Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-10-26

Less than two hours had transpired
when the count aud Mralda stood before
Facon. Neither knew the mature of the
business which had summoned them there.
Almonte half suspected the truth, and the
poor girl argued to herself that her fate
could not but be improved by the inter.
ference, let its nature be what it might.
Count Almonte. you doubtless know
why have ordered .youito appear here"
Excelencia, 1 fear that have been
indiscreet." was the reply.
You adopted the uniform of the guards
for your own private purposes upon this
young girl. did you notP"
Excelencia, l caRnot deny it,"
"Declare. upon your honor, Count
Almonte, whether she.is unharmed whom
you have thus kept prisoner"
Excelencia, she is as pure as when she
entered beneath my roof" was the truthful
reply.
The governor turned and whispered
something to his page. then continued his
questions to the count while he made
some minutes upon paper.
Pedro was soon summoned to explain
some matter, and, as he entered, the
governor general turned his back for one
moment, as if to seek some papers upon
his table. while Miralda was pressed ia
the boatman's arms. 1t was but for mo-
ment, and the next, Pedro was bowling
humbly before Tacon.
A few moments more, and the govern
or's page returned, accompanied by a
monk of Santa Clara with the emblems of
his office.
Holy father" said Tacon, you will
bind the hands of this Count Almonte and
Miralda Estalez together in the bonds OF
wedlock!"
Excelencia!' exclaimed the count in
amazemant.
Mot word. Senior. 1t is your part
to obey"
My nobility, Exceenciap"
Avalls y u ntugnt,' said Tacon.
Count Am Jnte b vi to many evidences
before his mlnI's eye of facon's mode of
administering JUS ice and of enforcing his
own will to dare to rebel, aud he doggedly
yielded in silence
Poor Pedro, not daring to speak, was
llf crazad to see The p.zt he had SO long
coveted tnus about to be torn from him.
In few moments the ceremony was per.
formed, the trembling and bewildered girl
not daring to thwart the governors orders
and the priest declared them husband and
wife.
The captain of the guard was summon
ed and dispatched with some written
order, and in few subsequent moments,
Count Almonte, completely subdued and
broken-spirited, was ordered to return tc
his plantation.
Pedro and Miralda we're directed to re.
main in an adjoining apartment to thai
which had been the scene of this singular
procedure.
Count Almonte mounted bis horse, and
with single attendant. soon passed out Of
the city gates; but hardly had he passed
the corner of the Paseo when dozer
muskeeers fired volley upon him, anG
he fell a corpse upon the road! His body
was quietly removed, and the captain o
the guard, who had witnessed the act
made a minute upon his order as to thu
time and place, and mounting his horse
rode to the governors palace, entering thu
presence chamber just as Pedro and Miral
da were once more summoned before TIN
governor. AS they stood before him
trembling and anxious, he turned to tn
officer and said sharply, Captain, wha
report do you bring9"
THAT the Count Almonte, Excelencia
died suddenly fifteen minutes ago"
Then, lady" said Tacon to the aston
ished young girl, " it is my duty to inform
you, that, as the widow of the late Coun
Almonte, you are entitled to,his vast prop
erty. Let me congratulate you," he adde
with grim smile, "upon coming int
possession. And now," he continued in
pleasanter vein, "what do you say
countessP Will your ladyship condescen
to bestow her noble htndin marriage upo
an humble boatman?'
"If you mean, Excelencia,' stamm ere
Miralda, if yoa mean 10 ask if wi
marry dear Pedro, | answer that indeed
indeed, WILL" and she threw herself int
her lovers arms.
The governor tapped his bell and by b
orders the holy priest again appeared an
in a few moments the faithful twain wer
made one flesh in the sight of God.
This was the terrible justice OF th
, Conde de Tacon.