Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-01-02

of Mexico there winds a valley of sur
passing beauty. from the shores of the
Atlantic on one side to those OF the Pa
cific on the other: from its most north
ern boundary to Yucatan there is no spot
on earth more lovely. although a hundred
thousand scenes of enchantment diversity
that romantic region.
A solitary individual looked from an
eminence upon this scene. and within
few feet of him mis- charger paved the
ground and champed the bit as if Gliding
his master for his unnecessary delay.
As the stranger gazed his eye settled on
vacancy, and his countenance underwent
a change of expression. Thought, the
Pilgrim. wandered to diStant shores, and
the "reminiscences of oWer days came
sadly upon him. At length a tear trickled
down his cheek: it awoke him; he washed
it sternly away. and vaulting in his sad
die galloped wildly down the declivity.
Five minutes ride, and he reined up n
front of his dwelling, q low square build
ing, with a small court in the center. ard
surrounded on all sides by orange trees.
The stranger was John Montgomery.
After his encounter with Sutherland he
was borne from the field by an acquaint-
ance whom chance directed that way. and
| in the course of few weeks his wound
was healed and his health perfectly re-
stored. But he arose from his couch
| sick at heart; no medicines could bring
tranquility TO his mind; its peace had
| departed forever and he sought the balm
! that might soothe. il not cure its dis
ease. in land that was foreign TO his
own. and among race that were alien in
/ language, in blood and in affection.
! Here then he dwelt. a solitary man,
/ undisturbed in his seclusion, and enjoy
| ing an external quiet that was a mockery
| to the feelings Of his bosom. With his
books, his music, be whied away the
hours. only varying these pursuits by an
occasional expedition in the interior, or a
ride along the white sands Of the sea-
shore. But at such times he was always
alone; the stern recluse permitted none
to intrude upon his privacy, and many
an urbane overture of fellowship was re-
pulsed by the naughty frown of that iso-
lated stranger.
The singular mode of life adopted by
Ell Hermano Ermitano, as he was desig-
mated by the people of the place. was
well calculated to excite public curiosity.
In this state of secusion had Montgom-
cry existed for nearly six months from
the date of his first settlement in the
country, when his retiracy was one morn
ing disturbed by the entrance of a stran-
ger. The recluse shut the book he had
been perusing, and rising with a scowl
on his brow, haughtily responded to his
visitors salutation; the intruder was the
Governor of Tampico.
May | ask what business has honored
me with a visit from Don Manual lie
Silva 2"
1T is not business that brought me
hither Don Juan de Hautville." respond
ed the newcomer; but a desire to be
come acquainted with one whom | re
spect for his nations sake. and whom
| would Willingly serve for his own"
I'm the name of my country | thank
you" coldly replied Montgomery, 'and
for your proffers of assistance l am alsC
grateful; when l need it | shall perhaps
apply TO you"
The governor was partially disconcert
ed by the frigid manner of his compan
ion, and there was a slight pause of evi
Gent uneasiness before he again resumed
Il am afraid" said he. that you have
mistaken my motive in seeking this in
terview. / come not here. impeiled by
idle curiosity. to pry into your affairs. Ny
object was of nature far more mag
nanimous; but as my visit has been st
unfavorably received, ! will withdraw
hoping. however, that you may not con
tnue to misconstrue my intention in max
ing it. Ados.''
Stop. Don Manuel, crave your par
doD--I was hasty-I was wrong-I wa
rude, but when | explain"
Nay, Don Juan" interrupted the gov
ernor. mo apology is necessary: the &c
acknowledgements that you have just MACS
amply excuse the past. | have forgotten
it."
They crossed the river. and in shor
time arrived at the governors residence
Here Montgomery was presented to thu
wife and daughter of his host; the for
mer stately dame of thirty-hve, aDt
the latter beautiful, black-eyed senorit;
of seventeen. So pleased was he witt
their companionship that he tarried unrl
late hour, and, strange to say, from
that time the visits of Montgomery be
came more and more frequent at tn
house of Don Manuel.
Go be continuedO