Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-10-25
NO. ( 255.

ty, recognized such obligations as binding
in honor, if not in law.
The meeting this morning had been ar
ranged between the men for the purpose
OF Strengthening out and putting in legal
shape these debts and conveyances. Books
and papers were produced; and to Alvi-
dos surprise, he found that fully one-half
OF his property would have to be conveyed
away to clear up the accounts. He was
moody and silent, as the lawyer, with
quick professional skill, commenced to
draw the proper conveyance for one undi-
vided half of the estate; when suddenly
drawing himselfto his full height, his eyes
flashing fire, and his quick-drawn breath
betokening the violence Of his agitation,
he cried ou, stop I will make you a
proposition. Half my estate belongs to
you already Draw that deed for the
whole rancho. will sign it, and we will
play again for all or none. Fortune can
not always be against me, and l must
surely win. What say you-my half
against yours?" Fairway said nothing,
but, carelessly tearing the paper upon
which he had been writing into ribbons,
drew from his desk fair sheet, and si-
lently wrote deed for the whole right,
title, and interest of Alvido in the San
Salicis Rancho. There was slight curl
of triumph about the corners Of his mouth,
and = queer look in his eyes; but Alvido
saw them not as he impatiently paced the
room, consuming cigarettes at an enor.
nous rate, giving occasional vent to an
oath. When the paper was finished. Fair
way put on his hat, aud, stepping out,
soon returned with dapper little man.
who combined the duties of chief engin
eer of the hardware, dry goods. and gro
Gerry establishment on the corner below
with that of Notary Public, and'in few
moments the signature and acknowledge
ment We're perfected, and the deed which
held the fortunes of the two men lay CON-
| pleted upon the table between them.
Not until the Notary had left the room
did Fairway speak; but then, turning to
Aiyido, he said: "Now Jose, have
drawn this thing as you wantedit, because
l have no right TO refuse your proposition.
1t lies there on the desk and is your prop
erty. | advise you to take it and tear it
up. Whatever comes of this business.
you will remember that such was my adj
vice. lfyou insist upon your proposal to
play for tiny shares against yoars-I
will do it, and | will win. But l make
one condition, without which will not
play
Name it." said the Spaniard, almost
fiercely.
1T is, that we now and together mount
our horses, and spend the day on the ran
cho. You shall ride over the place, we
will dine, and smoke, and chat together,
then, to-day, as though there was not a
card in the world. You shall see and
realize what you are risking; and then,
if when We return You still insist, we will
play for this stake"-touching the paper
lightly rs he spoke. g..
| In vain did the Spaniard urge and re-
monstrate. 1t soon became evident that
Fairway was in earnest, and he gave re-
luctant consent to the plan. A brisk ride
of Il few miles brought them to an abode
house, and dismounting, they fastened
their horses to convenient rack, and en-
tered the low-ceiled room. The furniture
and fittings of the apartment gave no evil
dence Of wealth or culture. although every
thing was scrupulously clean. A large
open fireplace occupied one end of the
building, before which a young and rather
pretty woman was dusting the ashes back
with II goose wing. This woman, whom
the two men addressed as Delphina, rose
at their coming, and, cordially shaking
hands with the American, made some
laughing remark in broken English, dis
play ing, as she did so, a row of teeth that
fairly glittered in their milky whiteness.
Although not Alvido's wife, she passed for
such, kept his house. and cooked his meals.
appearing contented. Speaking to her in
Spanish, Jose told her that they would be
back to dinner, and, going into the yard.
soon returned with Il pair of chickens
which he had killed, and an armful of veg
etables fresh from the ground. Short as
/ .ahs tb.r.l had
enough for the woman to ask. with half
regretlul, half careless manner. "Have
you been winning from him AGAIN." To
which Fairway replied, laughingly and
evaslvely. With II look of quick contempt
as she heard the approaching footsteps,
she said, "lf ! was II man you wouldn't
twist me around your finger as you do
him. But Alyido's return put stop to
the conversation; and after few hurried
directions, the two mounted their horses
and started on their ride. For hours they
rode on. side by side: the Spaniard suilen
and speechless; PARKWAY, on the contrary,
seemed to have an unnatural flow Of spir-
its, Nothing could discourage him. Rein
inc in once III Il while. at some point of
observation, from which the goodly herit-
age could be seen to advantage, he would
launch out into praises Of its beauty and
value. Suggesting possible improvements,
and speaking of the immence facilities it
possessed. He spoke Ieelingly Of the ben
eiits OF the possession of such a property,
and talked ot the folly of risking it. To
do him justice, he exhausted every power
OF eloquence and persuasion to dissuade
Jose from the venture he seemed bent on
making "One-half this place." said he
"iu partnership with me, is all tha, you
need 10 make you happy. ihave business
tact. can make golden dollars grow on
every blade of grass. Come. jose. give
up this notion. Twill be your friend; and
You will never regret the day. You can
settle down, then-marry D.lphina." The
Spaniard, whose face had begun to show
signs Of yielding until those words were
spoken, turned on him then, and with an
oath. ground out between his teeth. ex-
claimed: You are afraid to risk what
YOU have already won. Ii the place is
what you describe, why not own it all
You say you can. Are you coward 7"