West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1878-11-23

"'it uPuoisteteu chars ana sofa, Oh a
small table in the center of the room,
was pile of books; and in one corner
was an open secretary.
I How remarkable, thought |. In find
such a house and 80 lovely creature
/ presiding over 1t in this isolated spot.
! But my thoughts We're soon disturbed bv
the temperance of the principal object
/ of my wonder.
/ Pardon me, please. for leaving YOU
/ so long alOne,' she said, a. she settled
into chair and smoothcd down The
waves of the rich dress which she had
. donned in her absence. and added
/ You must have travelled long dis.
tancC to-day
Yes said ], have come all the
way from C-ville."
" Why, you must be quite exhausted ("
said she, and at the same time rising
and g'ing to a door; "Ah Toy. Az
/ Toy! she cried get some dinner for
( the gentleman"
All my prOtestatiOnS were of no avail.
Nhlc awaiting the preparation Of
dinner we conversed freely, and dis
covered that she possessed, besides her
I personal charms, rare attractions of the
mind, for she was well read aud intelli
gent. | learned from her that her father
was miner, whose claim Law n the i'm.
medists vincinity, and that he would be
home in the evening.
Dinner was soon in readiness, and |
partook heartily, while my fair hostess
presided over the table; and, under the
influence of Tie wine that she set before
me, grew more and more communica.
tive.
What could have brought you into
such an out-of-the-way place as this2"
she asked after the table had been
cleared. had evaded similar questions
to this, but none so directly put. Yet.
thought !, why should not tell her the
object of my trip? What harm could her
knowing it do? And it might be the
means of my gaining valuable informa.
ton; and the subtle influence which
those dark, sparkling eyes exercised
over me inspired me with confidence
IN their rossessor, and lowering my
voice, began:
Have you ever heard of Morengo's
bandT'
The dark eyes flashed. with excitement
a. she answered.
What, the stage robbers?"
Yes, said / then you have heard
of themT
Yes, indeed, she replied al have
heard great deal of them" then added,
archly: hope you are not one of
their number"
'On the other hand said l, Il am
after them"
IndeedP' she exclaimed, with IN
creasing interest, and then looking
around in frightened manner, asked
But you don't think they live any
where around here, do you ?'
| am convinced" replied, lowering
my voice still more, that they do live
in this neighborhood." Her alarm in
creased.
" Why" she exclaimed, 1" have been
living here for several years with no
other protection during the day than
Tiger"
| assured her that / really thought il
must be an abandoned set of wretches who
would harm alady-and especially her.
She appeared to take no notice Of this
little compliment, and continued:
" On the other hand, ] understand, they
are a very gallabt band Of rascals. and
scarcely ever require ladies TO surrender
their yauables when they attack a
stage" This seemed 10 reassure her
But" went on, you can doubtless
better understand this when | inform
you that IT is a question which il the
leader of the band, Morengo or his
daughter Juanita."
Oh" she exclaimed, now you have
aroused my curiosity. How romantic!
Tell me all about her, please il is such
rare thing that we hear Of romance in
this isolated region"
Her graceful form inclined in her
eagerness TO catch every word uttered.
and her cheek flushed with pleasure and
excitement as told her ali knew and
had heard about the remarkable woman.
whose daring deeds exceeded those of
any Of her fathers followers, and that il
was affirmed that the most successful
raids OF the band were planned by her.
and she always assisted in their execu-
ton
Thus employed in pleasant converse.
ton the moments slipped away into
hours and every moment that passed I
felt myself becoming more hopelessly
entangled in the meshes that the lovely
woman before me was all uucOnsciously
weaving and throwing around me.
a. each successive hour passed made
up my mind to leave before another had
but as often failed i'm my resolution.
The sun was now low and I assayed 10
depart, but was met with the words
Why you surely won't 20 until papa
comes home; ] am sure he would be- glad
to meet you"
You really must excuse me-" said I
II is not in justice to the rest Of the
party
What party| she broke i'm.
Why. " Z replied, remembering that
! had nOttOid her, ] am only one Of
party of some ten or twelve
All, yes, said she, cyeing me closely.
/ 81 see. Andall searching for Morenpo5 55
Yes" replied, but I am a dav in
advance OF them and as said, it would
be really unjust for me 10 remain idle
here while they are pursuing their labor
/ iOus search"
Then they will be here tomorrow ?'
she asked.
Yes" said ], 'their intention was
TO follow tho trail which brought me
7 here"
Well says she. you must stay
until papa comes. shall have to set
table for tea And before T could i'm
terpose a word, she was away. As she
/ left the room I thought how MANY
/ charms she was the possessor Of in
\ tclligent beautiful, romantic. vivacious
I OF WsthctiC tastes / was convinced. and