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

ernorshlp there was young Creole
girl, named Mirada EstaIcz, who
kept d little cigar store in tho Calle de
Mercaderas, dtid whose shop was the
resort Of all the young men of the
town, who loved choicely made and
superior; cigar. Miralda was only
seventeen, without mother or father
living, and earned an humble though
sufficient support by her industry in
the mandatory We have named, and
by the sales Of her littlo store. She
was picture Of ripened tropical beau
ty, with finely rounded form, a love
ly face, fsoft olive tint, aud teeth that
Iuscarora might envy her. At times,
thore was dash OF Janguor in her
dreamy eye that would have warmed
al anchorils; and then her cheerful
jest was so delicate yet free, that she
had uhwittingly turned the heads, not
to say hearts, Of half the young Iner-
chants i'll the Gale de Mcrcaderas.--
But she dispensed her favors without
parta'ity, none of the rich and gay
e1quisites Of Havana could say they
had ever received any particular ac-
kno'.i~ cement from the fair young
girl " their warm and constant attcn.
tion. For this one she had Il pleasant
smile, Tor another few words of
pleasing gossip, and for q third II snatch
of Spanish song: But to none did
she give her confidence, except to
young Pedro Mantancs, fine looking
boatman, who piled between the Pun.
ta and Moro Castle OH the opposite
side Of the harbor.
Pedro was manly and courageous
young fellow, rather above his class
in intelligence, appearance and associa.
tlons, md pulled his oars with Il strong
arm and light heart and loved the
beautiful Miralda with All ardor roman
tic in ita fidelity and truth. lie was
sort of leader among the boai'ncn NJ
the harbor by reason Of his superior
cultivation and intelligence, ana his
qsck-witted sagacity was often turned
for the benefit Of his comrades. Many
were the noble deeds ho had done in
and about the harbor since boy, for
no had followed his calling Of water
mnn from boyhood, as his father had
done before him. Miralda in turn
ardently loved Pedro, and when ho
cano at night and sat in tho back part
OF her little shop, she had always a
neat and fragrant cigar for his lips
! Now and then, when she could otsal
away fIvm her shop on some holiday.
Pedro would hoist tiny sail in the
| prov of his boat, and securing bno little
stern awning over Miraldn'u head,
would steer out into the gulf aud coast
| along tho romantic shore.
There was q famous roue, well
known at this time in Havana, named
Count Almontc, who frequently visited
Mirnlda'o shop and conceived quite n
passion for tho girl, and indeed, he hud
grown 20 be one Of her most liberal
customers. With n cunning shrcwd
nese and knowledge Of human nature,
tho Count basieaed the heart Of his
intended victim without appearing to
do 90, and carried on his plan of opese-
tions for many wocks before the iuno
cent girl even onspected his possessing
o Partiality for her, until one day Aho
WAS surprised by present from him
Of so rare and costly a nature as to
lead her to suspect the donors lntcn.
tions at once, and 10 promptly decline
tho offered giA Undismayed by this,
tho Count continued his profuse
patronage in way to which Mirada
could find no plausible pretext Of
complaints.
AT last, seized upon, what he con.
sidcrcd favorable moment, Count
Almonte declared his passion TO
Miralda, besought her to come and be
tho mistress Of his board and rich
estates at Cerito near tho city, and
offered all tho promises Of wealth,
favor and fortune; but in vain, The
pure-mindcd girl scoriled his offer, and
bado him never moro to insult her by
visiting her shop. Abashcd but not
conioundcd, the Count retired, but only
to weave a new snare whereby he could
cntangle her, for ho was not one to be
SO easily ,hwartcd.
! Viz aitcIiiooll, lloC lonS AFTER TINS,
as the twilight was settling over the
town, file Of soldiers halted Just
opposite the door Of the little cigar
shop, when young man, wearing n
lieutcnant's insignia entered and asked
the attendant if her name was Miralda
Esta!ez to which she tilnidly respond.
ed.
Then you will please to come with
mo-"
! "By what authority?" asked the
trembling girl.
The order Of the Governor Gene.
ral"
"Then must obey yon," and she
prepared to follow him ut once.
| StLlaxaiaaIx L. sl.o i 1