The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-07-30


the continuance of his name, but let
Spain remember forever his treachery
| and It's punishment. give the fortune
and life to that one of his sons who will
become the executioner. Co."
Fastened in their gilded arm-chairs
sat motionless the father, the mother,
the three boys, and two girls. The
eldest of the brothers was thirty years
old. Small, rather badly made, of a
proud and disdainful aspect, he yet
lacked not a certain nobility in his
manners, and was evidently possessed
of much delicacy of sentiment. He
was named Juanito. The second, Phil
ippe, was about twenty. He resembled
Clara. The last was eight.
Victor sho ok his head. despairing to
see accepted by any one of these the
bargain proposed by the General.
Nevertheless he dared confide it to
Clara, when, giving orders for the I'M
binding of the condemned, he himself
united her. She shivered at first, then
suddenly regained calm air, and ad-
vancing, knelt before her father.
snake Juanito swear that he will
faithfully obey the orders you will give
him and we will be happy
The Warehouses trembled with hope,
but when leaning towards her white
haired husband, she heard the horri-
BILE tidings from Clara, the mother
tainted. Juanito understood and
bounded like lion in cage. Victor
sent away the soldiers as the servants
we're led out and hung. When the
family had only Victor as guardian, the
aged father rose.
"Juanito - said he.
Juanito replied only by movement
Of the head equivalent to refusal, fell
back in his chair, and looked at his
relatives with dry and terrible eye.
Clara seated herself on his knees, and
with gay air: ''My dear Juanito, -
said she, passing her arm about his
neck and kissing him on the eyelids,
you know well that given by you
death would be sweet. You will save
me from the ills which await me,
and
'Take courage" cried his brother
Philippe to him, otherwise our almost
royal race will become extinct"
Suddenly Clara rose. The group
about Juanito separated he saw stand
ing before him his father, who said SOL
emily: "Juanito, l command thee -
The aged Marquis now fell on his knee
Clara, Manuel and Philippe initiates
him, and seemed to repeat these pater.
nal words: 6 My son, do you lack Span
ish strength and true sensibility
Should you consider your own life and
suferinge Do you wish me to remain
long on my knees? Is this my son,
MADAME added he, turning towards
the Warehouses.
He consents!'' cried the mother
with despair.
At this moment the chaplain of the
chateau entered. The whole family sur
rounded him and brought him to Ju-
anito. Victor, no longer able to en-
dure the scene, made sign to Clara,
and fastened to make last effort to
move the General.
An hour after, one hundred of the
most eminent citizens Of Menda came
upon the terrace to be witnesses. by the
Generals order, of the execution of the
family of Leganes. At thirty PAGES
from them rose a block and shone a
cimeter. The executioner was there in
case Of refusal on the part of Juanito.
Soon the Spaniards heard, in the midst
of the most profound silence, the steps of
several persons, the distinct sound Of the
march of a band of soldiers and the
slight clinking of their guns. These diff
ferent noises were mingled with the joy.
Gus voices of the fcasting officers; as be-
fore, the dances of a ball had disguised
the approaches of bloody treachery. All
looks turned towards the chateau, and
the noble family was seen advancing
with astounding calm. Every face was
serene in its expression. One man
alone, pale and haggard, leaned on the
priest, who poured forth all the conso-
lations of religion to him who alone was
to live. The executioner understood,
as did everybody, that Juanito had &C.
cepted his place for day. The family
kneeled few PAGES from the fatal spot.
Juanito was led along by the priest.
When he arrived at the block the execu.
toner, taking him by the sleeve, drew
him apart, and gave him probably some
instructions. The confessor placed the
victims so that they should not see the
punishment. But, as true Spaniards,
they stood erect, without sign of
weakness.
Clara started first toward her broth
er. 'Juanito.' said she, s'take pity on
my little courage! Commence with
me-
At this moment the rapid steps of a
man were heard--Victor arrived on the
scene. Clara had already kneeled.
Already her white neck invited the
cimeter. The officer turned pale, but
found stregth to run up.
THE general grants you life if you
will wed me" cried he to her in low
voice.
She threw at him look of contempt
and pride.
Proceed, Juanito - said she in a
deep voice.
Her head rolled at Victor's feet.
The Warehouses gave a convulsive start
Al IL L l.