Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-02-10

truth, ana flcclOla passlOndte auectiou 1oA
her could not but awaken in her heart warm
return.
Very dreary, very forlorn did she feel, when
she found herself alone in the barren little
room, and heard the last echo of Picciola's
footsteps die away on the rocky path below.
She cherished but little hope of the success
of her mission, and yet the girls bright con-
6dence had, in a slight degree, re-animated
her heart. At all events, to know that some
effort was being made was better than total
inactivity on the part of them both. She
could not help, however, feeling much anx-
iety regarding the dangers attending Piccio-
las mission. Above all, she dreaded the pos
sibility of her falling into the power of Alas
quez, whose cruelty and malice, she felt sure,
would stop short of no revenge.
Pieciola, in the mean time, proceeded rap
idly toward the valley, and in an hours time
had crossed the belt of mountains which en-
circled it, and came once more in sight of the
peaceful-looking, white-walled dwelling nest~
ling in its green depths. To her surprise, as
she approached it, she perceived horseman
advancing towards it from the opposite d.
rection For moment her heart beat rapidly,
as the esupposition that twas Alasquez crossed
her mind but a second earnest gaze con-
vinced her that it was stranger, and she
now discovered that be wore an officers uni
form. Quickening her pace, she arrived at
the enclosure almost as soon as the horseman,
who had alighted and secured his steed, and
was in the act of knocking at the front door
as she came up to him.
He was white.haired gentleman, with a
noble and earnest countenance, very erect
and military in his bearing, and with com.
manding air and expression that indicated
him to be one high in authority and rank.
Turning toward Picciola, he lifted his hat,
and addressed her in courteous tone.
"Can you tell me, my child, whether the
family of Mr.. Raymond still resides here?
I was directed to come here, but it appears to
me that there can be no one at home"
"There is no one here, now, Sehor," rejoined
Picciola; and not knowing who her interlocu-
tor might be, or how far she might venture to
explain the cause of her mistress absence, she
waited for him to question her farther before
saying anything more.
"Can you tell me whether Mr.. Raymond is
soon expected backs lam especially anxious
to see him, on matter of great importance"
continued the officer.
Piccola's large eyes opened in astonshment
"The Senior has not been heard of for many
months" she replied "and We have all given
him up as lost!" Then, with sudden hope
flashing into her mind, she added, "Do you
know anything of him? Oh! if you could
only tell US something, my dear mistress
would be so grateful" !"
II do not understand yon," said the strang-
er, with preplexed look. ~ was not aware
that anything had happened to Mr.. Ray
mond-will you explain to me what you
mean ?"
"Come in, Sefor, and sit down." said Pic
ciola, pushing open the door, for she instinct
lively felt that her questioner was person in
whom she might place confidence. His kind
manner and benevolent countenance seemed
to do away at once with all fear or mistrust.
The little parlor looked almost exactly as
it had done when they left it a few days be-
FORE Evidently, nothing had been disturbed,
and there were no signs that any visitor had
intruded upon its privacy. Even Esther's low
chair, drawn up to the side table, and piece
of unfinished work which had been tossed
aside, remained untouched. The withered
flowers on the mautel-piece, however, and the
broken logs and gray ashes in the fireplace,
gave everything desolate and forsaken look,
and told of the absence of the careful hand
that had been wont to preside over these ar
rangements, and keep everything in neatness
and order.
ave left here suddenly" said Picciola, as
if in selfexculpation, as she glanced around,
"and that is why the place looks so melan-
cholly. My mistress had been i'll, too, and l
could attend to nothing"
"You live here, usually, then ?" asked the
visitor.
"Yes, Senior. I am the Selora's maid ;
but she is like my mother, she is so generous,
so kind. All, if could but help her out of
her troubled"
"She is in great trouble, then?"
"Oh, Senior her heart is nearly broke.
First, my master went away, and never came
home again and now her little child is stolen
from her-a little angel but a few months old.
I have left her only this morning, to try and
find him, if can"
"You interest me deeply" said the officer.
"pray give me more distinct account of
what has happened. I assure you that you
need not be afraid to trust me- If can help
your mistress in any way, shall gladly do
so."
Encouraged by this assurance, Picciola,
without farther hesitation, related her story.
The officer listened attentively, and when she
had finished, Immediately asked
"Do you know the name of the person
whom Mr.. Raymond went to visit, in compa'
ny with this Alasquez ?"
at was General K" answered the young
girl.
The officer sprang up in an excited manner.
"The whole of that Spaniard's tale was fab
rication from beginning to end" he exclaim-
ed. "My child, am General K, and I
give you my word that am acquainted with