The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1905-12-28

Il will tell him." she answered, ''or
wilt thou tell him what l tell thee?
she went on
Surely
"Then say to him that I sought
death rather than be given to Don
Felipe or to any one else. Tell him you
saved me on the very brink Of the cliff
and that never soldier made better
fight for field or flag than thou didst
make for thy honor and duty. but that
| broke thee down. | had the power,
and | used it, The story is as old as
Eden-the woman tempted
Il should have been stronger: ]
should not have weakened. But |
shall fight no more. 1t is all over"
All thou csnst not" she whispered.
nesting clo2er to him. And tell my
father that should harm come to thee
if in their anger he or De Tobar lay
hand upon thee-it will not advantage
their plans, for | swear. if there be no
other way, l will starve myself TO
death to follow thee
Il cannot shelter myself behind a
woman"
"Then l will tell them both myself"
she cried. You shall know, they shall
know. how Spanish woman can love-"
And thou shalt know, too answer
ed Alvarado firmly, that though /
break my heart |, an unknown. can
expatiate my guilt with all the pride
of most ancient lineage and birth
highest of them all"
1t was a brave speech. but he did not
release his hold upon Mercedes, and
in spite of his words when. confident
that whatever he might say. however
he might struggle. he was hers at last,
she smiled up at him again. He kissed
her.
When go you to my father. Senior
Alvarado?" she asked.
When he returns from the OrinocO."
"And that will not be until
Perhaps month
wilt love me until then?'
Il shall love thee forever"
Nay. but wilt thou tell me so. with
every day. every week, every hour, ev-
cry moment with kisses like to these?"
"Oh tempt me not"' he whispered.
But he returned again and again her
caresses.
"Ah, my Alvarado, if you have once
fallen, what then? Is not one kiss as
bad as a thousand?"
BE it so. We will be happy until
that time
lone month, one month of heaven.
my love After that let come what
may" she answered. her cheeks and
eyes atiame. her heart throbbing with
the exquisite pain in her breast.
Some one approaches!' he said at
last. And ut the same moment the rest
of the party came around the bend of
the road. The poor duenna was con-
sumed with anxiety and remorse.
"Bernardo," said Alvarado to the ser.
Eeant, eve VIII take Uur siestl here.
Unsaddle the horses and po'are the
Goonday meal under the trees Send
one Of the troopers ahead to tI Ia.
drique stop on the road until we rejoin
him, keeping good guard. Sonora Aga
piGa. you must he tired from the long
ride. let me assist you to dismount."
The Senorita MercedeST' she asked
as he lifted her to the ground. "Whers
is her horse
He slipped and fell" answered the
g:ri promptly.
Fell"
Yes: over the cliff. Captain Alvara-
do lifted me from the saddle just IL
time
Il shall make IL nOvena of devotion
to st. .Iago for thy preservation. sweet
Mercedes" cried the duenna. ''and you,
young sir. mus have d strong arm -
III is ever at your service" answer
ed Alvarado gravely, bowling before
her
The old woman's heart went out to
the gallant young man, so handsome.
so brave, so strong, so distinguished
looking
why" she unused under her breath,
could he not have been the one:'
BY this time the little place was filled
with soldiers, attendants and mule
teers Some kindled fires, others un-
packed hampers loaded with provi-
sions, others prepared place where
the party might rest. and as. to restore
order out Of this confusion. AlvaradC
turned hither and thither he was fol
lowed in all his movements by the love
ly eyes of the woman who had broken
him and who had won him.
During the interval OF repose the
young man allowed his party the two
lovers were constantly together. Alva-
RADIO had made faint effort to go
apart and leave Mercedes to herself,
but with passionate determination she
had refused to allow II. She had thrown
whoever might see. of whoever might