The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-02-19

was temptation neither she nor INV
woman can resist Mt tites.
"Of course l was furious and he
elated, but the denoument was not far
distant, and the undi*uised dislike ex-
listing between us Oily increased. al
though we struggled b keep within the
bounds Of decorum.
"for n number of visits had noticed
an increasing coolnds on the part of
Mercedita's relatives. who received me
with restraint almos painful. Merce-
dlta, too, appeared EMBARRASSED. and her
eyes often betrayed igns of weeping.
Captain Alvarez twis6d his black nous
tache in evident satisfaction Mt the exist
ing state of affairs. HIS head and Senior
Jose Gomez were Continually together.
and that something was in the wind
which BODIED me no good l was fully
convinced.
made up my nhd to make n fare
we'll visit. l would SIX for no explana-
tom was too proud for that-and
with formal stiffness nd cold politeness
l. withdrew from tn charming villa
where had spent so many happy hours.
"Mercedita had MT seen at all: she
had pleaded a sick hadache as an OK
cuse for her n-appesrance.
my heart, Jack, was bursting with
mingled emotions of rage and despair
as l strobe hastily down the broad
avenue lined with h,4e trees the foliage
OF which effectually excluded the faint
est ray of light.
Suddenly, without word being
said, 1.-THE, graceful figure bounded
from the obscurity, pair of soft arms
were thrown round NY neck. q low sob
broke upon my ear, While little heart
throbbed tumultuously against mine.
"Oh, Henrico,' ste murmured be-
tween her sobs, do tot leave me. or
shall die. Take me away with YOU.
Save me from the Spniard, or Merce-
dlta will take her own life. am yours.
Henrico. My heart does not deceive
me. You love the poor, prosecuted
Creole girl
but forgot, Jack. You told mo to
skip the sentimental portion"
ION, hang it, Harry, go on. Do not
tantalizc fellow. You know"
"That do not intend to reveal nil NV
tender secrets, even to my Oldest friend.
Well, Jack, l soon recovered from nv |
surprise. 1t had been so sudden, SO
entirely unexpected; that l must con
TESS that for moment l was dazed.
"Ihe long and short of her story was
that by some means of bribery or power
which he yielded, Captain Alvarez had
i'll winning her relatives over
to his cause. That they were open in
their advocacy of his merits and claims.
and beside the Spaniard had guaranteed
the day he espoused the senorita to place
III his brides hand pardon for her
brother, upon whose head price had
been set. A military position was also
held out as n glittering bait, while l
was denounced in round terms as an
obscure Youi"o ---:i'
"The latter portion, Jack, was not far
from the truth, but even the truth is not
always palatable you know, and my
blood boiled as | listened. The fair
girl was being bullied, pestered and
driven to death; no peace was accorded
her. until in sheer desperation she re-
sorted to the course already described.
"Sho confessed that she loved me,
always had-but l am going off ut Il
tangent again.
"There was but little time for con-
sultation, and no opportunity to perfect
plans. / heard the voice of Senior
Gomez and the subtle captain in the
distance as they strolled leisursly down
the avenue.
81 asked when the proposed ceremony
was to come off. She replied, in week
from that night, and at II venture told
her to meet me ut the same spot at nine
o'clock in tho evening of the eventful
night. The ceremony WIS to be cele-
brated one hour before midnight, and
with last passionate kiss l babe her
adieu.
"During the week had time to con
slider and perfect my plans. AS lnck
would have it the flagship had sailed
unexpectedly during the time, leaving
me orders to gather the mail and pro-
coed to Key West.
"Sccuring two horses ON the night III
question, and arn.in5 myself Win !"
brace of revolvers, | started for the
villa for the last time. having directed
nv executive officer TO have the Fire
riv hove to short scope, with foresail
and mainsail set, and the jib lalliards
manned.
"The sunset gun had thundcrel forth
its cchoing report ere ] left the Fire
/ Fly. and | could not repress smile OF
satisfaction rs | run my eye over the
small but effective battery, the white
well kept deck. the picked crew. and
the tall tapering spars Of the naval yacht.
Once on board OF her, with Merccdlta
by my side, with fresh breeze and the
broad ocean before. | felt that L could
bid defiance to all pursuit.
at was dark when passed through