The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1898-12-02

Il was during the summer Of 1855
that resided for a time in tho City
Of Mexico, and at this period occur
red the Incident which, with regard to
myself, came near terminating fatally.
A day or two after my arrival In
Mexico l strolled out one evening and,
half unconsciously, took my way to-
ward one Of those cool, shady walks
occasionally to be met with on the out
skirts of the city.
AS / paced slowly on toward a part
Of the walk where the trees grow clos
er, forming a little grove, l suddenly
became conscious of the presence Of
two persons a few steps in advance Of
me.
The persons had just discovered
were a gentleman and lady. On Observ-
ing this fact l was relieved Of a mo-
mentary fear Of being set upon by
dcsperadoes; l presently found my
couple to be a pair Of lovers, enjoying
a stolen interview in the little grove,
which had nearly reached, but check
ed myself IN time to prevent a discov-
cry just then, though l did not long
avert It.
The first words l heard were spoken
by the gentleman.
"Fly with me tonight, dearest l
entreat; give me the right to protect
you from the wlles OF Don Pedro. Only
as my wife can save you from the
prosecutions Of him and his cowardly
son."
Il know II, dear Manuel" replied the
maiden, whose soft, sweet voice quiv-
cred as II in deadly terror. ut was
only this morning I overheard a con-
versation which fully appraised me Of
the great power placed In the hands
Of my uncle and guardian, Don Pedro
de Saltillo, a power over me which
now he proposes to share with his
trcacherous son, Garcia"
How abruptly inquired the cav
alier.
dearest Manuel, my guardian has
tried every means short Of personal
violence to lnvelgle me into a mar
riage with Garcia. I have heard them
plotting to secure me at night and car
ry me to a deserted ranch ut a distance
from the city and there, by the help
of a vicious priest, unite me to Gar
ella.
"If I marry without Don Pcdros
consent my estates revert to him.
succeeded in escaping tonight, and
came here knowing that l should meet
you, who would rescue me from my
peril, but you will take to your heart
dowerlcss bride, dear Manuel"
Fear not, Isabelle" said her lover.
'"rhere is but one course to take-come
with me TO my kind old tutor priest.
Our marriage shall be performed at
once, and then Don Pedro and Garcia
cannot modest you unless they pass
over my lifelcss body"
Hist! whispered the lady, as I'm my
laundering l broke Il dry twig, causing
a slight rustlng among the shrubbery.
The next moment felt myself grasp
ed tightly by the throat, while sharp.
singing sensation told me that l had
been stabbed. l made an Intellectual
struggle, but soon sank into unconscl-
GUS ness.
When awoke to consciousness l was
lying in bed in a luxuriously furnish
ed apartment, while beside me sat n
venerable looking old man In the garb
of a priest
Whore am / p was my first question.
as mOtioned feebly toward pitcher
of water on the stand near by.
He pressed a goblet brlmmlng with
the pure, icy liquid to my lips.
The old mans face inspired me with
confidence, and | told him the whole
story.
He started and looked at me kconly
as / mentioned the names OF the lovers
and Donna Isabelles unworthy guar
dian.
"And, now, holy father, tell me where
! am asked agaiu, as l finished my
story.
The old priest looked AT mo steadily
Il few minutes and then asked:
"Canst thou keep n secret, my sonf
One Of Importance to these young low
ers2 Thou art now In the house OF
Don Manuel de Monza, who. IN his
rashness, nearly slew thee as an ennis
sary Of Don Pedro de Saltllo. Donna
Isabelle entrcatcd that some one should
look after the body as soon as posi-
bic, for she dreaded lest It should be
discovered In the grove and her Digit
become known before she could make
good her escape.
IL committed thee TO the care Of Don
ma Julia, my dear Manuers only sister.
Since thou has acquitted thyself of all
nnunllnllu t,.Ilh 10, nna., A.. ....