The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-03-17

/ AnQ yet, ueitu'i vi tueih Anc" tu
others feelings in this matter, bu
believed the regard existing between
them was such as was right between
guardian and ward.
The merry days were soon over
and once again Juanita returned Il
her school duties, but not for long
as in the commencement OF summer
she was to graduate and appear be
| fore the worlds feet lights as q yount
lady and with joy she looked for.
ward to the day when again sh'
would be back at the old homestead
which Clarence found to be strangely
dark and dismal without her fail
presence.
But the months rolled away a
last. and once again Jusnita gladden.
ed the mansion with her sunny
smile and silvery voice. to the joy o
ber guardian aud the delight of the
servants, for one and all of then
loved her dearly.
4 month after her return she was
seated one moonlit evening, enjoying
from the open window, the scene o.
lawn, lake and forsst spread before
her, when suddenly quick step was
heard, aud Clarence Kane entered
the room, and approaching her, said
softly:
"juanita, am glad / find you
alone, for | have something to tel
you"
Even in the moonlight the beauti
ful face was seen to flush quickly, and
the dark eyes were raised toward her
guardian.
Pointing to seat beside her,
Juanita made no reply; and sitting
down, Clarence Kane said quietly:
"Juanita to-day is the first time
the thought of losing you ever came
forcibly upon me-"
What mean you! Speak, i'm
plore you!n cried the impassioncd
girl, startled at his words.
do not be alarmed little girl
merely mean to say that Casper
Hastings and Colonel Hughes have
both asked me to-day to allow them
to lay themselves, their hearts and
fortunes at your pretty feet;n and
Clarence spoke play fully.
II love neither of them and never
shall. Hence | will not marry the
one or the other; but what did you
say ?"
II said l would speak to you on
the subject"
"You are willing to give me up,
then ?"
Never mo, | mean; but some
day you will love some man, and he
will take you from me"
"No, no, no, | will not go away
from you. | will not love any one
wish to be always with you"
Clarence Kane spraDg to his feet
and rapidly crossed the floor, and
returning, said quickly.
"Juauita, would to Heaven |
could keep you ever with me ; bGi
first, ere | know my doom, let me
tell you Of yoGrselfi let me tell you
Of your past life"
Listen! You have believed your
self in my keeping by your parents
who told yon died in a foreign
land; but to your life hangs a story
which now you must know, for no
longer are you child.
You know my life has been one
of adventure, of wandering, and thus
| will begin by telling you that six,
teen years ago / was roaming in
Spain, and one night put up at al ion
by the roadside, where were stationed
number of Spanish officers.
"Wbile enjoying my supper in
quiet, a conversation occurred at q
table near me. between several
Spanish officers, that wss Rost in,
salting to my own land, and every
yila epithet was hesped upon Anne
gica and Americans, until, unable to
stand it longer, | sgose to nay feet,
and crossing over to the table, threw
glass of wine into the face of &
Young man, attiFed In q captains
uniform, and who had been particu
larly insulting in all be had said:
Instantly there was eommotlon
and making known my nationality
the young captain demand that /
should meet him in duel, and moth
ing loath, l accepted the challenge
and promised to meet him the mex
day but one, in spot designated in
the mountains, and some twelv,
miles distant, the captain promising
10 have friend present who woult
act as my second, for was a strange
in strange land, and knew no
whom to call upon; but do not b
impatient, Juakita, for all this kesr'
upon my life
ITO lie IL iime, l procured a
guide the next afternoon, anC
thoroughly armed aud well mounted
we started for the rendezvous but {
terrific storm sit in, We lost our way
darkness came on, and after wander
ing for hours. friendly light caGgh
our eyes, and eagerly We sought it
aud found q sRail mountain farm
house, iTom the inmates Of which ",
received a warm welcome.
If liked not the appearance of tbs
place, and neither did my guide, TO
We felt assured that there had beef
some half dozen men in the hous,
when We called at the gate, for dis
tinctly had We heard loud voices
and vet, only an old man snC
woman had greeted US.
But good supper was given Us
Ny guide looked after the hoSse
and was assigned 8 place il tae bar
to sleep, while ] was shown ul
stairs 70 q small room possessing bu
q single door and window, beside
the trap through which had enter
ed the chamber.
Dressed as | was, threw mysel
upon the low bed, but not to sleep
for strange thoughts came over me
and soon | heard the hum Of voices
and through a crack in the floor di;
covered In the room below q bal
dozen feree-looking men in earoes
conversation.
AT once | knew ALL gss in ID