Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-03-13

and inflrm woman would not invite at tention.
 "How we'll you did the characterl''
 ''I used to do the old lady parts in amateur theatricals. must have done we'll here, for you left me severely alone"
 ''Not moro than you desired certain ly."
 ''More than you would have done per haps had you known was younger.
 ''Very likely. Youth attracts youth, you know, but think I offered La Sonora Vieja considerably moro atten- tion than she was willing to receive" replied Raymer.
 'That is true, and assure you al- ways felt confident of kindly treatment from you under all circumstances '"
 ''Thank you. Did you know who commanded here when you sent for as- sistance?'
 ''I learned that at La Roca Grande "
 ''Of course, and that reminds mo that we can now clear up few mysteries "
 "Very we'll. Where is Vic? have missed her ever since came"
 ''I sent her to Santa Fe at the request of 0 friend who wanted her for hunt ing trip"
 1T looked for her when Idismounted, and am suro I dreaded meeting her moro than el comandante. She took a decided liking for me, you remember, and felt sure she would penetrate my disguise if you did not I had really re- solved to deny her acquaintance and manifest decided antipathy to dogs. I think if it had been necessary for pre- serving my incognito could have pull. ed her tail or trod on her toes"
 And you seemed so fond of her too. "
 'Yes, the dear little doggie. Can I ever forget that but for her we should have lost our lives? Nino miles to camp and nine in return. Done as intelligent ly as if she were a human being. When will she be back, Mr. Raymer?''
 "I expected her with tho last express, but Mir Reed wrote that i.a would send her next time was obliged to send her to Santa Fe by n wagon going for supplies, but she will follow the caval- rymen back" "
 Did Sergeant Cunningham receive my medal?"
 II think not. The company presented the collar some time ago. "replied Ray mer.
 ''I ordered platero in Albuquerque to make the medal and forward it to the sergeant by mail"
 ''Cain," said the lieutenant to his servant, ''go to the orderly room and ask tho sergeant if he has received a medal for Vic, and if he has to lend it to me for a few minutes. Then, turning again to his guest, ho said, "How came you to be on tho Roca Grande trail that day?"
 II had been visiting my mothers brother, Father Gutierrez, in company with cousin of papa's, Sister Josepha, who, with another sister, went to Jemoz on business of the church. The sisters were teachers of minc at the con- vent was on the trail with them be- cause was to accompany them to San tn Fe."
 "You recognized me at La Roca?' asked Raymer.
 "Yes. knew all or nearly all of the officers at Santa Fe by sight. They were pointed out to me from tho palace win dows from time to time Then I saw you when you punished the wagoner be- fore tho convent gates, and moro re- gently l saw you ride across the fields at Jemez and into the plaza to rescue the Navajoes. ''
 You were at your uncle's, of course?"
 II wds on the roof of his house with tho sisters, We had begged uncle to in terfere for the protection of tho Indians, and he and the sisters went to the chiefs of both Dominican and Jemez Pueblos and did all they could to prevent the out rage. It was useless We were glad to see the soldiers appear in the distance" "
 And still tho men-perhaps the very husbands and fathers of the women and children we saved-did all they could to massacre us at the log cabin"
 "Yes such things are difficult to un. derstand. have never met moro gen. tie. considerate and industrious people than the Navajoes in time of peace, and l cannot realize how they can be such hends when on the warpath.
 'It is a characteristic of all rude peo- pies. The white man behaved no better in tho stone ago, replied tho heuten- ant. Then, after a pause, he asked, What prompted the sisters to veil and wrap you when they saw me on the trail that day?'
 "An instinct of the recluse the duena and the chaperon for one thing, a costumbre del pais for another"
 True know something of the so- ciety customs of the country"
 Raymer did not pursue this topic fur ther, for at this point Cain returned from the orderly room with a package from Sergeant Cunningham, who had been delayed by duty from sending it at once. The package had been received by tho last express and contained Tere- sa's medal, silver shield, engraved upon ono sido with her initials, T. I. ", in monogram. Upon the other side was a running dog, under which were the words, La Heroina Victoriana, Oct. -, 1864.
 What n good likeness of Vic" said Raymer. Did you draw it?''
 II lined it with n pen upon paper" replied the young lady, ''and the plate TO has engraved it faithfully Then you really think there is a resemblance?"
 1ANSA So tuo Ollp III uSE IuOuLu huu the message in her collar. No doubt Mistress Vic will be very proud of col lar and medal"
 The meal was at an end, and with a few words more on general topics Tere. sa retired to her cabin and the heuten- ant to the orderly room, leaving Cain and Jenny to eat their dinner.
 Supper time again found officer, guest and servitor gathered in the same cabin, Teresa pouring the tea and ask ing the conventional question:
 twill you take sugar and cream, MT. Raymer?
 Both, if you please" answered the lieutenant, wondering if his Christian name would ever fall from those lips.
 'How you must enjoy pouring your tea in this cozy cabin, said she.
 ''If ever have enjoyed it, I shall K. 2 .Ex