The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-12-13
WHOLE No. 1859.


in New Mexico, Arizona, or Californi,
in years past. They appeared to m,
to be more like savage Indians-no
like the blood-thirsty Apache, nor the
Nayajos, nor yet like the brutal ant
cowardly '.Diggers," of California. bu
some unknown tribe whose indescriba
BILE faces and glaring eyes, shaggy
brows and grinning mouths, displaying
large canine teeth, were made to ap
pear dOubly savage by the light of the
campfire, and red zdrGpeS wrapped
about their almost naked bodies. i haC
misgivings as to my safety among
them, but what was TO do but trust to
my weapons of defense and renal
wakeful and watchfulP
Rita! Rita!" again called one of the
men.
'I'm coming, coming" cried again
that girlish voice, as she sprang to
view by the fire.
Looking at the suddenly appearing
girl was struck with establishment at
the sight of slight girlish figure bent
toward me. She was dressed in skirt
made of the many-colored Navajo
blanket. and another one thrown over
her shoulders. Her feet-very small
feet-were encased in beaded moe
casins. Her. shining, long black hair
shone in the freight like glisten-
ing satin. But what exquisite and
delicate features, faultless in every
line; Olive-tinted skin, with the bloom
of a ripe cactus pear on either check
The eyes-hOw can l describe them
but by saying that they were like
those of the antelope of our prairiesP
The mouth was dainty one, with
beautiful. curving lines, parted, dis
playing the tiniest pearly teeth ever
saw.
Before my scrutiny of the lovely Rita
was completed / rose to my feet and
dotfed my hat in silent admiration,
and remained so until she addressed
me and said in a low, sweet voice:
''Will the senior be pleased to have
some refreshmentsPn
Bowling. replied: eff the senorita
pleasesr 1 could say no more.
She at once set about preparing the
refreshments for me, and as she patted
the tortilLaS with her tiny hands could
not help gazing at her with wonder
and admiration. The five herders must
have noticed my action. for l heard
one of them say in low tone:
''Que tienne Ell boboP" ('.What's the
matter with the fool?'')
looked at them and saw by the@fire-
light the speakers savage look of a
hyena, but it molested me not for nv
whole thought was of the lovely girl
preparing me food to eat
Rita soon placed before me a stack
of tortiltds. some mutton, and goats
milk, and squatting herself by the
campfire she began slowly to roll a
cigarette.
I ate heartily of the food because
was hungry, and it tasted doubly sweet
because of having been prepared by
the strange maiden. When 1 had
finished and put from me the empty
tin plates, Rita arose and approached
me with the prepared cigarette, say
ing:
''Will the senior be pleased to smoke?"
''If it is the wish of the senOrita l
will be happy to do So" reaching my
hand for the cigarette.
She smiled in a shy way. and hold
ing one hand to her face with the deli
cate palm toward me, with the other
handed me the cigarette. As / took it
my hand touched hers, and while
was thrilled by the touch looked into
her beautiful eyes. noticed a
troubled and yearning look in them.
While lighting the cigarette, Rita dis
appeared. finished my smoke, ever
thinking of the girl in the camp of
those sayage-looking murderers. Sure
ly she could not be anything to them, |
thought. Adjusting my pistol. I laid
10. 4, Il g., 4
termined not to sleep. At the least
noise, 1 would at all times raise my
head and look about me. 1 saw the
five Mexicans sitting by the fire with
zGrapes pulled up about their eyes
and ears, appearing to be asleep. l
heard also my pony munching the
mesquite grass near me.
must have fallen asleep. for l. was
dreaming of beautiful, slender,
bright-eyed girl, with bewithing face
and timid smile, and Jet black locks,
dressed in skirt of the Navajo
blanket and another wrapped about
her shoulders, struggling in the arms
of five ruffians, aud crying: "Help,
help, senori'' felt light hand pass
ing over and touching my face, and,
having become accustomed to surprises
of every sort when a volunteer soldier,
did not start from my reclining
position, but opened my eyes, when l
saw the very self-same face had been
all the while dreaming of, but what an
anxious look thereon! Twas about to
speak, when she put her finger to her
lips, and, seeing that Iremained silent.
she whispered:
."Something has disturbed the herd,
and they have gone to see what is the
matter, so you must be quick, and
saddle your pony and leave this place,
for they are going to kill you, and,
and'-with deep blush mantling her
cheek and neck-..I must go with you,
for they will kill me if they find You
are gone"
Without making move. l. replied
Twill do as you say. Have you q
ponyp'h ~ -,.. -,--
.-rhere are six ponies in the camp,
one of which 1 shall take, but you
must make haste, for they will soor
\ return"
1 sprang to nv feet and in a minute
had saddled my pony and was in the
act of mounting, when Rita appeared
mounted by my side.
we udSIlly TOuO iTuln INC camp. ou
had not got very far when we heart
the voices of the amiable pastors
following in sharp pursuit of US. Rita
pony was fresher and faster than m!
poor jaded nag. but she Kept close. b.
my side. riding like a queen. re
peatedly drove the spurs into the side
of my pony. but it wasn't of much use
as his strength was almost spent.
:, urged Rita to fly, but she refused witt
proud light in her eyes. saying:
mo, senior; if die l won't! The
have one pony that can overtake us
the rest of them crippled, but
hadn't time to treat the other the sam
way"
'.Then we need have no fears, for
1 can manage him who may overtak
u.s. 1 assured the brave girl.
j soon heard the gathering hoofs G
the, pony of our single pursuer, SD urg
ing Rita to hasten forward little dis
lance, | dismounted and awaited tn
coming of the pursuer. | waited onl
few moments when he came dashin
up to the very side of my pony. an
pointing my pistol at him fired. Nj
; pursuer reeled in his saddle, and wit
;. II groan fell from his pony. who CAV