New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1905-07-29
guns was seen advancing from the


islands shore.
The greater number of the fright
ened slaves fed inland, to hide in the
thickets and gullies. But some OF
the more intelligent sought the shell
ter Of the stone stronghold; and, find
ing it deserted, they quickly shut and
barred the oaken gate.
1t was not long before storm OF
blows upon the gate called some OF
them to it; and, looking through
loophole, they saw the strangers gath
cred behind commanding officer who
was demanding entrance In the kings
name.
The terrified slaves-a few Of whom
understood the words-lost no time in
obeying, and were soon assured that
no harm would come to them from
the invaders, whose leader, upon
questioning the negroes, was made
aware Of the condition Of affairs.
Meanwhile, northerly sailed the
BLACK Petrel," with LATTE in CON-
mand, and with him Lopez and pick
ed crew-such men as he knew had
his own cause at heart.
It was noon when the BLACK Petre"
reached New Orleans; and LATTE
came ashore Immediately, bringing
with him Lazalie and Ma'am Brigida.
No others left the brigantine, as its
commanders sole business in the city
was that Of providing for the girls
immediate future, after which he pro-
posed sailing at once for Barataria.
One of his most intimate friends
was Philip La Roche, man Of middle
age, and a banker Of New Orleans. He
was of fine family, of high social posi-
ton, and a gentleman Of the strictest
honor.
It was to his care that LATTE COM
mitted Lazalie, after seeing her quar-
tered safely, in company with Ma'am
Brigida, at the Ursuline convent in the
Place d'Armes.
Lazalie had, during the voyage, pre-
served an air of calmness to which
was added an occasional touch OF
scorn; but when, while they were
alone, LATTE babe her adieu, she
put out OBTAINING hand, as she stood
with downcast eyes before him.
when am to see you again?" she
asked in listless tone.
THAT I cannot now say; but the
mother superior will know how to COM
municate with me, If am needed" he
arsworod pontIv
"And may not return to the Barra
de Hero later on-after a while"
she inquired, with a humility which
surprised him.
"It would be most imprudent for
you to do SO for some time to come,
il ever, as you must surely know"
he replied firmly, looking down into
her face. 1.-THE English must have
seized the island, and will doubtless
hold It; and, as Laro's next Of kin,
you can scarcely hope for success,
should you assert claim to 1t as own
er. But why wish to go back, when
you are in safety here, with a fortune
which will insure you perfect indie
pehdence? What more can you ask?''
II ask your love, and want to be
with you'll" she exclaimed impetuous-
ly, snatching her hands away and
throwing her arms around his neck,
while with a sobbing cry she laid her
head against his breast
Lafitte's face hardened as his fin
gers closed about her wrists and
loosened her arms.
THAT can never be, Lazalie-never
I have never known anything of love,
and have no desire to learn of 1t now.
am not worth any woman's loving:
nor can I afford to have any woman's
fate linked with mine. Believe this.
and accept it, and let us part friends"
She turned from him, covering her
face with her hands.
"Mr. Philip La Roche will call upon
you in day or two. He is one whom
you can trust, and with whom you can
advise safely; and shall place your
affairs in his hands"
LATTE had moved toward the door,
and, turning at the threshold, he add
ed. "Adios, Lazalie; and believe me
when say that IL you ever need my
services as friend. you may count
upon me-"
She did not reply; and when she
uncovered her face he was gone.
ITO he continued)