~ DOBLADO, THE OU OUTLAW;

eH oRONOC © CHIEF.

|FPRANK STARR & CO.,°41 PLATT STREET N. *
Powers & Brown Paper Oo., Springtield,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

DOBLADO, THE OUTLAW;
THE — CHIEF.
A. TALE OF LOVE AND WAR.

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NEW YORK:

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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by Frank Starr &
Co., in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

 

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DOBLADO, THE OUTLAW;

oR,

THE ORONOCO OHIEF.

 

CHAPTER I.
The Arrival.

“ Our anchors plunge in the dark-bine sea,
And we rest, our voyage o’er;
While, with merry hearts an? shouts of glee,
We gaze on the welcome shure,”

Av daybreak, upon the second day of May,
in the year of our Lord one tuousand eight
hundred and twenty-one, a squadron of four
vessels cast anchor at the mouth of the Oro-
noco, off the eastern coast of Venezuela.

These four vessels were the British forty-

four-gun frigate Hurydice, and three transport’

ships. They had on board fifteen hundred
British troops, composed of parts of several
British regiments of the line, the entire body
being styled the “ British Legion,” and under
the command of Sir William De Courcey.
Having received an appointment as aid upon
the staff of Sir William, I accompanied the
expedition in that capacity. These troops
were designed as reinforcements to the pa-
triots, who, under the leadership of the cele-
brated Bolivar, were waging a war for inde-
pendence against the power of Spain.
Thirteen years previous, Ferdinand VII,
king of Spain, was inveigled by shameful
treachery into tke power of Napoleon, and
cowardly surrendered forever ail claim for
himself and descendants to the throne of
Spain, and Joseph Bonaparte succeeded to
the yacant crown. When the tidings of the
imprisonment and abdication of the king
reached Spanish America, it shook and un-
settled the whole social system in those
quarters.
Most intense antipathy toward the French
revailed. Under Napoleon they overran
pain, and consequent upon this, resistance
broke out against their agents in the colonies,
which finally culminated in an organized ef-

fort on the part of the colonists to establish |-

their own independence. With varying for-
tunes the strife had now continued for nearly
a dozen years, with the final settlement ap

_ parently as far distant’as ever. The royalists

possessed the northern sea-coast to a great
degree, and the principai ports and fortified
@itiee; while the interior of the country was
mainly under the control of the patriots.

 

This, in brief, was the situation of affairs
upon our arrival in the province.

Our anchor had scarcely grated upon the
pebbly bottom of the sea, when a puff of light-
blue smoke arose from the bow of the frigate,
followed by the report of a carronade. As
the slight breeze that flapped the snowy can-
vas against the masts bore from our sight the
circling wreaths. of smoke, there was a simi-
lar response from a small fortified earthwork,
situated upon a point of land formed by the

junction of the river with the sea, and in an .

instant the patriot flag rose to the top of a
small staff erected upon a bastion of the fort.

Communication was thus opened, and a
boat left the shore, containing an officer and
several marines. -As soon as he reached the
quarter-deck the officer saluted Sir William,
and handed him a small packet. It was a
request from Bolivar that the officer com-
manding the expedition would proceed at
once up the river to Angostura, the capital
city of the republic. After a few hours’ delay
we weighed anchor, and, under the charge
of a competent pilot, the squadron entered
the delta of the river, the Hurydice leading
the way.

The scenery was exceedingly beautiful.
It was a cloudless morning, and a gentle
breeze ruffled the waters of the river, while
the surface of the sea shone like a polished
mirror under the brilliant rays of the warm
tropical sun, whose broad disk was now slowly
climbing the eastern sky. As we ascended
the magnificent stream, the scene changed
into a most glorious panorama. Green mead-
ows, towering palms with their fan-leafed
crowns, and verdant groves of laurel and
amyris lined the banks, while masses of
shrubs, bearing various colored blossoms,
made the air fragrant with sweet perfume.
Vast flocks of aquatic birds sported upon the
placid water.

My attention was equally divided between

the luxuriant vegetation of this tropical clime |

and the pilot of our vessel, who was standing
near the wheel, issuing an occasional order
to the helmsman in charge. He was a di-
minutive fellow, with a swarthy, bronzed
face, bushy hair, fierce mustaches and biack
eyes. He wore a light-colored sombrcre,
trimmed with red ribbon, which sat jauntily

 

 

 

  
   
   
   
   
   
 

 

   
 

 

4

upon one side of his head. A jacket of green
cloth, and bufFeolored breeches completed
his attire. A group of soldiers were gathered
around him, whom, contrary to ship regula-
tions, he was entertaining with various stories
and jokes.

“Come,” said I to Lieutenant Haversham,
an intimate friend of mine, and a capital good
fellow, “let’s hear what the chap has to say.”

We approached the small group. At this
time the vessel was just abreast of the ruins
of a small fortification, that stood upon the
jeft bank of the stream, and to which the pilot
ealled our attention.

“D’ye see yon ruins, senors?” he asked,
addressing Haversham and myself. “ Well,
captain, there’s where I saw my first fight,”
continued the pilot, “and a right handsome
little scrimmage it was, too; and, moreover,
it was just yonder that the patriots found out
that they could have their independence, if
they wanted it.”

“Some time ago, I judge,” said I.

“Si, senor, a matter of some ten years or
so. We captured that fort, and afterward,
with our cayalry, we took a gunboat too.”

“Oh, blathers!” ejaculated Haversham, as
he burst into an incredulous laugh, “took a
gankoat with cayalry! Tell that to the'ma-
rines.””

“Senor, it is true, per Dios,” returned the
pilot, evidently much disconcerted at Haver-
sl.um’s disbelief.

“By st. George,” said Haversham, with
another hearty laugh, and evidently enjoying

_ the pilot’s confusion, “that’s either a mighty

tough yarn, or else you haye a confounded
queer way of fighting in this heathen coun-
try?

“ Caramba, senor captain,” added the pilot,

fiercely, “we are not heathen, but honest

Christians.”

“ Flonest Christians,”aeturned Hayersham,
with a smile. “ Lucky you told us, else we
had never suspected it.”

“May be, senor, if you heard my story,
you would believe me.”

“Well, drive ahead, senor pilot, and we'll
listen.”

“You see, senor captain,” began the pilot,
stowing away a fresh quid in the corner of
his capacieus mouth, and gradually recover-
ing his good-humor, “the thing happened in
this way: Some dozen years ago, there were
stationed:in yon fort a company of the king’s
soldiers, Diabolus take them all, under the
command of one Captain Oviedo. A rich
old Spaniard, by the name of Don Hermoso,
owned a fine plantation a few miles inland.

‘The Don, in addition to his fat purse, had a

very pretty daughter, called Olivia. Now, it
soon came to pass that Captain Oviedo fell
in love with Donna Olivia, or, it matters little
which, with her father’s yellow onzas, and
proceeded to pay assiduous attention to her.
“Neither she nor the Don, however, re-

- ceived these visits with favor, for the captain

was a brainless, conceited fellow, witht an im-
mense thirst for aguardiente, and, as rumor
saith, could beat Satanas bimself at cards

and dice. So the old man forbade him the

ae,

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

house. This was regarded by the captain
as a mortal insult, and he laid his plans for
revenge. Taking advantage of Don Hermo-
so’s temporary absence, he, with a squad of
his soldiers, assailed the hacienda and carried
off Donna Olivia, The old Don returned the
next day and was in high dudgeon over the
affair. He raved like a mad bull, swore a
string of oaths as long as a bower-cable, and
vowed by all. the saints in the calendar that
he would hang every soul concerned in the
outrage. He armed his servants, and, aided
by his neighbors, who made common cause
with him, surprised the fort that night, and
at daybreak the corpses of Captain Oviedo
and twenty of his men were dangling from
the ramparts.

‘““News of these troubles reaching head-
quarters, a gunboat was dispatched down the
river to retake the fort. The haughty old
Don rejected all terms of surrender, when
the gunboat opened fire. A few minutes’
fight convinced the Don that the place was
getting uncomfortably hot. He soon evacu-
ated the fort, with colors flying, however.
The royalists at once took possession of the
work again.

“ Now, Don Hermoso had a son Fernando,
who was a reckless, dare-devil sort of a blade.
This scion of a noble house groaned in spirit
over the discomfiture of his illustrious father.
He determined therefore to retrieve the repu-
tation of the family. For this purpose, he
assembled all the kindred spirits within his
reach, mounted them upon smart nags, and,
under cover of night reacheu*the river where
the boat lay at anchor in the middle of the
stream.

“We (for I was one of the party, senors,)
dashed right into the water, and urged our
beasts toward the boat. The occupants, few
in number and unprepared for a night atiack,

| were speedily overpowered, and at daylight,

we in turn banged away at the fort. The
garrison, poor devils, were frightened to
death at being fired upon by their own
friends, as they supposed, and succumbed at
once.

“Well, blow me,” exclaimed Haversham,
“that Fernando was a trump, anyhow.”

“How did the matter end?” I inquired.

“Oh, senor captain,” said the pilot with a —

chuckle, “it’s not ended yet. Ha! ha! But,
maybe you'll live to see the end some day—
at least, per Dios, 1 hope so.”

“Did the Government submit to this out-
rage upon its dignity?” I asked, with some
curiosity.

“Caramba, no, senor. They sent another
gunboat down, and a regiment of lancers,
who recaptured the fort and the lost boat.”

“What became of Fernando?” asked Hay-
ershaim.

“Poor fellow, he fell upon the deck of ‘his
prize, fighting bravely even to the last,” re-
plied the pilot, with a. sigh,

“ And Don Hermoso ?” I queried.

“Oh, he was thrown into prison and his
property all confiscated to the crown.”
aoe rebellion was cut short, then,” I ad-

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THE GAMING-HOUSE. th

“Diabolo, senors, the affair set people to
thinking, and when they ee a While,
per Dios, they took wp arms, and the abduc-
tion of Donna Olivia bids fair to result in our
independence.” The pilot's story was ended.

Thus, time passed along, and in due season
our squadron anchored off the pretty little
city of Angostura. The next day we received
orders to disembark, much to the satisfaction
of all concerned, as we were heartily weary
of the long and tiresome passage.

The soldiers were billeted in various parts
of the city, while Sir William and staff, in-
cluding myself, engaged quarters at the San
Marco, the principal hotel in the city.

CHAPTER II.
Rouge-et-N oir.

** Ave! men do risk
And stake their very fortunes ’pon the throw
Of colored dice, or cards and games of chance.
These ivory cubes and bits of paper
Have kingdoms crushed, and deroiestan wrought
Both at the fireside aud in public walks
Of life. The dire results that from them spring
Are only known in vast eternity.”

ONE warm, sultry evening, a fortnight after
our arrival in Angostura, I was seated in front
of the hotel “San Marco,” quietly enjoying
my cigar. The street presented an animated

ppearance. The entire population of the
‘ity seemed to be abread. Gay cavaliers,
and dashing senoritas with picturesque man-
tles and dark, bewitching eyes, Llaneros with
brilliant red and blue ponchos swarmed by,
while occasionally the lively scarlet uniform
of our own corps enlivened the scene.
_ Opposite the “San Marco” stood a build-
ing of some architectural pretensions, from
whose windows and open door poured forth
a brilliant flood of light. A constant stream
of visitors entered and departed.

“Really, Ned,” said Lieutenant Haversham,
who was sitting on the balcony near me, as
he sent a whiff of fragrant smoke curling up-

ward in delicate wreaths, “these Spaniards

beat the very deuce at gaming, don’t they?”
_ ‘A favorite institution of theirs, I should
Judge,” I replied, smiling at the sudden and
energetic exclamation of my friend. “ Been
victimized any, eh ?”

“Thank you, not at all,” returned Haver-
sham, with another vigorous pull at his cigar.
"How in the dickens de you imagine that a
simple lieutenant, who is serving our most
gracious majesty for the moderate compensa-
tion of a few pounds, shillings, and pence
per annum, could indulge in vo expensive a
luxury? Far more danger that I shall lose
my heart in a flirtation with some of these
captivating senori‘as, than that any of the
avaricious Dons will fatten off my purse!
Have you ever visited the salon opposite?”

“Never,” I replied.

“Shall we go?”

“I’m agreed.”

We crossed the street and entered. The

salon was the most fashionable and best

 

patronized in the city. The wealth and elite
of Angostura often assembled there, for gam-
ing is a national passion of the Spaniards and
their descendants, and to visit such places of
resort did not detract from, but rather added
to, one’s social position. To be ignorant of
“monte,” “faro,” or “rouge-et-noir,” was
equivalent to being under the ban in fashion-
able society.

Our uniform gained us a ready admittance,
and, ascending a broad staircase, we entered
a magnificent room. A dozen richly orna-
mented chandeliers gaye forth a blaze of
light. There was a great profusion of statu-
ary, vases, colored lights, frescoes, and gild-
ing. A gay assemblage was present. Our
eyes were dazzled with rich dresses, spark-
ling gems, the glitter of jewelry, epaulettes,
stars, and badges of distinction.

