Connecticut western news., 1873-08-01
WHO WILL CONDEMN HIM

A year or more ago was invited by @ friend to spend day with him at his elegant country seat, Mountain Home, situated a few miles from Peekskill, upon that most romantic and beautiful river, the Hudson.
 There was quite number invited, and, anticipating 8 delightful week of pleasure, away from the dust and heat of the city, I sprang on board the cars, inwardly congratulating myself upon my good fortune. Upon reaching Noun tain Home, I found that the other guests, dozen in number, had already arrived, and was glad to find that with many of them was acquainted. Of but only one will I speak particularly, and he was a man who would attract atten- tion under any circumstances.
 With 8 commanding figure, above the medium height, and a naughty, though easy and graceful step, he advanced to- ward me, when we were presented to each other, and extended hand, small and delicate in shape, but possessed of great muscular power, as I experienced when it clasped around my own with a pressure that gave me pain. I glanced into his face and started, for we had met before, and I saw the recognition was mutual, as the rich blood flushed cheek and forehead, and then retreating, left them pale.
 His eyes, dark, penetrating, and hsaded by long, dropping lashes, looked unfinchingly into mine, as he bowed and said, in Spanish
 "We have met before, Senor; tonight I will explain till then have patience. |" And then in English, which had just accent enough about it to make it inter- esting, he continued, "I am happy to meet you, sir"
 I bowed, and, with another look at the dark, handsome face, turned, and, offering my arm to lady, we followed our host in to dinner.
 "Who is that handsome gentleman ?'' asked my lady companion, indicating the person to whom I had last been presented.
 "I was introduced to him, and the name is Senor Edmond Madrida," I re- txrned.
 "He is superb-looking man-iust the one I should select as the hero for a novel, were to write one," and so I thought, as I gazed upon Edmond Madrida, who was pleasantly conversing with lady upon his left.
 It was lovely moonlight night that followed the day of my arrival at Mountain Home, and our whole party sat up until after twelve o'clock, re- luctant to retire and leave such beauties as surrounded them to the quietude that would rest upon mountain, river and valley when merry voices, ringing laughter and music were hushed in sleep.
 was standing upon the veranda, ed by far before me, when Edmond fragrant cigar, and joining me, said, while he offered his cigar-case:
 "Let us stroll down toward the bluff, and enjoy @ ramble and quiet smoke" "I am willing, Senor, ,"I answered. And together we walked along the wind ing moonlit path which led to small summer-house, built upon jutting rocks which overhung the Hudson.
 For some moments we stood in silence, gazing upon the grandeur of the scene around us but at length my companion spoke.
 "Colonel, do you remember our last meeting ?'
 "I do; it was in Mexico, and you then commanded band of brigands. D
 Your memory serves you well Senor. l saw you recognized me, as did you, and now wish to offer an ex- plantation to you of my presence here. Suppose we converse in Spanish ?'
 "As you please, Senor Melincho.
 Hush breathe not the name of Melincho here. I am now Edmund Madrida," interrupted the Mexican /; and then, after a moments silence, he took the cigar from his lips, and threw 1t far over the river, and watched it's i downward flight until the tiny spark was lost to sight in the gloom cast across the river by the mountain. Colonel, it was just after the civil war in America that we met. You had become separated from your men, was fred upon by some of my men, your horse killed, and yourself injured by his falling upon you. You remember when you told me you had been Con- federate officer, and was then going to give your sword to Juarez against Maximilian, I instantly had you re- leased, gave you another horse, and while you remained in my camp week, believe, treated you well.
 "I remember perfectly your kind ness, and ever shall thank"
 "I wish no thanks, Colonel; it was duty. Kindness is merely refined selfshness. It is seldom, if ever, dis interested. But to continue. I knew of you afterwards joining Juarez, and of his unkind treatment of those who offered to serve him. But of me you knew nothing, only that I was the Brigand Chief Melincho, who was out lawed by either party, and whose blows only fell upon the enemyof his country, Maximilian, although he had much to revenge from those he served.
 sI am a Mexican, and proud of it, though my poor struggling country has