The National tribune., 1882-02-04

men rode into the camp from the springs and
from lonely ranches, all ready to fight, if need
were, and all heartily rejoiced to find that the
killed and wounded of the desperadoes COM
prised some of the most notorious and dreaded
rufians of all who infested the frontier. Those
among the latter who could speak were espe-
cially anxious to learn who were the men that
attacked them in the rear; they knew from the
Mexican who was shot by old man Sammy" as
he was always described, that the camp was to
be left with only nine defenders including him.
self, and he had slaughtered poor Bodon, and
had promised to do as much for at least one OF
his comrades; which diabolical pledge he had
redeemed directly Jose had left him. to join in
the fight.
Great was the astonishment of these men to
learn that their designs had been forestalled, and
successfully discounted that the water expedi-
ton had been but feint pulling up and teth-
ering the horses under cover of darkness, while
the whole of the party crept silently back, and
concealed themselves in an arroyo near the camp.
Mr.. Sanny's judgment and advice had not been
at fault-we shall speak of him respectfully,
although his associates did not-and the deter
mined repulse of the night attack had broken up
the most threatening combination of outlaws in
New Mexico.
The poor fellows who had first been sent for
springs, having been waylaid on their return
journey; so taking all the incidents together, the
zeal of the party in treasure hunting was con-
siderably abated Some of those who came to
their assistance seemed disposed to carry on the
search but a day or two satisfied them. Thus
by the time the wounded could be removed
there was a general feeling Of disgust at the
project.
Gerald with Others was carried to Santa Fe
where he lay for a long time before he recovered
strength; and Annie Tate, assisted of course by
Mrs. SAMMY, was his nurse throughout. During
his eonvalescence, he held many conversations
with her relative to the death of Sy Tate and as
a natural consequence, they spoke of her plans
for the future On these, Annie was very reluc-
tant to dwell a1luding vaguely to some scheme
she had in view and it was not until Gerald had
also consulted Mrs. SAMMY and Jose that he
found Annie intended to offer herself as govern
ess and general help" On some remote ranch
where there were children to be taken care of.
Old Sy Tate was popularly supposed to be rich,
and no doubt this belief was correct; but Annie
knew nothing Of the disposal of his riches. He
owned the house at Blue Creek and some of the
best land around; but beyond this she knew
nothing.
These conversations awakened some very
tural reflections in Gerald's mind. He was fair
ly wealthy had seen enough, perhaps little
too much now of adventure. Annie had grown
=, ~ l. Eo 4,r,io
perhaps thrice-to her; in Short he found
it impossible to reconcile the idea Of parting
with her He thought he should be far happier
with wife, than without one. The reader is no
doubt of the same opinion. Like true Yankee,
he had no absurd qualms about marrying out of
his set, or for studying others in a matter which
only concerned himself He knew that Annies
brilliant beauty would shine in Boston assem-
bly, brighter than in New Mexico; that she was
so quick and intelligent, that no one would de-
tect trace of her Amazonian, frontier character;
and in short, when he grew well, he asked Annie
to become his wife To his surprise, she shed
tears that were almost hysterical, and tried to
say "No;" but she could not, and as the only
possible alternative said Yes"
The only business arrangement which they
transacted before leaving the Territory, was the
assigning to Mr.. SAMMY the house, ranch, furni-
ture, stock, and, above all, the weapons formerly
the property of Sy Tate; all of which, especially
the last, had been the envy of old man SAMMY"
for many day.
Gerald and Annie still live in the New Eng
land States and their children are always ac-
companied by swarthy Mexican, who spoils
them far more than do even their father and
mother; he limps slightly, and is called Jose.
THE END.
~ STRATAGEM FOILED.