The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-10

wishes But Pepita was infexible, and at
length. seeing that he could not induce her to
fly with him, ne determined to carry the girl off.
Under cover of dark night he and his band
of braves came down into Havana, succeeded in
gaining possession of the girl, and bore her away
to The house Of Nillaflores,
When Pedro heard the news he was in de-
spair. He knew the power against which he had
to contend; he distrusted the police: but he had
heard OF the new captain general, and went
light with his story to Tacon.
Tacon heard it through, babe him be of good
heart aud say nothing and that he would see
both himself and his betrothed righted. Tacon
deSinpd above all things. that the Marquis
should not escape. Accordingly. there was no
display of force and no noise made
A few days later some workmen appeared at
the gates Of the Villafores estate to ask for
work. They were taken to the superintendent
and examined. Others struggled after them, not
at all an unusual thing, for it was the busy sea-
son, when outer help was employed. When a
fair number had gathered in the grounds sud
den rush was made for the door Of the fortress;
all the exits were guarded, and the Guardla
civil, in the guise of workmen, revealed them
selves, armed to the teeth. The Marquis was
captured in the very act of rushing out to see
what the disturbance was. Pepita was found
within, a Gagged dove. Both were taken to
Havana and brought before the Captain gen
eral.
Pepita told her story.
you have heard what the girl says" said
Tocon. turning to Villafores us her state
ment true?"
$50 far as my part III it goes. yes"
''You carried her Off then?'
ayes"
''Why"
Because love her, and could win her in no
other way
you love her and could win her in no other
way You wish to marry the girl, then"
There was silence in the room
Il ask, said Tacon impreSSiVelY, do you wish
to make this lady your wife?'
There was visible struggle in the soul of the
Marquis. Then suddenly: Yes l do"
Tacon bowed his head, and, summoning a
guard, said: Bring me priest"
The face Of the Marquis heightened, and he
pleaded for a short time for preparation
~ ou are widower are you notT asked the
Captain general
"Then no further preparation is needed, since
you want 10 marry the lady"
The priest was brought, and the marriage cere-
mony was performed there and then. Peplta
became the Marquesa de Villafores. Captain
general Tacon congratulated her on her newly
acquired rank and fortune. and offered her the
hospitality of the palace for few days. The
Marquis. he said, might return to his estate to
ma, make fitting preparations for the reception of
his bride. He was escorted on the way
thither by the same band of the civil guard that
had brought him in prisoner. The Cuban
roads are lonely and on the way out, it was said,
the Marquis assaulted a member of the guard
and endeavored to break from them. He was
shot down. Little accidents Of this kind often
happen to obnoxious or dangerous persons in
Cuba. A few days after the Marchioness of
Villafores who succeeded to all the wealth and
estates of her late childless husband, was mar
ried to Pedro, the artisan, who was raised to a
dignity corresponding to his new position.
This is instance of Tacons method of
somewhat cruel justice. 1t was in this way that
he tanned the Cubans. He it was who drew the
hard and fast line between Creoes and PENN
sulars, as the native Spaniards are called deny
ing to Creoes any important share in their own
government and thus paving the way for future
revolt. Yet his regime is sighed for to-day be-
cause, according to his lights, he was just and
incorruptible.