The Russellville Democrat., 1881-09-01
THE BRIGAND'S WIFE.

DO you kilON blldl Dtdulliul otliViibst' asked my friend and travelling compan- ion, Harry Goodson, a dashing lively young fellow from Missouri
 "T do not" I answered "Did l not tell you was almost stranger in the City of Mexico?"
 "S0 you did but I keep forgetting that although you are of Mexican birth, you are an American by education. But by jove, that's the prettiest girl ever saw"
 You must be smitten, Harry?" l said.
 "But look at her, what 1.-the graceful form, what an airy step, what long dark ringlets. and, ye gods, you should have seen those large lustrious eyes. They'd bewitch any one"
 The person of whom we spoke was a beautiful senorita, who was just crossing the plaza. Her Mexican costume seemed to become her, as in fact any costume would.
 In fact she was extraordinarily beau tiful, and I could not wonder at the rapture of my enthusiastic American friend.
 "I am determined to form the acquaint- ance of that girl"
 Don't do it Harry" said l. "Do not attempt it."
 "Why not?' he asked.
 "Mexican girls are treacherous. There are some that are true, but a strange girl of no nation should not be trusted, least of all Mexican girl"
 "To be trusted, hang it man. do you suppose l am going to put my life in her hands?"
 "No, but SO many men have become infatuated with Mexican beauties, only to be dragged by their wiles to destruc- tion."
 Do you think yon dainty little beauty could do me bodily iniury?"
 "She might, a jealous Mexican girl is dangerous, and I'll assure you their feel ings are not to be tempered with"
 "Oh, pll run my chances on that. !" said my reckless American friend and the subject was dropped.
 We had been four weeks in Mexico exploring the ruins, and moss grown halls of the Montezumas, and were beginning to think of taking our depar- ture from the city, when my friend dis covered the beauty that l have just de- scribed.
 Some four or five days had elapsed when Harry entered our apartment, his face lit up with joy, and his whole bear ing jubilant.
 q have found her, know her" he cried.
 ',Know who?"
 ''Why she, that blessed little senorita, the most beautiful and best being on earth"
 Do you mean that you have formed her acquaintance?" 1 asked.
 q have" he answered, his eyes beam- ing with rapture.
 'You have certainly been very reck- less. How did you do it?"
 "Well, you see I was crossing the Grande del Plaza when who should l ] meet but the senorita face to face. She gave me one delightful bewitching look, which I returned with interest, and was passing on, when a large furious dog frightened her; 1 came gallantly to the rescue and drove off the cowardly beast which of course shrank from man. She tainted and caught her in my arms, 8 crowd gathered around us and she was quickly restored. She thanked me in broken English, and never heard a sweeter voice. insisted on accompany ing her home, and she consented. Her home is elegant for Mexican's, and she displays taste such as indicate her lady of refinement"
 Did you learn her name?"
 'Yes, she is Senorita Izadora Gomez. Is 1t not the most beautifully musical name you ever heard2"
 ''Who is her father2"
 "Col. Leon Gomez, a perfect gentleman. He speaks English quite fluently and seems nan of wealth and refinement. He invited me to return again, and was profuse in thanks for my kindness to his daughter, that l could not doubt the warmth of his feelings"
 "He of course knew you was an Ameri- can?"
 "To be sure he did, and asked me many questions about the country and myself l tell you the Colonel is fine gentleman"
 For the next few days Harry was as near crazy as man head over heels in love usually gets. He spent the most of his tune in company with Senorita Iza- dora, went with her to the Mexican bull fights, and theatres, and applauded what he otherwise would have termed bar barous.
 It seemed almost impossible to get him to talk business, and the time for our stay in the city had long expired before could get the silly youth to think of going.
 This ispositively our last day in the city, Harry" said one afternoon, as we strolled, cigarettes in hand, along the Plaza, which had of late become his favorite resort. Tomorrow you must tear yourself from your idol, and go on"
 "I know it Don," he answered "and swear it is the hardest thing l ever at tempted to do. But by the way l am to visit lzadora to night, to bid her adieu, and promised her to bring my friend, will you go?"
 l saw no earthly reason for refusing, and consented.
 I could hardly wonder at the enchant- ment of my friend, for Senoriia Izadorl was one of the most beautiful beings that ever graced the earth. Perfect in form and feature, with eyes so large, so dark and lustrious, that one never seemed to tire of gazing on them.
 "Oh, Senor, l shall be so sad when you are gone" she said in a tone so plaintive that it would effect man far less gone than Harry. Will I never see you again?"
 "You shall, Izadora, pride of my life, you shall" answered the enthusiastic Harry. Come what will, be borne where I may, l will search you out, if you be in the land of the living"
 But it will be long, senOr oh so very long" sobbed the beautiful girl as she