Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-03-02
the saints would preserve ye, an keep ye from

General K learned from the landlady that
Alasquez was no longer beneath her roof,
having quilted the camp early on the previous
morning. His companion, Juan, had waited
until later, and then gone off in different
direction. ...
The Generals disappointment and vexa-
ton were great, but he announced his inten'
ton of instantly sending off detachments OF
his men in various directions to prosecute the
search, believing that in short time they
would succeed in capturing the object of their
pursuit, who had thus 80 narrowly escaped
them.
81, myself" he said to Picciola, "will ride
to the cave you have described to me, taking
you with me to point it out. 1 have an idea
that may obtain some information there
at all events, no hiding place must be left un'
explored" .E .a.7.:'
Having given directions to the soldiers, and
despatched them three or four separate ways,
he turned his horses head in the direction Of
the wood, accompanied only by his young
guide and two of his men whom he had re-
tanned. .,Es. a.. ....g
The horses were somewhat spent with their
rapid travel, and they now rode slowly to re-
cruit their forces, which might be urgently
needed at later hour. Proceeding thus
leisurely, the General had an opportunity of
conversing more freely with Picciols than he
had yet been able to do, and Of obtaining
from her fuller account of the events which
had transpired, and of her own past life. He
was greatly struck by the modesty and refine
ment of her manner, and the clearness and
intelligence of her replies, which she made in
good English, though still sui.
6ciently broken to give quaint attraction to
her mode of expression and her words; and
he looked at her as she spoke with constantly
renewed admiration and interest.
"Your face, my child, is singularly famil'
iar to me-" he remarked to her, after an ear
pest and prolonged gaze. 81 have been puz-
cling myself ever since I first met you, to
think who it is that you so strong gly resemble.
Every feature seems to be one with which |
am perfectly we'll acquainted, and yet l can
not trace this likeness, which is so palpable
to ny eyes, but not to my understanding"
1t was a bright, beautiful day, and the
fresh verdure around them, rustling in the
balmy and delicious air, seemed to sparkle
and glitter in the rays of the sun, which pen
etrated its depths, and aecked the ground be-
meath their feet with a million glancing,
quivering spots of light and color. Bright
blossoms, waving grasses, changeful tints, lit
tie ripping streams winding across the path,
the perfumes of flowers, the caroling Of birds,
made the woods very Eden of loveliness i;
and Picciola could not but recall the differ
eut aspect it had worn when she traversed it
asE "a a9d rejoice in tAs eea!zas! it
Bending their heads to avoid the low-hang-
ing boughs, and advancing in Indian file as
the path became narrower and more intricate,
they gradually neared their destination,
which came in sight little before noon.
"Yonder is the ravine," said Picciola, point
ingit out; land On the other side of that bill
is the cave. I wonder if Dolores is still there"
They quickened their speed, and another
brought them to the turn of the mar
row road which wound around the base of
the hill.
The light shone clear and full into the en-
trance of the cave, partially revealing its in
terror as they rode toward it.
"Why, there is Dolores lying on the
ground p' exclaimed Picciola. "Can she be
asleep2"
Alas, poor Dolores! The sleep she lay in
was one from which she would never waken
again. An exclamation of horror burst 81
multaneously from every lip, as brief inves-
tigation brought to. their minds a comprehen.
sion of the startling truth. Lifeless and mo-
tionless, the slender form was extended in q
pool of blood, yet warm, where the hand of
the murderer had shed it. The pretty, girlish
face was still distorted with the look of agony
it had worn in the last terrible moment of
consciousness. The half:open eyes, staring
blankly upward, the. clenched fingers, the
yawning wounds in the throat and chest, were
a ghastly sight. With cry and sickening
shudder Of horror and pity, Picciola turned
away, covering her face with her hands.
"Oh Senior! Oh Sehor! Who has done
this p
"Who, indeed ?" said the General, as he
bent to examine the PROSTATE form. ut is q
hellish piece of work. Why, this murder has
Just been committed" he added, hastily start
ing up, after a rapid survey; "the poor girl
is not yet cold! Quick, quick to horseback
again The murderer, whoever he is, must
have but just escaped! We are bound to
overtake him"
At this instant loud cry came from the
farther end of the cave The little baby,
frightened at the unusual voices suddenly
breaking upon its solitude, for the first time
made its presence known to them, from the
bed where it lay. Picciola ran quickly to it,
and echoed its cry, as she saw before her, not
the supposed child of the unfortunate Dolores,
thus abandoned to fearful fate, but the
blonde features and fair head of her lost dar-
ling, the treasure she had come in search Of,
her beloved Sehoras own little Paul!
A few words explained the fact to the Gen.
eral, leaving no doubt in his mind of the cor
rectness of the supposition he had previously
entertained, that the childstealer and the au-
thor of the atrocious deed just brought to his
notice were one and the same person.