Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-08-24
lula VeIasquez.
BY AID ii. GIBSON.

iSo poiuou WINS HuHusOlnc young
southerner, whose home was on the
balmy banks of the Pearl River. He
had served in the Confederacy with
all the enthusiasm and confidence that
characterized the most intrepid wear
ers of gray. 1t was not so much the
DISCONTINUE he felt Mt the ter
min alton of the civil struggle.
rs 1t was the spirit OF ad-
venturer, which had led Leo to aban-
don his southern home and seek that
land of thrilling romance, Mexico. Leo
found Mexico then in n belligerent
state. Immediately on his landing. he
joined the army of Juarez. who was
fighting against Macmillan.
Many were the brave deeds of Leo
Gordon. which won the respect and
admiration of his comrades, and of
the great chief himself But it is not
OF his services in that struggle that
we intend 10 write; but of a certain ad-
venture, deeply rose ued with 70.
nance, in which Leo played an active
part.
With several OF his friends. who
had followed him from the United
States. Leo went one ght to the
luxurious hacienda of very wealthy
Mexican ranchero, and asked the
savage -browed master TO grant the
permission TO pass the night there.
With few crusty words in surly
voice, the ranchero refused the re-
quest But the Americans persuaded.
and on their saying. at last, that they
were determined TO stay any way. he
gruffly and sullenlv acquesced TO their
lodging beneath his roof.
The hacienda had a somewhat ramb-
ling. part ally furnished wing that was
used by the ranchero's family. but had
long ago been abandoned to the bats
and spiders. This wing was assigned
TO the accom- odation of the half-dozen
adventurous Americans who had in
Asted on passing the night at the
hacienda. Here they would BIO
wholly TO themselves. save the stealthy
gnawing that broke the silence 81
those unused rooms, and suggested a
multitude Of rats
The moon was up and was filtoring
her silvery beams over che breast OF
the warm, delicious night Leo was
leaning out of one of the long. narrow
windows OF the wing. looking with
sincere admir- alton at the ample and
beautiful flower gardens of his host
The flowers. in the moons wealth of
pellucid splendor. with their rich per-
fumes tossed TO him ever and anon by
the bland. south winds, carried the
young southerner mind back 10 his
home on the Pearl, with its flower be-
decked walks and balmy hooks.
So lost was he in the memories
which the scene before him evoked,
that at first, he did not observe beau
tiful Mexican girl approaching the
window from which he leaned.
As she drew nearer. the young SOL
der became aware of her presence.
She was very handsome. Her form.
which was plump. was richly clad.
Her ewes were dark and intelligent
She looked searchingly at Leo. and as
If satisfied with her swift scrutiny. she
raised one soft, dimpled hand in warn
ing and placed the forefinger over her
crimson lips TO enjoin h silence.
''This is mystery personiiied.' Leo
exclaimed within himself.
But he preserved silence, and not r.
movement of the graceful girl escaped
his vgilant eve. He did not even
shift his attitude. fearing lie might
arouse his companions who were rest
ing on the couches of the long apart
menL and he cared not to disturb them.
What could be the meaning Of the
strange procedure of the lovely Mexi-
can girl?
As she stood with her fingers over
her lips. she glanced quickly over her
shoulder TO make sure that her move
ments were not observed by other than
the young Amer can. Assuring her.
self that she had not been suspected
and watched. she glided up as close TO
the window as she well could. aud
whispered in a musical voice:
Look, senior! ! place this down
here for you. Get and read 1t as soon
rs am gone. l."
And as she uttered these words, she
stopped and placed note under a rose
bush. Then plucking several blossoms
from the bush, TO avert suspicion. il
she should he seen in that quarter. she
turned quickly and left him without
youchsaiing him another glance from
Der dark orbs
Leo's curiosity was deeply stirred.
Here was promise Of romance and adj
venture. beyond the spectre of doubt
He gazed after the girl until she was
lost from view He was fully satisfied
that the girl was lady OF considerable
rsfnement but in some trouble from
which. no doubt, she hoped he might
be instrumental in effecting her re-
lease.
When they had ridden into the plaza
that evening, Leo Gordon had noticed
at the blinds of the easement several
feminine forms and faces. But so care
fully had they concealed themselves
that the American had caught but a
trancient glimpse OF them.
I'm inst in the right mood for an
adventure" he uttered 10 himself
"rIl secure that note beneath the rose