The true Democrat., 1854-09-13

to Is the constant companion of the lower classes and Miralda had been used to wear one even Tn her store against contingency; but she now regarded the tiny weapon with pe- cuilar satisfaction, and slept with it in her bo- som.
 small was the clue by which Pedro Manta. neg discovered the trick of Count Almonte- Flrst tnls was found out, then that circum- stance, and these, being put together. they led to other results, until the indefatiyable lover was fully satisfied that he had discovered her place of confinement. Disguised as a frar of the order of San Felipe, he sought Count AL montes gates at favorable moment met Mi ralda, cheered 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 sleen. but sho was, that is, not ill immediate dancer 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.- lie could only consider with himself; he must be his own counsellori in this critical case
 At last, as if in despair, he started to his feet one day, and exclaimed to himself, "Why not go to headquarters at once? why not see the Governor General, and tell him the whole truth? An! see him? How is that to be eff. fected? And then this Count Almonte is a nobeman They say Tacon loves justice- We shall sec 1 will go to the Governor-Ge. neral; 1t cannot do any harm if it does not do any good. l can but try" And Pedro did seek the Governor True, he did not at once get audience of him-not the first, nor the se- cond, nor third time; but he persevered. and was admitted at last Here he told his story in free, manly voice, undisguisedly and open in all things, so that Tacon was pleased.
 "And the girl?' asked the Governor Gene ra over whose countenance a dark scowl had gathered, "Is she thy sister?'
 "No, Excelencia, she is dearer still; she is my betrothed."
 The Governor, bidding him come nearer, took golden cross from his table, and handing itt the boatman, as he regarded him searchingly, said
 "Swear that what you have related to me is true, as you hope for heaven!"
 |" swear" said Pedro, kneelng and kissing the emblem with simple reverence. The Governor turned to his table, wrote few brief lines, and, touching bel summon ed page from an adjoining 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 officer ap- peared at once, and received the written order, with directions to bring Count Almonte and a young girl named Mirada immediately before him. Pedrowas sent to the ante room, and the business of the day passed on as usual in the reception hall of the Governor.
 Less than two hours had transpired when the Count and Mirada stood before Tacon. Nei- thprE ho ofY,ro of h,,c; had summoned them there. Almonte half suspected the truth and the poor girl argued of herself that her fate could not but be im- proved by the interference, let its nature be what 1t might
 "Count Almonte, you doubtless know why have ordered you to appear here?''
 "Excelencia, 1 fear that have been indis- creet,' was the reply.
 "You adopted the uniform of the guards for your own private purposes upon this young girl, did you not?'
 "Excelencia, cannot deny it."
 "Declare upon your honor, Count Almonte, whether she is unharmed, whom you have thus kept a prisoner"
 "Excelencia, she is as pure as when she en- tered beneath my roof" was tho truthful re- ply.
 The Governor turned, and whispered some thing to his page, then continued his questions to the Count, while he made some minutes up- on paper. Pedro was now summoned to ex- plain some matter, and as he entered the Co., vernon General turned his back for one mo- ment as if to seek for some papers upon his table, while Mralda was pressed in the boat mans arms. It was but for moment, and the next, Pedro was lowing humbly before Tacon A few moments more and the Governors page returned, accompanied by monk of the church of Santa Clara, with the emblems of his office
 "Holy father" said Tacon, "you will bind the hands of this Count Almonte and Miralda Estalez together in the bonds of wedlock."
 Excelencia.' exclaimed the Count in amazement.
 "Not word, Senor; it is your part to obey!"
 My nobility, Exceencia!"
 "Is forfeited!" said Tacon.
 Count Almonte had too many evidences be- fore his minds eye of Tacon's mode of admin istering justice and of enforcing his own will to dare to rebel, and he doggedly yielded in silence. Poor Pedro, not daring to speak, was halfcrazed to see the prize he had so long cov- eted thus about to be torn from him. In few moments the ceremony was performed, the trembling and bewildered girl not daring to thwart the Governors orders, and the priest declared them husband and wife. The cap- tain of the guard was summoned and dispatch ed with some written order, and in few sub- sequent moments Count Almonte, completely subdued and broken-spirited, was ordered to return to his plantation. Pedro and Miralda were directed to remain in an adjoining apart ment to that which had been the scene of this singular procedure. Count Almonte mounted his horse and with single attendant soon passed out of the city gates. But hardly had he passed the corner of the Paseo, when doz- en muskets fired voley upon him, and he fell corpse upon the road.
 His body was quietly removed, and the cap- tain of the guard, who had witnessed the act, made minute upon his order as to the time and place. and, mounting his horse, rode to the Governors palace, entering the presence-cham- Der just as Pedro and Miralda were one more summoned before the Governor.
 "Excelencia," said the officer. returning the