The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1884-10-04
4 MEXICAN ROMANCE.

y
States, with the army under Gen. Scott
on board, lay before the city of Vera Cruz.
All the morning the guns of the fleet had
poured their shot upon the castle of San
Juan de Ulioa, which commanded the
city, and on the beach where the Mexican
army had gathered to oppose the landing
OF the Americans. Finally, the heavy fire
drove the Mexicans from the beach, and
they retired to the castle and the CITY,
Then the boats of the ships were lowered
away and arranged themselves in long
line, parallel with the beach. Soldiers,
sailors and marines filed the boats, and in
the bows, all along the line, there stood
sailor, with one foot on the gunwale, who
held flag furled around the staff in his
hand. Not sound was heard but the
splashing of the waves against the boats,
and all eyes were turned toward the flag
ship as the sailors lay on their oars await
ing the signal to advance. A little bali of
bunting sped up to the masthead of the
flag ship, and then unrolling itself, spread
out into the watched-for signal Give
way!" The oars fell into the water from
end to end of the long line, as if moved by
one gigantic impulse, and race for the
shore was begun. Finally, one of the
boats grated on the SAND, the sailor in the
bows leaped to the beach, and amid wild
hurrahs unfurled the American flag on the
hostile shores of Mexico.
Among the officers in the boat which
first touched the shore that day was
young lieutenant of infantry named Ed
ward Ives.
In person the young lieutenant was of
medium height, and of slight but firm
build, with light hair and blue eyes. His
f.,o I>ryo
and his expression was one of courage and
decision of character. He was recently
graduated from West Point, and as yet
love, except that of kindred, was to him
but name. In fact, though only "a
Ives was known among the officers of his
regiment as the bachelor" he having
announced to each Of them in the strict
est confidence" that he considered all men
who got married slightly insane
Mr.. Ives, said the young Geutenants
captain soon after the landing had been
effected, the colonel wants scout made
in the direction of that house over yonder
Take half a dozen men and go see what
there is there and report to me.
The house which Edward Ives ap-
preached with his scouting party was
situated in grove of palms and giant
ferns, something over a mile from the
shore At the main entrance of the house
stood a wagon, in which some Indian serv
ants We're loading the household effects Of
| the family. A tall Mexican, Of middle
age, was experimenting the operation.
and gesticulating violently with his cane,
as he urged the Indians to greater efforts
Near by stood young girl of 10, of sur
passing beauty. On her olive check there
was warm flush, and her dark eyes were
| l, j Il l.. =
a Spanish mantilla over her head and
shoulders, and altogether formed most
charming picture.
The approach of Lieut. Ives and his men
| had been so cautious that he was close to
the house before his presence was per
ceived One of the Indians saw him first,
| and catching sight of the blue uniform,
uttered an exclamation and fed precipi-
lately, followed by all his companions.
| The Mexican gentleman who had been
experimenting the loading of the wagon
turned his head, and, seeing that there
was no escape, and no chance of success
ful resistance, stood proudly waiting for
the lieutenant to speak His daughter
| gTasped her fathers arm, and pallor
oyerspread her face
Fear nothing, senor, said Lieut.. Ives,
in Spanish. 4 have only come to see if
there are any soldiers conceded here
abouts. 5"
Fear" returned the Mexican 1--WE
do not fear northern invaders and robbers.
We hate and despise them
Before the lieutenant had time to reply,
soldier ran up and exclaimed:
"A party of Mexican cavalry are right
on us, sir!'
The words were scarcely out of his mouth
when, with clanking sabres and jingling
spur. thirty horsemen dashed through the
| trees.
The Americans made desperate resist
ance, during which four of the Mexicans
were killed, but were soon overpowered
The Young lieutenant fought brevelv,
using his sword, until sabre cut in his
sword arm forced him to desist.
Ere m the wild and picturesque dress OF
his captors Lieut. Ives saw that they were
a party of Mexican guerillas-ferce and
cruel men, out of whose hands few escaped
alive
The night was now falling, and the Mex
leans hurried their prisoners into the house
The lamps were lighted in a large apart
ment, from which most of the furniture
had been removed, and the lead of the
band, ferce-looking man of gigantic
stature whose features showed clearly the
Indian blood that was in his veins, seated
himself in a chair, and, lighting a cigar
ette, ordered the prisoners to be brough
before him. The Americans who, will
their arms bound behind them, had beer
huddled in one corner of the room, were
led to the captain of the guerillas, wht
was spoken of by his subordinate as "E
Tigere.
"Ah, Senor Americana, said Ell Tigere
addressing Lieut.. Ives, 80 you though
TO take Don Francisco and his daughter
captives, did you? If am not mistaken
you were one of the cabelleros who leapet
so gallant'y from the first boat of the in
vaders that landed to-day. I and my mel
were lying behind hammock near tn
shore at the time and | covered you thre
times with my carbine. / am glad nov
that did not kill you then. | have yo,
now where / can shoot you at my leisure.
Nay, interposed Don Francisco, VIII
was standing near, "these are prisoners o
war, captain, and must be treated a
such
DO not cross the path of the tiger il
his fury" !" replied the captain. with darl
scowl. "Those are my prisoners, ant
shall be dealt with as l see fit.
Lieut. Ives knew that his failure t
return from his scout would by this tim
begin to excite apprehensions and
strong party would be sent out in searcl
Of him. So great was his chagrin at hay
ing been surprised by the Mexicans, how
ever, that he really cared little whether b
was rescued or not
During the conversation between Do
Z Francisco Monteverte and FL Tigere. th
don's daughter, Dolores, had stood clos
( beside her father. She had been fright
ened at first, but her ire was reused b
5 the manner in which the guerrilla chic
| L T. - i