The Texas Republican. [volume] (Marshall, Tex.) 1849-1869, 1854-11-04

guise OF the Spanish army uniform.
Count Almonte met her a. the door, told
her to fear no violence, that her wishes
should be respected in all things save her
personal liberty; that he trusted in time to
persuade her to look more favorable upon
him, and that in all things he was her slave
She replied contemptuously to his words
and charged him with the cowardly trick
by which he had gained control Of her lib
arty. But she was left by herself, though
watched, by his orders, at all times 10 pres
vent her escape.
She knew very well that the power and
will OF Count Almonte were too strong Tor
any humble friend Of hers to attempt to
thwart; and yet she somehow felt con
scious strength ia Pedro, and secretly chcr>
shed the idea tina, he would discover her
place OF confinement. and adopt some means
to deliver her. The stilet,o is tn. .,nstant
companion Of the lower classes, an. iliralda
had been used to wear one, even in her store,
against contingency; but now she regarded
the tiny weapon with peculiar satisfaction,
and slep, with il in her BOSOM
Small was the clue by which Pedro Man.
tanez discovered the trick of Count Al
monte. First, this was found out, then that
circumstance, and these being put together,
they led to other results, until the indefa,i
gable lover was a, last fully satisfied that
he had discovered her place of confinement
Disguised as frar OF the order OF San Fo.
lipe, he sought Couu, Almonte's gates at a
favorable moment, me, Mralds, cheered
her with fresh hopes, and retired 10 arrange
some plan for her delivery. There was
lime to think now; heretofore he had not
permitted himself even an hours sleep; but
she was safe--,hat IL, not in immediate
dangcr--and he could breathe more freely
lie knew not with whom to advise; he
feared to speak to those above him in soci>
ETY., les, they might bctray his purpose TO
the Count, aud his own liberty by some
means, be thus leopardized. He could on.
" consider with himself, mus. be his own
counsellor in this critical case.
At last, as il in despair, he started to his
feet one day, and exclaimed to himself
"why not GO to haad>quar,crs at once -
why not see the Governor General aud tell
him the whole truth; All see him how
i. this to he effected Aud then this Count
timon,e is nobemsn. They say Tacou
loves Justice We shall see. will 20 to
the Governor General; It cannot do any
harm, il it does not do any good | can
Try" And Pedro did seek the Governor
'Iruc, he did not at once get audience of
him-not the first nor third time. but he
perseyercd, aud was admitted at last. Here
he told hi, story IN free, manly voice, un-
disguised, and open III ali thlugs, so that
'Iacon was pleased.
"Aud the girl " asked the Governor
General. over whose continuance q dafh
scowl had gathered 8" Is she thy sister :"
No. EXcelencia. she is dearer stu :;
she is my hrtroihed"
The Governor, bidding him come nearer,
took golden cross from his table, aud
handing it TO the boatmau, as he regarded
lin searchingly, said
Swear that what you have related TO
me is true, RS you hope for heaven''
81 swear " said Pedro, kneeling and
kissing the emblem with simple reverence.
The Governor turned to his table, wrote
few brief lines, and, touching bell. sum
monei page from an adjoining M
whom he ordered to send the captain OF
the guard to him Prompt, as were all
who had any connection with the Govern'
ol's household. the officer appeared AT once,
and received the written order, with dIrcc
tons to bring Couu, Almon,e and q young
girl named Mlralda Immediately before him
Pedro was sent TO An ante room, and the
business Of the day passed on ss usual IN
the reception ball of the Governor.
Less than two hours had transpired,
when the Count and Miralda stood before
Tacon. Neither knew the nature Of the
business which had summoned them there,
Amonte half suspected the truth, and the
poor girl argued to herself tina, her fate
could no, but be improved by the interie'
renee, let it's nature be what il might
"Count Almonte, yon doubtless know
why have ordered you To appear here
Exceencia, fear that have been in>
discreet" was the reply.
You adopted the uniform of the guards
for your own private purposes upon this
young girl, did you not : y
Excelencia, | cannot deny it,
"Declare upon your honor, Count Al
monte. whether she is unhaimed whom you
have thus kept prisoner
| Exeellencia, she is as pure MS when
she entered beneath my roof, was tho
truthful reply"
The Governor turned aud whispered
something to his page, then continued his
questions to the Count. While he made