The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-12-08
By r. M. BIRD.

such as one would not have looked for il
the camp OF a good General. great fir
had been lit, as IL appeared, among tn
Silver Towers, the ruddy reflection o
which, mingled with the purer light of the
moon, had gwen them so shining an APP
pearance, even at a distance.
Ia this neighboTirood, as Amador Judged
by the direction and variety of cries, was
the chief place of the jewellers; though in
divers quarters of the town might he
heard the voices, and sometimes TIE
musical instruments. of idle soldiers,
struggling in rivalry with the ruder songs
and harSher instruments of the natives.
Besides the bonfires among the temples,
there was another in the quarter of the
town which the train was Just entering,
and apparently upon the very street
which they were 10 pass.
just as he had concluded his denunci-
alton, the trumpet with which SalVatierra
announced his approach To his compan-
ions, was answered by a flourish from the
lire; and there was straIghtway seen a
group of armed men advancing to chal-
lenge the party. In fact, an outpost was
stationed at the fire; the worthy warriors
of which, in the absence of any important
duties, had got together the means Of
amusement in the persons OF certain In
dian tumblerS and meTTyandreWs, who
were diverting them with fcats of agility.
Besides these tawny sons of ioyance
there were others of the same race, whose
business it was Ia add To- the pleasures OF
the entertainment the din Of The musical
instruments common 10 baIbarianS.
As AmaGor rode by, his attention was
in a measure diverted from the tumblers
by the agitation Of Fogoso, who regarded
neither the great fire nor the Withholding
artists with friendship; and when, having
Suhdued his alarm, he turned TO crafty
his wonder, his eye was caught by the
appearance of the Moor, who had stolen
TO his side, and now stood with counte-
nance even more disturbed than when
shrinking from the blow OF Salvatierra
and with hands appraised and clasped, as
if 10 beseech his notice.
My lord is benevolent 20 the friendless,
and pitiful TO the orphan" he cried anxi-
ously, as soon as he perceived that Anna
dor regarded him; 'he has been the
champion OF the father, and the protector
of the son; and when the hearts blood of
Abdoul can requite his benefactor, Abdul
will not deny ii.
"For myself, said AbdalIa, Though in
suit and danger will come TO me among
these rlotous soldiers, who are the enc
mics OF my race, and these barbarians,
who are surely the enemies Of all, | can
submit TO my gTiefS; but .Iacinto needs
the arm of power TO protect him. II my
lord will take him TO be his servant, lie
viii be merciful TO misfortune: the prayers
Of gratitude viii ascend TO heaven; and
the love Of a faithful hoy will watch ever
Ill MS SlCc Ike the vigilance OF an armed
follower"
Il would recei' e thy son chiefly out OF a
hope to be comforted, at times, with his
music; and partly out OF pity for his
forlornness. He will doubtless serve me
as a page and cup bearer; in which ca
pacity, promising To give him as much
protection and kindness as may be in my
power, | consent TO receive him.
Il must acquaint thee, good Sidi,'' said
Amador, with one fact, of which chou
soonest ignorant, and which may wholly
change thy desires in this matter. Thy
destination is TO this town of Zempoala, /
md mine to the very far city Tenoch
Itl;in; thy fate is TO submit thee into the
iands OF the General Narvaez, as thou
last heard, 10 serve him as a cannonecr, |
while mine IS to betalte myself to the /
General Cortez, his sworn and most in |
iomItable enemy. Thou mayest there /
ore inquire OF myself if thy oy go with |
ne, whether thou wilt ever again look /
ipon him; a question that | cannot my
'eif answer in satisfactory manner.
Make thy clection,t erefore, whether thou /