The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-01-31

So, y a. ~ A1A AN~S,
like the rest OF the ladies. she was
masked-was observed 10 paw pc
clal attention TO the old soldier.
The General could not but observe
with amorous eyes the exquisite
little feet and beautifully formed
limbs, which a somewhat short
SKIRT served 10 display, nor did he
fall 10 observe the d~elicately round
Ell outlines Of this young girls fig-
ure, her dainty waist and Beautiful
throat and neck. Indeed, he was
quite taken bv storm. and was pre-
pared to strike his flag at the first
summons 70 surrender.
On hr part the orange girl
danced wsth General Arieta. hung
upon bis arm, chatted volubly with
him. and, in short, quite appropri-
ated and charmed the old soldier.
No Spaniard was ever known to get
too much of the waltz, SO General
Arleta kept on in dizzy delight,
with his arm encircling his little
orange girls waist.
Alas sighed the General, as
the two sought the retirement of a
conservatory leading out of the
dancing hall, 81 am absolutely mis-
cradle"
"And why, pray:?"
"Because | shall be obliged to
leave you soon."
leave me?:"
Yes, l have to take my carriage
by midnight"
"Why SO early?'
"To attend cabinet meeting"
''Where?'
at the palace of A%ranquez."
"That is some distance"
"True."
"And you are not afraid of brig
ands upon the road?" asked the or
ange girl.
"Oh, no, my little queen, have
nc fear
Il suppose YOU are s. well arm
ed"
"On the contrary, | take no wea-
pons with me-"
"Ah! YOU are SO brave, YOU sol
diers."
"You will meet me at another
time:"
Perhaps" was her arch reply.
"But promise me-"
"Where::"
And then the two drew near to-
gether upon the seat, and there was
some low and confidential CONVEX
sation, no doubt to the entire salts
faction of both parties.
The marked filtration Of the gen
eral with the young orange girl was
not unobserved by the assembled
fashion and rank Of the city, and
when the two separated a few mo-
ments later, the old soldier was
compelled to run the gauntlet Of
many a sarcastic remark.
His carriage came at last, and,
entering it, he started at once to
fulfill his appointment.
1t vas a clear, bright night; the
moon was full and serene in its eff
feet. The General looked out as
he left the city gates and started
upon the road, then settled himself
into an easy position, hoping to
catch a nap by the way. He was
soon dreaming of the bewitching
eyes that had been beaming upon
him through the mask of the or
ange girl.
Suddenly his ears were saluted
by a loud peremptory direction:
"Halt!."
At which the vehicle as suddenly
came to a stand-still. lie was hard
ly sufficiently awake to ask himself
what all this signified, or how any
one dared to interfere with a per-
son of his rank upon the road, when
the door of the vehicle was thrown
open, and a couple of brigands,
armed to the teeth, jumped into
the carriage in the most uncere
monious manner. The general was
too much amazed to make or at
tempt any resistance.
"What means this INSULT" de-
manded General Arieta.
Don't use harsh words, Gener-
al" said one Of the brigands, while
the other. putting his head out Of
the vehicle told the driver to drive
on.
"Now, general" said he who was
evidently captain of his fellows,
"You are my prisoner
$50 it seems: but what is your
object:'
"Answer my questions faithfully
and truly, and | shall not put you
to any great inconvenience
"But suppose | decllne::"
"My advice TO Won is not to try