Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1921-12-03
XIII AMONA! The bIesse d
n child" Father salvierder-

q - e. ~ %hOANA 1 liz - 1 t = y Z u
~ child" 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 WEAKNESS, almost forgot his
burden of grief over his beloved mis-
sions, despoled and crumbling. q 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
lordly indeed; now hug portions had
been Topped away by the United States
land commission, and the generals
widow revenged her losses by de-
ncuncing all Americans as "hounds."
A marvellous manager, the Sonora Mo
reno, whom her handsome, gentle son
Felipe obeyed in everything and knew
it not, Yet she ne -er 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
tilted by the senoras sister, married
an Indian woman. To his old love.
childless and unhappy he gave his
beautiful hlue-eved baby to rear as
her own. At Sonora Ortegna's death
the child came as q 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 10
the brook to wash an altar-cioth. 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. a new rich barytone voice thrilled
Ramona strangely.
al never heard anything like 1t, 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-
tuDateIv. Felipe. up too soon from a
long illness, suffered a relapse ~hlIe
packing the dusty fleeces. Only Ales-
sandro could soothe his delirium ae-
cordingly. Alessandro was PEI suaded
10 remain until the invalid should re-
cover.
As Felipe improved, he lived on the
open veranda. lying on rawhide bed
that AIessandro made. The family
sat near him. Alessandro, too ms
music a delight, his strength and tidel-
ity a repose, his personal presence
ALWAYS agreeable was freely welcome
The young Indian watched Ramona
with dumb devotion,
such eyes" she mus i, like
saint so solemn. so mild. ] am sure
he is very good" She ceased to re
gard him as an Indian. How eon'd
She understand this new feeiingF
Feline was the only young man she
had ever known.
one thought possessed Alessan-
aro after old Juan Canito. the
head shepherd. told him Of Ramona's
nareptaee: "The senorita has Indl-
IN blood The sonora loves her
roto When Ramona werr at the
senora's unkindness be tremoied 50
fhat Feline read his secret
aIf only my mother could think H.
reflected generous Felipe lit would 'e
hest re have Alss-audro stay mere az
orerzeer. and then ta4e might he mar
The crisis came when ramona's eyes
dimmed with tears because she teare4