The Arkansaw traveler., 1882-12-03

my only article of dress that might be called distinctive. This was sheIl-jack- ct, the uniform of the corps of (which was captain. All my other apparel vas Mexican pattern and fabric-6akzOaey<s, eak=oadkios. ehaadyTa, boots and spurs even to the hat on my head, which was a broad-brimmed S0m6yero. l wore 1t because it was the best kind of costume for the chase--for travel-for any sort of life upon the frontier. My horse, too, was caparisoned Mexican fashion. To all of which, with the sun in her eyes. was due the mistake she had made. in SUD- posing me to be Ramon
 As she looked upon the spread-eagle button an expression passed over her face that seemed anything but favorable ts the wearer On the contrary. Il told of hostility. might have ~xnected as much considering the tongue in which she spoke. The scene was in the territory of Texas, where. after annexation 10 the United States, many MeXicans elected to remain. But, though submitting to the new regime. they.preseyed the old ha- tred in their hearts.
 .'lou are alone:" she asked. slancing around the prairie 10 seek the answer for herself.
 .'i am alone. IS you sec.
 And wha, has brough, you ou, here."
 This l said. pointing to the carcass on my oroup. ''i was led hither by the chase
 as you've succeeded in killing your game. advise you to go home with it.
 II would. If could.
 Why can't you:'
 'Because don't know the way. am lost
 Il ost.'
 ''Nes. have s,rayed. But you will be good enough 10 guide me.
 'Why should F. she asked. disdain- fully.
 "Because you are woman-a beauti- fal aoman.
 watched the effect soon saw that my fattering words were wasted.
 "laga." she exclaimed, with naughty toss of the head. ''Kcep your sof, speech es for those who are silly enough to listen to them. was once vain. but not now Ar de mi. Twas that brought me to"
 She suddenly interrupted herseli. a shadow passing over her face. Perhaps some bitter remembrance. It appeared for time 10 soften her: and thinking the moment opportune, urged
 "You would not have me perish on the prairie! You will give me some clue to the direction should take." - She did not make immediate answer. She was apparently pondering on i,. I was uneasy al her look. which had again turned unrelen,ing. feared refusal
 was agreeably surprised. when she said" N stno,: will guide you. Fol- low me. .Nos s,a1,oS
 While speaking she moved oil; and l sc, my horse in motion aftcr her.
 Suddenly she stopped. fixed her eyes upon the ground. and again appeared 10 reflect. heard the word no. |, was spoken in soliloquy.
 She has repen,ed her good intentions. \ reward. and she will renew them.
 With this idea drew out my watch. and passed the guard chain over 10 her Both were of gold. detached a loeket which contained likeness. Handing her the watch and chain. 1 said
 Take this as some reoonpense for the service you are about to render me
 And that" she asked, pointing to the locket and holding out her hand. in greed she would grasp |, too.
 " cannot part with that" l said cn- ,rea,ingly. II, is of little value To any one save myself. You can have my sc rape anything else but this.
 :" Castifd. you mistake me. senor You men cannot understand the keenness of a womans curiosity. but wish to have d look al your lady-lo,c; for no doubt shes the treasure you so lealously guard. Let me judge whether you are a man of taste"
 surrendered the trinket. though not without apprehension for it's fate.
 Touching the spring she laid it open. and looked inside She had truly sur missed. The locket contained the likeness Of her 10 whom had given my heart.
 As her eye fell upon the picture she gave a start. and turning, regarded me with d fixed stare. while an expression I could not read came over her eounte- nance.
 'ls this the likeness of your nos'ia. senor oaptain:" she asked
 nodded an affirmative.
 Do you love her dearly"
 " As my life
 And does she reciprooate your pas sion. She should
 " hope so.'
 Again she gazed upon the portra i, then raised it to her lips. and kissed it Her stern look was replaced by one ,en- der and sad.
 What could i, mean: Surprise held me speeches.. Before l had recovered from it, she came close up, put the locket into my hand. and threw the guard-chain over my neck. with the watch still ap- pended.
 "Take them back" she said No, from you, nothing from you .'
 But you will guide me! may still follow you:"
 # Not foot farther. No-no, a fool. To go with me would be to you certain death. Even now you arc in danger. You must leave me. If seen here your life will not be worth leafof wi,hered grass. A moment more-you have not a