New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1905-10-21

formation that lie was the boy whom
her mother knew, had, taken in con-
retion with her former admiration
for him, greatly shaken Roses recent
p1 ejudices, and, with womaniy 1ncon-
sistency, she felt hurt because he
was unable to realize this alteration
in her feelings.
From pain, she soon passed to
anger, the exact source or nature or
which she could scarcely have ana
lyzed But its immediate effect was
that she entered into a seeming fiirta-
ton with the young Kentuckian, who
was only too pleased to respond.
All this furnished a new and singu-
lar illustration of loves blindness
these four playing at cross purposes
and wilfully misunderstanding one
another; while, beaming upon them
from the head of the table, was Gen.
La Roche, his eyes and heart filled
with unsupported admiration and love
for the beautiful Spanish girl whose
far as could be inferred from appear
ances-regarded him simply as her
friend and banker.
Just as dinner was over, mud
despatched negro and horse appeared
before the outer door, the former
bearing a letter from Gov. Claiborne
to Gen. La Roche, urging his immedl-
ate presence in New Orleans.
why, you black scoundrel!" thun'
L, ;, 20 hi Errtf h
wrath, after he had read the letter
and glanced again at it's date, this
is five days old and should have reach
ed me four days ago!"
The frightened messenger looked
woefully at his left arm, which was in
a sling, and explained that, short
distance from New Orleans, down by
the little Bayou dor, his horse had
fallen and broken a leg, while he him.
self, pitching over the animals head.
had been stunned and lay until found
by some negroes living in a cabin
near by, who had bandaged his arm
and shot his horse.
Come inside with me, while J
make ready to start" said La Roche
to Lafitte, after ordering his horse tc
be saddled; 81 want few words with
you"
When in his own room, he handed
the letter to Lafitte, and Tuning about.
lit a cigar, while giving instructions
to his valet in most impatient man.
ner that bespoke mental disturb
ance.
The governor had written him that
having received, from an unexpected
quarter, a proposal promising valu-
able support for the defense of New
| Orleans, he had called meeting OF
officials and prominent men of the
city, at which he-the general-was
urged to be present.
81 see," said LATTE, after perusine
| the letter. that the conference was
| to have taken place two evenings
ago.
"Yes-damn IT," replied La Roche
rousing from his abstraction. but
| | doubt if Claiborne takes any de-
cisive action before l can get to him.
"You think, then, that there can
be no doubt of Barataria's offer meet
| ing with favor?"
"How can there be?" was the dog
| matically put question. claiborne
| will not be so foolish-so lacking in
| foresight, at such time as this. But,
now showing a little anxiety, "even
| should he refuse, you will not go ovel
to the British?"
The flash of Laftte's eyes would
have been sufficient answer to this
But he said quietly. ''In such case
shall remain neutral"
"And if the British attack Bara
taria?" suggested La Roche.
"Then Barataria will defend her
self"
(To be continued)