Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-11-09

that she was N the power OF the Ieck-
! less nobleman, and the pretended Of
fcer and soldiers were bis own people,
who had adopted the disguise of the
Spanish army uniform. ~
i Count Almonte met her at the door,
told her to fear no violence, that her
wishes should be respected in all things
save her personal liberty that be
trusted, in time, to persuade her to look
more favorably upon him, and that in
all things he was her slave. She re-
Piled contemptuously to his words, and
charged him with the cowardly trick by
which he had gained control of her
liberty. But she was left by herself.
though watched by his orders at all
! times to prevent her escape.
She.knew very well that the power
and will of Count Almonte were too
strong for any humble friend of hers to
attempt to thwart; and yet she some
bow felt conscious strength in Pedro;
and secretly cherished the idea that he
would discover her place of confinement,
and adopt some means to deliver her,
The stiletto 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 re-
garded the tiny weapon with peculiar
satisfaction, and slept with it in her
bosom.
Small was the clue BY which Pedro
Mantanez discovered the trick of Count
( Almonte. First this was found out,
then that circumstance, and these, being
put together, they led to other results,
until the indefatigable lover was at last
fully satisfied that he had discovered
her place of confinement. Disguised
as friar of the order of San Felipe, he
sought Count Almonte's gates at fa-
vorable moment, met Miralda, cheered
her with fresh hopes, and retired to ar
range some plan for her delivery
There was time to think now; hereto
fore he had not permitted himself even
an hours sleep; but she was safe-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 betray his purpose to the
Count, and his own liberty by some
means be thus jeopardized. He could
only consider with himself; he must be
his own counsellor in this critical case.
At last, as if in dispair, he started to
his feet one day, and exclaimed to him.
self, "Why not go to headquarters at
once? Why not see the Governor
General, and tell him the whole
truth? Ali see him? How is that to
be affected? And then this Count AL
monte is noblen,Gn! They say Tacon
loves justice. We shall see. Twill go
to the Governor General; it cannot do
any harm, if it does not do any good
can but try" And Pedro did seek |
the Governor. True, he did not at once
get audience of him-not the first, nor
second, nor third time; but he perse-
vered, and was admitted at last. Here
he told his story in a free, manly voice,
undisguisedly and open in all things, SO
that Tacon was pleased.
"And the girl!' asked the Governor
General, over whose countenance dark
scowl had gathered. 'Is she thy sis
ter?"
''No, Excelencia, she is dearer still,
she is my betrothed."
The Governor bidding him come
nearer, took a golden cross from his
table, and handing it to the boatman, as
he regarded him searchingly, said T.
''Swear that what you have related
to me is true, as you hope for heavenl"
81 swear!" said Pedro, kneeling and
kissing the emblem with simple rever-
ence.
The Governor turned to his table,
wrote few brief lines, and touching the
bell, summoned page from an adjoin-
ing room, whom he ordered to send the
captain of the guard to him. Prompt
as were all who had any connection
with the Governors household, the Of
icer appeared at once, and received the
written order, with directions to bring
Count Almonte and young girl named
Immediately before him.
Pedro was sent to an ante-room, and
the business of the day passed on as
usual in the reception-hall of the Gov
ernor.
Less than two hours had transpired, (
when the Count and Miralda stood be- ,
fore Tacon. Neither knew the nature ,
Of the business which had summoned
them there. Almonte half suspected |
The truth, and the poor girl argued to
herself that her fate could not be i'm ,
proved by the interference, let its nature
be what it might. ,
Count Almonte, you doubtless know ,
why 1 have ordered you to appear !
here
"Excelencia, 1 fear that / have been |
ndiscreet, was the reply. b
"You adopted the uniform of the /
guards for your own private purposes {
upon this young girl, did you not?"
"Excelencia, cannot deny it." b
"Deolare, upon your honor, Count ,
Almonte, whether she is unharmed {
whom you have thus kept prisoner"
"Excelencia, she is as when she en- |
tered my roof" was the truthful reply. !
The Governor turned and whispered
something to his page. then continued |