Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1896-04-10

chariot too, was draped in white, and
upon its broad platform was presented
a tableau of the Nativity Before
gilt manger in which lay figure of
the holy Child, three hoys, representing
the three wise men, reyercntly knelt
and gazed upon glistening star that
lowered over the cradle. Behind them
were the slSin-clad shepherds, each with
II snow-white lamb in his arms, and be-
side the crib stood the mother, slight,
fair girl, draped in flowing robes,
chosen from all who had come for tile
fete because of her saint-like beauty,
aud bashfully proud of the distinction
that was hers to enjoy for the hour.
AS the latter's glance fell upon An
ohio, kneelng bareheaded in fine
throng, and as she felt his eyes bent
upon her, her face was marked by u
passing shade of annoyance. Antonio
caught the expression, and the quick
blood surged to his olive cheeks.
He muttered bitterly to himself "She
is saying again, as she said before An
tonic, what coward' But it shall be
for the last time. To-day--to-day |
shall show her!"
He rose from his knees and shout
dered his way through the crowd to
enter the church, where the organ was
pulring the notes of the professional.
AS he unconsciously crossed himself at
the font and made the genufleXion, his
eyes sought for her--this girl who had
called him coward. He saw her at
last; she had knelt, near the aisle, in
food of bright, red sunlight that
streamed through loaded window.
Her loose, gray robe had been laid
aside, and the mass of her hair had a
tinge of bronze, as the colored rays fell
upon it, Antonio had no thought Of
the mass. He hardly heard the grand
singing.
Presently a nervous hand touched his
shoulder, and a rough voice whispcred:
'Was it TO see them kill the bull-the
fine, black bull of Sensuntepec-tha
on came down to the city? You were
wise not to answer the public challenge.
have seen him, and I-even |, VITO
have given many a bull the sword
thrust-do not like the look of this fell
low"
at is 200 pesetas," Antonio answered,
sbsently.
"And / would earn them, Antonio, IN
spite of my broken wrist--if only 10
gain the glory. But new Espada has
ohallenged-one whom they say is new
| to the redondel." Then he added, with
some asperity: Your chance would
have been quite IS good as his--and
think-200 pesetas! Had you not
lacked the courage!"
Antonio did not resent the speech
He merely answered, quietly: You,
too, then, think lacked courage. That
it was lying reason gave to Lola, as
excuse for refusing the challenged"
Hardly lie, Antonio. Igive moi the
lie save fer reason. 1t is more that yodr
life has been of The sheep-ttat you
rave not the nature to battle and hill"
Antonio made no reply He was liv-
ing again that night on the hills when,
Weakened from sleep by his lambs load
bleating, he had seized his machete,
had rushed to the DID, and had slain the
mountain lion. The angry mark ON his
shoulder burned again, where the
brute's strong claws had struck him,
End his olive cheeks burned, too, as he
thought of how Lolo had called him
coward, and how her father now said
he lacked courage. Her father, the
famous matador, who had broken his
wrist in the last Pascua fight. and yet
managed to kill his victim!
The garrulous old man had continued
to whisper. What was it he had bccu
saying?
- is fortune. And you coud
have married my Lola
Antonio turned and laid his hand
:mpulsiyely on the old mans arm. 1T
is enough for now, senior. You wiz at
tend the fight with her? Then YOU will
see me later"
Antonio abruptly left the church and
crossing the square with rapid strides
plunged into the maze of crooked
streets, between the brown-tiled dwell.
ings, and presently emerged at another
square, the famous Plaza de Toros. Ii
was inclosed by high adobe wall, on
whose top was thick growth of cactus
He did not approach the main entrance
which n merry crowd was besieging
but sought n small door on the eastern
side, at which he knocked nervously.
The guard within called out, grufiiy
"Quien?"
antonio Gomez"
"Welcome, Antonio Gomez"
The burly guard eyed the youths
1.-THE figure, as Il dealer might take
notes of the good points of horse, ant
nodded i'll grave approval; "You woult
make brave matador, my son, il yor
had first the much-needed practice. A,
it is--well, it may be, perhaps-lf Tore
Negro will let you"
lie led the way to an inner room
which he placed at Antonio's disposal
and reverently laid out the richly col
ored sash, the small red flag and the
short sword, sharp as a razor, that com
prised the matador's equipment. An
tonic took up the light weapon, bal
anced and swung it back and forth, raj
his fingers along its keen edge, and re
placed it on the table.
Again the guard smiled and nodded
when all is ready l will call you
senor," he said, as he left the apart
nlcnt
Antonio could hear the tramping O
loofs, as the picadores mounted, ant
the music of the band came to hin
family, through the thick walls, as i