The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-28

TO leave MeAlcOl Wuen could nee from
my bitter past, but telling me at the
same time that while her father lived
she would never leave him."
"Thus we parted, Mr.. Rodman thank.
ing me warmly for what had done for
him, but with certain manner that
showed me that, in his eyes, was but
II robber chief, though his daughter
might believe me not altogether cruel
and crimes stained.
"Ellen Rodmnn, whom I so wildly
loved, returned to her home in New
York, while remainedin the Businesses
OF the Mexican mountains.
Z" But not for long. was a changed
man, and determined to leave my native
land and lead an honest life. 1 gather
cd together only tho wealth I had cap.
tured from my attacks against Maximil-
Inn, relinQuishing to my band all that l
had won otherwise, and, with the jewels
which have before mentioned, I left
the country.
Shortly afterward IL was reported
that the famous Melincho was killed,
and body, terribly disfgured, was
taken and buried as his; but this l
managed by placing my clothing upon
the body OF o Mexican officer, killed in
a duel, and disfguring the face so rs to
be uurecognizAble.
az sailed for Europe, and with the
Jewels and other property in my pos.
session, found myself rich man.
"In London / met our host, and
promised him, il l ever came to America,
to visit him. So, arriving Inst week, !
met him in New York, and came up
home with him.
"Tho name thnt I bear is my own,
being Edmond Madrida Melinclio, buI
the latter I have discarded forever.
Once since my arrival have 1 seer
Ellen Rodman, but without her seeing
mo, and l learn that her father is dead
having died two years ago, and left hel
poor, and that she is now living with {
maiden aunt, her fathers sister.
"Now, Colonel, you know my history
and / will candidly say that It is my in
tention to make known my presence Il
Ellen, tell all Of my life, and ask her tC
be my wife, and who that knew my
story would condemn me. You will MOI
betray me, will you, Colonel2"
Tho Mexican finished his story o.
bitter wrong done him, and OF his blood
stained life that followed, and, with
arms folded upon his heart, and hi
eyes looking deep into mine, awaited
my answer. U.fl..
I offered my hand, and to his ques'
ton answered:
"senor Nfadrida, no net OF mine shal
ever cause you to regret the confidence
placed in me and us 1 know Miss Rod
man, I may be Of service to you."
"Thank YOU, Colonel many time'
thank you. Tomorrow we will talk to-
gcther about it. Now it is daylight
nearly, for, see, the sky is getting bright
beyond the mountain" and placing his
arm in mine, we returned TO the house,
and then retired to our rooms.
TWAS arranged that Ishould call upor
Miss Rodman and tell her the history
of Edmond Madrida'slife as lie had told
it to me, and il l found she was still
true to her love for him, that I was tc
bring him to tho house and Introduce
him, rs friend Of mine, to her aunt
and herself, and leave the rest to fate.
Upon my return to New York I called
upon Ellen Rodman, and at the first
mention Of the Mexican's name I saw
that she had not ceased to love him,
and when my story was ended she beg
ged me to bring him at once to her.
Miss Mary Rodman, Ellen's aunt,
was delighted with my foreign friend,
and whcn-three months after-Ed.
nond asked for the hand of her niece,
the old lady granted it willingly, and
verify believe that tho only regret Of
the dear old soul was that she was not
forty years younger, to marry him her.
self.
Thus were two lovers made happy,
and in ono OF the pleasant portions ol
our almost boundless republic they live
together in peace and contentment in q
lovely home, for from the strife OF busy
cities.