Mower County transcript., 1906-08-15
CHAPTER TX.


Thenceforward the little party was
augmented by the unfailing presence
of the Spaniard, Gonzaga.
Yet the newcomer bore himself in
such quiet, gentlemanly fashion, as
to disarm objections. He was never
obtrusive, and contrived to make his
society so agreeable that to none was
he unwelcome. Even Winslow, who
secretly deplored his coming, could
not but admire his tact, his graceful,
fowery conversation, his knowledge
of the world.
To Mrs. Creighton one day the
stranger said: II have no plans,
madam, and when 1 hear you talk of
your future home, and of all you mean
to do there, I feel like wanderer, a
good-for-naught. And in truth, I am.
A long sojourn in New Orleans be-
came fatiguing; I heard a great deal
of this wonderful new land which my
own country was foolish enough to let
slip from it's crown. One day boat
started, thither bound. I embarked
am here, your servant"
And that was all he ever >vOuch-
safed in explanation of his presence.
There were, however, two of the
party to whom this new acquaintance
was most unwelcome. Though Amer:
ica and the Indian guide kept ever in
the background, they were alert and
watchful; keen to observe the slight.
ohor IN hn ,$%
In spite of the antipathy of race
and habit, there was a bond uniting
these two-a bond stronger than creed
or custom. Red skin and black COW
cred hearts that beat in unison to the
same refrain, love for those they
served. They would sit apart frop,
the others, native antagonism, bridged
by this common interest.
The stranger they eyed with dis
favor, with that instructive dislike
which needs no warrant. With thu
Indian this was suspicion-a habit Of
blood. With America, a conservative
fear of change.
Il amt got no call to complain,
she said to Owatoga, "an' dis yer Spai1
man may be all right. But we don
need i'm. We done come so fur wild
out his zcom'ny, an I reckon we XIII
| go de res OBJ de way"
And Owatoga grunted assent, fo1
what of Americas words failed to i'm
press his untutored ear, her gesture,
and manner conveyed.
But there was another on board fo
whom the Indian felt far deepe
aversion, and that was the captain
Finch. 1t was plain to Owatoga tha
ever since the gambling episode, thi
man had cherished for Winslow
secret grudge. Over his every move
ment, therefore, he kept anxious
watch.
Quarters on the boat were 80 crowd
ed that in sheer necessity of rest an,
change, Mrs. Creighton and Lavende
spent much time on deck. Here game
were indulged in, principally matche
for rifle practice, with the captain fo
leading performer. His aim was un
erring, and he was reckless in 1t
display. Many luckless pig on shor
owed the loss of his tail to this man
prowess. Once when Lavender ven
tured plying remonstrance, b
blurted: Don't you worry abou
them tails, miss. They kin be thank
full I'm sech good shot and leave zen
the rest Of their carcasses..'' 7. =.
| The octoroon, too, had observed tn
maleyolent glances with which tn
captains eyes travelled from her t
WinsloW. There was no mistakin
their baleful glitter, and Winslow wa
her savior from worse than death, tn
object Of her reverent gratitude. Owe
him, she, too, kept unmarked viz
8 iIance.
One afternoon she noticed the .tw
In conversation, and hovered near i
time to hear the last Of the boatman'
words: Try il Jest to show that !