The diamond drill., 1921-06-04


OF many readers.
XIII AMoNAi The blesse
childw Father Salvierder-
ra, nearing his journeys
end, cried with joy. Through the gold
en- mustard tangle that overhung his
path dark-haired maiden came swift
ly TO meet him. AT sight OF Ramona's
angelic face the aged Franciscan for
got his weariness, almost forgot his
burden OF grief over his beloved mis-
sions, despolled and crumbling. A si-
lent blessing, and he followed her con-
tentedly to the Moreno ranch, where
sheep-shearing had been delayed until
his visit. that he might confess the
shearing band.
Before Mexico's surrender Of Cali
fornla, General Moreno's estates were
lordly indeed; now huge portions had
been Topped away by the United States
land commission, and the generals
widow revenged her losses by de-
nouncing 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 brotherly; she had never
loved the girl. For Ramona was not
of Moreno blood. Her father was
tempestuous Scotchman, who. cruelty
lifted by the senoras sister, married
an Indian woman. To his old love,
childless and unhappy, he gave his
beautiful blue-eyed baby TO rear as
her own. At Sonora ortegna's death
the child came as legacy 10
Sonora Moreno, but at nineteen, Ra-
mona still waited 10 learn the mystery
OF her parentage. The stern, silent
sonora would not tell.
The Indian sheep-shearers arrived
at sunset, Just as Ramona hurried 10
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 Salvierderra led the
household sunrise hymn next morn
Ing. n new rich barytone voice thrilled
Ramona strangely.
Il never heard anything like H." she
told Felipe.
'That Is Alessandro, old Pablo's son
"a splendid fellow. He plays the vio-
lin beautifully. the old San Luis Rey
music. His father was bandmaster
there"
strengthening began most unfor-
tunately. Felipe, up too soon from a
long illness, suffered n relapse while
packing the dusty fleeces. Only Ales-
sandro could soothe his delirium; nc
cordingly, Alessandro was persuaded
10 remain until the invalid should re-
cover.
AS Felipe improved. he lived on the
open vernnda, lying on a rawhide bed
that Alcssandro made. The family
sat near him. Alessandro. too, his
music n delight, bis strength and hdel-
ity repose. his personal presence
always agreeable. was freely welcome"
The young Indian watched Ramona
with dumb devotion.
"Such eyes" she mused, 'like
saint. so solemn, so mild. / am sure
he is very good" She ceased 70 re-
gard him as an Indian. How could
she understand thls new feeling1
Felipe was the only young man she
had ever known.
One thought possessed Alessan-
dro after old Juan Canlto, the
head shepherd, told him Of Ramona's
"The senorita has Indi-
an blood. The sonora loves her
not" When Ramona wept at tine
senora's unkIndness, he trembled 50
that Felipe read his secret.
"If only my mother could think H."
reflected generous Felipe. "it would be
best 10 have Alcssandro stay here as
overseer, and then they might be mar.
ried."
The crisis came when Ramona's eyes
n