The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-08-16
A MEXICAN ROMANCE.

Cruz. All the morning the guns OF the
fleet had poured their shot upon the
castle of San Juan de Ulloa, which com
manded 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 Mex
leans from the beach, and they retired
to the castle and the city.
Then the boats of the ships were low
cred away, and arranged themselves in
q long line, parallel with the beach.
Soldiers. sailors and marines filled the
boats, and In the bows, all along the
line, there stood a sailor, with one foot
on the gunwale, who held a flag furled
around the staff in his hand. Not a
sound was heard but the splashing OF
the waves against the boats, and ali
eyes were turned toward the flag
as the sailors lay on their oars awaiting
the signal to advance. A little ball OF
bunting spread MP to the masthead of
the flagship, and then unrolled itself,
spread out into the watched or-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 a race for the shore is begun. Fin
ally one of the boats grated on the sand,
the sailors 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 a
young lieutenant of infantry named
Edward Ives.
In person the young lieutenant was
of medium height, and of slight but
firm build, with light HAN and blue
eyes. His face was Drowned by ex-
posure to the weather, and his expression
was one of courage and decision of
character. He was recently graduated
from West Point, and as yet love, ex-
cept that of kindred, was to him but a
name. In fact, though only twenty
four, Ives was known among the officers
of his regiment as "the bachelor" he
having announced to each of them in
the "strictest confidence" that he con-
sidered all men who got married slightly
insane.
Mr.. Ives, said the young lieutenant's
captain soou after the landing had been
effected, the colonel wants a scout
made in the direction of that house
over yonder. Take half dozen men
and go see what there is thsre and re-
port to me-"
The house which Edward Ives ap-
preached with his scouting party was
situated IN grove of palms and giant
ferns, something over mile from shore.
At the main entrance of the house stood
wagon, III which some Indian servants
were 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
nineteen, of surprising beauty. On her
olive cheek there was a warm flush, and
her dark eyes were hid beneath long,
dark lashes. She wore a Spanish man
tlila over her head and shoulders, and
altogether formed a most charming
picture.
The approach of Lieut.. Ives and
his men had been so cautious that he
was close to the house before his pres
ence was perceived. One of the
Indians saw him first, and catching
sight of the blue uniform, uttered an
exclamation and fled precipitately, fol-
lowed by all his companions. The
Mexican gentleman who had been su-
perintending the loading Of the wagon
turned his head, aud, seeing that there
was no escape and no chance of success
full resistance, stood proudly waiting
for the lieutenant to speak. His
daughter grasped her fathers arm, and
pallor oyerspread her face.
Fear nothing, senor," said Lieut.
Ives, in Spanish. 81 have only
come to see if there are any soldiers
concealed hereabouts."
Fear y returned the Mexican. "We
do not fear Northern invaders and lob
beers. We hate and despise them"
Before the lieutenant had time to re-
ply, a 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 a desperate re-
sistance, during which four of the Mex
leans were killed, but were soon over
powered. The young lieutenant
fought bravely, using his sword, uuti
sabre cut In his sword arm forced
him to desist.
From the wild and picturesque dress
of his captors, Lieut.. Ives saw that
they were party of Mexican guerillas
fierce and cruel men, ont of whose
hands few escaped alive.
The night was now falling, and the
Mexicans hurried their prisoners into
the house. The lamps were lighted in
large apartment, from which most OF
the furniture had been removed, and
the leader of the band, fierce looking
man OF gigantic stature, whose features
showed plainly the Indian blood that
was IN his veins, seated himself in 6
chalr, and, lighting cigarette ordered
the prisoners to be brought before him
the Americans who, with their arms
bound behind them, had been huddled
III one corner of the room, were left t.
the captain of the guerillas, who wa,
spoken OF by his subordinates as az
Tgere."
All, Senior Americana" said Ell I'll
gere, addressing Lieut.. Ives, 'sc
you thought to take Don Francisco anG
ms daughter captives, did you? If I an
not mistaken you were one of the ca
o'iiodoS "uo 1eapeo SO calamity iron
the first boat of the invaders tha
landed to-day. 1 and my men were "
ing behind hammock near the shor,
at the time, and l covered you tire,
times with my carbine. / am glad nov
that did not shoot you then. 1 hav,
you now where can shoot you at ny
leisure"
Nay" interposed Don Francisco
who was standing near, "these are pris
oners of war, captain, and must bt
treated as such"
DO not cross the path of tiger in
his fury" replied the captain, with ,
dark scowl. "These are NV prisoners
ana shall be dealt with as 1 see fit"
Lieut.. Ives knew that his failure I,
return from his scout would by thi
Tune begin to excite apprehension
ana strong party would be sent on