The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1890-02-06

mans cry for help DashinR through |
the bushes Ned came out in little open |
space, where he saw a beautiful girl, |
whom he had met in a fandango In Val |
paraiso, struggling IN the grasp of dark |
looking Chlllan, who, il he was not a |
villain. ought to have had a quarrel with
his face.
"Sre here, my man. said Ned, "you'd |
better drop 1t, or you may chance to gel |
yourself into trouble
,"That advice might be as well applied |
10 yourself, senor," replied the man,
with a dark, savage frown. IF you will
lake 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
,nteriered with Manuel Gudena who did
not repent it.
IN have to leave it to the young
lady" said Ned, quietly. "If she says
that I'm in the way, I'll walk off, as you
say, but not before"
mo, no !" 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,
hdUutl bVueuh, anu ~ nave " NlbuoiV
you to get up and travel
The man drew knife and made a
tash at him. Ned knocked it out of his
hand and there gave him such thrash
ing as he had never received in his life.
Then, stripping him of his weapon, he
kicked him industriOusly down the
slope, for 1t riled 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.
8 boot, turned and shook his hand al
nIm in a MANAGING manner.
Hear me, Americana he hlssed.
Il vow to the saints not to take rest or
sleep until have revenge on you "
Ned answered by a contemptuous
laugh, and whrling 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, senor. That man is my
cousin. and this morning he undertook
o escort me to the house Of my uncle.
no has a cattle ranch over yOnder.
But when we reached this place he
eiZed me and swore that he would car
~ me to the haunt of the bandit Rosas,
md there keep me until l promised to
marry him."
"He is a land pirate. said Ned, land
deserves keel hauling II ever a man
did"
II do not understand that, senor,"
.aid the girl, with a merry smile. "Bui
| shall be your debtor forever ItyOu will
20 with me to my uncle's house."
II am quite at your service" said Neo
calamity; "but l don't know the way
GU wish to CO."
"This way, seDor."
She struck into forest path, after a
ance 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
moose to go. An hours 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 and cattle.
This is the place, Senior Americana"
she said. "Will you not come to the
house AM let my unc'e thank your
II don't want any thanks for an act
which no man could have refused to
perform, but l will go in. VIII you give
me your name? Nine is Edward VII.
~ and l am second mate on the brig
Vesper."
"And mine is Isola Mendez. Iremem-
Der you, senior; danced with you at the
andango at Valparaiso last week"
They entered the house and we're met
by Senor Mendez, the Uncle of Isola.
He heard her story and thanked the
young American warmly for the part lie
mad performed. But Ned stopped him.
ut anuoys me to be thanked for so
slight a SERVICE" said Ned. please do
not say anything more about it."
81 will try and thank you in some
other way, senior, said the ranchero,
warmly. Now, you must make stay
with me, il your business will allow il,
and | will try and make it pleasant for
you"
II have a week of liberty on shore, u
said Ned. land then must be off.
accept your invitation with pleasure,
senor."
Three or four days passed pleasantly
the ranchero doing his best TO invent
new pleasures for the young American.
Isola was a pleasant companion, and Ned
was very sorry when the time drew near
for him TO leave. The last day of his
stay The two rode out amorg the foot
hills, and it was plain to see that they
were deeply in love. As they halted for
a moment in a breezy canyon dozen
rnrsemen suddenly surrounded them
Ned made desperate fight and shot one
4 his assailants and mortally wounded
tDother before. .he,wss overpowered. Ir
he leader Of these mountsin' bandits h.
recognized ManuelG Godena. r.
81 told you that l would not rest until
had revenge, accursed Americana" be
hi4sed. "Now, Isola"
But the girl, giving her horse the rein
1ruke suddenly through the ranks Of the
men who surrounded her, for they had
not taken the trouble to secure her, and
.pt off at a mad gallop, closely pursued
" four or five OF the banditti. Blu
here was not man in Chill who could
ride with Isola Mendez, and as they
passed out of sight all could see that sht
was gaining rapidly and was likely tc
escape A cry Of rage burst from the
lips Of G dena.
Now, ten thousand curses on tbs
girl I" he cried. II meant that sh,
NihhOoo ny VI hti
Yankee lover, but at least we have hin
secure. Place him against the rocl
there with his hands and feet bound
Make him fast so that he cannot fal
down."
The men obeyed and Godena dis
mounted, with pistol in hand. Ned
held in his place by his bonds, looked
HIM boldly in the face. Advancing 1
pace the miscreant aimed at him chang
ing his aim from time to time to distress
the prisoner. But Ned did not give tn,
slightest sign of fear. At last the pisto
exploded and the ball tore through thu
fleshy part Of his shoulder.
One r. said Godena, producing an
other pistol. Il am going to hit you or
the other side"
Again he fired, and the other shouIdel
was torn by the ball.
You black hearted hound |" CRIED
Ned, "if you think TO wiring single CRY
from me you are mistaken. Go on, sav
age. complete your bloody work"
Godena, with the grin Of fiend, tool
two other pistols from the hands Of on,
4.