
Immediate danger-and he could
breathe more freely. He knew not
with whom to advise, he feared to
speak TO those above him in society,
lest they might bctray his purpose to
the Count, end his own liberty, by
some means, he thus jeopnrdzed. FIe
could ouly consider with himself, he
musa be his own counsellor in this
critical case.
At last, as if in despair, he started
to hiu feet one day, and eAeluimed-
Why not SO 90 head quarters a,
oneea why not see tho Gov.G.neral.
and tall him the t7u,hq All, zee him |
how II that 10 be eHeeted9 And shcn
THE Count Alulonts 10 @ nobls1nan.-
They say that Tseon loves Justice
We shall ace; will 60 20 the Gov.
General; ID cannot do any harm il it
does not do any good. can but try"
And Pedro did see the Governor.
True, he did not at once get audience
Of him-not the first, nor the second,
nor She third time, bu, he persevered, +,
and was admitted at last Here Ne
told his htory in free, manly voice
undisguisedly and openly in all things,
80 that Tacon was pleased.
And the girl" said the Governor
Gen., over whose countenance dark
scrowl had gathered, lis she thy
sister,?
No, Exccllencis, she is dearer
still-shc is my betrothcd."
The Governor, bidding him come
nearer, took golden cross from his
table, and handing it to tho boatman,
AS he regarded him searchingly said.
"Swear that what you have related
to me is true, rs you hope for heaven
/ swear" said Pedro, knceling and
kissing tho emblem with simple rev
eronce.
The Governor turned to his table,
wrote few brief lines, and touching II
bell summoned page from an ed.
joining room, whom he ordered to
send the Captain Of the Guard TO him
Prompt rs were all who had any
connection with the Governors house.
hold, the officer appeared at once, and
received the written ..oder, with di.
tectiun to bring the Count Almontc
and u young girl named Miralda; i'm.
mcdiately before him.
Pedro was sent to III antc.room, and
tho business of the day passed MS usual
in the reception hall Of the Governor.
Less than two hours had transpircd