The Forrest City times., 1890-02-22
THE CHI.lAN'S OATH.

Take them altogether the people o Chilli show the most enterprise and seem the best adapted for republican government of any in South America, yet the common people are of dark, revengeful nature, and few foreigners find favor in their eyes. But with the dark-eyed niaidens of Chilli it is differ- ent, and Yankee sailors always like to run into "Valparaiser' for a cruise on shore, and happy time they have generally.
 Vesper. which had sprung topmast and stove in her quarter in a storm | in the south Pacific. It was two weeks job to refit. and as Ned was a man to be trusted the ''old man" gave him free run on shore. Ned wasn't much of a man to drink. and most of his time was spent in rambling about on the beautiful mountain slopes, get ting acquainted with the dark-eyed beauties of the city and country, aud enjoying himself generally. One day while exploring the country ten miles to the north and east of the city. he was attracted by the sound Of voices 1 loud in dispute, and then came a | woman's cry for help. Dashing through the bushs Ned came out in little open space, where he saw Il beautiful girl, whom he had met at fnndango in Valparaiso, struggling in the grasp oF u dark-looking Chilian. who, if he was not villain, ought to have had quarrel with his lace. "See here, my man." said Ned. you'd better drop it. or you may chance to get yourself into trouble" That advice might be as well ap- piled 10 yourself, senor' replied the man, with dark. savage frown. 'If 1 you will take my advice, given in tho most friendly spirit you will take yourself off and attend to any business Of your own which you may chance to have on hand. No man ever inter- fered with Manual Gogena who did | not repent it"
 "Ill have to leave 1t to the young lady" said Ned, quietly. '.If she says that I'm in the way I'll walk. as you say. but not before.n
 No, no" cried the girl Do not leave me alone with this man"
 That's all right,n said Nod. You see that the sonora claims my help, Manuel Godena, and I'll have to trouble you to get up and travel" The man drew knife mud made dash at him. Ned knocked it out Of his hand and then and there gave him such n thrashing Us he had never re- ceived in his life Then. stripping him of bis weapon. hc kicked him in dustriously down tho slope, for it ''riled" him to have n man draw knife.
 The Gillian It last took to his heels, and when once out Of reach of Ned's No. boot turned and shook his hand at him in menacing manner ''Hear me. Americana" he hissed. ''I VOW 10 the saint not to take rest or sleep until have revenge on youn Ned answered by contemptuous laugh. and whirling on his heel went hack to the lady, who was trembling with fear.
 "let me escort you safely from this place." he said. You are hardly sale here"
 "Thanlss. scnor That man is my cousin, and this morning he undertook to escort me to the house of my uncle. who has q cattle ranch over wonder. But when we reached this place he seized me and swore that he would carry me to tho haunt of the bandit Rosas and there keep mo until prom ised 10 marry him"
 He is Il laud pirate. :" said Ned. and deserves keel-hauling if ever man did"
 Il do not understand that. senor." said the girl. with merry smile "But 1 shall be your debtor forever fl you will go with me to my unclo's house.
 ''I nm quite al your service" said Ned galaptly; bat don know the way yon wish to go.
 This way. scnor.
 Sine struck into forest path, after a glance at the manly face ot the Yan- kee sailor. That glance was enough, for it showed her that she was ahso- iately safe with him. no matter whero she might choose to go An hours ride brought them to an opening. and on the slope Of the ,ablado before them they saw fine ranch surrounded by buildings and corals for cattle
 This is the place. Seror America no. she said. .Will you not come to the house and let my uncle thank you ?"
 "l don't want any thanks for au act perform but will go In. Will you give me your name? Mine is Edward Wilton. and am second mate of the brig Vespcr,"
 And mine is lsola Mendez. l re- member you. scnor l danced with you at the fandango in Valparaiso las: week.
 They entered tho house and were met by Senor Mendez. tho uncle of lsola- lie heard her story and thanked 1 tho young American warmly for the ] part ho had performed, But Ned stopped him.
 1t annoys me to be thanked for so slight service" said Ned .'Please do not say any thing moro about 1t
 Fl will try and thank you in some other way. senor." said the sauchero. warmly. Now you must make stay with mc, fl your business will allow it. and win try to make 1t pleasant for you"
 Il have week Of liberty on shore" 1 said Ned ''and then l must be of. l 1 accept your invitation with pleasure. 1 sonor."
 lhfee or iour uays passed pieaeant- | ly. the ranchero doing his best to in- vent new pleasures for tho young American. IsolA was n pleasant com panion, and Ned was very sorry whom ! tho time drew near for him to leave. The last day of his stay tbc two rode ! out among the foothills. and 1t was plain 10 see that they were very decp- ly in love. As they halted for mo ment In . breezy canyon . dozen ! horsemen suddenly surrounded them. Ned made gallant light and shot l ono oi his assailants and mortally | wounded another before he wac over- | powered. In the leader of these ! mountain bandits he recognized Man. 1 uel Gcdena.
 Il tnld you that l would not rest ! until had revenge. accurscd Amcri- ! cano," hc hisscd. Now Is0ln---n