The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-04-24
THE RENEGADE.

was born in Spain, in the province of Ca
talonia. My parents inhabited small cot
tage in the village of San Elizaria, where
for generations my forefathers had resided.
Some sheep and goats, together with
couple of cows, were all our riches. Yc, we
were in want of nothing. About a couple
of acres Of good soil enabled us to raise all
that was required, and give a little s. are
money from the sale of vegetables. EJch
day brought its accustomed and constant en-
ployment, and each setting sun behed US
happy and content.
My father was now old, his head was hon
ofed with hOary locks, and his brow with
the burrows OF ~enerable age His chief de
light was u watch the innuceae eamh,lS If
his grandchildren, in which he would fire.
quentIy engage, or in beho.ding his two
sons Onyself and an elder brUther) prosecuting
our labor. To us he would recount the acts
of his ancestors, the first inhabitants of the
village. Whenever he touched upon these
topics, his countenance would assume sud
den glow, and patriotism appeared in every
aged feature. He spoke leeiingly, and made
a deep impression upon our youthful hearts.
Many were the traditions which he repeat
ed, handed down from lather To son for long
series of generations.
In the same vii,iage lived young man,
the son of the Alcade While children we
were intimate friends, but we grew older
we became rivals and bitter enemies to each
other. We both placed our affections on
the same lovely object, and jealousy soon
ripened into deadly hatred.
One evening whilst returning from visit
to the fair PepiJa, I met with Sandoyal (that
was the young mans namr), high words
passed between us, and Il qurreI (ior love il
none of the coolest passun>) soon cnSued.
We fought, and he fell. In vain endeayor-
ed to raise him from the ground, and TO con
vey him to the vi'Iiage.
Tomas said he, y. ith his hand pressed
upon his side, endeavoring Intellectually to
stop the flow of blood, ''your Kindness is
useless, for death is upon me. Leave me to
my fate, Fly and save yourself"
My attentions We're indeed unnecessary,
for he had scarcely said farewell, when he
sank back into my arms and expired. How
to act knew not. Ny destruction seemed
inevitable, besides the disgrace and inlamy
should bring upon my family, hitherto spot
less in fame. L was utterly ignorant in
what course to direct my flight, unacquaint-
ed with the roate to any foreign country,
without money, and without friend. No
time, however, was to be lost. | set off i'm
mediately, and passing rapidly over the road,
soon gained the national high road, and in
the course of tine arrived at the French
A.. / ,l-,.i.,, .o-1
weary and exhausted with my joarney, l
perceived troop of horses approaching. |
east a wistful glance toward them, and could
not help rejecting on my own unfortunate
condition, worn out with hunger and fatigue,
and covered with dust, while they were care
less, happy, we'll mounted, needless, and
without anxiety for the morrow.
| saw that they observed me, and this az
fected me the more. Two of the officers whis-
oered together for some time, and one riding
ND to me addressed me in Spanish. Re
ioiced at this unexpected circumstance, my
face Frightened up Immediately, and | an
swered several of his inquiries. He in
formed me that he and his command be-
longed to the French service, and that my
nerson had attracted their notice, and
he asked meif 1 was willing to go with
them.
After little discourse, | consented, and
vvos soon initiated into the drill and duties
of a soldiers life Without vanity, | may
eav that possessed toleraby fine appear
ance lust in the prime Of life, tall and well
nronortioned bred up among the best
riders. was considered good horseman.
I was a little surprised to discover that my
commander was of the same nation as smyself.
Owing TO this fact, perhaps, | obtained fist
his good opinion, and ihea considerable