Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-03-22

strong for any humble friend of hers to
thwart; and yet she somehow felt a
conscious strength in Pedro: and secret
ly cherished the idea that he would dis.
cover 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 contin.
gency; but she now regarded the tiny
weapon with peculiar satisfaction. And
slept with it in her bosom.
Small was the clue by which Pedro
Mantanzes discovered the trick of Count
Almonte. First, this was found out, then
that circumstance, and these, being nut
together, they led to other results, until
the indefatigab!e lover was at last fully
satisfied that he had discovered her plate e
of confinement. Disguised as friar of
the order of San Felipe, he sought Count
Almonte's gates at q favorable moment,
met Miralda, cheered her with fresh hopes
and retired to arrange some plan for her
delivery. There was time to think now;
heretofore he permitted himself not 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 advise with
those above him in society, lest they might
betray his purpose to the Count, and his
own liberty by some means be thus jeop-
ardized. He could only consider with
himself, he must be his own counsellor in
this critical case.
At last, as if in despair, he started to
his feet one day, and exclaimed to him
self, "Whv not See the Governor General
and tell bim the whole truthl All, see
him ! How is that to be effected And
then this Count Almonte is nobleman
They say Tacon loves justice. We shall
see. 1 will 60 to the Governor General;
it cannot do any harm, if 1t does no
good. l can but try" And Pedro did
seek the Governor. True, he did not at
once get audience Of him, nor 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,
undisguised and open in all things, so
that Tacen was pleased.
"And the GIRL" said the Governor
General, over whose countenance q dark
scowl had gathered, sis she thy sister 2"
"No, Excelenzia, she is dearer still,
she is my betrothed.'
The Governor bidding him come near
er, took golden cross from the table.
and handing it to the boatmsn, as he re-
garded him sesrchingly, said
"Swear that what you have related to
me is true, as you hope for heaven 2"
81 swear" said Pedro, kneeling and
kissing the emblem with simple reyer-
tiiCe.
The Governor turned TO his table,
wrote lew brief lines, and touching the
bell, summoned a page from an adjoining
rooI1 to send the captain of the guard 10
him. Prompt as were all who had any
connection with the Governors house
hold, the officer appeared at once, and re
eeived the written order, with directions
to bring Count Almonte and young
girl named Miraida 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 Gcv-
erncr.
Less than two hours had transpired,
when the Count and Miralds stood before
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 but be improved by
the interference, let its nature be what it
might.
"Count Almonte, you doubtless know
why have ordered you to appear here "
"EXcelenzia, fear have been indis.
Greet" was the answer.
"You adopted the uniform Of the guards
for your own private purposes upon this
young girl, did you not 2"
"kxcelenzia, | cannot deny it."
Declare, upon your honor, Count Al
monte, whether she is unharmed, whom
you have thus kept prisoner
"Excelenzia, she is as when she en-
tered my roof" was the truthful reply.
The Governor turned and whispered
something to his page, then continued
made some minutes upon paper.
Pedro was now summoned to explain
some matter, and, as he entered, the
Governor turned his back for one mo-
ment as if to seek for some papers upon
his table, while Miralda was pressed in
the arms of the boatman. 1t wss but
for moment, and the next Pedro was
bowling humbly before Tacon. A few
moment s more and the Governors page
returned, accompanied by monk Of the
Church of Santa Clary, with the en-
blemS of his Office.
Holy" said Tacon, "you will bind
the hands of this Count Almonte and
Miralda Estates together in bonds of
wedlock."
"Excelenzia" exclaimed the Count in
amaZament.
Mot word. Senor; it is now your
part to obey"
"My nobility, Excelenzian'
at is forfeited" said Tacon.
Count AlmoRte had too many evil
dences before minds eye of Tacon's s
mode of administering justice, and of
enforcing his own will to dare to rebel.