‘We passed into another room. ere were
faro-tables, and tables for rouge-et-noir, and
heaps of glittering doubloons and yellow
English sovereigns, which rapidly changed
owners. Every thing moved along briskly
and quietly, with an occasional outburst of
anger or joy as some won and others lost.
As we promenaded the room, we found that
our gay uniforms attracted much notice,
winning us furtive glances frem dark-eyed
maidens. We stopped at a small table near
a stand where a pretty waiter-girl was sell-
ing wine, ‘ce, and fruits. Two persons were
engaged in a game of cards. Much interest
appeared to center upon this game and quite
a number of gentlemen and ladies had gath-
ered around the table, anxious spectators of
the scene. The players were a young man
of very prepossessing appearance, who had
won frequently from the other during the
evening, and, excited over his good fortune,
had now staked all his winnings, amounting
to one thousand doubloons, and his entire
property in addition, upon the result of this
game. His opponent was a man apparently
several years his senior, with hard, repulsive
features, bronzed by constant exposure to the
weather. The most remarkable feature was
his eyes. Black as night, they pierced
through one at a glance, and glittered like
the eyes of a serpent. He wore the uniform
and badge of a captain in the patriot army.
He was cool and even composed, while the’
hands of the young man trembled with ex-
citement.

As the game progressed, a dozen pair of
eyes watched its adyance with absorbing in-
terest, and none with more anxiety than my
own. At first a dim suspicion flitted across
my mind. Another and a stronger one was
experienced. I drew nearer the captain and
watched more narrowly than before every
move of the players. My suspicion assumed
a more tangible form, andripened into a con-
viction. The captain played with most pro-
voking coolness. I knew the reason.

He was winning by foul play !

The game was finished. The captain won.

“My God! Tm undone,” groaned the —
young man, as he shoved back his chair —
from the table. “Ie has won my last real

T staked all and have lost.” _ ec

 

 
 

mee

6 ; THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
    
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
   
   
  
   
  
    
    
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
   

“The greater fool then for playing so high,”
impudently chuckled the captain, as he rose
and swept the coin from the table. ‘“ Does
any other one wish to stake his last real?”
No response to the challenge. “No one
stands a chance to win from me in the last
game,” he boastingly added, as he placed the
cards in his pocket. rf :

‘““An honest man seldom stands a chance
when he plays with a knave,” I said, my in-
 dignation getting the better of my discretion.

“ Caramba !” exclaimed the captain, turn-
ing quickly around upon his heel, “ who calls
mea knave?’ He cast a rapid, fierce glance
over the adjacent company. His eyes moved
along and rested upon me, Intuitively he
seemed to recognize in me. the speaker. I
had gone too far to recede, and met his fiery
gaze with an eye that quailed not. The blood
coursed like lightning through my veins, my
flesh seemed on fire. I felt that the attention
of all was concentrated upon me, as, in a
voice tremulous with rising excitement, I
said:

“Tam the offender, sir, and I repeat it, you
are a villain!’ The captain’s face grew dark
as night, his eyes glistened like a basilisk,
and he made a move as if to spring upon me.
We were standing a few feet apart. I threw
myself into a posture favorable for repelling
an assault, and stood upon the defensive.
The captain’s demeanor changed instantly,
and with a sneer he asked:

“And who, pray, senor, are you, that dares
impute villainy to me?”

“My name, sir, is Ellesmere, aid to Sir
William De Courcey,” I answered, maddened
by the sarcastic tone of the audacious cap-
tain, “and I furthermore say, that you won
the last ame with this youth by foul play!’

“ Milles tonttres!” ejaculated the captain,
again ore his temper. “It is false! There
was no foul play. You have insulted me,’
and he ground his teeth with rage.

“Tf to tell the truth is to insult you, then
perhaps I have,” I added quietly.

“Hl Demonio!” screamed the infuriated
man. “I demand satisfaction. You must
fight.me at daybreak !”

*“T have no objections, sir,” I said.

“Faye you a friend, with whom my second
can confer?” asked the captain, moderating
his tone somewhat, upon my ready compli-
ance.

“T think I can count udon Lieutenant
Hayersham, can I not?” said I, turning to
my companion, who stood at my elbow.

“To the last drop of blood, Ellesmere,”
quickly answered the generous and impulsive
fellow, “and if the scoundrel harms a hair of
ee: head, by Jove, Pll run him through my-
self.

“Where can Lieutenant Haversham be
found, an hour hence?” continued the cap-
- tain.

“Our quarters are at the ‘San Marco.”
“The thing is settled, then,” rejoined the
captain, as he turned haughtily away, pre-
paratory to taking his departure.

“One moment, sir.” ladded.

“How,” he: sneeringly asked, “do you al-

 
 

 

ready repent your acceptance to fight with
me ?”” .

“T desire one thing further, sir,” I quietly
replied, not noticing his insinuation.

“And what, pray, is that?” he asked, with
an air of surprise.

“T wish you to play a game of rouge-et-noir
with me.”

“ Diabolo!” he fairly shouted. “Play with
the man whose throat I shall cut at day-
break ?

»~<ou decline, then?” I suggested.

“No, by all the gods, no,” roared the en-
raged captain. “ Currai, I will take your last
maravedi, and then send you to Satanas!
That will be my revenge.”

We sat down at the table. The exciting
affair had brought around us a large portion
of those present. At my right hand stood
the youth, whom my opponent had fleeced
so unfairly, his eyes staring wide open with
astonishment at the unforeseen results of his
game. The acting banker was the proprietor
of the salon, and, I thought, was in all prob-
ability a friend of my opponent. The
crowpiers assumed their proper positions.

“A thousand Spanish doubloons is my
stake,” said I.

“Make it two thousand, or Pll not play,”

. the captain replied.

“Two thousand let it be, then,” I answered.
“Tt is immaterial to me which.”

I told the truth when I said that, although
in a far different sense than my opponent un-
derstood it. The amount was, indeed, im-
material to me, for fifty guineas covered all
my available resources, and, if I lost, I sub-
jected myself to the ridicule and disgrace of
the exposure. But the excitement of the oc-
casion, and a.certain confidence that I should
win, urged me on. He staked the gold, and I
staked my word of honor as an officer, which
was accepted. The game proceeded. The
excitement in the throng increased rapidly.
The room became excessively hot. The air
was close and oppressive. The crowd jostled
each other, and surged to and fro. The cards
were dealt out so slowly, that it seemed
to consume an age. I thought the game
would neyer end. My brain whirled with ex-
citement and I grew dizzy. A shout of exult-
ation from the crowd recalled my thoughts.

The game was mine!

I was rising from. the table. With a furi-
ous oath the captain declared I must play
again. Overcome by my good fortune,
rashly consented.

“A thousand pounds sterling, is my stake
this time, “said the captain, in a voice hoarse
with anger, as he plunged his hand into his
bosom, and drew forth a capacious wallet,
which he opened. His face instantly changed
color and assumed an ashy paleness, hig hand
trembled, and the book fell to the floor.

“ Madre de Dios!” he screamed, with uncon- |

trollable fury.
bed!” :
“What have you lost?” anxiously inquired
the banker. :
“A pill of exchange, on London, for one
thousand pounds, is gone, sir. J had it here

“Tt’s gone! ve been rob-
§ .

 

 

 

pipe 2: Sal

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—

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Sari venation

FOUL PLAY AND FAIR PLAY. 7

~m this walle .’ replied the captain, greatly

distressed.

“JT keep an honest house, captain, and you
did not lose it here, I am confident,” said the
banker.

“Don’t let his pretended loss trouble you,

‘senor,’ I said to the banker. “We all un-
derstand his game. He is playing bluff, and is
afraid to try another run with me, that’s all.”

“Scoundrel,” exclaimed the captain, turn-
ing upon me a look of concentrated fury and
malice, as stung to the quick by my taunt, he
resumed his seat, “ we will soon see whether
I flinch or not.”

Ee tore open his scarlet yest, and drew

- forth a golden-cased locket, which he opened

and laid upon the table. It was a lady’s pic-
ture, encircled with gems.

“That is my stake, then. It is worth one
thousand pounds, cash, any day.”

“Ah! Your lady love, set in diamonds of
paste, probably,” I suggested, “and worth,
perhaps, a dozen crowns.”

“The setting is genuine, and the case is
very heavy, at least twenty carats fine,” said
the banker, examining it carefully. ‘No
doubt it is valuable.”

“Well, then,” said I, with an air of conde-
scension, “we'll accept as a stake this por-

- trait of his lady love.”

“ Peste, lady love!” exclaimed the captain,
with a look of supreme disgust, “my hatred
of her is only equaled by what I now bear
toward you. Play on.”

My winnings in the last game constituted
my stakes in this, and the play proceeded.
The result was announced amid a burst of
applause from the interested spectators.

I had won again!

“My turn comes at daybreak!” hissed the
captain, through his compressed lips, as he
rose suddenly from the table and rushed from
the salon.

The applause increased, as I turned to the
unfortunate youth, who had previously lost
what I had just won, and told him it. was
again his property, and advised him in the
future to play only with honest men. So
lavish were his thanks, and so profuse his
demonstrations of gratitude, that I was over-
whelmed thereby and glad to escape. Plac-
ing the miniature in my breast-pocket, and
salttig Haversham’s arm, I left the room.

The night air was cooling to my fevered
brow. The streets were nearly deserted. We
repaired to my room at the ‘“‘San Marco.”

“By Jove, what _a splendid game you
played, Ned,” said Haversham, breaking the

silence.

“Say, rather, that I had a run of good
luck,” I answered.
“The thing was magnificently done, any-
way, Ned,” continued Haversham, “ except

one item.”

“What do you allude to?” I queried, in
‘some surprise.

“Why, confound it, Ned, I didn’t exactly
see the use of handing over the proceeds of
your skill to that white-livered young Span-
lard. If the youthful jackanapes hadn’t sense

as enough to keep it before you restored it to

 

 

him, my word for it, he will lose it again
within the week, and then, how much will
your generosity avail him? You made a
mistake, I think, in not keeping the winnings
yourself.”

“TI only played, Haversham,” I replied,
“because I wished to make that swindler
disgorge his ill-gotten gains. J had faith that
justice would enable me to triumph, and you
see she did. Besides, Haversham, I am op-
posed from principle, to gambling for money.
Wealth gained in such a manner would only
be a curse to mé: My conscience would goad
me continually.”

“Can’t see the point, Ned,” continued
Haversham, laughingly; “perhaps it’s all
right... I never could chop logic successfully,
even when I was at Eton. I never attempted
to argue any question that I didn’t get flayed
in the ‘operation, and it’s not worth while to
begin ‘logic at this late day. - Besides, m
conscience was never overly tender, Ned,
and a tender conscience, you know, goes a
great way, often, in deciding knotty points in
a particular direction. Still, there is one
thing in your argument that isn’t so clear to
my mind.” ;

“What's that?”

“Why, I thought you were a lover of con-
sistency, Ned.” -

- “So I am,” said I. :

“Well, then, why don’t you practice what

you preach,” asked Haversham, with a broad
Tin.

“J don’t understand what you are talking
about, Haversham,” said I, with some curi-
osity. “Do you mean to say that I act in-
consistently ?”

“That's it, exactly.”

“ How ?”

. “Why, you see,” continued Haversham,
“this is what bothers me. You claim that
it’s wrong to gamble, and, if you win property
in that way you ought to return it. Now
you return the money you won, to its original
owner, but you didn’t offer to give back the
locket to the captain! Why keep 7#? Has
its beauty so shaken your principles that you
can be content to retain it? Eh, Ned, what’s
the matter ?”

At this point Haversham burst into an un-
controllable fit of laughter, which continued —
for several moments. :

“JT wasn’t laughing at you, Ned,” he re-
sumed, “but at the recollection of what our
worthy old teacher used to tell me, whenever
I rose in my place to. recite. ‘Haversham,
you would make a splendid logician, if you
were not continually violating every rule of
logic that has been established since the days
of Aristotle.’ Glorious old professor, with —
his huge wig and long pigtail, and sted
spectacles.”

“You forget, Haversham,” I replied, “that
the captain gave me no opportunity to return
the locket to him, for he left the room hur-
riedly. I shall return it, on the ‘first conyeni-
ent occasion.” ‘

“The devil! You don’t propose to return
it to the captain?” asked Haversham, hia
eyebrows rising with surprise Fe

 

 

 

  
 

 

  

8 THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

“ Assuredly, Ido. Why not? I must, to
be consistent,” and I laughed in turn. i

“Why not? Confound consistency!” ejac-
ulated Haversham. ‘‘By St. George, I'd see
the dog of a eon well on his way to
Tophet first! Faugh, Ned, don’t do it,” con-
tinued he, with a look of ineffable disgust at
the very thought. ‘ But, let’s take a look at
the locket.”

