The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-04-07


 excellent voice, which made her very blunders agreeable. She liked Americans. "Ah. los Amercanos," she used to say, T love them; they are so strong, so hon. est, so-impolite." And then in English, ''They are deleecious.'' It was her fa- vorite word.
 Larry Bentley, junior partner of the firm of Harford & Bentley, American Min ing engineers, wandered down the Calle de Aldama toward the cathedral of san ta Rosalia. More than one of the passers- by turned to look at him as he passed down the narrow, crooked street. And indeed. he was good to look at, this tall. clean-bu American in riding boots ana sombrero.
 He paused before the open door of the 'Eearly Morning" Some one was sing ing within. Bently had been in Loreta but a short time, and had frequented the cantina but once or twice, but he needed no one to tell him that it was Carmencita who was singing. The coolness and the voice tempted him; he entered the can tina A couple of Americans in boots and flannel shirts were lounging along the bar. Five or six Mexicans were sprawled over chairs or leaning against the wall. Carmencita was perched on the edge or a table. her pretty head bent toward the strings of her guitar, her little foot beating time in the air.
 Oh Jonah went a-fishin',
 For to catch whale.
 But the whale he swallowed Jonah,
 And thereby hangs tale.
 The Americans laughed uproariously. Jonah was prime favorite on the frontier The Mexicans, who did not un- derstand, smiled at the enthusiasm or their neighbors and puffed lazily at their cigarettes Carmencta laid aside her guitar and approached Bentley.
 "Buenos das, senor," she said. extend- ing her hand. '1t is long since we last saw you. Let me see, one-two-three days, counting on her fingers.
 Ut seems like three months" he replied gallantly in Spanish almost as perfect as her own.
 "Ah, senor, you are kind" she said for want of something better to say, for she was not accustomed to such polite Ameri- cans Then assuming an air of innocence, she added: Do you then find the wine of the Early Morning so-tempting?"
 Not so-tempting as the barmaid of the Early Morning. he replied, for he was gentleman and knew his duty.
 "Senor. you are silly" she said disdain- fully. She pouted her red lips and puck cred her pretty brows in an attempt to frown, but her eyes laughed out at him. Her make believe displeasure was more charming than convincing.
 You would have me believe that?" she continued, Tt would be difficult Then, changing her mood, she added coaxingly Now confess, senor. 1t was not I that drew you here. It was the wine You came to drink; is it not so?''
 ''To drink to you, senorita," he said, lowing like a Spanish cavalier.
 '.Senor, you are ridiculous" she cried, affecting great scorn Then a sudden thought occurred to her. She laughed merriIy. "But it shall be as you wish, she added. She turned to those about her. 'Oyez senors,' she cried gayly. 'our friend here wishes to drink to my health. Surely you will not permit him to drink alone?"
 NO, no,' they protested laughing ''We all drink to Carmencita; it is our custom" They crowded about Bentley good naturedly He was fairly caught; he could but yield as gracefully as he was able The glasses were filled.
 And now q toast, senor," said Car mencita, laughing. A chair was dragged forward. Bentley mounted it. It is a custom at the Early Morning"
 Drink. then" said he, holding up his glass. ito Carmencita, whose lips are rosier than this red wine of Matanzas, and whose eyes are more sparkling; may she never lack lovers"
 The glasses clinked; the toast was drunk Carmencita stood smiling behind the bar, not at all embarrassed by this ovation.
 .It is an excellent toast" she cried when the glasses were set down. Tt is deleecious. thousand thanks, senors and may the blessed Santa Maria never send me other lovers than yourselves. ' The men went laughing back to thu