Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-01-02
A COQUETTE'S FAITH.

In the year lS-, many of the ranges
of hills branching out from the lofty
Cordileras Mountains in Chill, were
infested by bands of despcradoes, who.
led by fierce, mercless chiefs. would
pounce upon all travellers supposed to
have valuables in their possession. rob-
bing and very often numbering them.
The bodies of the victims were some
times flung into deep gorgcs, and at
others left in the very roads TO strike
terror To the unlucky wanderer who
should chance to pass that way.
Bernard Warren, a 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 unmstakable
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 20
ashore 10 one of the watches, that they
might enjoy themselves.
As to the captain himself. his enjoy
nents were, he believed. destined to be
few in the world. Hunting had always
been for him a 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 coquette. A
beautiful Girl. with eyes like stars and
n voice like music. she had captivated
The heart of Bernard, who had finally
avowed his passion.
Selma had laughed. when he con-
cluded, and shaking her head saucilv,
had remarked that she was not yet
ready TO maNy. 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
sword. She had led him on, only TO
laugh at him when he proposed to her,
and he would endeavor to forget
iamsel of such heartleSs nature.
A week later he sailed away. and in
he performance OF his sea duties. which
ne could do with all the ardor of IL true
sailor. lie strove to force Selina's image
from his mind.
Vain the attempt He was miser-
able man. He grew pale aud thin,
and for some weeks lost his appetite.
Finally. however, the latter returned
out not with it the light-heartcd man.
,er which had hitherto characterized
aim.
Thus he was on that day. when.
hunting in the CHILEAN wilds, he heard
;he cry for help. His was nature
1pon which such an appeal could not
all in vain.
Rushing in the direction ofthe 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 riding his pockets of the scanty
allowance of money, which had leen
given him to amuse himself ashore.
Captain Warren struck one of the
rufiians upon the head with the butt OF
his piece. leyeling him senseless to the
ilt Ollltl hlt" INV Va NHb'N
long knive4. which were great favor
ties with the robbers at that period.
and rushed upon him. aiming furious
blow ut his heart.
The captain quickly sprung aside;
then his gun again whizzcd through
the air. coming down. with crushing
force. upon the head OF tie second
ruiian, who measured his length by
the side of lis companion.
The youth who had been attacked.
and who lay upon the ground half
stunned by 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 laitcr's hand warmly. Il am
glad-very glad you came when YOU
did. as the rascals would otherwise
have robbed and murdered me-"
IL am glad | came when dill" said
the captain. but you should not
have strayed so far from the vessel. |
hope no others of my sailors have come
so far away from the town."
The young man colorcd and hunC
his head. Then smile wreathed his
Iips. disclosing teeth which were
dazzingly white and even.
I'm afraid I'm sorry protector.
said he. in voice which was peculiarly
coarse Cor one of such gcnteel physique.
Here came for the sole purpose of
being on baud to protect you in case
YOU should he attacked 10y the desper.
ADDE'S. and instead here you come to
my rescue"
You had better get back to the
town rs fast as you can" said Bernard.
LAY. ny. sir" answered the youth.
'And youP'
"Never 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
of toward the town.
What Is there about that young
fellow which always affects me so
stran.cly?r muttered the captain 10