The Lincoln County herald., 1872-12-04
DONNA MARIA.
BY Isle SINGLETON.

Many, many weeks had passed since
Nc bade good bye to our friends at Coun.
Gil Bluffs and recommended our tedious
overland journey to California. We had
crossed the rich prairles, teeming with
bufalos, and We sncamped for the night
by the clear waters of Lske Tahoe,
thankful that God had brought US safe
80 far on our way, and looking forward
with hope to the termination Of our tolls
and dangers-a pleasant reunion with
friends from whom We had long been
separated, and happy and prosperous
abode in the far famed land Of gold.
There was still danger from the Indians
who had been hanging on our track for
several days; so a watch was set, the
cattle picketed ia close proximity to the
camp fire, and our firearms carefully ex.
amined and placed where they could bs
seized at once should an alarm be given
The train was large one, and several of
the men were taking their wives to Cali
forDia.
Taking advantage Of this protection, a
lady-Mrs. Uela6eld-whose husband
was In California, had Joined US in St.
Louis with her little girl, about Eve years
old. Active and energetic in time Of
need; quiet, resolute, and possessing a
moral power that controlled the other
women in time of danger, we had found
her presence help instead of hindrauce
on our route. She was now seated by
the camp fire, the little golden haired
Ada by her side, while | lay at her fee,
relating many anecdotes of her husband,
who had been my chum at college. She
had left St Louis unexpectedly, and had
no opportuny to apprise him of the in.
tended coming and she talked Of the
joy he would feel when he saw her and
the little daughter that had been born
during the absance Of her father.
Francois, the cook, was preparing sup,
per, and the savory odor of broiled ante
lope steaks, mountain quail, roasted be.
fore the fire, and delicate trout, fresh
caught from the clear, cold waters of the
lake, fried in their jackets Of Indian
meal, mingled with the delicious fra.
GRANGE Of the coffee, in way that was
quite appetizing to US weary and hungry
travellers. Some cows that were driving
with the train had been MIXED, and we
we're preparing for the evening meal,
when an alarm was given by the guard.
Each man sprang at once to arms, and
everything was disposed of in the best
possible manner to protect the women
and children as we'll as the cattle, on
whom our comfort and safety SO much
depended. A company of horsemen, ten
or fifteen in number, we're rapidly ap.
preaching our camp. At the distance of
few rods they halted, and the leader
alone rode forward. He was a Mexican,
tall and graceful, mounted on magnii
cent mustang.
"Buenos tard"s, amigos raios,' he said.
mo tenga ustedes miedo. Somos ami
gos" GOOD evening friends. DO not
be afraid, We are friends) Sons OF
our party understood Spanish, and we
soon learned that he was Don Juan Lopez
accompanied by his herdcrs; that he
owned large rancho in the vicinity, ard
that he was riding in search Of some lost
cattle. He joined US in our meal at our
request, and although he spoke but |ittIe
English, his intelligence and vivacity
added much to cur pleasure that even
ing. He seemed particularly struck by
the beauty of Mrs. Delatield and her
blue eyed, golden haired Ada. He said
HAS the Sonora, by chance, relatives in
California ?"
MY husband is there. know of no
other answered the lady, smiling.
"That cannot be the ons," he said
"El Senor Dea6eld to me 10 cunedo
what you call brother.in law. He marry
my sister Donna Maria Lopez. He marry
her, now is, almost four years. l moi
home then"
"Oh that cannot be my husband,
laughed Mrs. Delafeld. "And so my
little Ada may find some far off cousins
for the name Of Dela6eld is not com.
mon one. Senior, l hope that | shal
become acquainted with Dsnna Maria.
shall regard her as a relative since sh'
has the same name
! Nil gracias Sonora you are vesy
kind"
The next morning Don Juan aocompa
MED US several miles on our way, ant
then took leave Of US with all the grace
full urbanity Of q Castilian caballero.
On our arrival at Sacramento, Mrs
Delufeld took the boat for San Fran
cisco. accompanied her, partly because
| had business in tina. city, partly be
cause l wished to see my friend Eugene
once more, and partly because | was un
willing that one 10 whom | was SO much
interested should perform the journey
with no companion but her little child
We went to the American Exchange
then the best hotel 10 San Francisco, ane
the house where We knew ikom his letters
Eugence was 10 the habit Of taking
room during bis frequent visits to tha
city. Perhaps be was there now.
"Do not inquire" said Mrs, Dels6eld
It'll change my dress and that of Ada
| want to surprise him, and Eugene is s.
fastidioue about dress, ! want my LITTLE
one and myself to look cur best"