The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-03-07

mad vanished from her face, and her inno-
cent mirth and arch vivacity were extreme
ly fascinating, even without the accom-
paniment of her exceeding beauty. We
halted for the nights at ranches where
Romez seemed well known and much re-
spected, and on the third day arrived at
hisown home. The grounds were unusually
well cultivated for that portion of the
country, but the most prolific of all was the
grapevine, which stood out from the prairie
like fields in immense clusters-perfect
hills of curling tendrils and clustering
leaves. The house itself was rather rude
and primitive, but clean, roomy and COM
Portable. Romez pointed out to me a
distant ravine, where l could just discern
the glitter of a stream, and whispered,
with asignifcant chuckle
"Mark that place, senior; if Pm right,
there's good digging there, for 1 found a
fine specimen of gold just before left, and
I've been getting intimation how to go to
work."
The moment we ar rived, Carlota sprang
from the wagon and darted away in search
of her mother, but soon reappeared here
and there about the grounds, shaking
hands with the servants, and responding
gayly to their vociferous expressions of
delight The mother, dark but fine
looking woman, received us with kindness
and sort of native dignity that would
have surprised me had I not seen Carlota
before.
We passed a pleasant evening, but separ-
ated early on account of the fatigue of the
journey. Yet after we reached our allotted
chamber grew restless and feverish, lis
tening to my unsuspecting companions
joyous lover panegyrics. So, pleading a
headache, went out again into the cool
evening air. passed around the house to
find a rustic seat had noticed in the af-
ternoon, and in doing so, glanced towards
the rear door, which was open, revealing
the kitchen bright with glowing wood
fire. The picture I saw there rivited me to
the spot.
A slender girlish form l should have re-
cognized at a far greater distance, stood
between me and the dancing freight
What was Carlota doing there? How my
heart leaped as l saw the round graceful
arm raised to throw into the fire - not a
letter, or bouquet, or love-token, as one
might expect of such a girl as Carlota-but
that very carpet-bag SO mysteriously con-
| naotoJ ,,,;tb tba vohhary ond Nod U;lIr;,,,c
forth coming trial. She watched it burn
entirely away, and then came to the door
and looked out into the night. 1 was very
thankful for the hanging shrubbery and
the dim light which concealed me from her
sight, yet my heart beat nervously when /
heard her coming toward me. She passed
so near that her muslin robe brushed
against my hand, but the thicket of shrubs
into which / shrank hid my form from her
view, and she glided ON to the arbor and
gave a low bird-like cry, which was immedi-
ately answered by the plaintive notes of the
whippoorwill, and in few moments
heard quick springing steps beside me, and
she was Joined by the tall figure Of a man,
plainly discerned against the open space
where she stood. A long and earnest con-
versation ensued, but the tones were low
and cautious, and no words reached me
except as they parted when approaching
nearer, her flutelille voice said in Spanish
81 tell you again the contents are safe,
and you shall have the package any time
you say but you must release me from the
promise"
AS soon as she disappeared, l returned
to my chamber, where Ned was fast wrap
ped in sound and refreshing slumber, leav-
ing me to wakefulness and disquiet over
his law affairs and his lady-love. l envied
him his tranquil sleep, and wondered, were
our situations reversed, if l should not
still be wakeful over the happiness Of Car
lota's love. In regard to the robbery ]
scarcely knew what to mistrust. The little
light accidentally revealed, only served to
render the darkness more dense and impen-
etrable. Never doubt crossed my mind
in regard to Carlota's innocence and puri-
ty, however circumstances might have en-
tangled her in the chain of evidence. /
Judged it best now to acquaint my client
with the new discovery had made so
related the whole to him the next morning,
and was astonished at the CONSERVATION
andglief he manifested.
"Carlota, my peerless Carlota !" ejacula-
ted his shivering lips "you don't tell me
that she has been an accomplice in this vile
robbery Good heavens. C. the trial