The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-06-23


I The Americans now had entire possession
of the city, and order was restored. i'y Inc
| exertiorls Of Mark Huntington, Don Jose
Canales had seen but little trouble rom the
enemy. The, protection that he !" did not
need, . had been very welcome, nevertheless,
and he felt almost good natdred TOWARD
Huntington
They were sitting in the same room they
had occupied in the morning, and Hun
tington taking courage from the change IN
Don Jose's manner, again broached the
subject that was nearest his heart.
The naughty, insolent manner with which
his advances had been received in the morn
ing was again assumed by Don Jose.
1My answer was final, Senior Huntington,
and the remarks that followed it apply
equally as we'll at the present moment.
81 understand you now, Don Jose, said
Mark {" but your answer has come too late
Anticipating refusal, took time by the
forelock. We are married."
Mark expected an outburst of fercee, I'M
controllable anger, and was, therefore, un-
prepared for the icy calmness with which
the Don received the declaration. I'D, sd.
You really surprise, me, Senor," he re-
Piled but at the same time he was drawing
a pistol from his pocket Eyes, Senior, you
surprise me, and feel that is my duty to
return the compliment Now, Senior, make
peace with your God; for you shall soon
! meet him."
| Huntington saw the death-dealing weapon
leveled at him, and saw the stern determl-
ton in Don Jose's eyes; but he quailed not
"Don Jose Canales, you dare not murder
mel" - 'st w y '1.' :. +. s.
"Murder So it would be. No, Pll not
do that,n said he, with grim smile. u
will give you chance for your life"
The Don summoned his daughter, and
she came all radiant with her dark beauty,
but her check paled when she met the cruel
gaze of her father. - 4.a = oso
S"My dear, dutiful daughter said Don
Jose, your husband has just informed me
of the marriage. feel grieved that you did
not allow me to be present; but, then sup
pose it was not. convenient However, as
lost that pleasure, l have planned one for
myself, and, more magnanimous than yon,
have called you in to witness it."
"Father fatherm entreated Isabel, her
fears aroused by the moclsery OF his words
father, you will not--"is IS. 1857. *.
"Hush! Do not be alarmed, Now go
and sit by him while 1 arrange the matter
for the first act in this little domestic drama.
The second, | should have said. You play
ed the first !" i.g @
Huntington drew his wife all trembling
with dread and alarm, to his side. He did
not vet know the cruelty than Don Jose was
capable of, or he would not have sat there
so quietly. Moreover, he felt capable of de-
Tending himself, If the worst should come,
so he gave his attention to Isabel
Don Jose first tried the door, to make
sure that there was no avenue of escape.
Then he drew table into the centre OF the
room, and placed three chairs around it.
On the table he placed pack of cards and
"Now, Senior Huntington and wife, if you
will be so kind as to take your places at the
table. Thank you. l will now take the
remaining seat.
Isabel, take the little pistol there and
the cards, then will explain. Now listen
very attentiyely, or you will not be able to
sustain your parts.
''You. my dear Isabel, shall shuttle and
deal the cards. You, my dear Senior Hunt
ington, and myself will play the game
That there may be nothing unequal, we will
exchange hands before looking at the cards
and you shall play for me and for you.
When l tell you that the ooser shall shoot
the winnc-, l know that you will use all your
skill" 1881 -a. G.ai } -a'.-' ia.
Huntington was dumb with horror at the
diabolical design of Canales. ,,.....
do You refuse, Senior ~
"You surely cannot be in earnest in this
| internal idea, Don JOSEF" #
II never was more in earnest" said the
Don, grinding his teeth in rage. But if
| you do not wish to take advantage of this
one chance, will shoot you without it.
| Deal the cards Isabel" @
The D1na Isabel had listened to her ia
| theirs words in state of apathy bordering
on insensibility; and she obeyed him me-
| chanically.
"Now, Senior, we will change hands and
proceed. l am really quite impatient. But
| one hand, remember" ..
at is madness!' exclaimed Mark "It is
devilish, Don Jose! If l should win I GER
tainly should not raise my hand against
YOU" st a
';Gc on" said Canales, agrily. II am
not so soft hearted"
"But you VIII certainly spare her, my
wife, this horrible scene2" ~ g 3 81
go on " Numbered Don Jose, gasping
the pistol go on! or PHI"
"Well, will go on" said Mark, con
WINGED at last, that there was no alternative
land may God help me to Illustrate your
murderous design oi,, lzna. s,5 q
mo compliments, Scnor 1t is your play
Hal take that. Now cover this one. It
Isl yours. We are one apiece now, All 7 ]
take that which makes me two to your one
Reverse the hands and am the loser, and
you-cIE! Make peace with your God that
refused to help you. One minute l''
Huntington was powerless. He had been
slow to believe that the DON would carry
out the design else he might have been pre-
pared. Now he was at the mercy OF the
cnraged father. Already the pistol was
lcyeled at his head, and the seconds were
flying fast. He leaned across the table
and kissing his wife tenderly babe her good
by.
As the last words left his lips Don Jose
pressed the trigger; and Mark Huntington
fell at the feet of Isabel.
GA gentleman and lady wishing to see tn,
commandant," said the orderly, doffing his
hat.
Mexican, Sergeant 2"
"American." ~ tH" i -'
'Show them in" .5 lq ef2fi
"Mark Huntington, as live!" exclaimed
the old commandant, as the visitors entered
the Office. "Why, We supposed that you
had left this. world. And the lady"
" Is my wife, General General
Isabel"
The old officer bowed low and offered he
seat. Then he resumed his conversation
with Huntington, who soon made him &C