Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-10-23
AN ABALONE'S SECRET.

hung diamonds and opals at such hui
man eyes M CHANGED TO look on them.
Two young people, who strolled
down TO the Preside beach, however,
had no glance 10 spare for anything
80 commonplace as diamonds and
opals. For Lieutenant Anderson was
gazing into the depths of the great,
soft, black eyes OF Miss Pachita de So
la and Miss Pachita de Sola was look
ing up into the ardent Glue ones OF
Lieutenant Anderson. She seemed to
like it
The tall young soldier with the
lair hair, broad shoulders, and square,
manly, Saxon face had not been long
released from the hard work and
restraint OF West Point. and in his new
freedom of army life went at things
with an energy of desire that was
quite irresistible. Miss Pachita de
Sofa found it so, rs had half "A dozen
other girls within as many months.
1t was wholly serious business with
the lieutenant this time though. He
had been in California but few
weeks and this daughter OF an ancient,
though decayed. Spanish family. as
American in education and thought as
himself was ravishing in her novelty.
Altogether feminine Pachita at one
moment child-like and clinging; III
next worldly, witty. and mocking;
then, with the lids hiding those love-
iy. big eyes Of hers. her whole aspect
suggested especially to a young lieu
tenant with ample means to marry
possibilities OF tenderness unspeakable.
No wonder tn { when Miss Pachita
permitted Lieutenant Anderson to
gaze down into her eyes and returned
an answering long long look. giving
little sigh. too, his mead went after
his heart which had been lost for an
eternity-that is to say, for two, ter
rife. sleepless weeks.
But the young lady was discreet
and. gently clasping his fingers, re-
moved them from her waist saying.
demurely:
Don't be foolish, John. Somebody
may be looking"
This. in city OF three hundred
thousand inhabitants and in full sight
OF the ever-vigllant garrison, struck
John as being not improbable.
Instant in action, as became a sol
der, Lieutanant Anderson executed n
flank movement on Il sand bank and
seated Miss de Sofa in It's lee, on
large. water whitened. sUn-dried log
of drift wood Then this consummate
tactician repeated the original attack,
with entire success.
''Pachita oh my darling" breathed
the ecstatic lieutenant, straining her
TO his side and Immediately showing
disposition TO put n knee upon the
beach
well. John?" and the smile of love
and gratfed vanity that smote his
eyes blinded them.
Name the day. oh, Pachita; | can
not live till you do!'
Pachita pursed her full red lips.
puckered the midnight eyebrows, and
considered profoundly, digging deep
into the sand with his cane the while.
The day. my own love-the day."
gasped John.
Dear me-" Miss de Sofa exclaimed,
suddenly, what beautiful SHELF
Damn the SHELF" cried Lieutenant
i Anderson. reaching for what she had
unearthed To cast IL wrathfully out
among the unnoticed diamonds and
opals.
But he was restrained in wonder.
The Same sun was cnriching the
dancing waters of the same bay with
diamonds and opals. A young couple.
who strolled down to the Preside
beach. admired the view very much.
and Senorita Pachita de Sofa had no
occasion TO remind the lieutenant by
her side that somebody might be look
inc. Lieutenant Juan de Echeandia
would have liked greatly TO coil his
arm about that slim waist but did
not dare. though there was only
small and sleepy garrison and no city
at all behind them only the padres
and Indians at the Mission Dolores, far
over the s;snd-fi}lls and cabin or two
down at the eDl6drCadcro. entirely out
OF sight. Pachita de Sola was niece
of Commandante Don Luis Antonio
Arguello; and though he. Lieuten-
ant Juan de Echeandia, was nephew
of Don Jose Maria, of the same name.
one. even though an aristocrat has
under all circumstances. to show pro-
per respect for his commanding officer.
Resides the Senorita Pachita had
twice refused his friendly offered hand.
II was believed that her young atfec-
tious were bestowed upon Ensign
Tiburcio Mendez at Monterey. though
this was not known TO certainty at
the Presidio
Lieutenant Juan dc Echeandia and
-Senorita Pachita de Sofa walked les-
urely to the little wharf where that
wonderfui vessel. constructed but re-
Gently by wandering British sailor
Law preparing for "a voyage 10 Sausalito
four leagues distant 1t was mar
Vicious boat. with oars and sail. and
capable OF accommodating no less than
six persons. Don Luis Antonio Ar
ouello himself had commanded her in
nerson on the dozen passages which