The Nevada Democrat. [volume] (Nevada, Calif.) 1854-1863, 1857-01-28
Counting In Spain.

Should you have occasion after nightfall, to
traverse the dimly lighted streets, you will not
90 far without brushing past figure mufiied
in an ample cloak, and with the sombrero
slouched over the eyes, leaning against the iron
bars. AS you pass, your ears inform you
that it is conversing in low voice with some
one within, whom the darkness shrouds from OBJ
servation. In all probability you will take no
further note of the whispering pair; but if you
be more curious than wise, and bestow on them
more than passing look another becloakedig-
ure will probably step out from some corner,
and politely request you to refrain from inter-
ferng with other peoples business Ifthis hint
be not sufficient, he will prepare to enforce it
by other means, and, by displaying his navajo,
threaten to appeal to arms. He is engaged in
oneof THE most sacred duties, Spanish
To guard from danger or dscovery-or, as it is
termed, ''g,tardar los espatddS," ito guard the
back' of friend who may be playing the low
er--is an Office to be undertaken only by q tried
comrade, whose devotion and courage may be
proof against the rude trials to which such po-
sition subjects him. II the fair one be noted for
her attractions, then there are rivals to be en-
countered, whose jealous passions if aroused by
witnessing another thus engaged nothing would
so soon appease as the thrust of knife, given,
as may be supposed, without much regard to
ces, the second is summoned TO stand, like the
knight of old, ready to do battle against all com
ers, should they approach with hostile inten-
tlons. | need not add these nocturnal meet
ings are frequent occasion OF broils, and that
lives are sometimes lost, and usually dangerous
wounds are given and received, when the knife
is brought into play. This custom, though more
prevalent among the lower classes, is not entire
by banished from the upper ranks Of society,"
In truth, the mystery and romance attending il
have too many charms for Spanish lovers Of ev-
cry degree, ever to permit it to become the ex-
elusive usage of any one rank in life. 1t is far
more congenial to his temperament to throw q
veil of secresy over his attachment which moi
nnfrequently from the first, wears certain ali
of romance. On the Almeda he encounters
some dark eyed beauty, whose glance fires all
the susceptible nature Of his southern BOSOM
To follow her footsteps when the gay thr0ng
disperses-to linger in the narrow street where
her home is-and by one of those mute but ex
pressve signs known in southern climes, to ties
tify his passion to her as she sits at the balcony
that commands a full view of the moving world
in the street--or to convey message by some
Mercury familiar with such errands-are the
usual steps that preccde such an interview
This, however, let ii not be imagined is to bt
sought amidst the shady alleys of the Almeda
No the fair ones of Spain are too jealousy
guarded by momas and duennas, ever to know
much of solitude, far less to enjoy them with
acompanion. But when gates are barred, and
the household wrapped in sleep, il is then that
the Spanish maiden rises TO keep her tryst will
her lover.