The San Francisco call., 1905-05-07

feeling at peace with the
- world all day He had the
day before sold his season s
clip Of wool; his long morning rloe
beneath a serene autumn sun through
scented pines, among the eternal hllis'
had. for the time, silenced the imperl-
Gus and disouieting call Of thou
sand aboriginal ancestors. And now,
crownine 10y. an opportunity to be
alone with her.
A sudden bend in the road had re-
veaIed her, walking a short distance
ahead A young girl in a red gown OF
some soft clinging stuff with many
flounces and white trimmings. over
her head and about her shoulders
white fascinator was arranged man.
tilla-wise and the little feet, twinkling
in and out from beneath her skirts,
permitted an occasional glimpse of
dainty red slippers. Heavy pendants
in her ears, necklace. bracelets, to-
gether with many ribbons, completed
the charming picture.
Pablo touched the flank of his bay
with a spur and approached the
maiden at furious gallop, the ends of
the CAV ribbon around his sombrero
and the wide sash about his waist
streaming behind; and when he had
reached her side made a slight move
anient Of the bride rein. The steed
planted his fore feet stiffly before him,
plowed UP the earth for a couple Of
feet and was motionless. The rider
was on the ground on the instant and
with a low bow and a wide down
sweep of the sombrero in his hand,
exclaimed:
"Ehi the Senorita Marcelai At first
I thought II was one of the blessed
angels come to your papa's fiesta"
'Oniy at first, Senior Pablo? Then
a closer look must have shown you
something which is not angelic.
thank the Senor for the compliment.
The glorious black eyes sparkled mis-
chievously and she dropped him
mock cOurtsey-
Surely" reJoined then other. THE
angels are so far away that no man
can hope TO win one; but you"
do you start in any Of the races?"
asked Marcia quickly.
In the chicken race, yes; just one.
One race for one horse. 1t is enough
Do you know who else will run?"
Only ore. Sam Barrett" She shot
him q sly, swift glance, then looked
down 0emureiy, with a little smile.
A scowl gathered upon Pablo's dark,
handsome features.
s'Diabio, Why do those grtngo pigs
crowd In when we. in whose veins runs
the blood of Spanish dons, meet to-
gether to honor our mother country2'
Senior Barrett came because he was
invited % was the retort- 1T is said he
is a fire cabaIlero and rides the best
horse in the country"
Nevertheless. 1 shall beat him-oi
die" muttered Pablo. grinding his
teeth. TELL me you hope may win, :
eagerly.
My papa hopes the best man and
horse may win" coyly.-
"But what do you hope2"
ssch, it is not my fiesta
II will make bet with YOU"
Il never bet"
Allow me TO teach you. / win bet
my heart against yours that l win"
You would cheat yourself, sSenor
Pablo: for my friends all say that
have no heart
Then TO whom have you given it?"
"If you really wish to know'-she
brought her face near his ear and
whispered confidentiaIiy-1g guess" And
the girl sprang away with gay laugh.
Scattering trees stood about them,
the advance guard Of the goodly pha-
lanx Of noble white oaks known as
.'Aoreno's Grove" from the gnarled
branches OF which myriads Of
bros strained their little throats in z
vain attempt to drown the din below
tie laughter, chatter the shouts Of
Viva Mexico," the strident notes Of
the string band.
Around the edge of the grove at pres
ent was q thick fringe Of heterogeneous
conveyances Saddle horses predomi-
mated. there were farm wagons. buck
boards. carts and an occasional debili-
tated buggy. There were sounds OF
stamping, sncrting, munching of hay
and an occasional whinny from ar
anxious mother appealing to her ven
turesome offspring.
Pablo tied his steed to tree at a dis
Greet distance from other equine heels
slapped the anima. on the thigh with
an afEectionate word. removed his spurs
and chzparejos and lit q fiaarctte.
Then he and his companion entered the