Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-10-07
CHAPTER XIX.
NII-NI I TIN AIA.
THE HUMAN BLOODu OCND.

Even III his jealousy OF Gilbert Mar
grave and his guilty passion for the
beautiful Octoroon, he did not aban-
don the thought of more ambitious
schemes; and he was still determined
to win the hand and fortune OF Camil-
liza Noraquitos.
The first intelligence that greeted
him on his return was the news OF
Paul LiSimon 5 escape from prison.
The planter was furious. Tins
dreaded rival was, then, ut liberty.
The trial, which was to have ended
in his disgrace and condemnation
would, perhaps, never take place. aud
Camilla might still believe III the
honor and honesty OF her lover
That which he sought WAS 10 render
Paul utterly contemplate in the sight
OF the naughty Spanish girl, atNl he
felt that he had, in Il great measure,
failed.
lie dispatched special messenger to
IbcryilIe with a letter tor SiIas Craig,
informing him OF the young Mexican, 5
escape.
Lose no time in returning to New
Orleans" he wrote. Il need the help
of your craft in this business There
must be some mystery in this l4isimun
escape. and YOU are the man to tnravel
it."
This done. he ordered his horse, and
attended by his groom. rode ut once to
| Villa NoraGrtos. He was determined
to prtcipitate matters, and enlist the
| Spaniard in his behalf. This he knew
would he an easy matter. as Don Juan
| had always encouraged his address,
Augustus Horton found the Spaniard
alone in an apartment. which was
called his study, though little trace of
| StlulIOuS habits WAS to be found within
| its walls.
The panelng of this chamber WAS
| adorned With weapons OF every kind.
arranged iii symmetrical order upon
| the wallis Cutlasses, pistols, and ear
Dlnes, of polished steel. inlald with
! gold and enamel, hung III glittering
array, side by side with charts OF that
ocean upon which, if scandaioUS
| tongues were correct, Don Juan Mora
! qultoS had for many years been rover.
When Augustus Horton entered this
room the Spaniard was standing near
an open window, his arms folded, his
| head bent upon his breast, moodlly
| putting chcrOot. He started as his
visitor was announced, and, recover
ing himself as if by an effort, advanced
to greet him.
This is kind my dear Augustus" he
said, "but | thought you had left New
/ orleans 1Of iIOfIOnNlIIe.
1T is quite true-L left yesterday"
! "And returned this morning."
Eyes"
"Capricious boy! So soon tired of
your rural retreatw
You cannot guess the cause of my
i return?"
"No. indeed"
what. Don Juan. Can YOU not ina
| CINE that there may be Il loadStar Shin
| ing in this city, which draws me back
| to it i'll spite of myself?"
"Ah! / begin to understand. And
that lOadStar is"
u o1r daughter, Camilla"
The SpaMiard was silent for some
moments, as if absorbed in thought.
| Then turning to the planter, he said,
| long foreseen this. | will freely own
to YOU, that sometime since, | cherish
ed more ambitious views for my only
| child. We SpaniartIS are a proud race.
; ana | once hoped that the husband of
nv daughter might be one Of the
naughty mobiles Of my distant native
| land. But that is past now" he added
with a Sigh; your rank is as high as
that of amy man in Louisiana. 4ou
are no pennileSS adventurer who seeks
to enrich himself by marriage. J on
are young, handsome, wealthy. WIN
| her, then, you have my free consent"
And your assistance"
| "YeS."
"But if she should refuse?"
Il cannot force her wishes. She is
| my only child. the sole treasure Of an
old man s heart. Ii you cannot win
| her love. YOU must submit to her retIl-
| sal of your hand"
Augustus Horton retired with many
| expressions of gratitude and affection,
| but once outside the chamber his brow
darkened and he clinched his fist aS he
uttered with all oath
! This Spaniard is like some foolish
| old woman. He cannot force his
} double fortune Of Don Juan MOraqui-
| t0s and Don TomaSo CriyeIli may 90 to
/ any handsome adventurer upon whom
Donna Camilla chooses to beStOW AeI
| affection"
AS these thoughts were busy in bis
brain, he crossed the spacious hall on
his way to Camillia'S apartments.
In the corridor leading to the young
| girls boudoir, he met Pauline Corsi.
He did not stop to speak to her, but
passed her with careless boW-such a
| salute as man only bestoWs upon one
! whom he thinks far beneath him.
1t did not escape the keen observa-
| ton OF the FrenchWoman. SO" she
| mlrmured, as she glanced back 1t the
American. Il am goyernesS-a de-
peEdent-unWorthy OF your notice.
| Mr.. Horton. the day may come when
| YOU will find me 10 weak enemy"
She broke into the merry chorus of a
gay French song. as she finished speak
ing, and tripped away, Warbllng like
some joyous bird.
None could have dreamed the dark
thoughts that lurked beneath that joy
| GUS exterior.
Augustus Horton entered the bou-
doir. and lifting roSe-colored silken
| curtain which shrouded the doorway,
| gaZed in silence upon the occupant OF
the chamber.
The heiress was seated near the open
| window, her rounded elbow. firm and
polished as unveined marble, resting
on the cushion of her chair, her head
| leaning on her hand, her lustrOus eyes
yelled by the silken lashes that cur
tanned them; her whole attitude be-
| speaking the profoundest melancholy.
The planter gaZed upon her with adj
miration. but it was admiration I'M
| mingled with love.
It was with the same feeling he
would have experienced in looking at
! some gorgeous picture.
( ,.,o hxy tho o-HnTli-