Butte record., 1856-06-14

One of them held a guitar in his hands,
which he touched skilfully, while he
sang with a voice whose richness was
not entirely suppressed by the ma k
he wore, the words of a Spanish ditty.
When he ceased, he approached the
senorita Melendez, and said
'Manuela, do you know me?'
| know you not, senor.'
Can you not guessH
1T flashes on my mind,' said the
senoFita, that you are Sebastian Ne
varro.'
'Wrong' replied the stranger, with
light langh. Try again."
1 will be sure this tlme,' said the
gay girl, and she speang from her seat
and snatched at the mask. The stran-
ger defended himself & as he was much
taller than his assailant, baflled her cf-
forts completely.
Traverse, laughing, sprang to her
aid, and had seized the strangers
mask, when Shrek uttered simulta-
neously by the two ladies arrested his
hand. He turned away in astonish-
mcnt. Manuela, pale as death, sank
into chair, and covering her face
with her hands, sobbed convulsively.
What the devil have | done nowp
asked Traverse of his friend.
Don't you know replied walters,
that it is a deadly insult to lay
your hand on a mask? A woman has
privilege, but man none 1t is like
pulling an Oriental by the beard
You've got yourself into a precious
scrape.'
You'll stand by me WHIP
'Ye-es,' replied Walters with hcsi-
tation.
At this juncture, the stranger ap-
preached Traverse, and said in low
deliberate voice:
'You desired to see my face. Be-
hold it then!' He raised his mask.
Captain Antonio Alyarezl' exclaim-
cd Traverse.
'Thc same, sir, at your service re-
piled the captain. 1T appears that
you know me. May | ask you to ia
vor me, in return, by d. closing your
face?' l am very anxious to Nnow to
whom | shall Fay my respects for the
honor you did me just now in pre- ence
of these ladies. Remove YOU mask,
if YOU please
Not here. captain, bat you shall
soon learn who am, | never conceal
ed myself from friend or foe. | viii
send you my card, and then you will
know to whom to address your cartel
for ] presume you consider yourself
afflOnted.'
4 am to be found at my quarters in
the cavalry barracks, whittier ! I'm
going directly. Until we neet again
sir, FAREWELL
The stranger offered his hand first
to Traverse, thcr to MS friend. Then
with low bow and an los pics deus
tddes- sencritas, he passed out OF the
room nth a stately step.
Each of his comrades exhibited the
same courtesy, and the two Ameri
cans were LEFT alone with the ladies.
Manuela threw herself into the arms
Of Traverse, and wept upon his shoul
der.
OH she cxlaimed, 4 wish that l
we're dead. I have brought this on
you by thoughtless act-and will
kill you as he has done so many others.
And what will your poor mother do
when she hears that her brave son has
fallen in a quarrel like thisp
AN embrace and tears from you,
senorita, are cheaply purchased by life
it-elf!' replied Travere, e, with high
flown gallantry. But dry your bright
eyes-or prepare to shed your tears for
the lancero-for the choice Of weap-
ons lies with me and he is at my
mercy
'Duced lucky toon mmmured Wal
ters.--'If it had been otherwise he
would have spitted you like lark
But what's to be done nowP
TO the captains quarters re-
piled Traverse. 'Adieu, ladies'
Good fortune 60 with you gallant
oa5aljerot cried the two girls togeth-
er.
Traverse putting his arm in that of
his friend, strolled away in the direc-
ton of the barracks.
why the deuce did you not mind
your own businessl' grumbled Walters.
TITS a confounded ticklish thing to
meddle with a mans mask, and you
ought to have known it.
How should II
Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes
Of custom, any more than in The eyes
of the law. But you're in for it now.
What do You propose to dog
Send him my card
CHa'u Erhf nf coY,rca