Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-12-19
A RIDE FOR LIFE.

not many years ago, young Naval OH
Ger named Stratiord rode out of Monte
video on his way to Colonia. He was
carrying dispatches to a ship-of-war at
the latter place, aud being thoroughly
acquainted with the country, had been
singled out for the service.
He had not riddea faron his journey
before he met three gayly-dressed gau-
chos, and, being, we'll known all over
the pampas, he was speedil, recognized
| by them, and was glad of the services
of one of them, Sanchez, as compan-
ion on thejourney The intention was
to pu.h on to Welshford's estancia by
way of San Jose and Santa Lucia, and
there pass the night, pursuing the
J journey in the morning.
Nothing of particular interest oc-
Cured during the long ride, and. at
about the expected time, Welshford's
was reached, and the hospitalities ofth
pampds afforded them. Dinner was
being eaten by Stratford and his host
when Sanchez, who had been wander
ing among the poems, came into the din
ing rooms to inform them that there
was to be tertulia, or dance, at ran
cho about three leagues away, and
that, if they would go, there were to
be grand doings. Welshford excused
himself on the ground OF fatigue. he
having been arduously enjoyed for
several days IN experimenting the
shearing of his sheep; but he said to
Stratford, IF you wish to go with
your man, will have fresh horses
saddled for you at once.
The offer'was Immediately accepted,
and soon the officer and gaucho were
again securing over the plains, and in
a short time found themselves at the
scene of festivities. The dancing was
conducted outside, and the gayly-
dressed gauchos and the maidens
formed picturesque scene as they
went into the intiicacies of the boiero.
Stratford was introduced by Sanchez
as Don Ricardo, and Immediately be-
come lionized by the ladies /; aud. as
he was the same as most naval officers,
having keen eye 10 beauty. he was not
long in picking out the best-looking
maiden in the assemblage1 and she
cccucu W Dt imu1ctatciy udttCiCu dt
the attentions of the cabdttero inglesa.
She told him that she learned to
waltz while at Buenos Ayres, and
asked him if he understood the accom-
plishment. Of course he did; and
the two shak Ky old guitars, which gave
forth very doubtful kind of music,
struck up "tun,- -tunt" to waltz-time,
and the English lieutenant and the
qaucho girl went whirling in the mazes,
the rest of the assemblage forming
circle round them, and madly applaud
ing the performance, as the dance to
most of them was novelty.
Sahchez seemed to think that the
performance of the lieutenant whom
he had introduced to the company was
such success that it reflected great
credit on him, and, Immediately after
they had finished, rushed over and
embraced him, after the fashion of
his country.
Shortly after this episode, STRAIT
ford was lighting a cigar, when he was
approached by handsome young gdu-
cho, in gay poncho and cheripa, and
showing himself to be Gr,t-class
dandy by the profusion of silver orna-
ments and heavy silver spurs that he
wore and, tapping him on the arm,
ID: One moment, Sengor lnglesa;
/ have a word to say to you.
Stratford finished lighting his cigar,
and then followed him TO distance of
about fifty yards from the party.
May | ask what you want with me?
said he.
Yes, seDor: that young lady that
you have been dancing so much with
is my Mocha" (sweetheart). Are you
aware of it ?"
Il did not have that honor" said
Stratford. Il am glad to hear it-she
is a very pretty girl.
j called you out. seD0r, said the
gauehO, to warn you that ! do not al
/ low any one to dance with Panchlta.
Il AN sorry" said the Englishman,
that you will have 10 make an excep-
tion in my favor, foI | have already
promised to dance the next dance with
her.
Then, if you do, remember, senor,
you do it at your peril-you under
siand?'
Enough of this insolence, fellow"
said Stratford, haughtily. shall
dance with her as often as please.
Then beware !" growled he between
| his teeth, as Stratford strobe toward the
dancers, and the next instant he saw
the lieutenant, with his arm around
Pandchita's s waist, and whirling her In
the dance.
Sanchez had been a witness Of this
scene, and had overheard everyth. ng
that had been said by the young gau-
cho, who received his particular atten-
ton during the rest of the night, but
b. never told Stratlord that he was ac-
quaInted with the fact.
At length it become time for them to
take their departure, aud Stratford and
Sanchez went to the corral TO get their
horses, that were already hitched wait
ing for them.
Sanchez had been, as We have said,
closely watching the young gauchO at
ter his threat, and was not SLOW in OBJ
serving him, as they left the company,
also leave, and steal round to the other
side of the corral, and. in the shade of
the wall, approach the officer aud HIM
self
Stratford was just in the act of get
ting into the saddle, not knowing of
the danger, when he heard Immediate
ly behind him scuffie, dull thud,
and then a groan, as the form of man
fell with the shadow of the corral.
He then heard Sanchez, say. Into the
saddle, senior, quick for your life !"
and he dashed away across the plains,
Stafford mechanically following him.
As they rode at gallop, Strstford
said:
For Gods sake, Sanchez, what was
the matterY'
Never mipd asking questions now,
senor," said be. If had waited
Just now to ask questions, | should be
riding home alone. did it to save
you"
who was it?'
That jackanspes who threatened
you for dancing with Panchiia. He
won't threaten you any more.
1Hov did yen know he Threatened
me9S