Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-10-11
Snauisl Trails

Spanish Traits.
Incidents OF ordinary Spanish life so
rarely find newspaper report on this side
the ocean, that the following character
istic sketch, of unknown but apparently
recent origin, may be read with a certain
freshness of interest: There is now in
New York city young Andalusian to-
bacconist whose departure from his ma
tive land in 1869, was preceded and. oc-
casioned by circumstances of deci-
dedly tragic nature. Known by the
Christian name Of Manuel, and living in
one of the rural southern districts of
Spain, he had bosom friend called
Vincente, with whom from childhood he
had lived in the intimacy of an almost
fraternal relation. AS often happens
with such friends, however, the coquetry
Of rural belle whom both admired
finally stirred them to an irritable jeal-
ousy of each other, and the time ap-
preached when one of them at least
must sacrifice either his love or his
friendship. AT a bull-baiting on the
farm of relative of Manuel, the sport
involved an episode of ill.temper, during
which the young men unfortunately
cameto blows, and Vincente was worsted.
Common friends interferred as soon as
possible, and the combatants were in
duced to shake hands; but it was noticed
that Vincente remained very pale and
nervous, though he declared himself
perfectly satisfied. Manuel was warned
to beware of treachery, and repaid the
advice by declaring that. he was not
afraid to trust his former friends
honor. To show the more practically
that his share in the reconciliation was
genuine, at all events he made point Of
appearing in the others company as
often as possible thereafter, and was glad
to accept an invitation from him TO an
other bull-baiting on the plantation of
his (Vincente's) uncle. On this merry
OCCASION after the seemingly reunited
pair had witnessed the turning.in of
fine herd of bulls into the cortejo, from
the summer pastures, they dined to-
gether in the greatest amity and dis
cussed the merits of the animals they
had seen. Vincente agreed generally
with the criticisms of his friend, but told
the latter if he wished to see the choicest
and fieroest young bull in the kingdom
he must 60 with him to a small lookup
stable where the animal was confined.
Flushed with wine and excited in all his
sportsmanly instincts. Manuel was de-
lighted to visit this secluded monarch of
the herd, and accompanied his friend to
the stable with many vaunts of his cour-
age to face any bull that ever confronted
matador. Reaching the place and peer
ing in through the low door, he had |
scarcely begun mis- comments when his
treacherous comrade thrust him sud- |
denly into the den of the savage beast, |
and closed and bolted the heavy door
behind him. Realizing his situation and |
the intention of the traitor in an instant,
the entrapped young man had but
little time to attempt a defense.
The bull, " says the account, alarmed
at the noise, sprang to his legs in the
litter, paved the ground, and fixed two
balefully glaring eyeballs upon his VIC
tim, who had not even his cloak to give
him chance of battling the animal and
gaining a respite. The roof was sup
ported by a heavy stone pillar. The
bull was already drawing himself to-
gether for his rush. Manuel places his
back against the pillar, shouts defiance,
and provokes his enemy with feet end
hands. The charge was made = the
quick eye of the Andalusian watched
the favorable moment; he slipped aside
from the pillar as the terrible horns
grazed his shoulder, and saw the beast
fall dead at his feet, with brains beaten
out by the shock against the column"
Thus saved by his agile dexterity from a
fearful death, the hero of the brief drama
made outcries until servants came to
his liberation; and then, borrowing a
pistol, started out straightway in venge-
ful pursuit of the man who had thought
to consign him to dreadful death. The
traitorous Vincente, riding in the saddle,
was well on his way toward his distant
home when the hoofbeats of q pursuer
sounded on his ears, and, turning, beheld
Manuel, in all the disarray Of his late
battle fer life, and with pistol levelled
coming upon him like fury. In vain
be spurred his horse; the speed Of the
other was swifter and stronger. In vain
be halted, threw up his hands and
screamed for mercy; bullet went crash
into his brain, and betrayed friendship
was avenged. Leaving the body where
t had fallen, Manuel at once fed from
MS native place toward the coast, riding
he horse as far as the overtaxed animal
could endure, and pursuing the remain
Ter of his way on foot. Reaching the ]
Tea he took ship at the first opportunity,
md thus reached America. Since ar !
living in this country he has written to
lis family and friends at home, and
,een informed by them that his act of
etribution was viewed there as justifa-
,le,. even by the relatives of the slain l
nau; but he cares not to return to 7
Genes Of such painful association, and
3 Ilalr 10 snnnd thn rnn,nirlnr 81 lie