Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-11-14

out for this bravo. That cursed blade
came closet
From that time on the American fount
it necessary to guard himself constantly,
for the jealousy and hatred OF the half
breed, now thoroughly aroused, was ter
rible; and his attempts upon the life OF the
other were so frequent that Page became
at last convinced that the world was moi
wide enough for his enemy and himself.
and he determined to 60 armed at all mo-
ments, and TO preserve his own safety,
even at the expense of the life Of Combra,
4 bond TO keep the peace would have
been as waste paper to the infuriate
ranchero, and Page knew 1t. His only
safety lay in eternal vigilance.
The days were drawing toward fall, and
the coming OF her wedding festival now
filed the heart of Zareta; but in the midst
oft all, she saw and felt some tithe OF the
danger that threatened her lover, and II
made her warm blood run cold.
Once she spoke to the young American
of II, but he scofied, and much as she low
cd him the girl could not endure that so
she determined to say nothing, but to
watch.
Even though, Charlie denied the danger,
she felt assured oft. The fierce rush OF
passion in her own heart taught it better
than Il could her lover what Combra must
feel.
"IIe1l kill my darling if he CAM Zareta
whispered to herself. "l must guard
him"
Unknown TO Page the girl planned and
contrived to protect him. At times trust
ed servants OF her own followed him TO
and fro and frightened away any roadside
lurkers; at other times, by various ex-
cuses, the maid met her lover IN unex-
pec;ed paths, and prevented his appear
ance near her own home; and yet again by
outside business she managed TO draw
the bloodihirsty Combra away from the
Mexos Valley for days at time.
Still the danger continued, and both the
American and his sweetheart knew It.
The disappearance of the half-breod but
put off the day OF final reckoning, and
Page never rode without his pistols.
Notwithstanding all these fears and
troubles, the lovers were much together
and the wedding day drew on apace. And
even as It approached the dread Ct the
murderous Combra increased.
Overcome by love and fear, Lareta had
begged her promised husband not to ride
after dark, and he had given his word.
For this reason his visits TO the ranch OF
old Hernandez were now made in the af-
ternoon, and as the sun touched the crowns
OF the far-away mountains he each day
babe his Spanish sweetheart goodbye,
and rode three miles across country TO his
own home, where he remained out OF sight
until morning
Manlike the young American chafed at
being thus separated from the queen OF
his heart, and locked within adobe walls
from sunset TO sunrise; but with cliuging
caresses and fearful eyes poor Zareta beg
ged it should be so.
"Only until our marriage, my beloved!
When we are one, irrevocably, then this
wolf will leave us. Then once more you
will be free"
Perhaps, replied Page. bot sup
pose the persecution continues"
Then" said the girl. with the dark
blood faming in her cheek-"theu when
am your wife, you may kill him.
Its agreed" said Charlie. l will say
no more of this Combra until after our
wedding, but If he then continues TO trou-
ble you and threaten me, let him have
care"
1t was at last Sunday, and the ceremony
was to be on Tuesday. Twice during the
last week, even in the daytime, Page had
been followed by Indians through the
timber, redskins hired by his implacable
enemy, and on this very morning, an old
| friend OF the Americans sent him word at
his ranch not to venture forth that day at
all, or If he did 10 remain at the home OF
his lady-love until the wedding ceremony.
The brow of the young man grew dark
as this message was communicated TO
him.
Glide from that dog? Never: By heaven,
III ride as | will and where l will, aud let
any man beware how he seeks to detain
me. / am my own master."
The VOW was perhaps rash one, but
Page buckled pair OF heavy pistols at his
belt, threw bis repeating rifle across his
saddle-bow, and put spurs to his horse
with all the determination Of soldier.
He was thoroughly aroused, and had his
rival appeared, duel to death would most
certainly ensued.
But the journey to Hernandez's ranch
was without incident, and all day with
his love seemed to cool the anger of the
man, so that when an hour before sun
down, he bade Zareta goodbye, and turn
his horse homeward, he had almost for
gotten the danger Of which he had that
morning been warned.
The road or trail ran westward, and af
ter traversing the highland for couple ol
miles. descended to the bottom Of the
Mexos.
The young lover had ridden as far as
this point, dreaming, and it was not until
the hoarse below Of cattle all around him
attracted his attention so that he aroused
himself from his reverie. Then, however,
he looked sharply about and struck spurs