I drew it forth, and throwing ourselves on
the lounge we examined it attentively. It
was of an oval shape and a trifle larger than
an ordinary time-piece. The case was of
gold, of very fine quality, heavy, and elabo-
rately engraved. <A vase of flowers was ex-
quisitely caryed upon the back of the locket,
while upon the front was a beautiful dove
with pinions spread, and carrying an Olive-
branch in its beak. A small silken cord and
a ring were attached, evidently for the pur-
pose of carrying it conveniently about the
person. The interior arrangements of the
lecket were very rich and ornamental. It
contained upon the under side of the lid,
neatly coiled together, several tresses of dark
hair, soft as the finest silk. On the other side
was a female head and bust of the rarest
beauty. The comlpexion was very fair—too
much so I thought for a Spaniard. The eyes
were very dark, and very soft, and shaded
with the most delicate lashes. The mouth
was small and finely formed. The forehead
full and high, and the entire contour of the
face was classic, and a model for an artist.
A profusion of rich, dark. hair flowed over a
neck and shoulders, for whiteness as though
chiseled from purest Parian marble.

“Pride of Venus!” ejaculated Haversham.
“What surpassing loveiiness!” I was silent.
The wondrous beauty of the face subdued all
trifling feelings, and filled my soul with emo-
tions too deep and overpowering for utter-

ance.

There was a knock at the door. A waiter
handed a note to Haversham, and retired.
It was brief and ran thus:

“A friend of Captain De Alvaro awaits
Lieutenant Haversham in the office, to ar-
range for the meeting at daybreak.”

‘his note recalled us, as it were, from the
visions of dreamland to the stern realities of
the present.

“Well, the scoundrel is prompt, anyway,”
said Haversham, gayly, “and now as you are
the party challenged, it remains for you to
tlecide upon the weapons with which you
desire to slay this dog of a Spaniard.”

“Oh, you know that I use the pistol to bet-
pa advantage than any other weapon,” I re-

ied.
pe Well, pistols let it be,” said Haversham,
“and the time daybreak ?”

“Yes,” said I. “Have it over as soon as
possible.”
_ The lieutenant departed and soon returned
in high glee over the prospective meeting.
Eyery thing was arranged to his entire satis-
faction. e were to fight at daybreak, on
the river road a mile from the city—weapons,
pistols—distance ten paces. ;
 Hayersham retired to enjoy a sound nap,

 

while without undressing or extinguishing ©

the light, I threw myself upon the bed.

The excitement consequent upon the evente
of the evening having subsided, I was enabled
to review the incidents of the past few hours,
with that degree of calmness and reason
which their importance demanded. I was
not long in arriving at the conclusion that I
had got myself into a confounded unlucky
scrape. The natural impetuosity of my tem-
per, joined to a morbid sympathy for the
misfortunes of another, whom I should in all
probability never see again, and who, doubt-
less, would not remember me a fortnight, had
inveigled me into a quarrel with a second
stranger, with whom I was to engage in mor-
tal combat, I was vexed and annoyed with
myself and my folly beyond measure. The
affair was so public that our corps would soon
get wind of it, and thus I should become the
butt of jokes and ridicule without end.
Moreover, should the General hear of it, I
stood a reasonably good chance to be cash-
iered and sent home, for the duello was
strictly forbidden, and the regulations upon
this point were rigidly enforced to the fullest
extent.

This was however only one view of the
possible results. There was another possible
issue, which it was by no means agreeable to
contemplate. It often happens that when
men shoot at each other with pistols at ten
paces, somebody is killed; and in this case
that somebody might be myself /

This. was the most unpleasant feature in
the affair. Doubtless, unless my usually cor-
rect aim should fail, my opponent had but a
few hours to live. But this was small conso-
lation, and if I escaped unhurt, it would be
but little gratification to remember that I had
only taken the life of a fellow-being, who
had really done me no harm whatever, and
with whom I should have had no quarrel,
had I not interfered in that which was not
exactly my business. But affairs were now
in that advanced stage, that all means of
honorable retreat were denied, and esaged |
remained except to stand up like a man, an
brave the consequences.

Haversham had taken my pistols in charge,
a capital pair by the way, purchased on the
Strand, London, and which had seen much
service, and with which I had won the repu-
tation of being a splendid shot. It lacked
still three hours of daybreak, but I had not
and could not sleep. Most persons in my
situation would haye consumed the time in
writing affectionate remembrances, and last
missives to the dear ones at home, to be de-
livered in case of any fatal accident. I had
no home. Left an orphan at an early age,
for years I had struggled for the bare right
of existence. Finally a better fortune dawned
upon me, and I prospered. Belng of an ad-
venturous turn of mind, although an Amer-
ican by birth, I enlisted in the military service
of Great Britain, and, after seeing much active
duty in foreign parts, had, by constant goou
behavior, been gradually advanced in rank,
Shortly before our expedition sailed from
England, I had been sppointed an aid upon

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THE FIELD OF HONOR. %

the staff of Sir William De Courcey, and in
that capacity was now serving.

Sir William hed apparently conceived an
attachment for me, and had intrusted to m:
care, at various times, much important busi-
ness, which, I flattered myself, I had perform-
ed to his entire satisfaction. With a spirit
inyariably kind toward his subordinates, he
was, nevertheless, a strict disciplinarian, and
Ihad no hesitation in believing that, if he
thought the good of the service required it,
he would cashier in disgrace even his own
son. There was, therefore, no chance of my
misdemeanor being overlooked, should he by
eny means become acquainted therewith.

Agitated by such thoughts, I threw myself
upon the lounge and finally dropped off into
8 fitful, unrefreshing slumber.

 

CHAPTER III.
A Queer Duel and a Cayman,

‘Look ye, sirs!

The breath of murder loads the air to-night—
Be watchful and be wary.”

Otp Pray.

“Two men marched out in all their stately pride,
And ranged themselves upon the river side:
Each in his hand a fatal weapon bore,
More deadly than Toledo blade of yore.
While one stood firm, the other ran away,
And thus both lived to fight another day.”
Dumanrs.

A LouD rap upon the door, followed imme-
diately a the entrance of Haversham, arous-
ed me from my reverie. My friend was
dressed, and ready for the expedition.

“Weigho, Ned!” he exclaimed, in a cherry
yoice, “you are up to time, \ see.”

“Has the hour arrived?” I quietly asked.

“Wants just thirty-five mirstes. of five,
which is the appointed time.”

“Then we must start.”

“ Yes; the carriage is at the door.”

I threw on my great-coat, and in a few
minutes we were. being rapidly driven along
the Calle Real. There were four of our party:
our two selves, my colored servant Okra,
and a surgeon, whose services Haversham
had impressed for the occasion. Okra was a
stout, neatly built, and good-looking negro,
who had attached himself to me during a
campaign in Egypt, and had persistently de-
clared that he would never forsake his ‘t Mas-
sa Capt.,” as he always called me. He had
given many proofs of devotedness, and I
prized him highly, as he was a very faithful,
willing, and obedient servant.

The horses, a pair of noble iron-grays,
dashed along at a furious rate. The day had
already dawned, and ruddy streaks of light
were tinting the eastern horizon.

“ A fine morning for such an excursion,”
remarked the doctor. ~ ;

I remained silent. Haversham took up the

- conversation with the disciple of Esculapius,

and acknowledged that the state of the
weather suited his ideas of propriety ex-

: iver engaged in such an affair lefore?”

 

persistently continued the doctor, who was
evidently determined to talk.

“ Only twenty-eight times,” replied Haver-
sham, with the utmost gravity, while I could
not help smiling at the monstrous falsehood
the fellow uttered, for, to my certain knowl-
edge, he had never witnessed but two duels
in his life.

“Ah! said the worthy doctor, as he be-
stowed a look of surprise and admiration up-
on the hero of so many combats. “It’s an
old story to you, then ?”

“T’d rather fight than kiss a pretty damsel,
any day,” continued Haversham.

“Ttis just one year ago to-day,” said the
doator, “since I participated in my last trans-
action of this nature, and a decidedly inter-
esting time we had of it, too.”

“ Ah!’ said Haversham ; “happen here ?”

“No,” replied the doctor, who was evident
ly a loquacious fellow, and had now accom.
plished what he desired—that is, a chance to
narrate his experience. “It happened
around on the coast, at Porto Cabello. Cap-
tain Doblado, as genuine a scoundrel, by
the way, as lives on this side of the salt wa-
ter, had a dispute with a fellow officer named
Loriquez, and, having been drinking, became
so insulting that Loriquez was compelled to
call him out. The result was that Loriquez
received a ball through his brain, and the
captain was dismissed the service. Enraged
at his disgrace, Doblado at once went over
to the royalists, and has since been exceed-
ingly active and successfui in their employ.
Have you heard his name mentioned since
your arrival ?” ;

“J have heard Captain Doblado, a guerrilla
chief, frequently spoken of,” answered Haver-
sham. ‘He was lately skirmishing beyond
the river with the lancers of General tak
was he not?”

“ Exactly; that is the same person,” pro-
ceeded the doctor. “From a most ardent
patriot, he has become an active enemy to
their cause. Acquainted with the country
and the people, he is enabled to render valu-
able assistance to our enemies. He has gath-
ered around him a band of desperadoes and
renegades, as bold and bad as himself, and
under the cover of a captain’s commission
in the royalist army, he often perpetrates
many wanton and unprovoked cruelties. Se
atrocious, indeed, were the outrages perpe-
trated by this leader, that, by a special order
of the commandant of the district, he was
pronounced an outlaw, and a reward of a
hundred doubloons offered for his arrest—
which reward is still outstanding; the cun-
ning and activity of the fellow rendering
thus far futile all attempts to capture him.”

By this time we came within sight of the
rendezvous, and found ourselves the first on
the ground. The place selected for our meet-

ing was a broad, open field, flanked on the!

left by a grove of: palm trees, while the still
placid waters of the Oronoco waslied the op-
posite side. The carriage stopped under a —
palm tree, and we alighted. Haversham —
drew forth from beneath his cloak my pistol.
case, took therefrom the weapons and-

)

 

 
examined them. THepronounced them in fine
erder, having loaded and prepared them with
his own hands. Ten minutes elapsed. No
signs yet of our opponents. I drew out my
watch. The hands indicated ten minutes of
‘five. Five minutes more passed away. No
arrival. Five o’clock came. Not a sound
disturbed the deathlike stillness of the scene.
The doctor became very impatient. The sun
rose higherinto the vault of heaven, scatter-
ing broadcast over river and field and grove
his cheering rays. A few small boats, with
broad lateen sails, moved slowly along the
opposite side of the river, the gentle breeze
that urged them on scarcely stirring a rip-
pe upon the placid surface of the water.
Tayersham paced the ground uneasily.

“The cowardly whelp has disappointed us,
I fear,” he suddenly ejaculated, in a tone of
bitter disappointment. ‘‘ We shall lose our
breakfast, and have our ride for nothing.”

To confess the truth, I really began to hope
it might be so. Not that I felt any fear, for
the incidents of many a hard-fought battle-
field, had taught me long since that no cow-
ardly blood flowed in my veins. But the
cause of our quarrel was so trifling that my.
better judgment disapproved entirely of the
meeting. —

“We have waited fifteen minutes beyond
the time,” said Haversham. ‘We may as
well return to the city.” :

“T fuliy concur with you, senor,’ added
the doctor.

“T leave it entirely to your decision, gen-
tlemen,” I answered.

*Then we'll return,” said Haversham.

We entered the carriage, the door closed,
Okra mounted the box, and cracked his whip,
and the carriage rolled away. We had not
- proceeded a dozen yards, when the sharp re-

port of a pistol rung out upon the still morn-
ing air. The horses came to a sudden stop.
“What in the devil’s to pay now !” shout-
_ ed Haversham, excitedly, as he threw open
the door of the vehicle and sprung to the
ground, followed closely by the doctor and
myself, s
“Dar, mass’r, see um!” said Okra, pointing
with his whip toward the river.
Our eyes were instantly turned in the di-
rection indicated. A small boat was ap-
_, proaching the shore. It contained four per-
sons. ‘Two were seated at the oars, a third
was reclining in the stern, while the fourth
stood at the bow, waving a white handker-
chief to attract our attention. We instantly
- surmised that they were the opposite party,
who had come by water instead of the road.
This supposition was corroborated by their
arrival on the spot. ;
“You are late, gentlemen,” said Haver-
sham, in a tone of severity, ‘“ and we are un-
- der no obligations to fulfill the engagement.”
“We were unavoidably delayed by the
breaking of an oar,” answered the captain’s
second , “but, it you desire to back out, you
have undoubtedly the rizht to do so.”
“Do not flatter yourself, sir,” replied Haver-

im, his temper rising at the sneering tone
of the other speaker, ‘that we purpose do-

  
 
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
   
   
   
   
    
   
    
    
  
  

 

10 THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

ing any thing of the kind. We came here
to fight, and that’s just what we intend to
do. Ionly mentioned your tardiness to con-
vince you that we waye all such technicali-
ties in your favor.”

