The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1895-05-09
CHAPTER VIII.


gathered to the reservation ON the Rio
Pecos There being no further use for
the camp at Los Wales Grandes, Lieu
tenant Raymer, the first week in June,
received orders to return to Santa Fe
and resume duty at Fort Marcy. Ac-
cordingly one evening of that month
the company marched into the parade
and took up its old quarters. Raymer
was greeted cordially by his friends and
congratulated upon his success as an In
dian campaigner. He returned to his
former employment, falling rapidly into
the military and social life of the terri
torial capital.
Not long after his return he was de-
tailed as officer of the day and found
himself again standing by the sundial,
awaiting the details for guard duty.
Presently the inspiring notes of the band
burst upon his ear, and he turned to
witness its approach and handsome
bearing and precision of movement AS
he did so his glance fell upon the Win
dow at which he had first seen Dona
Teresa. No one stood there now.
Following the movement of the band,
he gradually turned his back upon the
palace and stood witnessing the arrival
and alignment of the detachments. A
light tapping attracted him, and turn
ing again to the window he saw the OBJ
ject of his thoughts, her eyes beaming
with joyful recognition. He could no
more than bow ere the officer whom he
b L, =,
viewing point.
The ceremony ended and the old
guard relieved, Raymer started for his
quarters. In the center Of the parade he
met the Mexican boy, Ramon Vaca.
''Ah, Ramon, here you are and we'll
as ever' he exclaimed
eyes, Senor Teniente, I am as we'll
as before 1 was shot, thanks to Senor
Mason. am on my way to the hospital
to see him"
''He has had piece of good fortune
since returning to the fort and is now
hospital steward" said Raymer
II heard of his appointment yester-
day, and he told me he means to be a
doctor some day"
"Yes, a medical college will have
him on its roll when his enlistment is
out. But what brings you to Santa Fe,
Ramon?"
81 am at the San Miguel school. Se-
nor Valencia says I am to be his boy,
and that must have an education.
'For your brave conduct in the val
ley?"
''He is pleased to say So"
"Where are the Valencias, Ramona
"Here in Santa Fe.''
"Have they been long in the city,"
"A fortnight. But they go tomorrow,
and as my school is out l go too
The lieutenant perceived an oppor-
tunity which must not be missed. He
felt sure Of aid from the boy and deter
mined to avail himself of it.
Call at my room, Ramon, when you
return-frst door on the left of right
hallway"
"Yes; will be back soon.
The boy went on, and the officer en-
tered his quarters, determined TO seek
an interview with Teresa. A few mo.
ments later he had prepared the follow.
ing note:
Il have just met the Cheyalier Ra.
mon, and he tells me that you are to
leave in the morning. Is it not possible
for you to meet Inc this evening? You
know l have heard nothing from you
since January! l intend this afternoon
to make afcrmal call at the palace, and
if do not find you in the parlors shall
ask permission to see you. If refused, l
trust you will be able to manage it. l
regret being obliged to counsel this, but
there may be no other way"
The ink had scarcely dried when the
boy returned.
"Now, Ramon began the lieuten.
ant Il want you to take this letter to
Dona Teresa. Are you willing?''
Yes. sir, will take it, was the un-
hesitating response.
Thank you, Ramon. / expected you
would, and, remember, deliver it to no
one but Dona Teresa. shall be about
the garrison or plaza all day. so if there
is any reply you can easily find me-"
"Yes, sir; l will report to you
whether there is reply or not -
Ramon departed, and the young off.
Ger passed the day until midafternoon
somewhat anxiously. At 8 O'Clock he
went to the palace and sent his card to
the ladies. A servant showed him into
the parlors, and presently the governors
wife and Sonora Valencia entered,
greeting him kindly. The latter paid
him many compliments and thanked
him for the aid he had rendered her
daughter on several recent occasions.
Evidently she was grateful and desired
him to know it.
Emboldened by her kindness, Raymer
asked if he might see his former guest.
The mother regretted that it would be
impossible. Teresa was busy with dress
makers and milliners, preparing for her
marriage, which was soon to take place.
As they purposed leaving Santa Fe on
the morrow, the time could not be
spared, and she begged he would excuse
her.
Raymer thought he discovered under
this reserve genuine sympathy for
him which il Was III f9ieu1t for Ia so,,oro