Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1907-08-02
CHAPTER XVIII,

Nalenrlne, bona Anita, M. Ralller ana
Don Martial got into the carriage. The
two Canadians and the chief followed
them on horseback, and they proceeded
at gallop to the chapel where the con-
demned man was confined.
All along the road they found marks
of the obstinate struggle which had del
uged the city with blood a few days pre-
viously; the barricades had not been en-
tirely removed, and though the distance
was in reality very short, they did not
reach the prison until nightfall, owing
to the detours they were forced to make.
Valentine begged his friends to remain
outside, and only entered with Dona
Anita and the Tigrero. The general was
impatiently expecting them, and testified
a great joy on perceiving them.
The young lady could not restrain her
emotion, and threw herself into her I'M
cle's arms with an outburst of passion
ate grief. The general pressed her ten
derby to his bosom and kissed her on the
forehead
Il am the more affected by these marks
of affection, my child he said, with
much emotion, because 1 have been very
harsh to you. Can you ever forgive me
the sufferings I have caused your
''Oh, uncle, speak not so. Are you
not alas! the only relation / have re-
maining?"
For short time" he said, with
sad smile, that is the reason why l
ought, without further delay, to provide
for your future"
do not talk about that at such mo-
ment. uncle" she continued, bursting into
tears.
ION the contrary, my child, 1t is at
this moment, when / am going to leave
you, that l am bound to insure you a
protector. Don Martial, l have done you
great wrong; here is my hand, accept it
as that of a man who has completely
recognized his faults, and sincerely re-
penis the evil he has done"
The Tigrero, more affected than he
liked to display, took a step forward and
cordially pressed the hand offered him.
General" he said, in a voice which
he tried in vain to render firm, this mo-
ment which l never dared hope to see,
fills me with joy, but at the same time
with grief"
well. you can do something for me
by proving to me that you have really
forgiven me-
.'Speak, general, and no matter, if it
;s in nv oower-' he exclaimed warm
ST believe you, Don Martial" Don
Sebastian answered, with his sad smile.
Consent to accept my niece from my
hand and marry her at once in this
chapel"
One of the monks had prepared every
thing beforehand.
When the hunters and the French
banker entered, followed by Curumilla
and the officer commanding the capilla
guard. who had been warned beforehand
the general walked eagerly toward them
.Senores," he said, Il would ask you
to do me the honor of witnessing the
marriage of my niece, Dona Anita de
Torres, with this cabellero. One mo-
ment. | have something more yet, If
Won please. l now wish to make you
witness of great reparation.'
They stopped and looked at the gen
eraI with the greatest surprise as he
walked up to Valentine.
"Caballero." he said to him, Il know
all the motives of hatred you have
against me. and those motives | allow to
be Just. l am now in the same position
in which 1 placed Count de Prebols
GRANGE, your dearest friend. Like him.
| shall be shot tomorrow at dayoreaK'
but with this difference, that he fell as
a martyr to a holy cause and innocent
of crimes of which 1 accused him, while
I am guilty, and deserve the sentence
nassed on me. Don Valentine, l repent
FROM tho bottom of my heart the inlqult-
ous murder of your friend. Don Vaien-
tine, do you forgive me!'
General Don Sebastian Guerrero, l
forgive you the murder of my friend,
the hunter answered in firm voice.
"You forgive me?'
81 forgive you the life of grief to which
T am henceforth condemned by you.
"You pardon me unreservedly!"
"Unreservedly l do
Thanks. We were made to love IN
stead hate one another"
You think so now.
"I misunderstood you; but yours Is