Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-03-18
70 But am spinning out my story too long

But am spinning out my story too long.
when Elliott returned from his furlough,
ne treated me with even greater coldness than
before; IN fact, We never spoke 10 each other
at all except whom duty compelled US to do
50. This made il so dissgreeable 20 me that
was on the point Of applying for an en-
chsnge, when the war with Me xico broke ont:
We were ordered on active service, and private
the common foe
hiliott and continued on much the .sme
terms, aithongh, IN spite Of my dislike, cou "a
.ot neip aopiring his bravery, his noble
daring, his energy and presence OF mind .n5
his fatherly care Of the troops under h;s oorr.
mand. Still, however, the fsme wa. smouI3.
erlng In our bosoms, only waiting an onna--
tunity TO break out. At last the orportpn;tv
came.
Elliott had been left in charge Of q larSa
number Of sick and wounded, while the rsst
OF the army pressed on towards the Rails OF
the MonteZunas. i Of course, was there
With several assistants. We were encamped
in picturesque little hamlet, situated in a
Wild, romantic neighborheod; and the coun-
try being pretty quiet, we were in the habit
OF venturing some distance from the sncsmp-
ment, shooting, sketching or perhaps iirtiue.
for you know our fellows did not extend 10 tho
Mexican senoritas the hostile feelings with
which they regarded the men. For myself. /
soy Nuab luetn mQcl, Some
OF them were very pretty, 10 be sure, but
that abominable habit they have Of smoking
cisaritos spoiled them in my eyes Il like a
good cigar myself said the Doctor. re-lipht
ing the one he held, which had gone out, tbut
L don't like to see woman smoking
couldn't fancy Venus herself with a cigar in
her mouth
"Well, one morning had saantcred forth.
portefolio In hand, for the purpose Of taking
some sketches, and in the course of INV wand
erings came upon pretty little dwelling by
the side of a waterfall, in q sweet, seouestered
spot On a mossy beach by the door sat a
young girl of wonderful beauty, in a SNOWY
but picturesque dress, with a guitar IN her
hand, the sweet melody of which blended de-
lightly with the soft murmuring dash Of the
waterfall and the gurgling of the little stream
beyond 1t 1t was picture of surpassing
beauty and loveliness, and Immediately sat
down on a fallen tree to commit il 70 paner
w hlle thus employed, man was observed
approaching, whom l soon found was no other
than Elliott himself. As be neared the cot.
tage, the young girl, who had evidently been
expecting him, threw down her guitar and ran
eagerly 10 meet him. lie sat down beside her
on the bench; when suddenly observing me.
be started as il a serpent had stung him and
hastily approached me. He glared upon me
with look in which all the hatred that had
been gathering for so many years seemed con-
ceLtrated
This is the second time, SIR said he.
fercely, that you have crossed my path-it
shall be the last time Follow me if you
dare
IF by crossing your path, said /, you
mean an allusion to that young woman as
sure you that l have not spoken to hernor sp-
preached nearer to her than L am now
"' Must call you a cowardr p said he:
will you follow me or not p
L threw down my drawing materials and
followed him He entered the chapparal. and
led the way to clear space near a running
brook. Here he turned, and drew his sword
Defend yourself! - he exclaimed.
"' Captain Elliott said although am
not conscious of having injured you. am
ready to give you the satisfaction you demand.
But had we not better return to the camp, OBJ
tain seconds, and conduct the affair In tbe
regular manner?'
"'No,' said he, Il will hold no further parley
with you. Defend yourself .
TO BE coNrINUED.l