The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1922-02-01


$SsSSSssSss.:Ss3 ~ (Helen Hunt) well
/ kn own. Years
later she married
w. .. jackson, =
banker Of C0lofa-
do Springs.
She was . PEN
woman Of great
Industry and sue
cess. She Afst won attention BY
"verses By H. H.n Her p0esns were
widely read and were praised by
Emerson and r. w. HlgginsOn. She
wrote for the famous mo Name
Stories" two novels, "Mercy Philbrick'a
Choice" and "Hetty's Strange History.n
She was author Of books Of many types,
including those for children. she be-
came greatly Interested In the Indians
she was appointed . special commits
sionef to Investigate their coalition.
From this work resulted "a Century Of
Dishosor," and the novel by which she
will be remembered. "Ramona." She
died AUG. n, 1885. In San Francisco.
She pOssessed the anectiOnate regard
OF many readers.
Hn AMONAi The blesse d
IL 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, despoiled and crumbling. A 81
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 surrende- 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-
nouncing all Americans as hounds"
A marvellous manager. the Sonora Mo-
reno, whom her handsome, gentle son
Felipe obeyed in everything and knew
1t 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 a
tempestuous Scotchman, who, cruelty
Tilted by the senora's 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 to
Sonora Moreno, but at nineteen, Ra-
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.
oil unconscious that Alessandro. cap
tain Of the shearlng band. beholding
her. stood spellbound.
When Father Salyierderra led the
household sunrise hymn next morn
Ing. new rich barytone voice thrilled
Ramona strangely.
II never heard anything like it." 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
long illness, suffered q relapse while
packing the dusty fieeces. Only Aies-
sandro could soothe his delirium; ac-
cordingly. Alessandro 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 Aiessandro made. The family
sat near him. Alessandro. too, "his
raus!c q delight, his strength and fidel-
lty a repose. his personal presence
always agreeable, was freely welcome"
The young Indian watched Ramona
with dumb devotion.
"Such eyes," she unused, nike
saint. so solemn, SO mild. I 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 she
Sai ever known.
Ore thought possessed Alessan-
1ro after. old Juan Canito. the
head shepherd, told him Of Ramona's
''The senorita has Indi-
IN blood. The sonora loves her
not" When Ramona wept Mt the
unkindness, he trembled so
hat Felipe read his secret.
IF only my mother could think It,"
effected generous Felipe. ut would be
est to have Alessandro stay here as
verseer, and then they might be mar
led"
The crisis came when Ramona's eyes
iumed with tears because she feared