The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1898-01-27
|FRANCECO'S RIDE.
by Free s. Dsmlsy.
lcsDyrigA& mi

Luis, Obispo county, CAL, lies the
Hanch del Santa Theresa, the home Of
Senor Don Alfredo Rodriguez.
In an easy chair on the veranda eat
Don Alfredo himsclf-a dark swarthy
man, whose face was utmost the color
of mahogany. His hair was grizzly
gray; his mustache and side whiskers
were worn after the style of the old
Spanish grandecs, for Don Alfredo al
ways kept in mind that he came from
ono of the aristocratic families of Mex
leo.
Near him was his wife, a lady whose
large black eyes, creamy complexion,
and n certain dignity of carriage pro-
claimed her Castilian blood. Don AL
fredo seemed to be watching for some
one, and glanced impatiently up the
valley.
"Look," snid Don Alfredo, addressing
the lady in Spanish, "look, and tell me
IL you can see our boy. Francisco; it is
time that he was back from Jolon."
II see nothing, Senor," she said.
II hear hoofs." said Don Alfredo.
"Ah. here he comes right over the HILL
See the rascal ride! He will break his
neck or kill his horse"
Dnshing down the hill at breakneck
speed. a handsome, dark-skinned boy
of 16, spurred his horse to flying leap
across ditch, easily clearing it.
The parents watched him admiringly.
He was their only son, and all their
hopes were centered in him. A few
Yards from the veranda he reined back
his steed. The horse braced himself,
jumped stiff-legged, all four feet to-
gcther, and came to an instant stop.
A look of pride came over the fathers
face, but otherwise he made no sign.
Francisco raised his hat. "Senor,"
! hs said, great news; have letter
from Clarence Grey. He asks me to
come to San Francisco for long visit,
and to bring my horse with me. Clar-
ence writes," said the boy, excitedly,
that the president Of the United States
Is soon to be there. The whole city will
be trimmed with flags; there will be
music and fireworks, and the launching
bf great war ship; it will be grand
Resta for whole week." .t
|dX Don Alfredo's face colored. "Go put
u kour horse in the corral; we will talk
4 bf this afterwards" he said.
81 "But here Is also letter from Senior
Irey to you, papa, and one from Sonora
Erey to you. mamma" continued the
boy. He translated as he read, for his
parents were deficient in English. Both
motes were very cordial, seconding Clar-
ence's Invitation and assuring the pa
rents that hearty welcome awaited
their son il he should come.
n The Grey family had formerly been
neighbors of the Rodriguez family, liv-
ing on an adjoining ranch. But dur.
ing the .great BOOM" four years pre-
vious, Mr.. Grey had sold his ranch for
q sum. that made. him q. wealthy man,
and had removed his family to San
Francisco. The two families had been
much more intimate than the Spanish
and American families generally are,
and the two boys were the best OF
friends.
When the boy rode away the mother
looked appealingly to the husband and
father. '1t would be great pleasure
for him." she said.
"Of course" said Don Alfredo. "but
when once he has tasted such pleasure
and excitements, will he be satisfied tc
return and live on the ranch again.
fear not"
"But the chance to see the president
the music, the grand sights; and ther
the kind invitations of our friends
surely we must not slight them" plead
ed the mother.
"very true" replied Don Alfredo
briefly; and the mother said nothing
more.
The supper was eaten in silence
Then Don Alfredo turned to his sor
and said: "Now, Senior, what more?'
Clarence says" answered Francis
co, reading from the letter. that he i,
a member of riding club, and that
some of their best riders are to act as
5escort for the presidents carriage; ant
pit come, shall be sure to have ar
6nvitation to ride with them. Woult
mot that be an honor, Senor?"
Il All Don Alfredo's pride was stirred
at the prospect of his sons riding will
the presidents escort. On horsebacl
Francisco would be the peer of any o
Them. "Indecd 1t would be an honor.
he answered warmly, "and we owe i
to our good friend, Senor Grey, to nc
cept his kind invitation. To refus,
would be an insult You must 60, ant
you shall take the Rabbit for you
lorse."
Francisco's eye sparkled. "The Rab
bit" spotted white and chestnut, 81
named for his great leaping powers
was accounted the best saddle horse IL
that part of the country.
"Go you, tomorrow" continued tn,
father, ito San Luis. Have Pedro So
bcranes make you the finest saddl,
THAT he can; tell him to put ten pound
of silver on it. Take that yellow wild
vcat skin to line the sweat cloth with
take the belly of the mountain loI
skin for stirrup Innings. Go to the tail