The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-08-27
A COQUETTE'S FAITH.

have valuables in their possession, rob
bing and very often numbering them.
The bodies of the victims were some
times flung into deep gorges, and al
others left in the very roads to strike
terror to the unlucky wanderer who
should chance to pass that way.
Bernard Warren, young captain OF
an American schooner from the United
States, was one day hunting in the
vicinity of the infested locality, when
he heard loud cry for help. The
words were uttered in unmistakable
English, and the young captain even
thought he could recognize the voice
as that of one of his sailors-a hand
some youth who had shipped in his
vessel few days before she sailed.
The schooner now lying in the harbor
of Valparaiso, the captain had given
| liberty, that is to say permission to go
ashore to one of the watches, that they
might enjoy themselves.
| AS to the captain himself, his enjoy
ments were, he believed, destined to be
few in the world. Hunting had always
been for him pleasant pastime, but
even that was now somewhat deprived
of its zest by the recollection of the
sorrow which had come to him before
he sailed.
He had made, in his native city Of
New London, the acquaintance of
Selma Hathaway, who, unfortunately,
was something of coquette. A
beautiful girl with eyes like stars and
a voice like music, she had captivated
the heart of Bernard, who had finally
avowed his passion.
Snlina bad 1anuha6 Iyhan ba oo0
cluded, and shaking her head saucily,
had remarked that she was not vet
ready to marry. and that when She
should be, she did not think he would
be the man of her choice.
Staggered by this blunt refusal, he
rose and left the house without saving
word. She had led him on, only to
laugh at him when he proposed to her.
and he would endeavor to forget
damsel of such heartless nature
A week later he sailed away, and in
the performance of his sea duties, which
he could do with all the ardor of true
sailor, he strove to force Selina's image
from his mind.
Vain the attempt. He was miser-
able man. He grew pale and thin,
and for some weeks lost his appetite.
Finally, however, the latter returned,
but not with it the light-hearted man
ner which had hitherto characterized
him.
Thus he was on that day, when,
hunting in the Chilian wilds, he heard
the cry for help. His was nature
upon which such an appeal could not
fall in vain.
Rushing in the direction of the noise,
he there beheld the handsome sailor
youth mentioned, attacked by two
fierce-looking men with long boards.
who had thrown him down, and were
now ritling his pockets of the scanty
allowance of money, which had been
given him to amuse himself ashore.
Captain Warren struck one of the
ruffians upon the head with the butt Of
his piece. leveling him senseless to the
earth. The other drew one of those
long knives, which were great favor
ties with the robbers at that period,
and rushed upon him, aiming furious
blow at his heart.
The captain quickly sprung aside;
then his gun again whizzed through
the air, coming down, with crushing
force, upon the head of the second
ruffian, who measured his length by
the side of his companion.
The youth who had been attacked,
and who lay upon the ground half
stunned by blow from one of the rob-
bers, just before the captain appeared,
now staggered to his feet.
THANK you, captain" he said, press
ing the latter's hand warmly. Il am
glad-very glad you came when you
did, as the rascals would otherwise
have robbed and murdered me-"
II am glad came when did" said
the captain. But you should not
have strayed so far from the vessel. l
hope no others of my sailors have come
so far away from the town."
The young man colored and hung
his head. Then a smile wreathed his
lips, disclosing teeth which were
dazzingly white and even.
''I'm afraid I'm sorry protector, -
said he, in voice which was peculiarly
coarse for one of such genteel physique.
Here came for the sole purpose of
being on hand to protect you in case
you should be attacked by the desper-
adoes and instead here you come to
my rescue"
you had better get back to the
IOWH dS 1dSI do J ou StlH' oaIu DolHaAu u
':Ay, ay, SIR" answered the youth.
''And you?"
s.Never mind me-" said the captain,
with the daredevil. Indifferent air of
man caring little what became of him.
A peculiar expression of pity passed
over the face of the youth. More, a
tear cleaned in his eye as he walked
off toward the town.
What is there about that young
fellow which always affects me so
strangely?" muttered the captain to
himself, as he moved off. leaving the
two desperadoes lying side by side, still
senseleSs.
Then he returned to the town and
made the vigilantes (police officers)
acquainted with what had taken place.
Before nightfall party of these men
arrested the two robbers, who were
brought before the authorities in the
town. Captain Warren and William
Marvel. the youth whom he had
rescued, appeared against the prison
ers. The latter were sent to the Gala
boose, sentenced to hard labor for
lifetime.
The name of Captain Warren became,
from that moment, hateful one to the
mountain robbers, who resolved to get
him, if possible, in their clutches, and
hang him upon some tree where his
skeleton, high up on a topmost branch,
might swing as a warning to others
never to attempt to prosecute the
band.
The captain, who never feared for,
nor in fact cared for his life, contin ued
his hunting excursions.
On some days it was nightfall before
he thought of returning.
One evening a terrific storm burst
upon him, while on his way to the
town. The heavens were obscured by
black clouds, and the noise of the wind
was like the roaring of the sea. The
tall trees shook as if about to give way,
their branches cracking with din
like the rattling volleys of musketry.
Meanwhile the rain came down in
slanting lines, driving against the young
mans face with force which nearly
stifled him.
The violence of the gale increased
every moment, the streams and rivulets
in the travellers pathway swelling to
torrents.
4h~ 1oEEo,. ,.I,cbinn olnnn