The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-08-11
THE STORY OF A PATRIOT.
CHAPTER /.

CHAPTER l.
1t was during the height of Maximil-
ian's prosperity. At every corner of the
capital you were elbowed by the red and
blue nm forms of the French, and every
now aud then the "ran-tan. plan of
some conn any on march echoed and
re-echoed along the streets and lanes of
the City of Mexico At the Palace gates
squads of zouaves, on guard with brist-
ling bayonets, denoted the presence of
royalty, aud kept off all unwarranted in
truslon.
The unconcerned look of the populace
appeared to have accepted the present
state as matter OF fact, and they either
made way for passing foreigners or re-
specially bowed to the Emperor as he
whirled by in his three mule volante.
A sound of martial music is heard
coming toward the palace. 1t is Mar
shal Bazline and his staff, with a bat
talon OF Zouaves. The populace gath
ers and forms a hedge on each side of
Che approaching phalanx, the French
stepping along briskly at the sound of
the inspiring strains they do not notice
the lowering looks from under the wide
brlms of the sombreros," and the little
Marshal tNiriS his mustache with perfect
contempt at the conquered rabble. He
was in high spirits thirty guerrillas had
been shot that morning outside of the
gates, and tonight he was invited to
select game of twenty-one, at the little
Jewess' ON Scale Grande."
Friend" says my companion,
Mexican, after viewing the scene just
described, "the French are certainly
blind. They undervatue the power of re-
sistance existing III this country. Not
house but what is the abode of conspir-
ators, and every Mexican in the country
Is ala actor In some way or other III the
drama of which we have just viewed a
scene"
replied How can it be? We hear
OF no positive resistance, except in cases
OF brlgandage, which are summarily
punished. A condition OF the country,
as general rs you speak of, would come
undec the notice of the Government and
OF once be suppressed.
(" Vel" SAL nay friend, tomorrow
night invite you to come with me, and
without any explanation you can Judge
for yourself, only you must understand
THAT whatever YOU see or hear must be
kept to yourself. Any deIation would
meet with immediate punishment, and
whatever might be the fate of the per-
sons accused or arrested"
It was dusk when we started to pay
Our visit. After turning several corners
we entered one of the narrow lanes lead
ang, as a general thing, to q main street.
The house was like all Mexican houses,
with wide coach gate leading to an i'll.
mer paved court. After pounding a few
seconds the gate was cautiously opened,
and, a password having been exchanged,
we were ushered in. My friend led the
way up flight OF steps into dimly-
lighted room, i'll which a great many
people were congregated, men and
women. My guide introduced me to
Gen. Gonzales, who appeared to pre-
side, and having been led around to each
one L was soon at home with both sexes.
Friends" said Gen. Gonzales, 81
have received a courier from Oxaaca and
one from Guadalajara the organization
Of the forces of the republic is progress
ing, and, although the lives OF patriots
are being daily sacrificed, we will soon
see the dawn OF our independence.
The young men who had acted as
couriers were then introduced, both
wearing the costume of cattle-herders,
and both being fine specimens of guer-
rillas one especially took my fancy,
Henrique Martinez from Guadalajara.
He was about five feet seven or eight,
with an elegant, sinewy frame his we'll
bronzed countenance frightening the
black luster of his eyes and hair as he
gracefully bowed to the company the
dignity Ct his manners denoted the most
accomplished gentleman. He at once
Joined young lady who with smiles and
extended hands forced him to sit by her
side. Hers was face worth studying.
She was dark, like all Mexicans, but her
features were of a cast lit to have stood
for n model to Tit ms Madonna. As
Henrique was relating his hairbreadth
escapes, depicted with enthusiasm in
which self was entirely forgotten and
sacrificed to the future Independence OF
his country, Mathilda Castellado would
follow every word of his narrative, with
her countenance denoting the interest
she took in the speaker.
"Heprique," said Gen. Gonzales,
ST give you till day after tomorrow
morning to stay with and visit your
friends (casting a side glance at Mathil-
ds); you must then be ready to return.
Tomorrow evening call at my house L
will give Won dispatches for Gen. Diaz,
which must be delivered without delay. ;"
NV destination being Guadalaiara, l
esl Q Henrique IN arcomranv him, 70
which he graciously consented; he gave
me the address Of the place where L
should meet him the day after to-mor-
row early in the morning.