The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-04-05
TIE BULL FIGHTER.
(Written for the Record Union" by Ere
Lance)

written for the Record Union" by Free
| Lance.)
There We're not few who said that
Carlota was the most beautiful girl in
the whole State of Sonora Had she
not been declared the belle of the last
grand ball given at Hernosillo in the
Governors honor, and had not the Gov
ernor himself (who is credited with
having as nice judgment in the mat
| ter OF fine women as in that of fine
| horses) been heard to observe that even
I in the City Of Mexico, where pretty
girls are as plentiful as orange flowers
in February it would be no easy thing
to find her equal? What wonder then
! that her townspeople of Las Palomas
We're proud Of her, or that many a ro-
mantically minded youth playing the
caballero spent more than he could well
afford for a gold-braided hat or a sill
mounted saddle thinking to gain a
glance of approval from a certain pair
of glorious dark eyes,
But let 1t not be thought that it was
upon any of these aspiring muchachos
Don Eduardo Hernandez intended be-
Showing his daughters hand The Don
you must know, was of excellent line
age and Of uncommon dignity. He was
proud Of his Castilian blood. proud OF
his wealth (for he had large interests
in the famous Cresta Verde mines)
proud of himself and proudest Of all
of his daughter.
| AS matter of course overtures look
ing to an alliance with the Hernandez
| 1amlly through the charming CarlOta
mad been made from numerous sources
but although he had his preference, Don
Eduardo was not man to act hurried
~ nor to urge his child contrary to her
wishes. He knew her worth, but sc
long as she did not act foolishly she
might choose from among her suitors
whom she would. If it should be one OF
those yourg men of good family occu-
plying fiTst-class Government position
he would hold his peace y(whatever his
secret convictions might be-, or if il
should be rich American or English
mining operator still he would not in
terfere. AS for her favoring anyone OF
less standing and possessions than
these-well, he flattered himself that
his teachings had not been altogether
wasted, and if any such untoward con-
was no man better able than himself tC
deal with it. The Don had buried three
wives and thought he understood
| women.
AS for Carlota, she refused to bother
her head over the subject of matri-
mony, declaring that her papa was the
only man she should ever love- and that
she should stay with him and look after
his comfort until he became tired OF
her
| 1t was the time of the fiesta at Las
| Palomas and the little town was all
hustle and excitement. The ranchers
had come from all directions, some OF
them hundred miles or more. bring
ing their families together with cooking
utensils ard other of their household
effects on the backs of burros The
| gamblers We're there from Guaymas
and Hermosillo, with their layouts OF
every descrpition--monte faro and rou-
lette-and the people were at liberty tc
play for such stakes as suited their re-
spective purses. All about the Plaza
were booths gaily decorated and invit-
ing inspection. There We're restaurants
and cantinas, where could be obtained
meats and drinks Of every variety:
there were tables laden with dulces
there were piles of oranges, mangoes
pitallas, plantans and fragrant sweet
lemons; indeed, there were hundred
delicacies attractive to the eye and Sc
ductive to the palate. Then there were
merry go-rounds and panoramas and
hand-organs, beside the local band. 1t
was in truth a joyous occasion.
On the third night of the feast, wher
| the revelry was at it's hight, Dor
Eduardo entered the plaza with Carlota
on his arm. The pretty little park was
| crowded with chattering happy
throng, and numerous We're the greet
! ingS extended to the Don and his
daughter, and many were the glances
cast in their direction. Carlota was
| dressed in some soft white stuff, re-
Heyed here and there by crimson rib
bon, and on account of the warmth OF
the night, like the other girls, she had
discarded wrap and head-covering Hel
dress was cut low enough to show a
glimpse of cleaning neck, and the
sleeves were sufficiently short to give
a hint of the most lovely rounded arms
which tapered to the daintiest wrists
in the world. Her skin was of the
Castilian blood, and in striking and
beautiful contrast the splendid masses
of her soft hair were black as night.
Don Eduardo was a man who carried
with him the consciousness of his own
dignity. He was of fine, portly pres
ence, and he greeted his friends with
a certain cordial condescension which
impressed the beholder with the
thought that though his home, figura-
lively speaking, was on the nights. YET
the graciousness of his nature led him
to take a benign interest in the every
day affairs of men.
Good evening, Don Eduardo; I an
very glad to see you out l have LONG
been wondering whether our eyes We're
to be gladdened by a glimpse of the
beautiful senorita tonight
Senior Ortez-I did not know you
werein town." said Don Eduardo, shak-
ing hands warmly with the gentleman
who had addressed them
Ortez was of very old family, and
had inherited a large estate, and he
was one Of the few whom Don Eduardo
considered eligible in all respects tc
pay addresses to his daughter. More
over, there had already been some con-
| versation between the men pertaining
to this very subject, but the large bust
ness interests of Ortez had required
his presence at distant place and hao
prevented his pressing his suit in the
ardent manner characteristic of his
race and temperament
Il arrived in Palomas only this even
ing, else you may be sure you would
have seen me before" said Ortez. 81
~