Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-31
THE ZINGARA MAIDEN.

Harry Arnold and visited Spain some
years ago, and one day rode under the
scOrching SUM- sometimes over highways
white and hot with dust, sometimes
through leafy dells where the fierce sun
lieht vas broken by the shade Of tho
lofty trees. We were on the way from Ma
laga 50 Grenada. During the latter part
of the day NY friend became very i'm.
patient at what he called tho 'dnlIness'
Of our journey, and especially exas-
perated that none of the far-famed
beauties of Andalusia had crosses our
path. At length We reached locality
in which stood 'possado'--a long
wooden building. The roof rising some
what in the middle and sloping grad
ually off to either jde. at the door
lounged group of Misunderstanding
peasants, with greasy, swarthy host
at their head; and escaping by what
seemed to be q back entrance, and pass
ing rapidly down side path, was as
splendid piece Of womanhood as my
eyes had ever lighted upon. She wore
the picturesque costume of the Anda-
lusian peasant.
by Jove" said Harry, what beau
tiful girl
As was an old traveller, | checked
my own curiosity and Hairys en-.
thusiasm, aud requested him in few
sharp words to keep his eyes and ears
vide open to what was passing around
us, and to think of something besides
women it he could.
The 'possada' was dismally rough
and Notwithstanding place. 1t
smelled villainously of mingled
compound of garlic stable and unwash-
cd humanity. We seated ourselves
close to the fire, which was throwing
out any quantity of smoke and gas, but,
as far as could see, was capable OF
warming nothing but itself.
The beautiful vision that had de.
lighted our eyes in the open air passed
in and out several times, laying the
cloth for supper, and engaged in various
occupations. 1t was difficult to Judge
as to tho relation in which she stood t.
the wretches who surrounded her, as
she scarcely spoke or raised her eyes in
reply to any remarks made to her. sh'
looked as though she belonged to som'
gypsy tribe, and had gentle blood in her
veins. She seemed to have some unex
planned purpose in delaying supper ar
rangements, which brought forth oath
from tho man who called himself ou
host. watched the course looking
rrifians as we sat by the fire, and l mad
I'D my mind that we were in o perilou
situation. 1t was not cheerful one
certainly but Harry and had yont
and strength and pluck; and | hugse'
the belief that we we're more than
match for pertidy and cunning.
cautioned Harry against any drin
that might be offered us. l possesse
my soul with patience, and soon fell II
to doze: and when opened my eye
it was to see the Andalusian standin
between them and the table at whic
the rest of the company were seate'
and to hear, "Supper is ready, senior
pronounced aloud in Spanish, an
"SIeep not an instant under this roof
from the same lips in fairly good Ensiis'
but in low, Kissing voice, inaudiab
to all but myself. shall never forge
how like heavenly visitant she iooi
ed. We ate our supper, but firmly r
fused the sour wine which was repea
edly pressed upon us. AS SOON as W
host rose from the table, with NOV
ment of his thumb he indicated ii
ladder which would conduct US to OF
sleeping room above. Closing the doc
perceived it had neither lock nor Dol
The Eoom was large, and not very 10y
with the naked rafters above, and ii
roof shopping down on either side; OF
window directly opposite the door,
front OF which stood two beds, and
very large and heavy piece of turnitu
half bureau, on the right hand side.
As was carefully serutlnizing II
position, Harry said to me:
"There's th fire Of determination
your eye, what's the matter, old ft
low 2
Nothing, but that we are going to
murdered tonight, and that tho
devils down stairs are preparing Il
moment to do it"
'Whetting their knives, eh, Charlie
Well, you'll make pretty good kindl''
wood, old fellow