The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1921-12-02
gSn AM0NAi The bless d
childi' Father Salvierder-

"a childW Father Salvierder-
ra, nearing his journeys
end, cried with Joy. Through the gold
en- mustard tangle that overhung his
path a dark-halred maiden came swift
" TO meet him. At sight of Ramona's
angelic face the aged Franciscan for
got his WEAKNESS, almost forgot his
burden Of grief over his beloved mis-
sions, despoiled and crumbling. A ST.
lent blessing, and he followed her con-
tentedly to the Moreno ranch, where
strengthening had been delayed until
his visit, that he might confess the
shearing band.
Before Mexico's surrender OF Cali
fornia, General Moreno estates were
iordly indeed; now huge portions had
been Topped away by the United States
land commission, and the generals
widow revenged her losses by de-
riouncing all Americans as hounds"
A marvellous manager, the Sonora Mo-
reno. whom her handsome, gentle son
Felipe obeyed in everything and knew
II not Yet she never suspected that
Felipe's affection for Ramona could be
more than brotherIy; she had never
loved the girl. For Ramona was not
Of Moreno blood. Her father was a
tempestuous Scotchman. who, cruelty
Tilted by the senora's sister, married
an Indian woman. To his old love,
childIess and unhappy. he gave his
beautiful blue-eyed baby to rear as
her own. At Sonora ortegna's death
the child came as legacy to
Sonora Moreno. but at nineteen, RAJ
mona still waited TO learn the mystery
Of her parentage. The stern, silent
sonora would not tell.
The Indian sheep-shearers arrived
at sunset. just as Ramona hurried to
the brook to wash an altar-cloth. Her
face aglow, she bent over the stones,
all unconscious that Alessandro, cap
tain OF the shearing band, beholding
her. stood spellbound
When Father SalRierderra led the
household sunrise hymn next morn
ing. a new rich barytone voice thrilled
Ramona strangely.
IL never heard anything like It." she
told Felipe.
"That is Alessandro, old Pnblo's son
Ia splendid fellow. He plays the VIC.
lin beautifully, the old San Luis Rey
music. His father was bandmaster
there"
strengthening began most unfor.
tunately. Felipe, up too soon from q
long Illness, suffered relapse while
packing the dusty fleeces. Only Ales'
sandro could soothe his delirium; nc
cordingiy, Aiessandro was persuaded
to remain until the invalid should re
cover.
AS Felipe improved, he lived on the
open veranda, lying on a rawhide bed
that Alessandro made. The family
sat near him. Alessandro. too. "his
music delight, his strength and fidel
ity a repose. his personal presence
always agreeable, was freely welcome
The young Indian watched Ramona
with dumb devotion.
"Such eyes," she unused, ''like Q
saint, so solemn, SO mild. am sure
he is very good" She ceased to re
gard him as an Indian. How could
she understand this new feeling
Felipe was the only young man sh'
had ever known.
One thought possessed Alessan
dro after old Juan Canito. thu
head shepherd, told him of Ramonaa
parentage: srhe senorita has Indi
an blood. The sonora loves he
not" When Ramona wept at thf
senora's unkindness, he trembled g
that Felipe read his secret.
.If only my mother could think 1t,
reflected generous Felipe, ut would b.
hest TO have Alessandro stay here a.
oyerseer, and then they might be mar
ried."
The crisis came when Ramona's eye
atxx.~ps.A with tears because she fearet