The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-08-11

eye and winning smile, he was the
envy of many younger hidalgos. while
his broad acres made him the more at
tractive to matchmaking donnas. As
honorable as he was honest, and as faith
full as he was brave, his dying comrade
Don Antonio Gonzales, had felt great
JOY when he entrusted his daughter into
the hands of so true gentleman. And
Don Vasco, regarding the last wish OF
his friend as a solemn duty, had ever
used every exertion to rear the Donna
Inez as he would have brought up his
own daughter.
"And do you not like it?" inquired the
damsel as her guardian stepped upon the
window platform. "Do you not like this
flashing armor, these spirited horses,
| these waving banners, these bright suits
Of steel5 Oh, yes, guardian, you must
like it. l should think that the echoing
notes of these trumpets would make
your blood surge through your veins like
maelstrom."
Eyes, indeed. l have decided to join
this expedition if De Soto will accept my
poor sword"
"What" exclaimed Donna Inez, with
look OF uneasiness, you go to the wars
again! Oh, for the sake of the Blessed
Virgin do not CO."
may, nay, my fair ward, were you
not just admiring the scene?"
"Aye, but this is not the picture pre-
sented at the close of hard fought bat
tie, when brave knights lie suffering in
agony or die in despair" Then after a
short pause and an evident struggle in
order to keep from bursting into tears
she added, LIT was there my father
breathed his last"
''True, but this expedition is not SINH
lar to European campaign. These hi
dalgos go in quest of adventure, admit,
but they expect to find great wealth and
little if any opposition"
"But rs the gold there, guardian? Will
1t not be like Ponce de Icons voyage in
quest of the Fountain of YOUTH"
81 should like to find that fountain"
"And what good would it do your
asked Inez, the color mounting to her
cheeks.
"Ah," replied the knight, with deep
sigh, sit might not avail me aught.
Seriously, though, my fair ward, feel
that honor calls me 60 join the expedi-
ton. The lady Of the brave De Soto
will remain here, and feel confident
that she will far eclipse my poor serv-
ices. So now kiss, your hand, as l
must make the necessary arrangements
for the management of my estates dur
ing my absence, and should fall, Inez,
remember that everything possess will
be your dover. Adios."
"My dover" exclaimed Inez, turning
from the window and speaking hurried
ly to herself. II shall be bride of the
church, then, or earth will have no OBJ
ject that can love-" When she reached
her chamber, she bolted the door; then,
throwing herself upon her couch, wept
long and bitterly.
For several weeks the city of Santiago
was scene of jubilee. In the daytime
the cavaliers INDUCED in that nation
al yet cruel amusement-bullfghting.
Mounted on the choicest steeds and clad
in brilliant armor, the gallant knights
contested for prizes of gold or for choice
embroidery presented by the fair ones,
whose bright eyes graced their lists. At
night there were balls and masquerades,
where the future invaders of Florida
mingled in the mazes Of the dance.
De Soto, while he encouraged their di-
versions, which served to train his young
cavaliers in the use of arms and horse
manship, was not participant in the
sports. Anxiously awaiting the return
of pilot whom he had sent to discover
o safe harbor for Decentralization, he oc-
cupied himself in perfecting every ar
rangement, nor had he more efficient
ally than Don Vasco, whose martial
spirit appeared rekindled with fiery zeal.
Equipping well armed retinue of men
from the vicinity of his estate, he soon
had them the pride of the whole expedi-
ton. The excellence of their armature
and equipments, the superiority of breed
and good grooming of their horses, and
the confidence which they evidently pos
sessed in their veteran leader, showed
that every battle must find them victori-
Gus or slain.
But, to tho great sorrow of Don Vasco
Donna Inez was never on the plaza to
witness his troops at their daily guard
mounting, their floating plumes, polish
ed armor and glossy chargers now ex-
tending into line, then at the sound of
the trumpet closing into square. Their
pennon was scarf worked by the fair
lady for her guardian, but she had re-
tired to convent in pursuance, she
said, of vow. Nay, she even refused to
see Don Vasco when the expedition was
ready to sail, although she sent through
her confessor most pathetic entreaty.
This conduct, considering that she was
in truth the cause Of her guardians re-
turn to military life, was rather sadden-
ing, but he consoled himself with the
thought that perhaps she was praying
for his safety.
The fact was, Don Vasco had fallen
desperately in love with his ward, al
though he dared not urge his suit, lest
she should think that he had attempted
to take advantage of his position, and
her high spirit should rebel. She per-
sisted in refusing to see him, but on the
eve of his departure his page brought in
a package, from the Donna Inez."
Tearing IL open, the DELIGHTED cavalier