The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-04-09

They had not been gone more than
twenty minutes when Amanda be-
came melancholy and nervous. The
Old majestic oak tree seemed to froWn
on her, and the murmuring of the riy-
ulets sounded like a dirge.
Presently she was startled by the
tramp OF horses, and, looking for
ward, her heart sank within her on
perceiving a black, Misunderstanding
Mexican riding furiously toward her.
She saw that he was a barbarian,
Tor he never reined in his horse, but
almost rode over her. She despised
the coward, and would not let him see
that she feared him; SO, stepping for
ward to meet him, she reached out
her hand in welcome
The william was SO surprised as not
to be able, to speak, but she came to
his rescue, saying in good Spanish;
pardon me, sir. have mistaken
you for my husband, who is not far
off, and whom | am just expecting.
Rum" she continued, addressing
Mrs. Barlow's son, "and see what de-
tains him" DIX.
The boy ran off, and, without
49, oAASA SSL CiAAoiy, OIlC 4ACAlCCUll 5
II am Vasquez, the outlaw, and a
admirer of beauty III
Saying this, he seized Amanda with
a herculean grasp, and seating her be-
fore him in the saddle, galloped off,
leaving the two little ones of Mrs. Bar
low screamingat the top of their lungs.
In a short time the boat was obtain
ed, and Mrs. Barlow and her family
were safely landed on the other side.
Randolph expressed much surprise
at not seeing his wife, and was inform
ed by one of the children, before they
entered the boat, that "a big ugly
man had taken her to ride against her
will" .'.f .,-.
He hoped this might have been only
imagination on the part of the child,
as it was so terrified. He at once went
to the ambulance to see if Amanda was
sleeping, but no wife greeted him there.
Every search was unavailing.
"Oh, Heaven" cried he, "take my
life, but spare that pure, gentle creature,
for whom | would lay down a thou
sand ]ives!"
A cloud ofdust on theroad announc-
ed the approach of band of men.
He thought it must be Vidal aud his
murderous crew, so he examined his
pistol, and prepared to sell his life as
dearly as possible. "
Great was his Joy on finding the
party to be Americans.
1t was Captain Matt Nolan's COM
pany OF the Texan Rangers, on their
way to Brownsville.
Randolph approached, and told, in
a few words, the horrors perpetrated
| by Vidal, together with the loss of his
wife; and Nolan, answering him said:
1--WE are men, aud know how to feel
for you. An Irish mother taught me
early to feel for the sorrows of others.
A Mexican passed us, short time
since, bearing large bundle in front
OF him. Perhaps it was your wife, in
a fainting condition, for the fellow
turned into small hovel, and we
took no further notice of him. Come,
boys" said he with yell, ito the
rescue!''
All his men, twenty-five in number,
started for the cabin into which thew
had seen the Mexican enter. = =
Vasquez was there, trying his best
to restore Amanda from the effects of
the swoon, from which she was lust
recovering. His quick ear catching
the shout of the Rangers, he saw, at
a glance, that his game was lost, and
mounting his horse, with Amanda in
front of him, he rode to the riverside,
and yheaving his i~sensible burden in
to the water, darted off like lightning,
shouting "Death to the Americans''
1t was useless to pursue the wretch.
Every Ranger was in the water as
soon as Randolph himself, and the
gallant Matt Nolan soon emerged from
the river with the dripping form of
Amanda in his arms.
In a short time she completely re-
covered uniniured, and united with
her husband in Offering her warmest
gratitude to Nolan. who detached
five Of his men to guard Randolph
and the lady, and they shortly after
arrived at their destination to enjoy
home, happiness, and heaven Of
love: