The herald., 1896-02-23
Written for The Herald.

written tor Tho Herald.
CHAPTER l.
Soft and serene was the evening, in
May, 1910, when man apparently 35
years of age, with an originally hand
some countenance, but now marked
with the traces of dissipation and care,
entered the Pueblo de Los Angeles,
which consisted then of some two
dozen scattered adobes. His clothing
was old and threadbare; his dusty
boots broken and worn, and the slow
ness with which he walked showed the
observer that he had come long and
wearisome journey. Nevertheless there
was an air Of refinement about him
that neither suffering nor rags could
totally efface, and his large black eyes
were lighted with the fire Of proud,
high spirit.
It was nearly 9 when he entered the
village; he stopped at the public
watering place in front of the plaza to
slske his thirst, for his lips we're dry
and parched and his throat full of
dust. On La Gale de Los Negros, fac.
ing the plaza, was the long adobe house
Of Vicente Lugo, and the most fash
for the Spanish dons and senoritas.
While our traveller was drinking from
the iron cup attached to the ola by
steel chain, his ears caught the soft
strains of Spanish music, mingled
with the sound of many voices. Drop
ping on the water fount, the cup which
benevolence had placed there for way
farers as miserable as himself, he drew
heavy sigh and started slowly for the
adobe. A mellow light streamed from
the low window and fell invitingly at
his feet. In the large square room,
were tables spread with tempting re-
freshments, and surrounded by spark
ling beauties, who laughed and talked
with the richly dressed and distin-
guished looking don's.
Beyond the broad wall was the
saloon and gambling room. It was
there the eyes of the stranger we're
most attracted and as he stood out
side, peeping in, his face was a study.
Presently he spoke:
'There! there it WAS, that learned
the fatal habit which has made me the
outcast that am" His voice WAS full
of bitterness, and he turned as if to 20,
but the blinking of the glasses and the
gold and silver coin seemed to chain
him to the spot. Longing to enter,
restrained by remorse, he drew nearer
to the window and watched the game
of cards at which the inmates were en-
gagged.
Presently the door of the gambling
hall opened and two fashionably
dressed Spanish gentlemen stepped into
the yard.
"You have been quite fortunate to.
night, MARTINEZ" said one, a gay young
man of about four and twenty, as he
took his companions arm.
"Prstty we'll, Jermo," replied the
other, who was much his senior, and
possessed of handsome face and we'll
built figure. "Pretty we'll. but what do
care for the gain or the loss of a few
thousand pieces of silver? But now
let as repair to the Casa de Antonio
Maria"
.'The CASA de Antonio Maria!" eiacu-
lated the wretched traveller, who had
overheard the conversation, unnoticed
by the pair.
"For tonight" continued Martinez.
"the beautiful Juana Maria is to give
me decisive answer as to whether or
not sne Will accept my offer of mar
riage."
'Tonightr' repeated the traveller.
"fonIght, no ho!" and he stealthily fol-
lowed the two men whose discourse
had seemingiy interested him SO pro-
foundly.
Without perceiving they we're fol.
lowed the Senior Martinez and his COM
Dnnion passed through several Of the