Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1890-08-23
A C%OQUETTE'S FAITH.

In the year lS-, many Of the ranges
of hills branching out from the lofty
Cordillcras Mountains in Chill, were
infested by bands of desperadoes, who.
led by fierce, merciless chiefs. would
poancc upon all travellers supposed to
have yaluables in their possession. rob-
bing and very often numbering them.
The bodies OF the victims were some
times flung into deep gorgcs, and ut
others left in the very roads TO strike
terror to the unlucky wa~lerer who
should chance 10 pass that way.
Bernard Warren, n young captain of
IN American schooner from the United
States. was one day hunting in the
vicinity of the infested locality, when
Inc heard a loud cry for help. The
words were uttered in unmistakable
English, and the young captain even
thought lie could recognize the voice
rs that of one of his sailors-a hand
some youth who had shipped in his
vessel n 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 n 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 a coquettc. A
beautiful Girl, with eyes like stars and
a voice like nusic. she had captivated
the heart of Bernard, who had finally
avowed his passion.
Selma had laughed. when he con-
cluded, aud shaking her head s%aucily.
had remarked that she was not yet
ready 10 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 aud left the house without saying
aword. She had led him on, only to
laugh at him when he proposed to her,
and he would endeavor TO forget o
damsel OF such heartless nature.
A week later he sailed away. and in
the performance of his sea duties, which
he could to with all the ardor OF Il true
sailor, he stroye TO force Selina's image
from his mind.
Vain the attempt. He was n miser-
able man. He grew pale and thin,
and for some weeks lost his appetite.
Finally. however. the latter returned,
but not with il the light-hearted man
- ..t:,t, h,l IithnxtN l..lo...ol
him.
Thus he was on that day, when.
hunting in the Chi,ian wilds, he heard
the cry for help. His was a nature
upon which such an appeal could not
fall in vain.
Rushing In the direction ofthe noise.
he there behold the handsome sailor
youth mentioned, attacked by two
ficrcc-looking men with long boards.
who had thrown him down, and were
now riding his pockets of the scanty
allowance of money, which had been
given him to amuse himself ashore.
Captain Warren struck one Of the
rullians upon the head with the butt of
his piece. leveling him senseless to the
earth. The other drew II Of those
long knives. which were great favor
ties with the robbers at that period.
and rushed upon him, aiming a 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
r%ufian, who measured his length by
the side of his companion.
The youth who bad been attacked.
and who lay upon the ground half
stunned by n blow from one of the rob-
bcrs. 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-ycry glad you came when you
did, as the rascals would otherwise
have robbed and murdered me-
Il am glad | came when l did" said
the captain. ..But you should not
have strayed so far from the vessel. ]
hope nc others of my sailors have come
SO far away from the town."
The young man colorcd and hung
his head. Then u smile wreathcd his
lips, disclosing teeth which were
dazzingly white and even.
I'm afraid I'm a sorry protector. "
said he. in a voice which was peculiarly
coarse for one of such gcntcel physique.
Here l came for the sole purpose Of
being on baud to protect you In case
you should be attacked by the desper-
ADDE'S. and instead here you come to
my rescue"
You had better get back to the
town rs fast us you CAM said Bernard.
"Ay, ny, sir" answered the youth.
"And youp"
,Ncyer mind me-" said the captain,
with the daredevil. Indifferent air of a
man caring little what became of him.
A peculiar expression Of pity passed
over the face OF the youth. More, o
tear CLEANED in his eye as he walked
or toward tho town.
.'What Is there about that young
fellow which always affects me so
strangelypr muttcrcd the captain to
himself, rs he moved of. leAving the
two despcradocs lying sidc by side. still
scnseless.
Then he returned to the town and
made tho ~yigilantcs (policc oficers)
acquainted with what had taken place.
Before nightfali a party of these men
arrested the two robbers, who were
brought before tho authorities in the
town. Captain Warren and William
Marvel. the youth whom he had
rescued. appeared against the prison
ers. The latter were sent 10 tho Gala
boosc. sentenced to hard labor for .
lifetime.
Tho name of Captain Warren became.
from that moment, a hateful n to the
mountain robbers. who resolved to get
him. II possible. In their clutches. aud
hang him upon somo tree where his
skeleton. high UP on q topmest branch,
might swing rs Il warning TO Others
mover 10 attempt to prosecute the
baud.
The captain. who mover feared for,
nor In fact cared for his life. continued
his hunting excursions.
On some days 1t was nIghtfall before
In thought OF returning.
ONe evening u terrific storm burst
upon him, whilo on hid way to the
town. The heavens wcr obscnrcd by
blark clouds, and tho noisc OF the wind
--. ~ IN L "a D.WL A|N LM| A.s LA. 80 u