Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-01-03

engrossed IN q discussion OF an archRo-
logical dispute as to tho route pursued
by Cabeza de Vaca in his journey across
the plains from the gulf coast in 1856
to Compostella on the Pacific.
Senior Valencia had recently received
treatise from an eastern scholar who
made claim for more southern route
than the one usually accepted.
As the gentlemen neared the house
Raymer noticed a ray of light piercing
the darkness from the keyhole of the Ii
brary door and was presently surprised
to see his companion open the door with:
out first using his key, precisely az
though he expected to find it unfastened
Throwing the door open, he stepped
aside to allow his guest to precede him.
The lieutenant crossed the threshold and
was astonished to find Teresa sitting at
table with book before her. She
raised her eyes, and seeing who had
come in rose and came forward with ex.
tended hand The whole occurrence was
80 out Of the recognized order Of New
Mexican usage, so much like what might
occur at his own home, that the lieu
tenant had to exercise some personal re
straint in order to exhibit no surprise.
II have brought Mr.. Raymer, my
dear, to show him the book you are ex-
amining," said Senior Valencia
81 have just been comparing it with
our other authorities" observed Teresa
81 am not ready to believe that Vaca
passed into Mexico through northern
Texas. There is no evidence that trav-
eled route over led in that direction,
while the generally accepted northern
one had existed for centuries and is still
used, natural highway"
eyes, and there are many other slight
but excellent evidences that the argu-
ment is faulty. Vaca mentions eating q
flour made Of pine nuts. will find his
journal, Mr.. Raymer. Take seat by
the table. "
Raymer seated himself beside Teresa,
and her father went to a farther corner
for the journal.
'Tell me, Teresa" he said in whis-
per, what does this mean?"
lido not know, Philip. Mamma went
to tho rancho yesterday to be gone until
tomorrow, and papa asked me to meet
him here this evening to examine this
book. "
Senor Valencia returned with parch-
men1 covered volume and opened to
page from which he read:
" There are in that country small
pine trees, and the seeds of them are
like small eggs. While green they are
beaten and made into balls, and thus
eaten. If dry, they are pounded and
consumed in tho form of -four. AS the
pinon does not grow in Texas, feel con-
vinced that Vaca passed through New
Mexico" "
This subject, requiring repeated ref
erences to the library shelves, formed
the chief topic Of conversation through
out the evening and was the means of
showing Philip the strong bond of sym
pathy existing between father and
daughter and something of the literary
accomplishments of the beautiful girl.
After pleasant evening he left for his
quarters, convinced that the Mexican ia
ther did not entertain the same objec-
tions to his suit as did the Mexican
mother.
The following evening Raymer again
went to the library, this time alone.
Sonora Valencia had returned, and her
voice and Teresa's could be heard
through the panel in the adjoining
room. After time the conversation
ceased, and the piano struck up a soft
prelude that soon dropped into an ac-
compartment to q grooming voice. At
tho close of the song he heard grating
at the aperture in the wall, and looking
in that direction saw two dainty hands
separate the curtains, disclosing the face
of Teresa between.
"Hush!" said She 81 have but a
few moments. Papa, mamma, Aunt
Brigida and Father Gonzales are play
ing malilla in the sala. I knew you
came here evenings from the first, for
papa told me-.
"Your father told you? Do you know,
dear, I'm inclined since last night to
believe he is hoping I'll carry you off?
He knows now that l am in the library,
and that you are in your music room,
with only movable panel between
II cannot understand it, Philip He
did not tell me not to tell mamma of
our meeting last night, but I know he
could not have expected me to- and he
has said nothing himself.''
ut is certainly odd," said Raymer.
"He has drawn off the domestic and &C.
clesiastic cats tonight and left the mouse
to her own devices.
"Have you any plans, Philip"
"Plansl Little else but plans. The
difficulty is to carry them out. Can you
leave the house Tuesday EVENING""
"Yes; I can come into the library
through this window.
"Then at 8 o'clock Tuesday evening
we will meet here and go to the house
of Mateo Vicentio, an alcalde. He has
promised to perform the marriage serv-
ice for us, lcould not make an appoint
ment for Monday. He is to be away"
Does he know who is to be the
the
bride, dearest? No; I have not told
him. Dress plainly and wear veil.
Perhaps it will not be necessary to give
your name until the rite is completed. !"
"Sh h-h! Somebody is calling" and
the panel slid back.
Philip Raymer closed the curtains, re-
sumed his seat and listened. Hearing no
further sounds, he passed out, locked
the door and repaired to his quarters.
Sunday the lieutenant saw the Alcalde
Vicentio and secured positive promise
that he would perform the marriage
ceremony between him and Mexicana