The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1893-09-21

his broad acres made him the more at
tractiye 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
/ il , when he entrusted his daughter into
thu hands of so true a gentleman. And
Don Vasco. regarding the last wish Of
his friend as solemn duty, had ever
used every exsrtion to rear the Donna
lnez Us he would have brought up bis
own daughter.
"And do you not like itf' inquired tho
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 steelf Oh. yes. guardian, you must
like it. should think that the echoing
notes Of these trumpets would make
your blood surge through your veins like
q maelstrom.
Yes, indeed. have decided to Join
this expedition if De Soto will accept my
poor sword"
WHAT exclaimed Donna Inez, with
q look Of uneasiness, you go to the wars
again! Oh. for the cake of the Blessed
Virgin do not go"
May. nay, my fair ward. were you
not just adniring 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
short pause and an evident struggle in
order to keep from bursting into tears
she added. 1T was there my father
breathed his last"
True, but this expedition is not SINH
lar to Il European campaign These hi.
Galgos go in quest of adventure, admit
but they expect to find great wealth and
little if any opposition"
But is the gold there, guardian? Will
1t not be like Ponce de Icons voyage in
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 he.
cheeks.
"Ah," replied the knight, with a deep
sigh, lit might not avail me aught
Seriously, though, my fair ward, feel
that honor calls mo 20 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 J
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 tho city of Santiago
was scene of jubilee. In the daytime
the cavaliers INDUCED in that nation.
al yet cruel ainusement-bullfght
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
hisllI l4lCIo NS1S Gllo iluStlu6IGuSSt
where the future invaders Of Florida
mingled IN the inazes of tho dance.
De Soto. while he encouraged their d.
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 lie had sent to discover
a 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.
Equipplng 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 lnez was never on the plaza to
witness his troops at their daily guard
mounting, their floating plumes. polish
Cd 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 u 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
q package, from the Donna Inez."
Tearing it open. the delighted cavalier
found a silken pennon. on which was
deliberately embroidered his armorial
bearings, with the Italian motto, "Che
sara, sara" which may be interpreted