The Chanute times., 1902-03-21
CHAPTER Ix.-(ContinuedJ

ly the mandolins sounded the measures
of the dance, and with tranquil, al
most hesitating steps, the young giri
interpreted the rhythm and time Win
her tiny feet. Gradually the chorus
uuickened and became livelier, and the
slow-moving Circe merged into a ra-
diant Terpsichore. Her eyes, hitherto
bent timidly upon the floor, were now
proudly raised and swept the crowd
with half couuettish, half inquiring
glances. They seemed to say; Are
there none brave enough to risk being
my partner?"
One of the young fellows thus inter
preting the look and perhaps eager 10
show his courage, quickly advanced TO
! the estrada. and, uncovering, present
ed his gay sombrero with its garniture
of silver and lace for the acceptance OF
the bewitching dancer. Receiving 1t
with smile, without pausing for an
instant in the evolutions in which she
was engaged, she placed it coquettlsh'
ly upon her head. "A prolonged viva
gretted this act, while the pleased gal
u, SN'N~NNN
floor, placed himself opposite to her
and joined in the dance. 1t continued
for a time. when. at the cry of Cham
mara!" by the spectators, the young
gallant, bowling gracefully to the girl,
retired to give place to the second as
pirant. Placing himself opposite Circe,
the new partner went through the
same series Of evolutions as his prede'
cessor, ending by unwinding the GRIM
son China Grape sash from his waist,
which he fashioned into rosette ana
hung from one of the bare shoulders
of the girl.
This act constituted a challenge to
all comers, while by permitting IL 10
remain the girl signified her accept
ance of him until such time as an
other should present better CAIN. IL
could only be answered in one way-py
the knife. From the crowd arose the
CRY of "Machete! machete!" and IN
prompt response the rival lover sprang
into the estrade, and, with graceful
bow, presented himself to the girl. A
slight nod told him that he, too, was
welcome to the honor of bestowing his
favors; and, drawing his long, glitter
ing cuchillo from it's sheath, he sus-
pended it by it's bow of purple ribbons
from the right shoulder of the girl, al
ready carrying the sash of his rival
upon her left A new pas de deux now
began, carried on as before, though
with many extemporized variations.
Every now and then a chorus OF was
and braves greeted the execution or
some more than usually difficult step,
or suggestive figure.
Suddenly a strident voice in the
crowd shouted "Bomba!" and the
dance was at an end. The women,
now that the dancing was over, took
themselves out of harms way. The
two factions, occupying opposite sides
of the estrada, clamored for the fight.
Dona Juanita, proud and radiant,
stood in the center of the estrada
awaiting the final ceremony with a
tranquility which went far to prove
her Indifference to the claim OF either
aspirant. But the pledges were still
to be redeemed, and, with practical
eve to the business features of the
play, she waited with extended hand.
The usual fee of each pledge is sill
yer half real, but the two gallants ad-
yancing one after another, filled both
her hands with silver coins, amid the
murmurs of applause which such pro-
digality excited.
The estrada was now cleared for the
fight, which nothing could now avert.
The sylvan temple, so lately the scene
of gayety and pleasure, was converted
into a gladiatorial arena. Into its
midst one of the gallants advanced,
and, first tracing rude circle in the
hard-beat sand of the floor, planted his
knife in it's center. The second
promptly followed and placed his long
blade close beside that of his rival,
while both courteously uncovered.
polite alteration then ensued as to
who should first place his hat upon his
head, each claiming an honor which,
granted by either, would make him
the superior in point of courtesy. The
difficulty was, however, decided by
DOtn contestants covering at lue SAINT
time. The spectators we're then rele-
gated to the outside of the estrada, the
combatants placed face to face. and
the signal given.
The combatants stood each with his
long blade grasped in his right hand.
and with his left hand and arm
wrapped in the folds Of his manga by
way of shield. At the word the COM
bat began. The Gautaricans know
nothing of scientific fencing, and rely
wholly upon strength and agility of
body. The blows we're furiously given,
but were far from dexterous. On both
sides it was only a series of quick
thrusts and clumsy parties. of sudden
1unges and hasty retreats. Their long
knives struck one another with me-
tallic clang. or cut the air with
mournful sough. But there was a
ferocity and determination about the
man which resulted in much bloodshed