“Oh, of course,” returned the other, in the
oo aggravating tone; “we understand all

at. ;

“Then, sir, as it is already late, let us to
business at once.”

“Certainly, sir, with pleasure,’ said the
captain’s second. “Shall I step the dis-
tance ?”

“ Yes.”

Ten paces were measured off, and we pro-
ceeded to take our proper positions. The
captain had not condescended to speak to
any of our party, but maintained a stiff, dig-
nified silence. As he strode to the position
assigned him, a fiendish expression covered
his face, otherwise he exhibited no outward
signs of emotion.

“ Are you ready ?” asked his second.

“No, sir, we are not,” replied Haversham.

“What is wanting ?”

“T object to the position in which you have
placed my friend,” said Hayersham

“ Why so ?”

“He faces the sun, and is in direct line
with yonder tree to the rear.”

These objections were soon obviated by a
change of place. The other incidentals were
speedily arranged. It was agreed that Hav-
ersham ghould court three, and at the word
“three” we were to fire.

Stepping back a few paces, Haversham be-
gan slowly and deliberately to count:

“One—two—” ; ‘

A loud and confused shouting in the direc
tion of the palm grove arrested his count. 1
glanced that way. <A sergeant, followed by
a dozen soldiers, wearing the blue uniform
of the patriots, were seen emerging from the
grove, and running at full speed toward us,
The sergeant was screaming at the top of his
lungs, and gesticulating vehemently. We
were all taken aback af this sudden and un-
expected interruption. I was totally at a
loss to account for it. My first impression
was that the soldiers were a detachment from
the city, ordered to arrest us for attempting
to fight a duel. This idea, however, vanish-

ed instantly when I recollected that there ~

were no regulations existing in this strange
country for restraining indulgences of this
kind; but that, on the contrary, single
encounters were an everyday occurrence
among & people naturally hot-tempered and
passionate. Again, had an arrest been con-
templated, it would have been executed by
order of Sir William, and by British soldiers.
My opponent, however, did not appear so
much at a loss in conjecturing the object of
this raid upon our privacy. Without await-
ing the time to fire, he no sooner caught 4
glimpse of the approaching oe than he
raised his pistol and discharged it ful
head. The ball severed a lock of hair above
my left ear. Then turning, the captain
started at the top of his speed for the boat,
with the balance of his party close upon the

   

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THE OUTLAW DOBLADO. 11,

heels of their valorous leader. By this time
the troops were nearly abreast of us, and
with a furious twirl of his sword in our di-
rection, the sergeant shouted:

“Tt is the guerrilla Doblado! Seize him!
Seize him !”

I was so completely overcome with sur-
prise as the truth burst upon me, that my op-
ponent of the previous evening, and the man
who had just fired at me, was no other than
the villain whose atrocities had been so lately
detailed to us by the doctor, and whose very
name was a terror to all, that I did not at
ence respond to to the urgent appeal of the
sergeant. The captain and his friends had
such a start, and ran with such celerity, that
they were fairly embarked and already some

distance out in the river before the sergeant
reached the shore.

“Fire at them! fire! he shouted, frantical-
ly to his men.

A scattering volley from the carbines of
the soldiers was discharged. None of the
shots seemed to have taken effect—some fall-
ing short, while the greater part went far be-
yond the boat, pattering upon the distant
water like hail-stones. About one hundred
and fifty yards from the shore lay a small
island, densely covered with thickets of dwarf-
ish bushes, chiefly a species of the mimosa,
and shrubs bearing bright, canary-colored
blossoms, while occasionally the broad-leafed
crown of the palm-tree towered above. The
island was perhaps seventy-five yards in
length anda third as wide. Dobaldo, who
had grasped the tiller of the boat, was striv-
ing to direct their course so as to secure the
protection offered by the dense foliage of the
island. ;

Before the tardy soldiery could reload their
pieces, the boat disappeared from view and
gained the wished-for shelter. The sergeant
swore furiously, but seemed at a loss how to
proceed, as he had no boat with which to
pursue the foe.

“By Jove!” shouted Haversham, in ecstasy,
“this is getting exciting! Come, let us take
a hand in it ourselves.”

“There’s no time to lose then,” said I, as
we both ran hastily to the water’sedge. The
cowardly act of the guerrilla in firing upon
me before he ran, gave an additional reason
‘for my desiring to see the villain receive his
just deserts, and I participated in the effort
to secure the offender with much zeal.

“The dog of 2 Spaniard will push directly
across ‘the river, protected from our fire by
the island,” said I, energetically, to the ser-
geant. “ We must not stand here idle a mo-
ment longer.” ;

“ Peste, what can we do without a boat?”
,he replied.
* “Do! I exclaimed, losing my temper at

the fellow’s listlessness. “Follow my direc-
tions, and I will tell you.”

Like the majority of those who are clothed
with brief and limited authority, the sergeant
seemed yery much indisposed to accept any
advice upon the subject, but only swelled the

’ more with a sense of his own dignity.

‘Per Dios!” exclaimed Hayersham, furi-

 

ously shaking his fist under the sergeant’s
nose, “T’ll report you at head-quarters if you
permit Doblado to escape.”

“ Gorra mity ! He be big fool to lose dem
hundred dubbledoons, w'at de doctor tole
*bout. Dat’s so! He! he!” chuckled Okra,
with a broad grin, who had left the horses
and joined the party. :

Okra’s argument seemed to strike the ser-
geant even more favorably than that of Ha-
versham, and he consented to follow my di:
rections. I perceived at once that a very
simple disposition of our forces, which con-
sisted of eighteen men, could prevent the
guerrilla from crossing the river except froma
a severe’ cross-fire from the soldiers. I se-
lected two points upon the river-bank, one
being some two hundred yards above, and
the other the same distance below the island.
At each of these points I stationed three
men, with orders to fire at the boat should it
appear. The fire from these two points cross-
ed at a spot in the river fifty yards beyond
the island, thus exposing the boat, in any at-
tempt to leave the island, to the comvergin,
fire of both. parties. This plan compelled
the guerrillas to remain, for the present at
least, prisoners upon the island, as we thought
they would scarcely venture out under the
cover of six carbines.

The next‘move was by no means so appa-
rent. Although driven into close quarters,
the game was beyond our reach. The chan-
nel, over a hundred yards wide, and yery
deep, lay between us and the island, while
the Oronoco, at this point, was a mile at least.
We held a council of war to determine upon —
the best course to pursue. Every one had an
opinion to offer, but nothing practicable was
presented. We thought of constructing a
raft upon which to float over, but the want
of proper tools put that plan out of the ques-
tion. Haversham proposed that we should
swim over; but there being only four of us
who possessed the requisite ability, the pro-
ject was dropped.

“ There’s nothing but a siege in prospect,”
growled Haversham, who was fast becoming
restive under our inaction.

“Perhaps a boat may be found somewhere
along the stream,” suggested the doctor, who
was out of humor for not being able to re
cognize Doblado before the soldiers arrived.

“At all events,” said the sergeant, “we
will institute a search for something that will
float?” : :

A soldier was sent up and another one
down the stream, with orders to impress
into service any craft that promised to assist
us. :
“Meanwhile,” continued the sergeant, “I
believe Pll try a volley among the bushes
over there. A stray shot sometimes will do
execution.” :

I regarded this as a mere waste of powder,
but made no reply. , ie

“‘ Aim low among the bushes,” ordered the

officer, “and blaze away !”

The twigs and blossoms flew in every di-
rection, and great flocks of ducks rose in
huge circles and slow y flew up the stream >

 

 

 
 

 

  

 

 

 

 

   

13

with loud outcries. No sign of our enemies
appeared, and we subsided into peace again.

“Gorra, mass’r Capt.,” suddenly exclaimed
ee to his feet, “me t’inks ob good

an!

“Well, Okra, enlighten us,” I replied,
smiling, for although 1 knew the black to be
a smart, quick-witted fellow, I felt no confi-
dence that any other plan than by boat was
possible.

“Why, mass’r Capt., my plan am dis. Ill
jist gwine up an’ unhitch dem hosses, and
we'll make um boat ob de coach, an’ paddle
him ober yonder.”

The hearty laugh which greetéd this pro-

osition rather disheartened the black, and
e looked much dispirited.

“Why, Okra, the confounded old vehicle
is half iron, and would go the bottom like a
stone.”

“Didn't t’ink ob dat, mass’r Capt.,” answer-
ed Okra, crestfallen over my objections, “ but
s’pose it mus’ be fac’.”

Although my servant’s plan was impracti-
cable, it set me upon a train of thought that
finally worked out a new expedient. We
could not use the coach, but might we not
bring the horses into requisition? I thought
a while and then remarked:

“T think, Haversham, I have it now.”

“Have what, Ned?” quietly asked the lat-
ter, who had stretched himself out at full
length, and was enjoying his cigar.

“What do you suppose, Mr. Laziness?” I
replied. “TI have thought of a feasible plan
of crossing the channel.”

“Well,” said Haversham, puffing away
quietly, “ propound it; I’m all ears.”

“We have two good horses hitched to
yonder carriage.”

“No doubt of that.
sham.

“Horses are good swimmers, you know,” I
continued.

“ Another axiom too.”

“They can each carry three, and six of us
can manage those fellows on the island,” I
added,

“Ha! ha!” laughed Haversham, sitting
up, and indulging in a hearty laugh. “Why

‘ou are crazy, Ned. Three men on one
orse would reach the bottom of the rivér
sooner than Okra’s vehicle.”

“J didn’t propose that they should all
mount the horse,” said I, with a smile at
Haversham’s outburst of merriment. “ Let
one ride the horse, and the other two can

Go on,” said Hayer-

_ cling to the tail, and thus obtaining support

will soon reach the island.”

“The devil,” roared Hayersham, jumping
into the air, “A glorious plan! Just the
thing. Perfectly feasible. Okra, unhitch
the animals and bring them here instanter.

Come, fiy, you ace of spades !”

Thus urged, Okra trotted off at a lively
pace, and soon returned with the two ani-
mals, from which he had removed the har-
ness, saye the bridle on each. Throwing off
pur hats, coats and boots, Haversham and I
mounted the horses. Our pistols with suffi-

tient ammunition for a dozen rounds each

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

were placed in our belts. We then rode into
the stream.a few yards until the water reached
the breasts of the beasts. The sergeant and
five of his men, upon further consultation de-
cided to go with us. They were partially
divested of clothing and in their belts wore
the long slender sword, peculiar to the gol-
diers of that country. Owing to the difficulty
of carrying ammunition and keeping it dry,
their carbines were left behind. We antici-
pated a close hand-to-hand struggle, and re-
lied upon our knives and such pistol-shots as
Haversham and myself might be able to give,
to carry us through successfully.

The ‘sergeant and two men seized hold
upon the tail of my horse, resting a hand
also upon his rump. Three others attached
themselves in a similar manner to Hayer-
sham’s horse, and we plunged into the deep
stream. The surface of the water was very
smooth, and there was scarcely any percepti-
ble current. The horses were powerful
swimmers and struck out boldly for the
island.

Things worked finely. We reached the
middle of the ‘channel. A scream of terror
was heard from the main land. a

“ El cayman! el cayman! Per Dios, cama-
rades, come back, come back! El cayman !”?
shouted the doctor, in a frightened tone.

As I turned my head toward the shore, a
sight met my gaze that froze the blood in my
heart. A «wage cayman, or crocodile, had
risen to the surface of the water, and with
jaws widely extended, was gliding quietly
but rapidly toward our party.

A single glance revealed the fact that it
was not a black cayman, more commonly
known by the name of alligator, but a verit-
able “yellow cayman,” the most ferocious
and bloodthirsty of all the saurian species.

The crocodiles of the Oronoco always have
been noted for their savage natures and bold-
ness, while in size and form they bear a strik-
ing resembiance to those found in the rivers
of Africa. They possess a remarkable degree
of cunning, and will often plunge beneath
the water as soon as the hunter points his
gun toward them. So ferocious, moreover,
are they, that they not unfrequently attack
persons upon the riyer’s bank, or pursue
canoes for miles.

From experience in Eastern countries, I
knew it was almost impessible to kill them,
the only vulnerable points about these crea-
tures being the nape of the neck and the
armpit.

Such was the monster that had risen to the
surface some twenty-five yards only from our
party, and at once. moved toward Hayer-
sham’s horse, which happened to. be the
nearest to him. I seized my pistols, and
taking a rapid aim, fired directly at the rep-
tile’s neck. At the same instant two carbines
were discharged from the shore by Okra and
the doctor.

The balls seemed to glance harmlessly from
him and did not tend in the least to impede
his advance. With desperate energy Haver-
sham strove to turn his horse’s head toward
the shore, but the poor animal apparently

 

 

 

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A CROCODILE AND

aware of the danger and overcome with

fright, snorted and plunged and became un-
manageable, filling the air with piercing out-
cries. The unfortunate soldiers were speech-
less with terror, and clung convulsively to
the horse, fearing to lose their hold upon the
beast lest they should be drowned.

