Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-21

apartment The fading glow Of the
western sky through the deep embra-
sured windows lit up his rapt and medi-
tative face. He was q yonng man of
apparently twenty-five, with q colorless
satin complexion, dark eyes alternating
between melancholy and restless energy.
narrow high forehead. long straight
hair, and lightly pencilled moustache.
Hew said TO resemble the well-known
portrait of the Marquis Of Monterey in
the Mission church--a face that was
alleged 10 always leave deep and last
ing impression upon the observers 1t
was undoubtedly owing TO this quality
during a brief visit of the famous
yiceroy to remote and newly-msrried
ancestress of Don Jose at Leon-that
the singular resemblance may be at
tributcd.
A heavy and hesitating step along the
passage stopped before the grating.
Looking up, Don jose beheld, to his as
constituent, the slightly face of
hoberto-a vagabond American whom
he had lately taken into his employ
ment
Roberto, polite translation Of "Bob
the Bucker," cleaned out at monte
bank in Santa Cruz, penniless and profit
gate, had sold his mustang to Don Jose
aud recklessly thrown himself in with the
bargain. Touched by the rascals ex-
trayagance and the quality OF the mare,
and observing that bis habits had not yet
affected his seat in the saddle, but ratier
lent a demoniAc vigor TO his chase Of
wild cattle, Don Jose had retained rider
and horse in his service as U0QuerO.
Bucking Bob, observing that his en-
ployer was alone, coolly opened the
door without ceremony, shut it softly
behind him, and then closed the wooden
shutter OF the grating. Don jose sur
veyed him with mild surprise and digni-
fed composure. The man appeared
perfectly sober. II was a peculiarly of
his dissipated habits that when not
actually raving with drink he was singu-
larry shrewd and practical.
Look yer, Don Kosay," he began in
brusque but guarded voice, "you and
me is pards. When yer picked me and
the mare up and set us on our legs again
in this yer ranch | allowed I'd tie to yer
whenever you was in trouble and wanted
me. And l reckon that's what's the
matter now. For from what / see and
hear on every side, although you're the
boss of this consarn, you're surrounded
by gang of spies and traitors. Your
comings and goings, your ms and outs,
is logged and followed and blown upon.
The folks you trusts is playing 1t on ye.
1t amt for me to say why or wherefore,
what's their rights and what's yourn,
but I've come to tell We that if you don't
git up and git outer this ranch them
id priests and your own flesh and
blood-your aunts and your uncles and
your cousins--will have you chucked
outer your property and run into a
lunatic asylum"
"Me-Don Jose Sepulvida--a luna
tico, lunatico You are yourself crazy
OF drink, friend Roberto"
eyes" said Roberto grimly, "but
that kind amt Ucgal, while your
maxim ducks and brakes of yourproper-
ty. and going into 'Menkin ideas and
'Merikin' speculations, they reckon is.
And speakin' on the square, It amt
adfrdL"
Don Jose sprang TO bis feet and began
TO pace up and down his cell-like study.
"Ah, ] remember now" he muttered.
81 begin to comprehend Father
Felipes hOmilies and discourses My
aunts too affectionate care My cousins
discreet consideration The prompt at
ten;ion of my servants 1 see 1t all
And you." he said suddenly, facing
Roberto, "why come you to tell me
this -
"Well, boss, said the American drily,
81 reckoned to stand by you"
"Ah, said Don Jose, visibly affected.
Good Roberto, come hither, child, you
may kiss my hand.
"Ef it's all the same to you, Don 10
say, that kin slide"
"Ah-yes, said Don jose" medita-
lively putting his hand to bis forehead.
miserable that / am l remembered
not you were AmericdR0. Pardon, my
friend embrace me, ConpancrO q
AmiQO."
With characteristic gravity he reclined
for q moment upon Roberts astonished
breast. Then, recovering himself with
equal gravity, he paused, lifted his hand
with gentle warning, marched to re-
cess in the corner, unlocked a napier
hanging from the wall, and turned to his
companion.
ave will defend ourselves, friend
Roberto. 1t is the sword of the CO.
mandante-my ancestor. The blade is
OF Toledo"
can ordinary six-shooter OF Colts
would lay over that" said Roberto
grimly, "but that amt your game just
now, Don kosay. Yon must git up and
cit at once. You must UdBaOse the
ranch afore they lay hold of you and
have you up before the Alcalde. Once
away from here they daren't follow You
where's there 'Merican law, and where
you kin fight 'em on the square.
Good" said Don Jose with melan-
choly preciseness. "You are wise,
friend Roberto. We may fight them
later, as you say-On the square, or in
the open plsza. And you, camarad0.
You shall so with me-YOu and your
mare"
Sincere as the American had been in
his offer OF service. he was somewhat
at thus imperative command.
But only for moment Well, he
said lazily, II don't care if I do"
but" said Don Jose with increased
gravity. "you strait care, friend Ro-
berto. We shall make an al!iance-an
union. IL is true, my brother, you
drink Of whiskey, and at such times are
even as q mailman. 1t has been recount
ed TO me that it was necessary to your
existence that you sre 4 lunatic three
lays of the week. Who knows? | my
drink not of aguardicnte,
am accused of fantasies fo- all time.
Necessary it becomes. therefore, that
we should go together My fantasies
and speculations cannot injure you,
my brother your whiskey shall not
smpoison me. We shall go together in
The great world of your American ideas.
~ which | am much inhamed. We shall