The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-04-01
The
Chronicles
of
Don Q.

pointed to the prison at Castelieno.
Don Hugo was a registering blade,
handsome, noted for his gaIIantries,
and early successful in his career. In
an ill-advised hour he delivered a
speech in public, wherein he observed
that Don . was a happy nickname for
the brigand chief who for so long had
terrorized the district. He recOUnted
some of his crimes, and Illuminated
against him the penalties of the law.
All this Don g read in his mountain
eyrie with exceeding relish. 1t fiat
tered his self-esteem. The speech was
tutty reported in the local journal,
which we may cali FL MundO, but the
sting lay waiting in the last clause:
And yet this reputed king of the
mountains" concluded Don Hugo, lis,
after all, a miserable wretch, poorer
than the meanest ass i'm Spain, for he
carries but one earl"
Whatever his other bodily infirmi-
ties, the bandit possessed both his ears,
yet the libel was of a nature which
could never be forgiven His diseased
vanity dwelt upon il with an ever
growing bitterness. The Slumbering
devil in him awoke, tOTmenting him to
fury
Upon this day. which followed an in
terval of terrified quietness, the rob
bers' valley was thrilled by an excite
ment. hot with the double seasoning of
the lower hills, according to their prac-
tice. had met with lady-a very great
lady she seemed-who far from object
ing after the usual manner to being
carried prisoner into the sierra, in
stantly demanded to be taken into the
presence of the dreaded chief
In the dusk Don @ lifted up his head.
do not keep peace any longer, I pray,
Gaspar," he said in a sharp, sibilant
FORD a sonora would sneak with
Nou,'' suffered the man.
Don O. paused. 1t must be confessed
that a lady desiring an interview with
him was something of a novelty.
Good. The Senora'S name2"
The lady would tell you that her
self lord"
Let her come" Gaspar turned away
with relief, but the chief stopped him.
Stay. Gaspar. Make up the fire and
light a torch, fix it up there behind
me. I trust. Gaspar. you have not
Inconvenience. the sonora by keeping
her waiting? ! will ask her, and if"
the silence was eloquent.
A few minutes later lady swept into
the circle of light within the cave
Her face was hidden by a mantilla,
but she moved with the air of acknOwl-
edged beauty, audaciOuS and graceful.
Don O. rose from his seat in the
. gloom beyond the fire and bowed.
4 am the chief of the SeQueStradOreS,
and the sonora s very humble servant"
The words uttered in purest Spanish
with the soft tone of cOurtecy almost
startled the heaTeT She peered across
the smoke and flames. but the torch
had been set to battle her vision.
Il have come, senior. to implOre your
aid" she said impulsively
At the same instant she flung back
her mantilla and disclosed her features
Don Q. gazed at her for a moment in
silence. She was a golden Spaniard
dark-eyed. with a mouth like a red
blossom. her somewhat cruel-looking
but extreme beauty enhanced by a skin
of exquisite fairness, and crowned with
golden hair.
sonora" began the soft voice after
Il pause which the lady fully appreCi-
ated as a tribute to her charms. am I
permitted to ask by what name 1 may
remember your loVelineSS?"
Catalina. the COndesSa--" She broke
off eXCitely; she had an end in view,
and wished to gain it without delay.
I was told that you were kind to those
in distress, and would help woman
when you could"
Il rejoice that there are still some
speakers Of the truth under the noun
tains. Be at ease, DOna Castellina, my
pleasure at the sight of 50 much beauty
is only equailed by my Impotence to
know in what manner 1 can show my
gratitude for the honor of this visit
Senior. | am the wife of the hand
soonest cabaIlero in Spain, alasI''
All And the countess dwellS-"
In Casteileno." she answered.
In CastellenO?" The fact was peril
nent to the moment. BE seated, Sc
nora. You are doubtless acquainted
with the governor Of the prison."
The countess started slightly.
Why, yes
rs he not an ugly, pimple-faced fell
lOw?' questioned Don @.
She replied hOtly: "On the contrary
he is an exceedingly handsome man.
He cut her short. Pardon me. but
are you sure? l have heard that la
dies cried out at the mere sight of his
smilei"
with qualification. perhaps" she an
swered, and sighed impatiently
No. no, sonora; you are surely mis-
taken"
Hardly possible. Don Q. He is my
husband"
You are then the wife of the gov
ernOr Don HugO?' The chiefs smooth
voice vibrated slightly with some emo
ton. L would envy him, if I dared"
"Of what use is beauty if it does
not secure love?" she cried petulantly.
Ny husband"
You love him.
Not always" with charming pout
AT this moment"
AT this moment I hate him!'' She
leant forward with a swing of her 1.-the
body, her, eyes flashing. ct heard a
whisper suspected. set spies-I fol-
lowed him. She clasped her hands be-
fore her breast then flung them apart
with a vehement gesture of rage 20.
at this moment I could kill him."
Proceed, ] beg Of you. What have I
10 do with lovers quarreIg?''
Every thing, if you viii help mel Yes.
we quarrelled- He laughed at my tears
I vowed l would throw myself on your
protection. He dared me TO do so, and
though / was indeed afraid -(for your
name is q cause for Shudderincr in +be
plains. senior, l came He must paw =
RANSOM for me. Thus Shall he be taught
to value his wife"
Nay, sonora. I could not have the
heart to deprive him Of your charming
society. Figure to yourself his ankle
lNI-- LE2s Tho mnnNnantaA rnrnl,- w..