The crisis had now arrived. The cayman,
raising its body partly from the waiter, seized
the horse in its open mouth, and as the pon-
derous jaws closed upon the quivering flesh,
the crushing sound of breaking bones was
plainly heard. With a shriek of mortal agony
the doomed horse and the cayman sunk to-
gether. <A violent plash of the monster’s tail
as he disappeared, threw enormous jets of
water high into the air.

The surface was red with blood for the
space of several yards around the scene of
conflict. As the waters became quiet again,
I anxiously looked for Haversham. Not a
man of the four could be seen. The agony
of mind and thrill of horror that I experi-
enced for a moment, completely prostrated
me. My horse, left to himself, swam rapid]
toward the point from which we had started,
with the sergeant and the men.still retain-
ing their hold upon him.

“Gorra mity!” exclaimed Okra, dancing
with delight as he pointed down the stream.
“Dar he be, mass’r Capt., dar be Habby-
sham !” :

I felt wonderfully relieved to see Haver-

, Sham swimming vigorously toward the shore.
# All parties were soon landed.

“Thank God, Haversham,” I exclaimed,
rushing up and grasping him by the hand.
“Thank God, you’re safe. Hurt at all 2”

“Not a scratch, I think, Ned,” said Haver-
sham; “but confoundedly scared I must ad-
mit, and half drowned, too.”

“A narrow escape, truly.”

“J thought my campaigning was finished,
certain.”

“Three poor fellows have found watery
graves, I fear,” I added.

‘“Caramba! yes,” ejaculated the sergeant,
whose teeth still chattered with the fright he
had received. “Good fellows, too, they were,
but, Diabolo! they ought to have known how
to swim.”

“A mighty bad joke on them, that they
couldn’t,” said Haversham. “I may thank
my stars that I learned the art. This is the
third time that a knowledge of that delightful
and useful accomplishment has extended my
furlough in this mundane sphere.”

= And the horse, too,” added the doctor.
“is past all surgery. Santa Maria! What a
clean bite el cayman made.”

“A queer time to mention the loss of a

« horse,” said I, testily, for it seemed an insult
to the memory of the poor fellows who had
perished, to be considering the loss of a paltry
beast.

“Not so very queer, after all,” returned the
doctor, with a long face; “for, how are we
to return to Angostura ?” ;

“Curse Angostura, and you too for that
matter,” angiiiy rejoined St Mestad, “and
your whole abominable country in addition,

 

  

 
 

A STRANGE RAFT. 413
Eyen your rivers swarm with infernal rep-—
tiles seeking ‘whom they may devour,’ ta
say nothing of gamblers and cut-throats that
overrun the dry land like the frogs of Egypt.
Don’t talk of returning to Angostura, until
we have captured those scoundrels oyer on
the island.”

The doctor looked very glum and spitefully
toward Hayersham at this summary reply,
but had the good sense to say nothing. :

“T think myself, with the doctor, that we
had better give the matter up, for. I can see
no way to effect our object,’ said the ser-
geant.

“Give it up!” cried Haversham, turning
fiercely upon him. “Pretty talk, truly, for
an officer in the patriot army! Let those
four villains over there balk a dozen of us?
By St. George, Ned,” continued Haversham,
turning to me, “ we'll have to report this ser-
geant as derelict in duty, shan’t we?”

“But I’ve lost four men already and ac-
complished nothing,” whined the sergeant in
self-defense.

“Bah! Weren’t you sent out here for
some purpose ?”

“Si, senor, I was, of course.” Y

“You were ordered to arrest Doblado,
weren’t you?”

“ Assuredly.”

“Well, ain’t you going to obey orders?”
continued Haversham. x

“But, how can I perform impossibilities ?”

“Tmpossibilities !” exclaimed Haversham,
scornfully. “Don’t call a thing impossible
until you have fairly tried and failed.” _

“And lose more men, I suppose, too,” —
growled the sergeant. a
- “He, he!’ chimed in Okra, “and lose dem
dar dubbledoons, too.” re,

The greedy eyes of the avaricious Spaniard —
emitted a bright light that indicated how sen-
sitive a spot the black’s joke had touched.
_“Confound the doubloons!” ejaculated the
sergeant, with a very poor effort to appear
vexed, while he exhibited his anxiety con-
cerning. the money, by adding: “They are
nothing among so many.” =

“As for .that,” said -Haversham, now
thoroughly disgusted with the miserly fellow
“you are welcome to the reward for all we
care. We wish none of your filthy lucre. A
far different motive than a desire for gold .
actuates us in our endeavors to secure the ar —
rest of this miscreant.” oe

The Spaniard’s countenance grew lighter.
This last remark of Haversham had greatly _
mollified him. His apparent unwillingness —
to make further efforts vanished, and he ex —
pressed a desire to aid us to the extent of his
abilities ia any new plan we might devise. _

At this moment we were electrified by the —
report of three carbines fired in rapid succes _
sion by men stationed above the island. —
There could be but one explanation of such —
conduct. 2 rane

The boat was leaving the island! __

Catching up a carbine that belonged to one
of the dead soldiers, I bade the others follow,
and ran at full speed toward the party which
had just fired, : ipa

 

    

 

 

 

 

   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  

 

- tracted our attention.

Se

_“ Where is the boat, men?” I called out as
Seed the spot. “Load again quickly, and
Bes

“There is no boat in sight, senor captain,”
was the answer.

“No boat! Carajo/ what in heaven’s name
were you firing at then?” I asked, thinking
the fellows were only trifling.

“At yon thing, senor, I don’t know what
to call it,” answered a soldier, pointing with
his ramrod out into the river.

There was some kind of a craft floating in
the water, but it was not the boat at all. It
somewhat resembled a raft, being composed
of large logs, covered with green bushes.
From the center arose a large palm-branch
with its fan-shaped leaves, evidently designed
to answer the purpoae of a sail. The gentle
breeze that blew off shore was slowly carry-
ing this nondescript craft away from the
island. There were no signs of persons on
board. We were sorely puzzled what to
make of it.

“Blast it!” said Haversham, coming up,
“what do you think of that craft, anyhow,
Ned?”

“Ts ahead of me entirely,” J answered.

“T can’t fathom the thing at all,” added
Faversham, with a shake of the head. ‘But
it’s rather mysterious.”

“Depend upon it, it bodes no good to us,”
I continued. ‘I’m afraid our enemies are
aboard the craft, though. where they could
conceal themselves on it from our sight is
difficult to discover.”

“Why in the devil should they leave their
boat and betake themselves to such a nonde-
script craft as that?” queried Haversham.

“Load up, men,” said the sergeant, “and
blaze away at it anyhow.”

By this time the men at the lower station
had discovered the strange raft, and also
opened fire. A continuous volley was kept
up for several minutes from both stations.

e could distinctly see pieces of twigs and
branches flying into the water as the balls
struck the craft. Slowly and surely, how-

~ ever, it floated away from us, until I ordered

the men to cease’ firing as they were accom-
plishing nothing.

A shout from the lower station now at-
A man was swinging
his cap and signaling us. Another object
met my eye, which caused my heart to leap

with joy.

“By heavens, Haversham, there comes a
boat for us,” I exclaimed.
Sure enough, a small boat containing two

men was nearing the shore, adjacent to the

lower station.

“Now is our chance,” I shouted.
ward every man of you!”

My enthusiasm was immediately imparted
to the others and we dashed toward the boat.
The soldier whom we had dispatched down
the stream had found a canoe, capable of
carrying @ dozen men, which, with its owner,

“For-

he had impressed into our service. Not more

than five minutes were consumed in embark-

ing the men, and with a shout we jushed
from the shore.

 

 

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF. :

“Pull together men,” I shouted, and obey-
ing my order, we were soon gliding swiftly
along, dashing the spray in showers from the
bow. We soon passed the end of the island
whence we had.an uninterrupted view of the -
northern shore. My eyes ran anxiously along
the water’s edge.

The boat was gone!

There was no longer room to doubt that,
our enemies had departed, and were proba-
bly on board the mysterious craft.

“What have they done with their boat?”
asked Haversham.

No one could answer. Perhaps they had
sunk it, but why they should do so, and sub-
stitute the great unwieldy raft was past divi-
nation. The raft was now near the opposite
side of the river. We could still reach it by
a little extra exertion, as it was propelled
solely by the action of the wind upon the
broad palm-branch, and being shapeless for
sailing purposes, necessarily made yery slow
progress.

“Give way lively, men,” I ordered, grasp-
ing the tiller myself, “ we'll catch the villains
yet!”

The men bent to the oars with a will, and
our fragile craft fairly trembled as we swept
through the water.” ¢

“Fi! hi! mass’r Capt.,” exclaimed Okra,
his great eyes opening wider than ever with
surprise, as he stood upright in the boat.
“What de debbil, dat mean? De non’serip’
bust up! He’s done gone all to a t’ousand
pieces !””

The black was correct. The mysterious
craft had separated. Several large palm-logs
and a profusion of green bushes were floating
upon the water, the sail had disappeared,
and a small boat containing four persons
pushed out from the debris of the raft.

The mystery was explained!

The guerrillas had surrounded their boat
with several large logs to protect its sides
from our bullets, had covered the entire thing
with green bushes, and erected a large branch
for a sail, secreted themselves in the bottom
of their boat beneath the branches, and a
favorable breeze had blown them nearly
across the stream.

Surprised and enraged at being outwitted,
we gave way to greater efforts. Our foes
had. discovered us, and knowing that their
disguise could avail them no longer, they un-
covered the boat and seized the oars.

Now came the final struggle. Both par-
ties plied the oars with great rapidity. We
were slowly gaining upon them.

“ They will reach the shore before we over-
take them,” shouted the sergeant. “Fire,
men!” :

Three of the soldiers raised their carbines
and fired. 3
The balls struck the water near the boat.

“Try again, men, quick,” roared the ser-
geant, much excited, as he began to discover
the hundred doubloons slipping through his
fingers. Again they fired. Several balls
struck the boat. The aim of one of the sol-

diers- proved better, and a man rolled from
the boat into the water.

 

x

;

 

 

Sais CRIs,

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A FIGHT WITH SWORDS. Se EAS ee

“Wurrah!” 1 shouted, “now we have
them. Pull bravely, men!”

A blinding smoke arose directly in front of
me, followed by a loud report. The frail
canoe trembied from stem to stern.

“ Santissima Maria!” screamed @ Yoice of
agony, “Tm killed, I’m on fire!”

A puff of air scattered the smoke, and re-
vealed the cause of the shock and the piercing
screams. One of the soldiers in his haste to
load and fire had dropped a bit of burnt wad-
ding into his powder-flask, which was lying
in the bottom of the canoe. The result was
an explosion that had blown his hand to
atoms, and unluckily for us had also shattered
the side of the boat to such an extent that the
water began to come in rapidly.

It was now apparent to me that all further
pursuit of the foe was useless, as the other
boat was near the shore, and it would require
all our energies to return to the south bank
of the river, while our canoe was still able to
float. With much chagrin, therefore, I gave
the order to return. There was no opposi-
tion as our desperate situation was apparent
to all. As we turned our bow southward, an
exultant shout of defiance from the guerrillas
came floating across the waters, and I ground
my teeth in silent anger, vowing fearful re-
venge in the future should the villain Do-
blado ever cross my path.

‘We soon reached the shore, two men being
kept busy bailing out the boat with their
caps. Jt was now past noon and the heat of
the sun wasintense. There was nothing left us
to do, except to return on foot to Angostura;
and bidding our sergeant adieu, whose duties
lay in another direction, we started for the city,
Okra trotting ahead of us upon the remaining
horse, for the purpose of procuring help to
remove the carriage.

Late in the afternoon -we arrived at our
quarters, footsore, weary and disappointed,
at the unsuccessful and queer result of our
first duel in South America.

CHAPTER Iv.
; Dobvlado in his True Character.

“Mal. By heavens! we'll burn the castle to the

ground,

And in its ruins bury all its inmates.

Alasco. Sir! let us fight like men, in the fair fleld.
Strike where our libertics demand the blow—
But spare, where only cowards would inflict it
Hal. Too magnanimons, my lord.

Alasco. Nay, do not hold that maxim! Of all
Lapa :
e worst is he, who stains his country’s eause
With cruelty: maaking it hideous in
The general eye, and fearful to its friends.”
Oup Traexpr.

“Caraso! who dares dispute my authority ?
If any one says aught against my will, [ll
give his mangled flesh to carrion vultures,
and the winds of heaven shall bleach his

bones upon these rocks. He shall be accursed
forever.”

