The herald., 1893-07-09

uioA 60 Ho "ou'~ H"sS SAoubHv w LIZ
own daughter. Hr'
"And do you not like ita" inquired the
damsel as her guardian stepped upon the
window platform. "Do you not liseth
flashing armo7, these spirited horses,
these waving banners, these bright suits
of steel? Oh, yes. guardian, you must
like it. should think that the echoing
notes of these trumpets would make
your blood surge through yourveins like
macfstrom." w rsr7
"Yes, indeed. Ihaye decided to join
this expedition II De Soto will accept my
poor sword.v ai taeg
'Whatl' exclaimed Donna Inez, with
lookofunoasiness, ''you 60 to the wars
ngainly oh, for the sake of the Blessed
Virgin do not CO."
NAY. 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, 'It was there my father
breathed his last
True, but this expedition is not simi-
lar to a European campaign. These hi
dalgos go in quest Of adventure, admit,
but they expect to find great wealth and
little IL any opposition"
. "But is the gold there, guardian? Will
it not be like Ponce de Icons voyagein
quest of the Fountain of YOUTH"
II 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 l now kiss your hand, as
must make tho 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 a scene Of jubilee. In the daytime
the cavaliers indulged in Sat nation
al yet cruel amusement-oullfghting.
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 tho 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 a participant in the
sports. Anxiously awaiting the return
of pilot whom he had sent to discover
safe harbor for Decentralization, he oc-
cupied himself in perfecting every ar
rangement, nor had he moro efficient
ally than Don Vasco, whose martial
spirit appeared reirindled 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 4s1a1en leader, showed
that every bat Assnss$ find them victori-
ous or slain.
But, to tile great sorrow Of Don Vasco
Donna Inez was never on the plaza to
witness his troops at their daily guard
mounting. their floating plulnes, polish
ed armor and glossy chargers now ex-
tending into line, then at the sound os
the trumpet closing into square. Their
pennon was scarf worked by the fair
lady for her guardian, but she had re-
tired to a 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 ,rol'
her confessor most pathetic y
This conduct, considering that E
in truth the cause of her quart
turn to military life, was rathe,
ing, but he consoled himself
thought that perhaps she was
for his safety.
The fact was, Don Vasco HI iasn
desperately in love with his ~
though he dared not urge his
she should think that he had npl
to take advantage of bis posi- l
her high spirit should rebel.
sisted in refusing to see him, b ha
eve of his departure his pageb
a package, 'from the Dom a
Tearing it open, the delighted
found silken pennon, on w
elaborately embroidered his
bearings, with the Italian mo
sara, sara" which may be int pea
Whatever will be, will be-"
|
Floridal IL was on the las 9Ay
May, 1850, that De 8 ,to and bis alsia
band landed at what is now cal laia.
pa bay and hoisted the Spanif ae
they took possession of the *
the name of Charles v. The 81
one Of SURPRISING lcysiiness.
GUS mass of laurels covered I'll H
beyond the narrow sandy bea
beyond them lowered the mastl
the stately live oak and the s
! MAGNOLIA. A long distance frc a