The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1854-10-04

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the sun, while cooling breeze blew
breeze to my tired limbs and heated face
that donned myself unreserrcdly to
the luxury of quietude, and anon drop
ped into calm sleep.
From that pleasing state of oblivion
L was aroused by the Gathering of hoofs.
Opening my somniferous eyes, beheld
q man of medium size, mounted upon a
little Mexican nag, which he was back
ing into the gorge where 1 was seated.
As had obviously not been seen in my
cozy resting place, | resolved to stay
where I was and observe the movements
of the intruder When he had backed
fairly into the ravine, he ceased to jerk
the bride, and both rider and mustang
ticularly noted she appearance of the
horseman. His features L could not
see, for the reason that his back was to-
ward me, but 1 perceived at glance
that he was armed with pistols and a
short sword, and dressed after style of
the robber gentry of that portion of the
country; which circumstance naturally
aroused my suspicious in relation to his
character. He was, L doubted not,
waiting to lay heavy tribute upon the
first person who might chance to pass,
unconscious that, possibly, there might
be " fire in the rear"
Presently I heard the tramp of feet
coming down the valley from the direc-
tion of Vegas, village few miles dis
tant from the junction ef the Sapillo.-
My brigand pricked up his ears inme-
diately, and bent over his awkward sad
die boy to see who came,
It's woman he muttered, " and
Dios I' he instantly added, g it looks
like my fair senorita ~
A moment after these words were
spoken the party who had excited their
utterance appeared nearly opposite the
gorge, but quickly stopped in alarm
when she beheld the armed figure ad-
vancing. What was my surprise at re-
cognizing in her the beautiful female
whose appearance and person had SO cap
tured my Imagination few days pre-
vious.
The Mexican Immediately spurred
his mustang to her bridle-rein, quite eff
fectually barring her progress.
" All, my angel !'' he exclaimed, "you
cannot imagine what L have suffered
sinceI met you at Morotown. The Vir-
gin keep me in my wits but your beau,
ty is marvellous p
Pray sir, let me pass my way" re-
piled the maiden in very pure English.
"Senorita, how well you speak that
language Iwonder that you will deign
to speak in tone spoken by our enc
mies,' resumed the Mexican.
of you are q gentleman, L trust you
will no longer obstruct the way of an
unprotected female" rcjoined the We
man.
"Listen to me, dretty damsel, and
know how much love you-how have
worshiped the miserable, dirty street in
which first saw you at Nero. Come, [
will WOO you in free mountain style !
You shall be my wife-my princess, my
queen, my divinity, and the goodly
spoils of the valley, which 1 will drop
from the los An,cricanOS, shall be laid
at your fairy feet. Gaily will dress
you, my handsome rich shall be the
tafetas, and the silks, and the laces that
shall deck your pretty figure l'' continued
the bandit, with easy, rattliug volubili-
ty. =...
"I cannot listen to such propositions
this is not fitting time and place. l
entreat you to let me proceed" /" returned
the lady, in a voice which betrayed
much alarm. an
Not step do you move, my enchant-
ress, until the matter is decided. The
blessed saints themselves have sent you
to me this fine day, that 1 may avow the
passion that consumes me. All, Dois !!
L would see under that veil Shame it
is to keep SO much loYeiiness concealed
Lift the niggardly curtain, lady"
Nay, now you grow insolent Be
ware what you do, or peFehance you will
feel my fathers vengeance. Loosen
your hold upon this rein will not
brook farther delay and insult" she ex-
claimed, struggling to command her
feelings.
Not for dozen golden ounces
would let this opportunity slip through
my fingers. And as for your father
anger, [ care not straw for. A long
arm must he have to reach me, and a
goodly posse at his back to harm me
But I have no wish to produce hostile
relations. Come raise your face-screen
that may see you fairly, and then tell
me whether you viii make me your faith
er's son-in-law? A horse shall you
have to ride, and merry men to gallop at
your heels"
like not such wooing; it is not in
accordance with my views and feelings.
Your proposition is preposterous, alb
surd, ridiculous, rude Turn your mus
tang's head toward Sapiao, and begone
at once lam losing patience, was the
lady,s rejoinder, spoken in firm tone.
The Madonna guard us how you
flash your eyes at mel can see the
sparks fly through the veil But, Iucki-
ly such lightning will not kill. Faith,
I'm in earnest woman [ insist on IA
more gracious answer. The matter will
not end in simple chance-meeting, L
assure you" said the intruder, more i'm
peratively.
Who are you-what is your name
and condition ?" inquired the young la
dy, evidently still striving to suppress
her fears.
"You shall know all in good time it
will not do to be premature. Go with
me over the mountains and you shall
learn"
" That 1 won't do, so let it end the
matter. 1t will be useless to detain me
longer. If you would see me, come to
the rancherIa, like a man, and not OBJ
struct my path like a highwayman.-