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

nowers bloomed ON every hand.
But the aboriginal inhabitants Of this
terrestrial paradise were not disposed t.
yield it without struggle, and at length
horde of them with deafening yells Sc,
upon party of Spaniards. The Euro.
peans, unused to such warfare, retreated
to the boats, where Don Vasco had just
landed. Hastily forming section Of his
horsemen, he boldly attacked the Indi-
ans and soon drove them into the inte-
rior, shouting as he urged on his char
ger, "Che sara, sarap When the enemy
was routed, he returned to the boats jul
bilant over his success, but ere he dis
mounted his steed staggered, then fell
dead. An arrow had passed through the
saddle and buried itself deeply in the
animal, inficting a mortal wound.
''Never mind" exclaimed the don, 81
have been the first to raise the lance
against the infidels and have lost the first
horse. Che sara, sarap"
On reviewing his troops that after
noon Don Vasco was somewhat ANNOYED
to find that one of his most trusty men
at arms had brought STRIPPING son to
share the perils of the expedition.
'May it please your grace" said the
man, Il wish to train him to the pursuit
of arms"
'But what can his slight arm do?''
angrily inquired the cavalier.
Little now, admit. But he knows
how to dress g. wound and take care of a
sick comrade, and he is as true as steel. {"
''Welly WELL" replied Don Vasco, who
was pleased with the youths appearance,
''you are worthy fellow, Pedro, and
will take the boy as my page"
The delighted youth uttered an ex-
clamation of joy, and that day he occu-
pied tent used for baggage and near
that of his master. 1t was noticed by
some that Pedro accompanied his son to
his new quarters and relieved him from
all mental duties, but indulgent parents
are too common to excite much atten-
ton. Never was such page seen as
Jose, and soon, for want of better con-
fidant, Don Vasco told him Of his love.
almost hopeless as it was, for his ward.
Meanwhile De Soto found himself op.
posed by cacique, who remained i'm
placably hostile, and he was about to-
send captain with % troop to conquer
him when the honor was claimed by
Don Vasco. Mastering his band, he Sc
lected picked detachment, and at the
earnest entreaty Of his page the youth
was of the party. They left in great
pomp, with trumpets sounding and the
cherished banner waving in the breeze,
while Don Vasco vauntingly declared
that he would "bring Hirihiqua back
either as friend or as captive. 'Che
sara, sarar"
AS the Spaniards advanced messenger
after messenger came from Hirihiqua,
warning him not to proceed, but the hot
headed Don Vasco judged that this was
evidence Of the cowardice Of his foe.
Squirting on he at last came to tangled
hammock, in which was dismal look
ing morass shaded by expresses. IS
his men knew it would be impossible t.
cross, laden as they were with heavy az
NOR, but Don Vasco was not so easily
daunted. Putting spurs to his horse he
entered the morass, but his steed soon
fioundered and fell. 1t was impossible
for him to'extricate himself, and he was
in danger of sinking into the quagmire.
But his page managed to go to the res
cue by throwing pieces of bark before
him that supported his light weight and
thus enabled him to carry rope to Don
Vasco. Pulled out, all besmeared with
mud, the crestfallen cavalier felt that
the martial fire so suddenly rekindled
was as suddenly extinct, and he ordered
O retreat to the camp, humbled by the
potent Hirihiqua, who had encountered
him with friendly warnings and had i'm
prisoned him in mudhole to be rescued
by page.
Just as the troop was preparing to
retire, vicious horse reared, and strik-
ing out with his fore feet kicked the
page with such force that he fell from
the saddle. Then it was that Pedro dis
closed his secret, and Don Vasco dis
covered that the page was his devoted
ward, Donna Inez. Clasping her to his
bosom, he vowed that henceforth no
earthly power should separate them.
mot even Hirihiqua?" inquired the
senorita, with smile despite her suffer-
ing.
Hang Hirihiqua and all the other
quas If you will be mine, will leave
all this soldering to younger hands, and
we will return to Cuba. What say you,
my ward?'
''Must not follow my guardians ad-
vice? Nay, if had not loved you as q
civilian, what would have made me fol-
low you here when you put on your ar
mor% A kiss sealed the contract.
The next day as De Soto sat before his
tent chatting with his confessor, caval-
cade approached. 1t was Don Vasco,
with soiled attire, walking by the side
of litter, upon which lay his page,
while his troop followed in picturesque
disorder.
81 have boon to ask, said the knight.
"Let my lieutenant, Gomez, take COM
mand of my troops and retain all my
munitions of war, but I only ask tho
blessing of this holy father upon my fair
ward here in masquerade and leave to
go home"
"You shall have all you ask, ;" replied
De Soto, although Iregret to lose you.
But as love made you enlist love shall
procure your discharge"