The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-04-14

her school duties, but not for long
as in the commencement of summer,
she was to graduate and appear be
fore the worlds foot ghts as q
young lady; and with joy she looked
forward to the day when again she
would be back at the cid homestead,
which Clarence found to be strange.
ly dark and dismal without her fair
lpresence.
But the months rolled away at
last, and oace again Juanita glad
dened the mansion with her susny
smile and silvery voice, to the JOY
of her guardian, and the delight of
the servants, for one and all ofthem
loved her dearly.
A month after her re:urn she was
seated one moonlight evening, en-
joying from the open window, the
scene Of lawn, lake and forest spread
before her, when suddenly a quick
step was heard, and Clarence Kane
entered the room, and approaching
her said softly:
"Juanits, | am glad ! find you
alone for | have something to tell
yen"
Even in the moonligh: the beavti-
full face was seen to flush quickly,
and the dark eyes were raised
towards her guardian.
Pointing to seat beside her, Juanita
made no reply; and sitting down,
Clarence Kane said quietly:
"Iuanita to-day ia the FIRST time a
thought of losing you ever came for
chilly upon nc"
What mean youF Speak, i'm
plore youp' cried the impassioned
girl, startled at.his' words.
"Do not be alarmed little girl" |
merely mean to say that Casper
Hastings and Colonel Huges have
both asked me o-day to allow them
to lay the m selves, their hearts and
fortunes at your pretty feet" and
Clarence spoke playfglly.
II love pGiihey Of them and never
shall Hence | will not marry the
one or the other; bnt what did you
sayg"
Il ssia | woald speak to you on
;ae subject"
"You are willing to give me up
them"
"NevoFl-no, l mean; but some
day you will love some man, and he
will take you from me-"
NO, no, no, / will not go ewaY
from you. | viii not loye any one
| wish TO be always with you-"
ClaSeRee Kane sprang to his feet
and rapidly crossed the floor, and re-
turning. said quickly.
"Juanita, would to Heaven l
could keep you ever with me; but
first, ere / know my doom, let me
tell you of yourself. let me tell you
Of your past life"
"Listenl You have believed your
self in my keeping by your parents,
who ! told you died in a foreign
land; but to your life hangs o story
which now you must know, for no
longer you are child.
"You know my life has been one
of adventure, of wandering. and thus
l will begin by telling you that six.
teen years ago | was roaming in
Spain, and one night put up at an inn
by the roadside, where were station
ed number of Spanish officers,
While enjoying ny supper in
quiet, a conversation occurred at a
table rear me. between several Span.
isb ofRcers, that was most insulting
to my own land, and every vile epi-
thet was heaped upon America and
Americans, until, unable to stand it
longer, | arose to my feet, and cross
ings over the table, threw glass Of
wine into the face of young man,
attired in captains uniform. and
who had beed particularly Insulting
in all be had said
Instantly there was commotion,
and making known my nationality.
the young captain demanded that /
should meet him ia duel, and moth
ing loath, | accepted the challenge.
and promised to meet him the next
day out in spot designated in the
mountains, aud some twelve miles
distant, the captain promisingto have
friend present who would act as
my second, for was stranger in a
strange land, and knew not whom to
call upon; but do not be impatient,
Juanita, for all this bears upon my
life.
TO be in time, | procured guide
the next afternoon, and thoroughly
armed and well mounted, we started
for the rendezvous; but q terrific
storm set 10, we lost our way, dark
ness came on, and wandering for
hours, a friendly light caught our
eyes, and eagerly we sought it, and
I lOuuu Suldlt lIlOuuldtu fdfui must,
from the inmates of which We re-
ceiyed o warm welcome.
Il liked not the appearance Of
the place, and nsither did my guide,
for we felt assured that there had
been some half dozen men in the
Louise when we called at the gate,
for distinctly had we heard loud
voices, and yet, only an old man
and woman had greeted us
But good supper was given US.
Ny guide looked after the horses and
was assigned place in the barn to
sleep, while | was shown up stairs
to a small room possessing but a
single door and window, besides the
trap through which | had entered the
chamber.
Dressed as | was | threw my
self upon the low bed, bot lot tC
sleep; for strange thoughts came oyeI
me, and soon heard the hum o.
voices and through crack n the
floor discovered in the room below q
bait dozen 6erce-looking men in earn