Willmar tribune., 1906-09-05

This Winslow meant to defer as long
as possible, from motives he could not
have explained.
But this foreigner was not to be
lightly turned from his purpose. 81
quite envy you, sir,''' he persisted,
you are not dependent for society
upon the rabble of the boat. Would II
be too much to ask an Introduction to
your charmed circle?'
At that moment Lavender appeared
on deck. Seeing Winslow engaged
with a stranger, she would have
turned back, but Gonzaga spoke loud
in an affectation of civility: PRAY,
do not let me disturb you," and in
his manner was evident expectation
Of the introduction, which Charles
grudgingly gave.
Lavender courtesied low, then, turn
ed to Winslow with teasing smile:
II hear YOU have been gambling" she
said, "butS in such a cause we won't
scold YOU"
Gonzaga interposed: 'Truly, the
woman seemed we'll worth the effort" :"
But the suspicion of evil In his
tone was too carefully yelled for Law
ender's understanding. ''Inueed, she
is" was her simple comment. "Such
gratitude have never seen. We are
all grateful, for humanity's sake.''
Charles waived further discussion of
the subject, and as soon as possible
found an excuse to take Lavender be-
low.
The Spaniard stood alone, pensive-
ly watching the smoke from his cigar,
as it idly curled above his head, or
with 8 sudden flaw was blown away
in whirling rings.
Struggling his shoulders, he said,
half aloud: "a rose blossoming in the
wilderness!"
His teeth showed in a sardonic
smile. Nor is this rose without it's
guardian thorn. Well, so much the
better worth plucking!" and he joined
the others in the cabin.
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 I hear you talk of
your future home, and of all you mean
to do there, feel like a wanderer, a
good-for-naught. And in truth, I am.
A long sojourn in New Orleans be-
came fatiguing; I heard q great deal
of this wonderful new land which my
own country was foolish enough to let
slip from its crown. One day a boat
started, thither bound. 1 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
est change in the situation.
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 from
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 the
Indian this was suspicion-a habit of
blood: With America, a conservative
fear of change.
II amt got no call to complain"
she said to Owatoga, "an' dis yer Spain
man may be all right. But we dom
need i'm. We done come so fur Wild
out his com'ny, an I reckon we kin
go de res OBJ de way"
And Owatoga grunted assent, for
what of Americas words failed to i'm
press his untutored ear, her gestures
and manner conveyed.
But there was another on board for
whom the Indian felt a far deeper
aversion, and that was the captain,
Finch. It was plain to Owatoga that
ever since the gambling episode, this
man had cherished for Winslow
secret grudge. Over his every move
ment, therefore, he kept anxious
watch.
Quarters on the boat were so crowd
ed that in sheer necessity of rest and
change, Mrs. Creighton and Lavender
spent much time on deck. Here games
were INDUCED in, principally matches
for rife practice, with the captain for
leading performer. His aim was un-
erring, and-rhe was reckless in its
display. Many a luckless pig on shore
owed the loss of his tail to this mans
prowess. Once when Lavender ven
tured plying remonstrance, he
blurted: Don't you worry about
them tails, miss. They kin be thank
full I'm sech good shot and leave 'em
the rest Of their carcasses."
The .octoroon, too, had observed the
malevolent glances with which the
captains eyes travelled from her to
Winslow. There was no mistaking
their baleful glitter, and ,Winslow was
her savior from worse than death, the