Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-08-28

my way 10 OOIl M6uuCi .. Auc OlN uAil
cordially welcomed me. and led me in
to the garden, where, in the fragrant
shade Of AN orange tree. sat my friend
Royall and the fair Coralie, side by
side, he holding one OF her hands.
There was no embarrassment visible
in either of them as they rose to greet
me. and could see, beneath her sweet
maidenly reserve, that she loved him
and that, with the passionate, single
souled devotion of the southern blood
which she claimed.
AS we sat, slipping chocolate. l facing
my hosts, had my attention attracted by
slight motion among the leaves q! the
the tig-tree growing against the opposite
garden-wall.
A branch was stealthily pushed aside,
and caught a glimpse of dark and
rather handsome face, with jetty NOUS
tache and bright, restless black eyes,
which on meeting, mine instantly dis
appeared.
1t is Senior Pedro Gorgas, SAID my
host, when described the face.
l observed him glance toward his
daughter, whose rich olive cheek some
what paled. A moments silence, and
the old man added, in a lower and con-
fidential tone:
Il will tell you gentleman. This
Senior GOrgas was a sutton of my daught-
err. l had no objection if she fancied
him, for he was of good blood and rich,
though of temper none the gentlest.
But Coralie would none of him. Twice
he asked her hand, and twice she re-
fused. Then he had the assurance to
swear to her that if she would not mar
ry him she should marry no one else.
This was just previous to the breaking
out of the present war. Then he left
Los Angeles and joined our Mexican
army, and was in the fight at Contreras
private soldier, no more. As YOU
know, many of them, scattered on that
day. are still hiding about the country,
unwilling to return to the army. 1t is
my belief that Senior Pedro has been all
this time concealed in Los Angeles. He
has houses here, and friends. More
than once l have seen him lurking
about, in disguise evidently. This |
would not mention to you senors, but
for that which has lately troubled me.
We receive, you see, mysterious notes,
thrown over the garden-wall and thrust
under our doorway, solemnly warning
us that should my daughter marry Ell Of
fciO Americana we shall both be MUIR
dered. The senCrs know the feeling
that is abroad in regard to themselves,
and to those oftne country who are sus-
pected of being their friends?'
1t was true;we were quite aware of the
popular sentiment on this subject. and
we listened to the old mans account
with concern. He was one Of that class,
few in number, and consisting chiefly
of pure Spaniards like himself, who
were in favor of the annexation Of the
country to the United States, in order
to secure government Of more stability
and order.
This class was termed Ayonkeeados"
by the populace, who cordially hated
them. They were also "spotted" in
higher quarters. 1t was known that the
government had secret spies and agents
throughout the country, whose business
it was to note down all those who might
be suspected of being friends of the
Americans, or who even showed them
kindness upon occasion. The lightest
penalty that should befall these "trait-
ors" would probably be confiscatlon of
property.
That night, after returning to our
quarters, Royal and myself seriously
talked over these matters. The con-
clusion that we finally arrived at was
that one plan only could be at present
advisable. 1t was now very apparent
that the war could not last much longer.
The moment that the country should
be vacated by the American troops, our
friend would be at the mercy of the
revengeful and vindictive inhabitants.
The point was, therefore, to get them
into safety while we still had the power
to do so. Royal had already urged
Don Manuel to remove with Coralie
and himself to the states, and the old
man had expressed his willingness to
reside in New Orleans, Royals home,
if he could first dispose Of his property,
which was considerable.
This must no W be effected, and then
we would remove himself and his
daughter with us when ordered to va
cate Los Angles. No other plan than
this seemed at all feasible, consistent
with their safety.
Next day, we urged our views upon
Don Manuel, who, to our satisfaction,
proceeded to at once act upon them.
In less than a weeks time he had
made arrangements with wealthy
neighbor, secretly transferring to HIM
his poperty in Los Angeles and other
! places. and on such terms as would en-
able him to command the money upon
his arrival in New Orleans.
This business was not concluded
daY too soon Earlier than bod haan