San Saba County news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1874-19??, 1892-07-29
SPIRITS' MOUNTAIN.

Alordiel were mounted on magnificent
steeds and they rode behind their son
and daughter Alfonso and Beatriz
who kept at some distance ahead Of
the cavalcade. Alfonso was speaking
as follows:
This moantaib. which is now
called the Spirits mountain. formerly
belonged to the knights Templar
who were warlike monks After Soria
had been conquered from the Mcors
ths king sent for the TemplSPs to
come from a distant land to deferd the
city on the side next to the bridge;
thus wounding the feelings OF the
nobility OF CASTLE who as they had
conquered the city were capable of
defending it without any Outside help
Therefore the Knights Of that new
and powerful religious trdar and the
noblemen of the city were on bad
terms for several years aud finally
this feeling deepened TO pro ound
hatred.
The Templars had this part 81
tho mountain set aside ea { preserve
for game TO satisfy their wants and
contribute to their pleasure; while the
Rebles determined 30 organize a grand
hunt in the enclosure in spite Of the
severe prohibitions OF the monks with
spurs-as they styled their enemies
The expedition was carried out,
and they did not once think or tho
game for they fought sith one an
other and many poor mother had
to mourn che loss Of her son. Instead
Of p hunt there was frightful battle;
the mountain was st-ewn with corpses
and the wolves they had desired to
sxterininate en- Dyed bloody feast.
FINALLY, the king interisret and
commanded that the mountain. the
cause Of 20 much misfortune, should
be abandoned So the monks chapel
( situated on the mountain. and wherein
friends and enem es were buried TO-
gether gradually fell into ruins
but ever since, on All Souls Eve.
the chapel bell tolls for the dead; and
the ghosts enveloped IN their slrouds
roam around through the woods and
bushes as though engaged in a fan
tasiic hunting pedition- The deer
D Al 0bAUA6 llAEAAA t4EaE4AE MAlA AEt4s
the serpents hiss fearfully. and on
the following day the footprints Of
I the feshless ghosts are seen on the
snow. Therefore ID Sorla we call it
the Spirits mountain. and for that
reason have thought best to leave it
before night sets in.
q Alfonso finished his story Just rs the I
two young people reached the end OF
the bridge which extends 10 the city
on the other side. They waited for /
the rest OF the cavalcade to Join them.
and all entered together the warm.
dark streets OF SOr.a
The servants had just cleared the
table and : bright fire was playing in /
the Gothic fireplace shedding its glow
on several gro 4ps of ladies and gem
tlemen. who were talking around the |
hearth. while the wind beat against /
the windows
Only two persons did not take part
Il the general conversation. Beatriz /
and AloRzo
My lovely cousin, +" finally ex-
claimed Alenso breaking tho deep 81
lence. I'VE are soon to separate. per-
haps forever You do not like the arid |
plains OF CASTLE its severe and war
like customs It's simple patriarchal 1
habits ! know full we'll have heard /
you sigh severSl times. and perhaps it (
is for some lover you have lett in your
far-off home.
Beatriz made a gesture o. iudiffer- |
ence. and her disposition was revealed I
in the scornfei curl OF her lip
Perhaps you are signing for the /
pomps of the french court where (
you have lived up TO the present
time " the young man fastened to say.
Anyway l forsee that shall soon /
lose you; and when we separate. I
would like to have you carry away 4
remembrance of me. Do you remem-
Der when we went 10 church to give
thanks TO God for having restored I
your health. which you came to seek
here? The jewel that fastened the
plume in my cap attracted your at
tention. How we'll it would look in
your dark hair combining your veil
It has already been used for that pur-
poss by a bride; for my father gave
1t 10 my mother and she wore It to
the altar Would you like TO
havo it?'
Il do not know how it is in your
country but in mine, If one receives
present it is binding. Only on
holiday can one accept present from
a re.atlve-who can even go 10 Rome
without coming back with empty
hands.
The scofnful tone in which Beatriz
pronounced these words disturbed the
young man little but finally recov-
ering himself he said in a sad tone
i am aware of it cousin but
today IS All Saints day, and your
name day as well as that of others; so
it is fitting time 10 receive gifts !
assure you viii you accept this
from me2n
Beairiz slightly bit her lip. ana
extended her hand to take the jewel.
without saying "a word
After few moments Alonso pro-
ceeded.
6 Before the end of All Saints day.
which is my nameday as we'll rs yours.
you may give me souvenir without
compromising yourself VIII you not
do so?" urged Alfonso fixing his eyes
on his cousins which CLEANED bright
ly as a diabolical thought flashed
through her mind.
Why not?' she exclaimed. carry
ing her right hand to her shoulder as
though seeking for something amid
the folds Of her wide velvet sleeve
embroidered with gold Then with "A
chiloils- air of disappointment she
addeI:
DO yvd recoliect the blue ribbon |
wore to-day on the hunting expedi-
ton. and which you said was the EN-.
biem Of your soul on account Of its
cclor?'
''Yes / do.
We'll have lost II have LOST
II and l wanted to give il TO you as "a
Where was it lostg7 inquired
Alfonso. raising himself in his seat
with an irdescrlUable expression of
n lngled fear and hope.