Wichita eagle., 1890-02-12
THE CHILIAN'S OATH.

Take them altogether the people of Chi
show the most enterprise and seem th
best adapted for republican governmen
of any in South America, yet the com
mon people are of dark, revengefu
nature, and few foreigners find favor il
their eyes. But with the dark eyet
maidens of Chill it is different, and Van
kee sailors always like to run into "Val
paraiser" for cruise on shore, and .
happy time they have generally.
Ned Wilton landed from the brig Yes
per. which had sprung a topmast ant
stove in her quarter in a storm in tht
South Pacific. 1t was a two weeks jot
to refit, and as Ned was a man to bt
trusted the ''old man" gave him free
run on shore. Ned wasn't much of q
man to drink, and most of his time was
spent in rambling about on the beautiful
mountain slopes, getting acquainted with
the dark eyed beauties of the city and
country, and 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
loud in dispute, and then came a woman's
cry for help. Dashing through the bushes
Ned came out In a little open space,
where he saw a beautiful girl, whom he
had met at a fandango in Valparaiso,
struggling in the grasp of dark look
ing Chilian, who, if he was not a villain,
ought to have had a quarrel with his
face.
"See here, my mar" said Ned, "you'd
better drop it, or you may chance to get
yourself into trouble"
'1That advice might be as well applied
to yourself, senor," replied the man,
with a dark, savage frown. eff you
will take my advice, given in the 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 interfered with
Manuel Godena who did not repent it. :"
''Tll have to leave it to the young
lady" said Ned, quietly. eff she says
that I'm in the way I'll walk off, as you
say, but not before"
"No, nor cried the girl. "Do not
leave me alone with this man"
That's all right" said Ned. "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 and made dash
at him. Ned knocked it out of his hand
and then and there gave him such a
thrashing as he had never received in
his life. Then. stripping him of his
weapon. he kicked him industriousfy
down the slope, for it 'sriied' him to
have a man draw a knife.
The Chilian. at last took to his heels.
and when once out of reach of Ned's No.
s boot turned and shook his hand at him
in a menacing manner.
"Hear me, Americana" he hissed. II
vow to the saints not to take rest or sleep
until have revenge on you"
Ned answered by a contemptuous
laugh, and whirling on his heel went
back to the lady, who was trembling
with fear.
Let me escort you safely from this
place." he said. "You are hardly safe
here"
Thanks, senior. That man is nv
cousin, and this morning he undertook
to escort me to the house Of my uncle,
who has cattle ranch over yonder. But
when we reached this place he seized
me and swore that he would carry me
to the haunt of the bandit Rosas and
there keep me until promised to marry
him"
''He is land pirate" said Ned, land
deserves keel hauling if ever man did"
Il do not understand that, senor," said
the girl, with merry smile. ''But
shall be your debtor forever if you will
go with me to my uncle's house"
81 am quite at your service said Ned. |
gallantly; '.but don't know the way
you wish to go"
''This way, senor."
She struck into a forest path after a
glance at the manly face of the Yankee
sailor. That glance was enough, for it
showed her that she was absolutely safe
with him, no matter where she might
choose to go. An hour's ride brought
hem to an opening, and on the slope of
,he tablado before them they saw fine
ranch surrounded by buildings and cor
rails for cattle.
This is the place, Senior Americana"
'he said. 'Will YOU not come to the
louse and let my uncle thank you?'
II don't want any thanks for an act
which no man could have refused to per
orm, but l will go in. VIII YOU give me
Tour name2 Mine is Edward Wilton. and
am second mate of the brig Vesper-
"And mine is Isola Mendez. Iremem-
,er you. senior. l danced with you at
he fandango in Valparaiso last week"
They entered the house and were met
" Senor Mendez, the uncle of Isola. He
leard her story and thanked the Young
American warmly for the part he had
performed. But Ned stopped him.
1T annoys me TO be thanked for so
light service" said Ned. please do
lot say anything more about it
Il will try and thank you in some other
vay, senior" said the ranchero. warmly.
Now you must make stay with me, if
oar business will allow it, and 1 will try
o make 1t pleasant for YOU
Il have week of liberty on shore.
aid Ned, land then l must be off. /
coept your invitation with pleasure,
enor."
Three or four days passed pleasantly.
he ranchero doing his best to invent
ew pleasures for the young American.
soia was pleasant companion. and Ned
-as very sorry when the time drew near
Or him to leave. The last day Of his
.av the two rode out among the foot.