Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1893-06-15

! that honor calls me co Join the expedi-
ton. The lady Of the brave De Soto
will remain here, and I feel confident
that she will far eclipse my poor serv-
ices. So | now kiss your hand, as
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. 81 shall be a 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 useof arms and horse
manship, was not 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 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 the 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 it open, the delighted cavalier
found silken pennon, on which was
elaborately embroidered his armorial
bearings, with the italian motto, sChe
sara, sara" which may be interpreted,
whatever will be, will be-"
u
Floridal 1t was on the last day Of
May, 1889, that De Soto and his chivalric
band landed at what is now called Tam
4 pa bay and hoisted the Spanish flag as
they. took possession of the country in
the name of Charles v. The scene was
one of surprising loveiiness. A luxuri-
GUS mass of laurels covered the ground
beyond the narrow sandy beach, while
beyond them lowered the mastlike palm,
the stately live oak and the gorgeous
magnolia. A long distance from the sea
groves Of lemon and orange trees gave to
the landscape the appearance Of flow
cry wilderness, here and there divided
by quiet lagoons. Huge vines clambered
from tree to tree, ard a profusion of wild
flowers bloomed on every hand.
But the aboriginal inhabitants of this
terrestrial paradise were not disposed te
yield it without struggle, and at length
horde Of them with deafening yells set
upon a party Of Spaniards. The Euro.
peans, unused to such warfare, retreated
to the boats, where DON Vasco had just
landed. Hastily forming a section Of his
horsemen. he boldly attacked the Indi
ans and soon drove them into the inte-
1 rior, shouting as he urged on his char.
ger, s.Che sara, sarap When the enemy
was routed, he returned to the boats ju
bilant over his success, but ere he dis
mounted his steed staggered, then fel
dead. An arrow had passed through tht
saddle and buried itself deeply in ths
animal, infiicting mortal wound.
Never mind, exclaimed the don, q
have been the first to raise the lance
against the infdels and have lost the frs
horse. Che sara, sarar"
On reviewing his troops that after
noon Don Vasco was somewhat annoyed
to find that one of his most trusty mer
at arms had brought a STRIPPING son *
share the perils of the expedition.
+ MAY it please your grace" said thf
man, II wish to train him to the pursui
of arms.
"But what can his slight arm do?
angrily inquired the cavalier.
"Little now, admit. But he know
how to dress a wound and take care of {
sick comrade. and he is as true as steel.
We'll, we'll replied Don Vasco, wht
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 neal
II that of his master. It was noticed b.
some that Pedro accompanied his son t
his new quarters and relieved him from
!; all menial duties, but indulgent parent
4 are too common to excite much atten
ton. Never was such page seen a
u Jose, and soon, for want of better con
fdant, Don Vasco told him of his love
alrnnst hnnalasa 80 It was for his Hard