Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-03-04
himself and gazing with Hcentious eyes upon

himself and gazing with ficentiOus eyes upon
Maria.
My son directed Henrique to comply with
the order, which he seemed in no hurry to do
"March. you young scoundrel, march," ex-
claimed the officer, giving him a blow on the
back with the fat of his siber.
Henrique turned very red, his lips quivered,
and he cast menacing glance ut the aggres-
sor; but at beseeching glance from Maria,
and a commanding gesture from his uncle, he
went to the stable.
"That fellow is no friend of our party" said
the officer. cit is you, his father, l suppose,
who has made him our enemy"
"Not SO, senor," replied my son; "we are
peaceable, hard-working people, who mind our
own business, and have nothing to do with
parties"
Mind your own business, do you? Then you
shall mind ours also; 30 go along and help to
water and feed our horses"
My son felt the constraint that was upo
him, and turning to his wife and daughter, he
bade them retire.
Not so, nv fine fellow. Iwant some re-
freshment, and see it is already prepared. I
have need Of an attendant, and here is a
charming one; so away with you and help my
men, or they may help Themselves. in a way
you will not like"
Though reluctant to leave, my son thought
be could hurry the departure of his dangerous
visitors by quickly supplying their wants, so
he went at once.
81 am hungry; what have you2" demanded
the officer.
My sons wife placed food on the table, and
he began eating in earnest. Maria seeing him
engaged, attempted to leave.
desired"
uneasily.
~ prefer that you should wait elsewhere, -
said the officer, sharply, "and you my angel,
bring me something to drink"
She handed him cup, which he drained,
and then starting up, seized the trembling girl
round the waist, attempting to kiss her. She
foiled his purpose, screaming loudly, and, with
her mothers assistance, breaking from his
grasp. At this moment Henrique and his father
entered. The former threw himself between
MS cousin and the rufian, and might have
struck him, but the officer at that instant
stumbled over stool and fell heavily. He
sprang up with rage in every feature, and fix
ing his eye menacingly on Henrique, he de-
manded In hOarse voice:
Your name?'
"Henrique Valdez
" Are you this mans son?'
"Ah! his son-in-law, or about to become so.
see 1T all. 1t cannot be. 1 have need of
your services, and you shall join my trosp in
stantly."
oh. no, senior, he is our only hope. Save
him. for Gods sake. He is indeed betrothed
to my daughter. He is our cousin, and the last
Of our name"
Betrothed to his cousin Sacrilege, Imust
prevent that. Get along, or I will cut you
down., cried he, turning to Henrique, who
stood his ground firmly, though tho other had
drawn his sword.
My son threw himself between them, while
Maria and her mother attempted to shield Hen
rique with their arms
"Oh. spare him, sir; we have a despensa-
ton. If you will not spare him, at least leave
him until some preparation can be made for
his departure" plead Msria's mother
claiming:
To horse, captain! the enemy are ahead of
US in force,"
g Ha. Mount then-and you, Henriaue, re-
port yourself tomorrow in Matamoras to Capt.
juan Mendoza. Fail, and you shall be shot"
with this the brutal officer hurried out and
galloped Of with his troop towards the city
TO BE Continued