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

NAAV NVNDhuN lAb
A year or more ago was invited by o
friend to spend day with him ut his
elegant country seat, Mountain Home,
situated few miles from Peekskill,
upon that most romantic md beautiful
river, the Hudson.
There WAS quite n number invited,
and, anticipating u delightful week ol
pleasure, away from tho dust and heat
Of the city, Isprang on board the cars,
inwardly congratulating myself upon
my good fortune. Upon reaching Noun
tain Home, / found that the other
guests, dozen in number, had already
arrived, and 1 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 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 q hand, small
and delicate in shape, but possessed OF
great muscular power, rs / experienced
when it clasped around my own with a
pressure that gave me pain. l glanced
into his face and started, for we hadmet
before, and saw the recognition was
mutual, as the rich blood flushed cheek
and forehead, and then rotreating, left
them pale. 'gtr
His eyes, dark, penetrating, and
hsaded by long, dropping lashes, looked
nntiinchingly into mine, rs he bowed
and said, in Spanish: a srf
"We have etbefore, Senior; tonight
Twill explain till then have patience y
And then in English, which had Just
accent enough about it to make it inter
esting, lie continued, az an happy to
meet you, SIR" 's
I bowed, and, with another look ut
the dark, handsome face, Iturned, and,
offering my arm ton lady, We followed
our host in to dinner.
"Who is that handsome gentleman y
asked my lady companion, indicating
the person to whom / had last been
presented. l1'
al was introduced to him, and the
name is Senior Edmond Madrida," re-
tIrned. ...T -..-.
"He is superb-looking man-iust
the one 1 should select as the hero for
novel, were I to write one" and SO !
thought, as gazed upon Edmond
Madrida, who was pleasantly conyersing
with a Indy upon his left. .
It was a 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
Us surrounded them to the quietude
that would rest upon mountain, river
and valley when merry voices, ringing
laughter and music were hushed in
sleep. ..
l was standing upon the yeranda,
gazing upon the moonlit river that roll
ed by far before me, when Edmond
Madridalcame from the house, smoking
a fragrant cigar, and joining me, said,
while he offered lis cigar-case: e
Let us stroll down toward the bluff,
and enjoy ramble and quiet smoke"
Z" ! am willing, Senor,"I I answered.
And together we walked along hewind-
ing moonlit path which led to small
snmmer-houSe, uiltupon jutting rocks
which overhttng the Hudson. u
For some moments we stood in
silence, gazing upon the grandeur Of
the scene around us but ut length my
companion spoke.
"Colonel, do you remember our last
meeting2" efll.
lido it was in Merico, and you
then commanded o band Of brigands. /"
"Your memory serves you well
Senor. I saw you recognized me, as I
did you, and now wish to offer M cx-
planation to yot Of my presence here.
Suppose we converse in spanish?"
"Asyou please, Senior Melincho."
Hush | breathe. not the nnthe Of
Melineho here. / am now Edmund
Madrida," interrupted the Mexican |;
and then, aftera moments silence, lie
took the cigar from his lips, and threw
itfar over the river, and watched its
downward flight until the tiny spark
was lost to sight in the gloom cast
across the riyeriby the mountain.
Colonel, IL was inst after the civil
war in America tlat Nc met. You Ind
become separated from your men, was
fired 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
hTaximilian, I instantly had you re.
leased, gave you another horse, and
while yon remained in my camp week,
Ibelievc, treated YOU we'll"
III remember perfectly your kind.
ness, and ever shall thank"
"I wish no thanks, Colonel II was
duty. Kindness Is merely q refined
selashness. II Is seldom, II ever, dis.
interested. But to continue. 1 knew