Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-11-28
Calls and Skstehes.
ANADVENTURE IN MEXICO.
TcoNTINUED FROM THURSDAY


l could hear Joaquin's breath coming in
gasps, SO swift was our pace. and so heav-
lily did his steed strike upon the 'jarring
ground He franticallv motioned his
goad to the right, and then dropped it to
seize his carbine. He must have a plan
of cutting them off from some retreat in
the mountains. Nearer and nearer, and l
had only one thought. What could Cap
tain Dacre-the Englishman in front-be
thinking of, to thus let loose upon himself
such thunderbolts of hate and revenge.
He could not find in this beautiful uncul-
tured, but wild savage-for Fora was lit
tie ese-any affinitizing attributes. With
him, we'll educated, and gentleman, it
must be a case of total depravity. With
her, united to that fierce. vindictive Span
lard. who ruled her with the same spirit
exhibited towards his dog. or horse-it
might bet no doubt was-a case of
love; hazardous. blinded reckless love.
Closer and closer. Then the deadly
carbne is brought to range. Fora sees it,
and, with graceful, matchless evolution
she wheels and comes between the target
and carbneer. With bitter malediction,
Joaquin torbears, and the red garb and
drifting black hair flies forward again.
Once more the caroine comes up, and once
more the matchless wheel and curvette
and circle is executed by the scarlet rider.
joaquin lowers the weapon and presses
on.
Captain Dacre feels in earnest now. He
has seen the glistening tube twice levelled
at his heart, and he knows that no quarter
is awaiting him. He and Fora take the
steep, dangerous ascent in front of them
without moments hesitation. To the
left brawls mountain stream; too wide
for leaping, too deep for iordng To the
right, Joaquin could outstrip them in
moment, and bring the carbine to their
very hearts.
Up the mountain slope they go; and al
though Joaquin is evidently at loss con-
cerning their manoevre, he is sure of them
in the end, and he presses on towards
their hot, blowing animals. Straight up
the steep, until both parties, viewed from
the plains below. must seem to be rearing
aloit, ready to topple back upon each
other. Straight up-and outlined against
the hill they appear like those metal uni
corns on the old style bronze knockers.
Now, on the very pinnacle of the cone-
like peak, rapid pantomime goes on be-
tween the English officer and her of the
scarlet tunic. She wildly gesticulates him
to advance He moves little and hesi-
tates. That indecision seals his fate. for
it brings the shout
Halt Senior Captain" :" and the leyelled
rifle and the infuriated Spaniards come
upon the conical top.
Fora feels that she will lessen Dacre's
chance OF making good defence if she
keeps her position by his side, therefore
she draws off a little; also rein out be.
side her. with some iumbled up plan of
defending her life.
There is white, set look about the
the Captains features. as Joaquin pushes
his high-shouldered beast nearer, and
brings the line of polished steel in range
of his fierce, red eyes. Then Dacre sleeps
suddenly, gouges the rowels into his steed,
and leaps against the giraffe neck of the
Mexican animal. There is momentary
scutlle, and then tho carbine flies from
,Joaquin's hand and clinks upon the rocks,
yards beneath however. he still keeps the
lower position, and steadily presses Dacre
up hill again--up and back towards the
precipice. Now | see his purpose: he in
tends 10 push the Englishman over into
that bottomless chasm opening between
the two mountain peaks. viii Dacre be
pressed over? Back-back; both parties
have fired repeated shots from their revol-
vers without effect on either side, but now
it seems as though that ugly beast of Joa-
CONTINUED ON FOURTH PAoE.