This furious imprecation, uttered in a voice

 

hoarse with passion, was spoken by a power- |

   
 

 

ful man, the central figure of a crowd of dark- :

visaged and swarthy desperadoes. be pal
were assembled upon the broad surface of an
eleyated mountain plateau. The time was
one week subsequent to the events narrated
in the last chapter. In the rough voice, harsh
features and flashing eye of the exasperated
speaker, we recogniZe our quondam acquaint-
ance, Captain Doblado. :

The animated scene presented a picture
for the pencil of the artist. The motley group
were clothed in costumes of the most varie-
gated and- picturesque appearance. Some
wore the loose, buff-colored breeches and

. green jackets trimmed with yellow, so com-

mon in Spain and her previnces. Over the
shoulders of others were thrown the scarlet
and blue ponchos, or flowing mantles, the
pride of the dwellers in the vast pampas.
Others were dressed in close-fitting garments
of gray, with tall, conical-shaped hats sport-
ing immense broad brims. Heavy whiskers
and fierce mustachios predominated.

There were a hundred individuals, com-
prising all shades of color, from the ruddy

Anglo-Saxon to the jet-black features of the |

native African. Their.weapons, which were
of a uniform character, consisted of a short
carbine, a dagger in the belt, a pistol, and
pouches for ammunition.
a doublet of dark cloth, siashed with red, a
low-crowned, slouched hat, and high-topped
boots with yellow facings.’ A heavy cavalry
saber, and a pair of silver-mounted pistols
completed his outfit. :

The day was drawing to a close. The red
sun was slowly sinking behind the tops of
the distant hills, casting a flood of golden and
saffron-hued light over the landscape, while
far away beyond the intervening fields and
palm-groves, sparkled the wavelets of the
broad Oronoco, as its waters flowed grandly
and peacefully toward the ocean.

The sudden outburst of ill-temper, on the

part of Captain Doblado, with which this
chapter opens, was attributable to certain
mutinous expressions dropped by his lieu-
tenant, Gaspar Gomez, in relation to a pro-

jected expedition then under contemplation. _

While a majority of the guerrillas had no
compunctions of conscience as to the char-
acter of the operations in which their strength
and skill were to be employed, there were a
few, who not being able to perceive how the

cause of the royalists could be promoted by

a warfare upon non-combatants, and by con-

stant robberies and wanton murders, fre-

quently manifested an indisposition to take

The leader wore >

 

part in those expeditions which belonged to —

the latter class.

the present occasion. The captain had as-

Their objections, however, —
had never assumed so open a form as upon

sembled his command and notified them that

 

an expedition was on foot to visit the haci

enda or estate of a wealthy planter, who was

known to be an ardent patriot. An
the usual scenes of pillage and robbery, Gas-
par had ventured to expostulate in a mild

| tone with the captain upon the propriety of
The captain replied

these proceedings.
curtly, and harsh words followed, ending i

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_ # large water-tank or cistern,
- some distance from the entrance of an exten-

the fierce threat with which this chapter
epens.

“By St. Jago,” returned the lieutenant,
spiritedly, “I protest against any repetition of
these disgraceful scenes. They are a foul
blot upon the arms of Spain.”

“Ha! open mutiny, is it? By the holy
mass, we'll see who is leader here,” roared
Doblado, the hot blood crimsoning his face.
“ Arrest the rebel dog, and convey him to the
dungeon.” is

There was a stir among the men, but no
one seemed inclined to lay hands upon Gas-
par, who was a heavy-built, powerful fellow,
and mor¢over, somewhat of a favorite.

“ Milles demonios |”
stamping his foot with rage as he beheld the
evident disinclination to obey his order. “ Are
ye all cowards? Sergeant Rodrero, I com-
mand you to arrest Gaspar Gomez.” :

Thus directly addressed, the sergeant had
no resource left but to obey. He advanced
toward Gaspar to execute the order. The
latter threw himself into a posture of defense
and the sergeant hesitated. ;

“Infernal cowards! White-livered whelps!”
cried Doblado, now maddened beyond all
control, as he himself rushed upon his lieu-
tenant. Gaspar stepped back, and the next
instant the swords of the two ‘men were
crossed in deadly conflict. The guerrillas
stood aghast at the sight, and held their
breath in anxious suspense. Stroke followed
stroke with the ey of lightning. Every
thrust was successfully parried. Doblado
possessed much more skill in the use of his
weapon than his antagonist, while Gaspar
made up in superior physical strength what

_ he lacked in skill. Gaspar was comparatively

self-possessed, but the captain was beside
himself with rage. It was doubtful which
would be the victor. A sharp snapping
sound was heard, Gaspar’s sword had broken
near the hilt.

“Die, villain!” hissed the captain, as per-
eciving his adyantage he lunged ferociously
at his opponent.

Gaspar sprung aside with great agility,
eatching the point of the ‘captain’s sword
upon the basket of his own weapon, while
with his left hand he planted a ponderous
blow upon the side of the captain’s head.
This sudden change of tactics upon Gaspar’s

art produced two instantaneous results.
Boblado dropped to the earth like a felled
ox. His men with a shout of “foul play,”

rushed upon Gaspar and bore him to the

ground, where his limbs were quickly pin-
ioned. : :
While the captain was recovering his lost

_ breath and sense, Gaspar was hurried away

with many a kick and cuff to the dungeon.

This place, dignified with the name dungeon,

as eminently worthy of the designated title.

It was a dark, square chasm in the rocks,

some twelve or fifteen yards in depth, and
six or eight in diameter, strongly resemblin,
t was situate

sive cavern, which the guerrillas often used

. fer a rendezvous, and for the storage of the

 

 

1

yelled the captain,

 

 

Se

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

plunder obtained from their frequent raids
into that section of the province. The sides
of this chasm were perpendicular and quite
smooth. Formed by some convulsion of
nature, it afforded a suitable place for the in-
carceration of insubordinate guerrillas and
captives. Into it the light of day seldom
shone, while its walls were moist with the
damp of ages.

As there was no possible chance for a pri-
soner’s escape, Gaspar’s limbs were unbound,
and he was very unceremoniously lowered
by a lasso into the loathsome place, there to
await the further orders of his enraged and
discomfited leader, who would doubtless
upon his return from the expedition, gratify
his revenge in a cruel manner.

sgt thus disposed for the present, of
his rebellious lieutenant, the captain and his
band mounted their horses, and slowly de-
scended the mountain road until they de-
bouched upon the open plain, when, putting
their animals into a brisk trot, they rapidly
pursued their journey.

* * * * * eS

We will now turn our attention to the ha-
cienda, the destination of the guerrillas.

The estate or plantation of Don Felix de
Montessa, was situated some two or three
leagues south of the Oronoco, It was one of
the largest and richest in the province, under
a comparatively good state of cultivation,
and devoted mostly to the production of
sugar, coffee, and tobacco. The hacienda
was a one-story building, built principally of
adobes, or sun-burnt bricks. A portico ran
along the entire front of the building. A large
hall extended through the center of the
house, separating the family apartments from
those of the servants. The former consisted
of four rooms—one general sitting-room or
salon, and three sleeping-chambers. . On the
other side of the hall were a dining-room,
kitchen arrangements, and sleeping apart-
ments for the domestics.

Some three hundred yards from the haci-
enda were the barracoons, or negro-quarters,

consisting of a long row of low, palm-thatched ~

cottages. To the rear of and adjoining the
main house was a flower-garden, inclosed by
a low thorny hedge.

Late in the afiernoon of the day upon
which our chapter opens, there were three
persons assembled within the sitting-room of
the hacienda. Reclining upon a lounge
covered with soft Cordova leather was a
venerable looking man of a lofty martial
bearing. His form was finely proportioned,
and his features were well defined in firm
lines, indicating courage and an unbending
will. There was, moreover, an aristocratic
character impressed upon his person incident
to the pure blood of Castile. This was Don
Felix, owner of the estate. He was an ar-
dent republican, and physical disability, pro-
duced by old age, alone prevented him from
taking up arms in defense of his principles.
Possessing great wealth, he contributed freel
of material aid to the cause of liberty, His
wife had died years before, leaving him two

sons and one daughter His eldest son was:

   

 

‘
   

THE HACIENDA

now serving in the armies of the republic. The
second, a mere youth of nineteen, but pos-
sessed of a noble, chivalric nature, had two
years before fallen on the bloody banks of
the Apure, offering up his tender life a willing
sacrifice upon the altar of liberty.

The daughter was sitting near her father.
| She possessed extraordinary beauty. She was
i slightly above the medium hight, with a clear
| white complexion, large black eyes oflanguish-

ing softness, and lips that vied with the ruby.
A wreath of rich, glossy black tresses added in-
finitely to the loveliness of her appearance.
Her delicate fingers were engaged upon a
i piece of embroidery work, in which she was
_ assisted by a bright-looking waiting-maid,
who sat at her mistress’ feet, upon a low
ottoman covered with crimson velvet. The
maid was a mestizo, sprightly and vivacious,
} with fine form and agreeable features.
} “What an unhappy state our poor country
{ is in,” remarked the daughter, looking up
from her embroidery work.

“Truly, a sad state, but I think a better
day is about to dawn upon us soon,” replied
Don Felix. “Our forces are meeting with
some successes now, and I learn, furthermore,
that the long-promised aid from England has
arrived at last.”
| “Wave the troops actually arrived?” in-
| quired the daughter, eagerly.

: “Yes, some fifteen hundred, under com-
mand of Sir William De Courcey.”

“A valuable assistance,” said the daughter.
“The brave fellows, to cross a thousand
leagues of sea to help us fight our batiles! I
love con already,” exclaimed the enthusias-
tic girl.

“You are joyful, Inezella,” remarked Don
Felix.

A pause ensued. Inezella’s fingers flew
rapidly. An hour or more passed in pleasant
conversation.

There was a sound of footsteps in the large
hall, followed by a quick, energetic knock
upon the door. Zala, the waiting-maid, re-
sponded to the summons. It was Ramon,
the principal overseer, or manager of the
estate. He was a small, active man, very
shrewd, honest, and devoted to the interests
of Don Felix. He removed his sombrero,
bowed very low, and said:

“Can I speak with Don Felix?”

“Certainly. Come in, Ramon,” said the
_ Don, in a mild tone. r
4 “My communication is of a private nature,
senor,’ returned Ramon, in an anxious voice.
2 The Don arose and stepped into the hall.
After he had closed the door, Ramon con-
tinued:

_ “here are a number of strange horsemen
in the quebrado, (ravine) senor, and I deemed
it best to inform you of it.”

“Strange horsemen !”

_ “§8i, senor.”
“Who are they ?”
“ Gaerrillas, probably,” answered the over-

= Scarcely. They have not visited this side

of the great river this season at all.” z

co do you think they are then, senor?”
ey

 

     

“ Per Dios, Ramon, that’s just what I'd
like to know.”

There was a pause, when the Don con-
tinued: : :

“How learned you this?”

“Fyom two of our people.”

“Did they see them ?” 4

“Si, senor, and came directly to tell me”

“Who were these men that informed 4

ou?” t 3

“Mesa, the mestizo, told me,” replied Ra- ie
mon. ;

“Where is he now?” asked the Don.

“He is in the corral with the cattle.”

“J must see him. Go for him.”

“Si, senor.”

The mestizo was speedily found.

“Tell me exactly what you saw, Mesa,”
said Don Felix. oe =

“ Si, senor,” began the servant, removing a
his sombrero, and coughing to clear his
throat. ‘Me and Jose had been down to de os
lagoon, huntin’ for som’ ob de cattle, wot’s*
been lost. Well, as we cum “long by de —
r’yine, we see’d a hull lot ob g’rillas. Dey
had stopped to rest, s’pose.” x

“Had they horses with them ?”

“Si, senor, a hull drove on ’em.”

“Why do you think they are guerrillas?”
asked the Don.

“Cos, senor, dey had on dem yaller breeches,
un dem tall hats, just like um g’rillas had wot
I saw’d huhg at ’gostura onct.”

“How many were there at the ravine ?”

“Can't say, ’zactly.”

“How many do you think ?”

“Well,” said Mesa, pausing and scratchin
his head, “I spec’, senor, dar be a Pousal
ob em.” é

“A thousand!” exclaimed Don Felix, a
smile of incredulity gathering upon his face.
“Why, Mesa, that is impossible.” é

x Well, mebby only a hundred, senor, I’s —
not good in figers.”

« Guite a reduction, truly, my good fellow,”
said the Don, laughing. “Are you certain
there were even an hundred ?” :

“Hil hi! senor,” chuckled the mestizo.

“Me sure ob dat, anyhow. Hundred, sartin.” i
“Had they any arms?” asked Don Felix. Raa
“Hab any arms?” repeated Mesa, his eyes :

winking rapidly, and his honest face wearing _

a sorely puzzled look, as if in great doubt as

to his master’s meaning. ‘Hab any arms?

Why yes, senor, ob course dey did! Ebery

pg cept one brack cuss dat had one cut

off.”

