Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-12-20
AFTER MORENGO.

AFTER MORENGO.
Early one morning, in the month Of
June, l started from camp, mounted OF
one of the toughest California mustangs
that ever climbed mountain trail. 1 was
the leader of a party engaged by the stage
agent to ferret out and bring within the
grasp of justice, if possible, notorious
gang 1T road robbers. We all entered into
the spirit of the enterprise with will
for we had been longing for some kind Of
adventure, as fully month had passed
since the "dry season" had set in, and, on
account of the scarcity of water, we were
obliged to abandon our claims until the
winter rains. So it was with JOY we en-
braced the opportunity that now presented
itself for consuming at least portion OF
the long, tedious interval. We had been
engaged in this most agreeable work for
some weeks without many favorable re-
suits; and, on the morning referred to, I
decided to try my luck unaccompanied by
the other members Of the party. So 1
started out day in advance; and in the
afternoon, at the time mentioned, was
winding my way along a narrow trail
having left the stage road far behind-and
from the fresh imprints in the trail I was
convinced it had been traversed but
short time before. 1 had never, at any
previous time, penetrated SO far into the
forest of chaparral and incipient oaks; it
was the densest had ever seen, and the
trail that led into it was the most tor
tuous and serpentine had ever travelled,
But, as [ had never before struck trail
that did not lead to some place. COD
cluded that this one led somewhere also
This conclusion was soon verified, when a
sudden turn brought me into a natural
clearing Of some five or six hundred yards
IN circumference, in the center Of which
stood a house and barn. Now, thought
l, my efforts have been rewarded with
success; here is the rendezvous of the no
torious Morengo gang. AT that moment
my mustang, whose best feelings were evil
GENTLY aroused by the sight of the barn,
gave vent to a spirited and prolonged
whinny. had not sufficient time to turn
and get under cover of the chaparral be-
fore dog most savage and ferocious
looking brute-made his appearance, and
taking in the situation. was making a very
straight line in my direction, when to my
great relief, and not less to my surprise
the door of the house opened and lady
appeared, whose quick order:
'Tiger! Tiger! come back here, sir;
accompanied with emphatic stamp of her
foot, brought the enraged animal COVER
lug back.
won't you come in, sir?" she said, ad
dressing me; ''you must be very much IA
tigued." And, in almost the same breath
cried: ''Ah, Toy! All, Toy! come and put
the gentleman's horse away"
Immediately dismounted and handed
my horse over to the guileless and inoffen
ve-looking Monaghan, who responded tt
the lady's call.
'Walk right in, SIR she said. en-
tered and thanked her for her kindness.
You will please excuse me for mo-
ment, slr," she said, gazing down at her
soiled apron: II hardly expected any
one here to-day" she continued, display
ing just the least confusion while con-
templating what she doubtless thought
her unpresentable appearance.
'';She withdrew into an adjoining room
aud I took advantage of her absence by
surveying the one in when was sitting
1t was furnished in manner uncommon
! to this section of the country. Every
| where there were evidences Of the delicate
taste possessed by its fair mistress. The
floor WAS carpeted; the walls were covered
with white muslin; on small table in the
center of the room vas a pile of looks; anl
in one corner was an open secretary.
How remarkable thought, to find sucf
house and 80 lovely a cresture--for sucf
she was-presiding oye9 ip this lsolatei
spot. But my thoughts were soon disturb
ed ny the temperance of the principa
object of my wonder.
| pardon me. please, for leaving you sc
long alone" she said, as she settled into
chair and smoothed down the waves OF the
rich dress which she had lonned in hel
absence, and added: "You must hagf
travelled long distance to-day"
Yes said !, Il have come all the way
from C-ville.''
why. You must be exhausted" sait
she, and at the same time rising and goine
to door, 'Ah Toy, Al Toy % she CRIED
get some dinner for Il gentleman
! All my protestations we're Of no avail.
While awaiting the prep; ration OF din
ner we congersed freely, and discovered
that she possessed, besides her persona
charms, rare attractions of mind, for she
was well read and intelligent. learned
from her that her father was miner
whose claim lay in the immediate vicinity
and that he would be home in the even
ing.
Dinner was soon in readiness, anc par
took heartily, while my fair hostess Aresid
ed over the table; and under the lnhuenc
OF the wine that she set before me, grey
more and more communicative.