Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-03-03
ANOTHER
sHADowED ALTAR.
Betrothed, Welded, Divorced.
BY " Ned Buntline."


thoroughbred horse, riding with fearless
grace. She is beautiful in face, exquisite in
form. By fair means or foul, will possess
her. for my very soul is in chains since | first
set eyes upon her ] have striven in vain to
learn who she is. Mounted as well asthe best
cavalier in the park, / sought to trace her
home. Three times observing that followed,
she has eluded me--her horse far outstripping
mine, and yet each day, see her here again
and look on some beauty had not seen be.
FORE"
The two who thus conversed stood holding
their horses by the side of one of the romantic
hridlepaths in the Central Park. They were
frst.class gamblers, Leslie Durant and Frank
Belnhor by name, partners in one of the great
gaming palaces of the city.
"You mean to force yourself on her ac-
nusintance, if understand YOU Frank 2" said
the elder of the two. ~
81 do, and my plan is such that it cannot
fail. You observe that vagabond boy, smok-
inc cigar beneath the tree nearly opposite.
He smokes to keep fire ready for. use. Watch
his motion and mine, as you see the beautiful
stranger approach, and you will read my plan
and see it executed at the same time. Look
there she comesl"
A sharp whistle from Frank Belphor caused
the vagabond boy to look alive, and as lady
with tresses Of dark brown hair, floating loose
" from beneath her jet-black riding hat, gal
Hoped up the narrow roadway on magnificent
horse, the young wretch threw lighted fire.
works in the path,
The horse, terrified, bounded to one side, so
quickly too, that it seemed scarcely possible
the beautiful rider could keep her seat-then
as the young villain cast another bunch direct
ly beneath the animal, the horse, wild with
alright, sprang forward, and dashed madly
toward point where deep chasm yawned
before it. #Htt
"Heavens p' cried Belphor, realizing the
young lady's peril, she is going to her
death !"
She was almost on the edge of the chasm,
when man in the military garb of an officer,
rose from the verge of the rock where he had
been reclining seized the horse by the bit
with giants strength and held it rearing
on the very verge of the cliff, till the lady
Slipped from thesadde and stood by his side.
81 owe you life, sir" she said, in low,
tremulous tone. 81 owe you a life, and shall
never forget it,"
"Fair lady, the service l have had the hap
pness to render is a thousand times repaid by
the thought that Providence placed me where
could prevent the sacrifice of such marvel
GUS beauty. Pardon mel, soldier, reared
afar from courtly scenes may be rude and
hasty in speech, but / would not be discour-
teous.n 40 & AT
~ know it, sir, and rs seelstrangers APP
preaching, win ask youto adjust my broken
bride rein, and to assist me to my saddle
without their interference. This card, with
my name and residence, will tell you where
to call to receive from me more fitting ac-
acknowledgement that ! appreciate your cour-
age and manly kindness"
She handed him the card just as Frank Bel
phor rode hastily up, and the latter saw the
officer receive it.
His face was white-anger the cause OF the
pallor, for another had rendered the service
he had eourted- evidently received
the encouragement he sighed for--the proba-
bic chance of visiting acquaintance.
81 feared terrible accident and rode hther
to endeayor to avert it, he exclaimed. ~
"This gallant officer has nobly preserved
me, and now renders the assistance OF stran
gers unnecessary" said the lady, with cold
dignity. III =
"Your bride is ready, and / think your
horse is now completely controllable," said
the officer. ''Permit me to assist you, and at
the same time to proffer my card, with my
name and rank" r
Gratefully accept both, and shall expec'
an early call, )" she said, as the officer lifted
her to the saddle.
The gambler heard her words and saw tht
look which accompanied them, and his lace
was CHASTITY in his effort to suppress the rage
which filed his breast.
But he did not forget his intention to force
anacquaintance, at all events and at AL risks
Suggesting that the lady's horse was mot
yet under safe control he asked permission tc
escort her as she rode on.
With dignity the lady declined his offer on
the ground that she did not need aid from a
stranger, and preferred to ride alone.
Before he could say another word she was
far away on her spirited animal.
Bafled, the angry gambler turned to the
officer, and demanded to see the card the lady
had given. aN E.
The demand was refused with the contempt
1t merted. ..
The foiled libertine, swearing to have salts
faction, demanded the card of the officer, who
quietly gave it to him with his address,
another have met MY DESTINY at last y
1t was the mysterious equestrienne of the
Central Park who spoke
Beautiful in an evening neglige, with her
brown curling hair falling over full, sloping
shoulders, her queenly form half concealed
and half displayed in the loose robe she wore,