“You don’t understand me, Mesa,” said
Don Felix, greatly amused at the servant's —
simplicity, while Ramon laughed outright.
“I meant to ask if they had any weapons of
warfare with them?” ee

“Weapons ob warfar’? No, senor, dey
had nuflin’ wid dem ’cept carbines an’ big

OF DON FELIX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
  
  
   
 
  
     
       
   
   
     
       
       
   
      
 
       

knives. So dey had—cept de capt., and he
hab sword.” sae
“Did you see the captain ?” — os
“ Si, senor.” ne ae
“Did you ever sce him before 2”

“Si, senor, me t’ink so.” cpa
«When ?” oe
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSS cece

 

8

“Bout year or so ’go,” answered the mes-
_tizo.

“Where was it?”

“On dis plantation, senor.”

“On my estate here ?”

“Si, senor.”

“Who in heavens is he?” asked Don Felix,
anxiously. '

“Him be de feller wot bot de tobacco, and

wot we druy off de ’state and chucked into
de hoss-pond,” said Mesa.”

“Caramba! you don’t mean that it was—”

“Si, senor. It was Capt. Dubble-da-doo !”
interrupted the servant.

“Doblado, you meau, Mesa?” asked the
Don.

“Si, dat?s w’at I sed.” /

“Great God, can it be?’ exclaimed Don
Felix, in tones of some alarm. “It does not
seem possible, though. What say you, Ra-
mon ?”

“That it is not he at all. Every nigger on
the plantation sees that villain by day and by
night. He is a perfect bugaboo to these su-
perstitious fellows.”

“T do not think Captain Doblado is in this
region at all at present,” said Don Felix;
“but we had better send out trusty scouts to
ascertain the truth. If half Mesa says is
true, we have reason for alarm.”

“J will dispatch two men immediately,”

‘said Ramon.

“Do so,” replied Don Felix.

“Pwo trusty: vaqueros were. ordered to
mount their horses and ride cautiously in the
direction of the ravine, and report as soon as
possible the result of their observations. Ra-
mon watched the movements of the horses
until they disappeared in the bright moon-
light, and then paced the ground beneath the
shade of a tall alcornoque-tree, awaiting the
return of his messengers.

“J didn’t want to alarm the Don,” he soli-
loquized; “but Pll wager the best mule on
the plantation that Mesa is right, and that we
shall\have a visit before morning from that
infernal villain Doblado, And a precious
lively time we'll have of it too. We must re-
sist to the last, if we lose every nigger on the
estate. Oaramba! it. will go hard with Ine-
zella if the scoundrel should get the better
ef us, for they say he has a penchant for
handsome faces.”

He continued his walk for a time, and then
resumed:

“Tl look to things myself.”

He entered the hacienda, and taking up a
small oil-lamp, passed through the apart-
ments assigned to the'domestics until he
reached a heavy oaken-door, which he un-
locked and entered.

It was a miniature arsenal. Not less than
thirty carbines, and a few old Spanish mus-
kets stood upon a rack made for the purpose,
while several tin-canisters of powder and
ball were lying upon a shelf, which ran along
the wall.

After a few minutes spent in examination,
oe ei the a vt ois reason-

'y good condition, and retix osing the
door after him. :

 

| replied Ramon.

 

| intelligence, at once, with the chivalric

   

°

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

 

He next proceeded toward the barracoons,
roused up the negroes, and assembled every
available man and boy capable of bearin
arms. He informed them that they rae
doubtless be attacked by guerrillas before
morning, and expected them to do their duty
and they should receive valuable presents and
extra rations for the next month. The ma-
jority announced their willingness to stand
by their master and defend the hacienda,
while those who at all hesitated were soon
brought up to the fighting-point by a liberal
distribution of aguardiente. {

A clatter of hoofs announced the return of
the vaqueros.

““Any news?” inquired the Don, who had
come out to meet them.

“Si, senor, there are g’rillas in the que-
brado.”

“How many, think you?”

“Forty-eight,” was the answer. ;

“Forty-eight? How can you speak so de- * —
finitely es

“We counted.them, senor.” |

“Were you so near them ?” |

“Si, senor,” replied the men.

“How wag it?”

“ We left our horses in the palm-grove near
the lagoon, and crept carefully toward the
quebrado. We soon reached a point from
which we obtained a view of the ravine,
without being discovered... The g’rillas had
kindled a fire and were broiling meat upon
the coals. We counted forty-eight, when
perceiving signs of breaking up camp, we re-
gained our horses and returned.” es

5
i
:

tii

“Do you think they will visit us?” con-  —
tinued the Don. :
“Can't say, senor, but I think. theymean  — !

mischief, for they were all well armed.”

“ What think you now, Ramon?” asked
the Don, turning with a troubled look toward _
the overseer,

‘We will see them ’fore daybreak, senor,”

“Do you really think so?”
“T am sure of it.”

“Well, we must prepare for them.” “Ee
SCEixactly.?2~ > ae
“Barricade the hacienda, and make a vig-
orous defense,” said Don Felix, the martial —
tire of early days beginning to show itself. j a
_ “What will you and Inezella do?” asked —
the overseer. to
+“ What did a Montessa ever do when  at-
tacked, but stand and give as good as he th
ot?” fo
“But Inezella—” continued Ramon.
“Her own room is as safe as any place ge
that I know of,” returned the Don. i ee
“Si, senor, if we drive off the villains, she | rh

 

will be safe in the hacienda, but if not—” 4
“Peste! Ramon,” interrupted the old Don. —
“We can whip twice forty-eight such vil-
lainous renegades as these.” f
“Time is precious, senor.” 2a
“Enough! Let us to work,” said Don |
Felix, as he entered the hacienda to inform —
the inmates of the anticipated troubles. ie
Inezella, nothing daunted by the comin ;

   
   
     
   
  

    

a
 

;
;

ro

dd

t-
18

   
   
    
  
  
 
    
   

iti ——

—- an

| occaeamateaniant ieee

IL

eee a fle

 

INEZELLA A PRISONER.

of her race, engaged actively in assisting to
the extent of her ability, in placing the ha-
cienda in a state of defense, and encouraged
all by her bold spirit and example.

Two servants were stationed down the
road to give prompt news of the nearer ap-
proach of the guerrillas, while the others
aided in preparations for the siege. Many
and willing hands made light work. The
windows were hastily besricaded with rough
board shutters, loop-holes being left for car-
bines, while huge bales of tobacco were rolled
into the hacienda from the out-houses, and
piled against the doors at each end of the
great hall.

Two blacks armed with carbines were
stationed at each window, and the remainder
with Ramon and Don Felix were assembled
in the hall. The lights were all extinguished
Save one hanging-lamp in the hall, and a sin-
gle wax-candle in the room occupied by Ine-
zella and hey maid.

These temporary defenses were scarcely
completed when the sentinels returned, an-
nouncing the approach of the guerrillas up
the road. The troop soon made its appear-
ance, their bright carbines glittering in the
clear moonlight. Dashing up at a rapid gait,
they halted in front of the hacienda. Every
thing in and about the building wore such a
look of undisturbed repose, that the guerril-
las began to imagine their surprise was com-
plete.

Two troopers dismounted, and advancing
to the door, dealt it a succession of knocks
that resounded throughout the entire haci-
enda.

“Who is there?” asked Ramon, in a sleepy
tone of voice after a moment’s delay.

“ Friends.”

“What do you want?”

“ Admittance,”

“What for?”

“Open the door, senor.”

“Rather not,” answered Ramon.

“We will break it Gown, if you don’t.”

There was a pause, and apparently a short
consultation going on within the hall.

“Come, hurry up,” urged the guerrillas;
“or down goes the door.”

“You can’t do it,” returned Ramon, in a
defiant tone.

There was a pause, and the men returned
to their-friends.

“ By St. Peter,” exclaimed Doblado, “ does
the Don defy us thus? Forward men and
force an entrance.”

The entire troop now dismounted and fast-
ened their horses to a row of palm-trees, A
score of them sprung forward to obey their
leader’s command. They reached the edge
of the portico.

There was a sudden gleam of red light

m the transom over the door and the win-
dows adjoining. The sharp report of a dozen
carbines awoke the echoes of night, and five

eee fell, two of them with ounce balls
uried in their brains.
_ A howl of agony arose from the wounded,
| precipitately.

 

19

“Tl burn six wax-candles to my lady of
San Stephano, the first time 1 visit Caraccas,
for another such chance,” said Ramon, in
high glee over the successful repulse of their
enemies. ‘

The guerrillas were evidently much sur-
prised at the reception they met with, and
were talking together in loud tones and
with vehement gestuers. In a few momenis
they divided themselves into four squads ani
separated. They intended to assault each
side of the hacienda simultaneously. :

“ Watch closely now, men,” said Don Felix.
“Be cool and fire low.”

A yell from the assailants, and a rush from
all sides, was the answer the Don received.
To their exceeding great regret they found
the windows closed against them, and seyve-
ral more were added to their list of wounded.

“ Hl demonios!” roared the fiery captain,
maddened beyond all control by the unex-
pected and determined resistance offered him.

“ By all the furies, we’ll tear the house down
over their heads.”

He withdrew his men into the garden,
where the hedge and the broad-leafed trees
concealed them from the view of the be-
sieged.

An hour passed. No further demonstra-
tions from the guerrillas. What did it mean?
Had they given over the attack? Evidently
not, for their beasts in charge of a few of the
party, were still beneath the shade of the
palm-trees, -

The suspense was soon relieved. :

A dozen balls, composed of some inflam-
mable material which burned furiously were
suddenly hurled from behind the hedge upon
the palm-thatched roof of the servants’ apart-
ment. In a moment the dry roofing began
to smoke and burn.

“ire! fire!” screamed the domestics.

“Water, bring water,” shouted Ramon.
“The devils have set fire to the hacienda.”

His orders were promptly obeyed and the
fire extinguished, but not until quite an aper-
ture was burnt, and two blacks were shot by
the guerrillas as their heads appeared above
the roof. More balls were thrown, but the
energetic Ramon foiled all their efforts to fire
the roof successfully. °

Silence ensued again. The moon went
down. Darkness spread over the face of
nature, aifd offered advantages to the guer-
rillas which they Were not long in embracing.
No longer exposed to the. unerring fire of
those within the hacienda, they could mature
their plans with greater deliberation.

“ Madre de Dios!” exclaimed Ramon,
rushing into the hall with intense alarm de-
picted upon his countenance. “We are out
of powder,”

_ “Out of powder?” asked Don Felix, hur-
riedly, a feeling of despair creeping into his
heart. “How can that be? We had six
canisters.” ae
“We have powder left, but—” ee
“But what? speak quickly,” interrupted
the excited Don, a Maerene
= itis cet" said Ramohs 5

.

 

beginning,” exclaimed Don Felix. S

“Who wet it?”

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“20

“Tn our efforts to extinguish the flames,
we unfortunately saturated the ammunition-
chest, until its contents are worthless.”

“Senta Maria,” groaned the poor Don,
“then { fear we are indeed lost.”

“Something may yet occur in our fayor,”
said Ramon, encouragingly.

“low much powder have the men?”
asked the Don.

‘Only one or two rounds each.”

“Vet them use it carefully then.”

The sudden trampling of many feet upon
the gravel-walk, interrupted this conversa-
tion and announced a new attack.

“God protect thee, Inezella,” murmured
the Don, as he grasped his sword more firmly
and encouraged his men.

A volley from the besieged did not seem to
retard the advance of the foe. They reached
the portico. A huge log of timber, used as a
battering-ram, was dashed against the door.
It flew from its hinges. An opening was ef-
fected. The bales of tobacco proved inef-
fectual in checking the entrance of the guer-
rillas, and a desperate struggle commenéed in
the great hall. . Few shots were fired, as the
besieged had no ammunition, and the others
no time to load.

Sword in hand the Don led on ‘his men,
and strove to drive back the guerrillas. With
clubbed carbines the devoted blacks boldly
assaulted them, while the sword of the heroic
Don clove the heads of several ruffians, even
to the shoulders. Ramon, with his long, thin
rapier, thrust vigorously right and left. Thus
vigorously assailed, the guerrillas wavered
and siowly retreated toward the door, when
a new danger startled the besieged.

While the main assault was directed against
the front-door, as just described, Captain Do-
blado with a dozen picked men had succeeded
in effecting an entrance through the aperture
burnt in the roof, and at once began a fierce
attack upon the rear of his opponents. Thus
hemmed in, further defense was useless, and
many of the servants threw down their arms
and cried for quarter.

Don Felix, perceiving the hopelessness of
their case, disappeared through a side-door,
leading to his daughter’s apartment, followed
by Ramon. They had scarcely closed the
door after them, ere it was burst open, and
Captain Doblado, with a half-dozen men, en-
tered the room.

Donna Inezella was upon her knees before
a marble statue of the Virgin Mary, clasping
to her bosom a tiny golden crucifix. Her
maid was crouching near for safety, while in-
terposing their persons between the females
and the intruders stood Don Felix and Ra-
mon.

“Back, ye cowards,” fiercely cried Don
Felix. ‘Do ye war on helpless females?”

