Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1905-12-30

EWNGHEY set forth early in the morn.
ing. There, was cool fresh
III ness in the air from the storm
- of the day before, and if they
wished to avoid the necessity of trav-
cling in the heat of the day early de-
parture was necessary. Although the
season was summer in tropical land
not far from the equator, the attitude
OF Caracas lowered the ordinary tenn
perature to an agreeable degree, but
after they crossed the pass of La Veta
and began the descent toward La
Guayra they would be within the con
fines of one of the hottest localities on
the face of the globe
Early as it was, the viceroy and his
officers, including, of course, De Tobar,
were assembled in the patio to bid the
travellers godspeed. While De Lara
gave a few parting directions to AL
varado, Don Felipe took advantage of
the opportunity and of his position as
the publicly affianced of Donna Mer-
cedes to address her a few words in
farewell which she received with list
less Indifference. The final prepara-
lions were soon over. Don Felipe lift
ed Donna Mercedes to the saddle Of
her Spanish jennet; some of the other
gentlemen assisted the Sonora Agapida
10 the back of the sure footed mule
which she had elected as her mount;
Alvarado saluted and sprang to the
back of his mettIesome barb, and, fol-
nv "a %rOo yI,o
constituted the escort, the rear being
brought up by servants with pack
mules carrying the personal baggage
Of the two ladies, the little cavalcade
moved off, the gentlemen in the vice
roy's suit standing bareheaded in the
doorway as they disappeared under the
trees and began the ascent toward the
pass.
Alvarado, whose white, haggard face
showed that he had. passed sleepless
night, rode at the head of the column
Some distance in front of him rode
trooper, for there were even then
thieves, wandering bands OF masterIess
men who levied bloody toll on travel
ers from the capital whenever they got
opportunity. Next to the captain came
the sergeant of the little, guard, then
the two women, followed closely by
two more OF the soldiers, after that the
little pack train, which he had ordered
to close up and keep in touch after
they left the city, and last OF all, the
two remaining soldiers to bring up the
rear.
The soldiers, servants and muleteers
We're i'll high spirits. The day was
pleasant; the scenery, though familiar,
was at the same time grand and beau
ssifHl, and they We're happy-all, that is,
except Donna Mercedes, the duenna
and Aivarado.
The worthy Sonora Agapida with
WOmanly shreWdness more than sus-
pected the true state of affairs. In
deed. Mercedes, who loved the old
woman, who had been as mother to
her. her own mother having died when
she was a mere child, had scarcely |
taken the trouble to conceal her mis-
cry. and the old woman's heart was
grsIng whenever she looked at the |
dropping figure at her side. She would |
tain have brought the flush of happi- |
hess to the face of the girl she loved |
by throwing her into the arms of AL
yarado, but as distant connection Of
the De Laras herself the worthy dame
had her own notions of pride, and her
honor would not permit her to do any
thing for which the viceroy could
properly fault her.
When Mercedes had met Alvarado
early in the morning she had acknowl-
edged his profound salutation with the
eurtest and coolest Of mods She was
furiously and bitterly angry with him,
for. between duty, honor, friendship
and her love, he had not chosen her.