Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1888-08-30
TuIa VelaSquez.
BY AID II. GIBSON.

Eau served III the Sonleuefacy with
all the enthusiasm aud confidence that
characterized the most intrepid wear-
ers of gray. 1t was not so much the
discontinue he felt Mt the ter
mnalon of the civil struggle.
as it was the spirit OF adj
venturer, which had led Leo to aban-
don his southern home and seek that
land of thrill ng romance, Mexico. Leo
found Mex co then in a 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. aud of
the great chief himself But it is not
of his services in that struggle that
we intend to write; but of n certain adj
venture. deeply rose.hued with 70.
nance, in which Leo played IN 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 n
permission to pass the night there.
With "A few crusty words in Il surly
voice, the ranchero refused the re-
quest But the Americans persuaded.
and on their saying mt last, that they
were determined to stav any way. he
gruff1y and sullenlE acqueSced to their
lodging beneath his roof.
The hdcteattd had somewhat ramb-
ling. partially 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 accommodation of the half-dozen
adventurous Americans. who had in
sisted Oh passing the night ut the
hacienda. Here they would be
wholly to themselves. save the stcalthy
gnawing that broke the silence of
those unused rooms, and suggested II
multitude Of rats.
The moon was up and was filtorng
her silvery beams over the breast of
the warm. delicious night. Leo was
leaning out of one of the long, narrow
windows of the wing. looking with
sincere admiration at the ample AMI
beautiful flower gardens of his host.
The flowers. in the moons wealth of
pellucid splendor. with their rich per-
fumes tossed 10 him ever and anon by
the bland. south winds, carried the
young southerner mind back to his
home on the Pearl, with its flower be-
deeked walks and balmy hooks.
So lost was lie 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 eyes were dark and intelligent
She looked searchingly at Leo. and az
if satisfied with her swift scrutiny, she
raised one soft, dimpled hand i'm warn
ing and placed the forefnger over her
crimson lips TO enjoin silence.
''This is mystery personified!' Leo
exclaimed. within mself
But he preserved silence, and not q
movement of the graceful girl escaped
his vigilant eve. He did not even
shift his attitude. fearing he might
arouse his companions. who were rest
ing on the couches of the long apart
ment, and I've cared not to disturb them.
What could be- the meaning of the
strange procedure OF the lovely Moxi-
can grip
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 American. Assuring her.
self that she had not been suspected
and watched. she gided up as close TO
the window as she we'll could. and
whispered in musical voice:
Look, senior! / place this down
here for you. Get and read it as soon
as am gone.
And as she uttered these words, she
stopped and placed note under rose.
bush. Then plucking several blossoms
from the bush, to avert suspicion, il
she should be seen in that quarter, she
turned quickly and left him without
vouchsaling him another glance from
her dark orDs.
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 a lady of considerable
refinement. but in some trouble from
which. no doubt, she hoped he nigh
be instrumental in cffecting her re.
lease.
When they had ridden into the plaza
that evening, Leo Gordon had noticed
mt the blinds of the easement severa
feminine forms and faces. But SO care
fully had they concealed themselves
that the American had caught but Q
trancient glimpse Of them
I'm Just in the right mood for an
adventure. he uttered 10 himself
"TIl secure that note beneath tho rose