The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-03-14

Mercedes.
..Senorita," cried one Of the officers,
don Felipe here is dying! He would
speak with you
Mercedes suffered herself to be led
to where De Tobar lay upon the floor.
One of his comrades had taken his
head on his knee. The very seconds Of
his life were numbered. Lovely in her
grief, Mercedes knelt at his side,
great pity in her heart. The viceroy
stepped close to him.
ST thank you, too,'' she said. Poor
Don Felipe, He and you saved me,
but at the expense Of your lives.
Would God you could have been
spared"
:sNay," gasped the dying man. Thou
lowest him. I watched thee. | heard
thee call upon his name. Thou vert
not for me, and so I die Willingly. He
is a noble gentleman. Would ne might
have won theev'
The man trembled with the violent
effort it cost him to speak. he gasped
family and stcove to smile. By an i'm
pulse for which, she was ever after
grateful she bent her head, slipped her
arm around his neck, lifted him up and
kissed him. In spite Of his death agony
at that caress he smiled up at her.
.Now," he murmured, 81 die happy
content. You kissed-me- Mercedes 81
eHe is dead,n said the officer.
"God rest his soul, gallant gentle
man. said the viceroy, taking of his
hat, and his example was followed by
every one in the room.
And Captain Alvarado?" said Mer-
cedes, rising to her feet and turning to
the other figure.
.Senorita," answered another Of the
officers, 'he lives. See-he moves"
a little shudder crept through the
figure of the PROSTATE captain, who
had only been knocked senseless by the
fierce blow and was otherwise unhurt.
i.sHis eyes are open, Water, quick!'
With skilled fingers sbegot by. long
practice the cavalier cut the lacings Of
Alvarado's doubiet and gave him VA
ter, then a little wine. AS the young
captain returned to consciousness once
more the officers crowded aroGnd him,
the yiceroy in the center, Mercedes on
her knees again.
Mercedes whispered the young
captain-"aiv unl,,::;:-aed?"
.Yes," answered ,lercedes brokenly,
.tthanks to God and thee.''
and De Tobar," generously asserted
Alvarado. .sWEere is hep
Dead
.oh, brave De Tobar! And the
city?'
'.Is ours
'.And Morgan?
"Here in my hands, said the vice
roy sternly.
:. Thank God, thank God!- And now,
your excellency, my PROMISE I thought
as I was stricken down there would be
no need for you to-
Thou hast earned life, Alvarado, not
death. and thou shalt have it,
..Senors," said Alvarado, whose faint
ness was passing from him, Il broke
my plighted word to the viceroy AID
Don Felipe de Tobar. love this lady
and was false to my charge. Don AL
varo promised me death for punish
ment, and I crave it. I care not for
life without :
"And did he tell thee why he broke
his word?' asked Mercedes, taking his
hands In her own and looking UP at her
father. cit was my fault. made
him. In despair I strove to throw my
self over the cliff on yonder mountain,
and he caught me in his arms. With
me in his arms, which of you, my
lords" she said, throwing back hcr
head with superb pride, would not
have done the same? Don Felipe de
Tobar is dead. He was gallant gen.
tieman, but I loved him not. My ia
ther, you will not part us now?"
no" said the old man, II will not
try. I care not now what his birth or
lineage, he hath shown himself a man
Of noblest soul. You heard the wish
of De Tobar. 1t shall be so. This is
the betrothal Of my daughter, gentle
men. Art satisfied, captain? She is
noble enough, she hath lineage and
race enough, for both of you. Ny in
terest with our royal master will Sc
cure you that patent Of nobility you
will adorn, for bravely have you won
It."