The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-02-07

blossom of the south she gave to hin
with her last breath, and for 10 year
he has worn it upon his heart. Az 70
Narianita, the world for heris boundet
By the horizon which incloses her tn
ther. She draws him now, unresisting
ly, among the birds and flowers, and be
meath the spell of her witching sweet
ness passion dies out Of his heart.
But later in the day, and fo'
many days, the haunting thoughts re
cur, doubts arise and purpose grows
within his mind. It had often been
whispered about that Don Tiburcio was
possessed Of fabulous sums Of money,
real old Spanish gold. All who knew
him were aware that his pockets al
ways jingled, and some there were who
told of his counting out the pesetas
and onzas by handfuls, as another man
| would count his reales. Don Tiburcio
was well aware that these whispers had
been widely spread through oil Of the
Candado de Los Angeles, and the
story of Encourages committed against
the property of his friends farther
north had more than sympathetic sig
niticance to him. Day after day he pom
dered and his purpose grew.
The rumors of war On the Rio
urande became louder and louder, and
at length, when the grapes Of Cuca.
monga were taking on the purple hues
of the distant canyons word was
brought that the stars and stripes of
Los Estados Unidos hat been raised
at Monterey. Don TburYio said moth
ing, but the next day announced to
Marianita that he must journey to Los
Angeles. Close as was The tie which
bound these two, tho traditional pride
and faith of her race pernctted no doubt
nor further question than the simple:
Am to go with you, papasito?" When
the hesitating reply came: mo, / can
not very well take you. hiji mia" this
proud little descendant Of old CASTLE
thought for only moment, II wonder
why?" then dismissed tho subject from
her mind, and sent her father upon his
journey with close abrazo and tender
words Of farewell.
Don Tiburcio journeyed to the pueblo
adventure or r,ishap. Two
amigos viejos, appraised OF his arrival
by one of his household servants, dined
with him al fresco. and as they smoked |
their cigaritos under the shadow Of |
the orange tree, California's position
in the present struggle between Mexico
and Los Estados was discussed with |
great warmth. At length, when the |
ateness OF tho hour penetrated the
of their heated spirits,
the two friends arose, and with the for
NAL courtesy which the closest init
macy never alters, babe their host .
'Buenas noches, Don T,burcio, vpta |
v'd con Dios manana" ("Good night,
Don Tiburcio, God be with you to-mor-
'ow"). He had not disclosed, even to
hese two tried and true old friends,
he object of his visit to Ike pueblo.
In that darkest hour before the dawn.
when all his household slumbered, Don
Tiburcio arose. listened for moment,
nd finding all still, crept cautiously
tut into the wide hall Of the house.
Toiselessly drawing the bolt Of the
utter door, he glided around the east
orncr Of the house to the servants
uarters. Here again all was still, save
or the occasional mutterings Of the
leepers within.
"Domingo!" whispered Don Thur
10, and out of the darkness tall figure
rose and stole silently toward him.
With no further word or sign the two
assed away toward the stables. Here
domingo drew out cumbrous four.
Theeled "carreta del lais," which
oiled out with dismal creakings. Hur.
iedly oiling the numbering vehicle, so
nat its complainings were instantly
ushcd, he yoked to it pair Of we'll
ID. slow-moving oxen. Then, always
18th quick, gliding motions, he sad
led Don Tiburcio's horse, and just az
ne day was lighting up the crown OF
l Vieto Calvo, master and servant
assed out of the great gate, the mas
It astride his favorite horse Paloma,
is Indian attendant walking beside
10 cumbrous carreta, which contained,
eside a large metal box, with strong ,
rass clasps. pickaxes and shovels Of [
arious sizes and degrees Of strength.
Slowly they wendell thcirway toward
re Rancho de San Jose, and as they
'de the golden glory of the day gilded 8
lie crests of the Sierra Mndre. Rev
emily Don Tiburcio raised his broad I
and the silent but observant
ldian clasped his arms and dropped ,
Is head upon his breast. The oxen
God still. With his eyes npon the I
Sierra, Don Tiburcio /
ianted his morning prayer of praise /
I'd Thanksgiving, to which the Indian 9
lded low-toned amen, and. quietly 4
yirg his hand upon the nearest of @
e oxen, they resumed their slow q