The San Mateo item. (San Mateo City, Putnam County, Fla) 189?-19??, 1910-04-16


with a band at It's head. The com
pany we're out for their parade, be
fore taking to the barracks for the
night. The captain, n short, swarthy
individual, kept we'll to the front oil
his company, and rode a snow white
horse. Dexter gazed in admiration
as the column approached
"Say, Billy they're pretty fine
lot, don't you think?" he asked, his
eyes fixed on the long column OF men
and horses They are nearly as
good as our boys back home, IL they
are Mexlcans. Good Lord, man.
what's up?"
Bottoms cigar had fallen unheeded
to the floor, and his face was ghast-
ly. Then II famed scarlet, and with
an impulse born OF living amongst
many dangers, his hand sought his
holster, but he recovered himself
with a start, and answered with his
usual, composed smile:
Nothing, Harry. old chap-nothing
at all. guess the music must have
stirred my blood little. / used to
serve under the general once, you
know" He lighted another cigar and
smoked in silence. Dexter, watching
furtively, saw again the sad, far-away
look creep into the eyes Of his com.
panion.
There was a military ball at the
Cortez that night, a moderate-sized,
comfortable affair, where the dark.
eyed Spanish senoritas danced and
flirted languldly with the officers Of
the company. Bolton, contrary to his
usual custom, expressed his intention
OF attending and spent a pains-taking
but very uncomfortable half hour get.
ting into the garb Of civilization.
Once on the floor, he danced but lit
tie; plainly he was waiting for some
thing.
IT'S strange" he muttered TO him
self, as he strolled thoughtfully out
into the cooler air upon the veranda.
81 haven't heard OF their marriage,
and yet neither OF them seem to be
here" He had just finished the sem
tence when low ripple of laughter
made him draw back into the shadow.
Captain varez of the cavalry had
entered with lady clinglng to his
arm. AS they passed the place where
he was standing, Bottoms heart be
gan pounding violently. His waiting |
had been rewarded.
An hour later, while Senorita
Merida and Captain VareZ were car
rying on an animated conversation |
in an alcove, a page silently approach
ed and handed the senorita a mes
sage. She opened the note with q
languid daintiness, and stepped near
er the light OF the outer hall Tho
last vestige of color fed from her
face and a cry of amazement broke
from her bloodless lips. Captain
Varez sprang forward
why, my dear lady," he cried.
how i'll you are! And you tremble
so! You must have the fever. / shall
call the doctor immediately"
mo, no, captain, you must not. II
Is only passing spell. Leave me
alone for few moments, please.
ann sure ! shall be quite myself In
a little while" She said II calmly,
but the captains eyes grew sus-
picious.
Very we'll, II you insist, my lady"
he acquiesced finally, and passed
out upon the ballroom floor.
The senorta watched until he had
among the throng, anc
furtiyely about her, fled
swiftly along the hallway, threw
open French window that led To-
me veranda and stepped out. At first
he place seemed deserted, then she
made ont the figure of a man stand
ng in the shadow at her left. Noise
essly she glided to his side and laid