“ Assuredly not, senor Don Felix,” replied
Doblado, coolly, “we love helpless women.
It is only their foolish defenders that we war

st.

inst.
“Villain,” hissed Don Felix between his’

compressed lips, as he rushed upon the cap-
* tain. “Touch my daughter at your peril.”
“Oho, old age is impulsive is it?” sneered

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

 

Sa eeaeaeeeee tae

 

Doblado, as he parried the thrust of the ex
raged parent.

But few blows were exchanged. The aged
noble was no match for his athletic adver-
sary, who disarmed him in a moment and
hurled him heavily to the floor. A. ball from
Ramon’s pistol grazed Doblado’s temple, and
buried itself in the opposite wall. In an in-
stant he, too, was overpowered.

Inezella had swooned as her father fell.
The aged Don was still sensible, although
bleeding profusely.

“Shall I run him through?” brutally-
laughed one of the guerrillas.

“Caramba! no,” sneered Doblado. “If
he had enough life in him to enjoy it, I think
TV’d duck him in the horse-pond; but, as he
is too far gone to appreciate that, I think
we'll hang him.”

The words were scarcely spoken before a
lasso was noosed around his neck, thrown
over a lamp-look in the ceiling, and the body
of Don Felix swung from the floor.

Donna Inezella soon recovered from her
swoon, but appeared as one bereft of sense.

‘Overwhelmed with the sad calamity over-

shadowing her, she lay in the arms of Zala,
moaning hysterically.

Day was just breaking in the east. The
horses of the guerrillas were heavily laden
with booty. Every thing that they could not
transport was destroyed. A pack-mule was
provided and the two females placed thereon.

The incendiary torch was applied to the

_fine old mansion, and as the red jets of flame

and showers of sparks shot up into the heay-
ens, completing the work of devastation,
the guerrillas mounted their horses and set
out upon their return.

 

CHAPTER Y.
On the Wing.

“Then, quick! we haye but a second,
Fill round the cup while you may;
For Time, the churl, hath beckon’d,
And we must away, away !’’—Mvore.

“Sr. Grerce forever,” gayly shouted Hav-
ersham, as, all excitement, he ‘burst into my
room at the “San Marco.” j

“ Marching orders at last, Ned.”

“The deuce you say,” I exclaimed, rising
and giving my friend a grasp of the hand.
“Capital news! When do we leave?”

“Orders say Friday morning at seyen
o’clock,” said Haversham, who, as his eye
rested upon the golden locket lying
upon my table, continued: “By Jove,
you seem infatuated with that Jady’s picture.
Always poring over it. Not in love, eh?”

“Neyer haying enjoyed that ecstatic state
of the feelings which you term ‘falling in
love, I am not competent to answer you un-
derstandingly upon that point,” I replied,
with a philosophical air.

“Heigho, never in love
ersham.
Why I’ve been in love with some pretty face

     

et

Y” ejaculated Hav-
“Tell that to the marines, Ned.

4s

unr ae ee oti covet 1

ental

inns

Saline

tna tea a SER

 

—_~
 

monthly, ever since I cut loose from the
apron-strings. Never in love! Why Id die
outright in a week, without some charming
piece of dimity, whereupon to set my tender
affections.”

“You have a reputation for fickleness, I
believe,” said I. :

“Tvs infinitely mean in you to say so,”
grumbled Haversham; “you never had a
warmer or i steadfast friend than I have

een.

“hat’s true, Haversham,” said I, with a

softness in my voice, for I loved him as a

brother. “T only jested, and take it all back.”

| \“'Phere, that’s just like me,” exclaimed

Hayersham, drawing a note from his pocket.

“T came mighty near forgetting what I came

for. Read that.”

i The note ran as follows:

“Plaza de Angostura.

{ “My DEAR ELLESMERE: We have received

_ ‘narching orders. The troops move up the

_civer day after to-morrow. I have received

permission to visit my family for a few days

and join the army at a certain pojnt of its ad-
vance. You must go with me.

- havea gay time. Haversham declares I may
count on him. Let me know your decision
_ at once. Remember that I won’t take no for

an answer. We start this p.m. My com-

pany of lancers will go with me.

| “ Yours very truly, Luiz.”

“You'll go, of course,” said Hayersham, as

_ I finished reading the note.

{ “Yes, if Sir William will consent,” I an-

} swered.

i “Read that,” quietly replied Haversham,

drawing forth a second note from his pocket.

I read it aloud:

| “Head-quarters British Legion,

| “ Angostura.

} “This may. certify that Captain Edward

_ Ellesmere, A.D.C. on my staff, has a furlough

_ for six days, at the expiration of which time

;

idRie Deaiattleis

5D, SR 7

a of ht
eo t

he will report to me in person.
“Sik Wi~~1aM Dr Courcey,
“Gen’l Com’dg.”

| “Why Haversham, you've ieft me nothing
_ to do,” said I, with a laugh. “You are quite
_ amodel of premptness, I see.”
“Nothing left but to pack traps and be off.”
i Don Luiz, the writer of the above note,
was a young Spaniard of noble birth, com-
| ie company of lancers in the patriot

army. First brought into contact with him
in the discharge of official business, his genial
temperament, aay manners, and genuine
politeness won my admiration. Our official
acquaintance had rapidly ripened into friend-
_ ship. Much of my leisure time since our ar-
 Yival in Angostura had been spent in his
company, until we had come to regard each
other in the light of intimate friends. With
joy, therefore, I accepted the kind invitation
to accompany him to his plantation, and an-
ticipated therefrom much pleasure.

ust as the clock in the tower of the church
of San Michael struck three, our cavalcade
rode out of the Plaza, and we bade farewell
to the fair city of Angostura. Our retinue
_ presented a very dashing appearance. At

  

  

  

SIX DAYS’ FURLOUGH.

We will.

 

  

the head of the company, riding abreast, were
Don Luiz, Haversham and myself. We were
mounted upon spirited horses that pranced
and curveted in anticipation of once more
snuffing the bracing air of the plains.

No more gallant cavalier ever bestrode a
steed than Don Luiz. 3 c S
ly, and magnificently dressed in the rich uni-
form of a ‘Spanish cavalry officer. Over his
shoulders hung an elegant manta of pure
white and exquisitely embroidered, which
served the double purpose of ornament and
protection against the fierce rays of a tropi-
cal sun. The bright scarlet uniform of the
“ British Legion” which both Haversham and
I wore, afforded a brilliant contrast.

One hundred Llaneros, riding four abreast,
followed. Each man wore the universal red
and blue poncho, high-topped boots, and
dark slouched hat or sombrero; while their
arms consisted of a lance, a trabuco or light
carbine, and a sword.

The Llanero of South America is the finest

horseman in the world. Inhabiting the vast —

plains, or llanos, his life is spent in the saddle,
and he entertains the greatest affection for
his horse. In the words of Victor Hugo:
“He would not fight but on horseback; he
forms but one person with his horse; he lives
on horseback; trades, buys and sells on
horseback; eats, drinks, sleeps and dreams
on horseback.” Hardy, vigorous, athletic
men, inured to danger from birth, they have
no superiors as cayalry.

This fine company of men, recruited among
the wild plains and cattle farms south of the
Apure river, by Don Luiz himself, and armed
and equipped at his own expense, were to
him a source of the greatest pride. They
had followed him through many a rough
campaign, and were devotedly attached. to
his fortunes. =

As we dashed rapidly along the “Calle
Real” with a clatter of hoofs, ponchos flow-
ing in the breeze, and a thousand gleams of
sunshine glinting from polished lances and
carbines, we created quite a sensation. From
many a latticed window, and cottage con-
cealed amid vines and shrubbery, dark-eyed
senoritas waved their snowy-white ’kerchiefs
in token of farewell.

Our route lay along the southern bank of
the Oronoco. .The road which would have
been difficult for wheeled vehicles, was pass-
able for cavalry, and we trotted along mer-
rily. On our right flowed the broad river in
silent grandeur. - Upon the banks were
groups of huge lizards, basking in the sun-
shine. So wary, however, were they, that
they invariably rushed into the water on our

approach. Occasionally an immense croco-—

dile appeared floating upon the surface like
a log or toninas, a species of fresh-water por-
poise, spouted jets of water into the air like
miniature whales. eee

Ever-verdant meadows extended far as the

eye could reach. Shady groves of broad fan- —

leaved palms invited to repose, while fre-
quent clumps of Jaurel and other balsamifer-

| ous trees skirted the road. Leguminous trees
bearing immense pods from one to three feet

1

Fe was tall and come- —

 

 

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22

 

in length, presented a strange appearance to
the eye. Thickets of acacias, the manirito
with its delicious pulpy fruit, the lemon-
colored madrona, interspersed with the bright
scarlet berries of the pawjil shrud, gave variety
to the scene.

‘As we came upon more stony or gravelly
soil, we found the thorny mimosa growing in
great luxuriance.

Occasionally we passed coffee, sugar, and
indigo plantations, but owing to the unset-
tled state of the country, many of them were
not in a thrifty condition.

The cool, refreshing breeze that blew from
the river, added to our enjoyment as we rode
briskly onward. Night comes on rapidly in
the tropics, but a clear sky and bright moon
induced us to prolong cur ride far into the
nocturnal hours. About midnight, as our
horses began to show signs of fatigue, and
the moon sunk into the western sky, we
drew rein and made preparations to encamp
for the balance of the night.

The place selected was a grassy spot at the
edge. of a palm-groye. The horses were
picketed in the grove. We lunched on tasajo
or jerked beef, arepas—small corn-cakes, cor-
responding to the tortillas of Mexico, washed
down with a draft of guarapo, a pleasant
beverage made from the juice of the sugar-
cane. We threw ourselves upon the ground,
with our saddles for pillows, and a poncho
for a covering.

Although much fatigued with the afternoon
ride, it was impossible to compose myself to
sleep. The handsome features of the portrait
constantly flitted through my brain. The
wildest visions of beauty that haunted my
youthful days, feil far short of the surpassing
loveliness of this unknown face. It possessed
for me a strange, weird fascination, that I
had no power to resist. It was my vision by
day and my dream by night; I was infatu-
ated. I was desperately in love with my un-
known charmer.

Who was she?

i would have given worlds to know. How
could 1 find her? That I could not divine,
although I solemnly vowed to travel the
wide world over in the search. There was
no doubt of her Spanish origin. This fact,
however, did not indicate her probable resi-
dence with sufficient definiteness to satisfy
my anxiety. Nor was the fact that I ob-
tained the locket in Venezuela any proof that
the fair owner was a native of this clime.
That Captain Doblado knew the owner did
not enlighten me upon the subject, for he
was a roving character and might have ob-
tained the miniature as well in Spain or Mex-
ico, as in South America.

What relation could possibly exist between
this scoundrel and the beautiful unknown?
Thank God! he said once that he hated her
more than me. They are, therefore, bitter
enemies. Strange complication! I felt in-
tuitively that the captain, this female and
myself had a destiny closely interwoven, and

here, I fear.

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

I awaited with the utmost impstience its fur
fillment.

The mysterious future! How it is hidden
from mortals! Oh, that I could tear away
the vail that shrouds it! But destiny is im-
perative and inexorable, and we must abide
its march and consequences, Chafing under
these reflections, which would not yield to
any philosophizing, 1 determined to show
the portrait to Don Luiz on the first favor-
able opportunity that presented itself A
vague hope possessed my mind that he might
assist me in some possible way, to discover
the original cf the portrait, and the soothing
influences of this frail hope quieted my ex-
cited sensibilities to such a degree that : fell
into a slight slumber.

We broke camp before the dawn of day
and pushed forward, expecting to reach our
destination by ten o’clock, or noon at latest.
The road soon diverged from the river and
struck into the interior. The scenery much
resembled that of the previous day, except
that the face of the country was more uneven
and the number of small streams increased.
Beautiful little lagoons or lakes frequently
appeared, surrounded by vine-clad trees, and
abounding in ducks and other aquatic birds.

An occasional pulperta or wayside inn was
passed, offering accommodations of evidently
a not very inviting character.

The country was sparsely inhabited, the
population being mostly gathered near the
widely-separated ranches and haciendas.

We conversed freely, Don Luiz enlivening
the journey by graphic sketches of the history
of the country, and narrating interesting in-
incidents of his own adventurous life, in re-
turn for which, Hayersham and I spun yarns
of our campaigns in foreign parts,

‘Do yousee that tall balsam-tree, yonder ?”
asked the Don.

“Yes,” I replied.

“From that point we can see the hacienda,
whither we are journeying,” continued he.

“Glorious!” cried Haversham, “for I’m
getting confoundedly tired of this long-con-
tinued equestrianism. Wd rather march on
foot.”

“No accounting for tastes,” returned Luiz
laughing. “For my part, I’d rather rid¢
than eat.”

“What's that?” asked Haversham, as we
halted over a scarf lying in the road. I
raised it with my sword and handed it to
Don Luiz, who exclaimed: :

“ By heavens, it’s my sister’s scarf? Madre
de Dios, bloody, too!” ;

‘Strange! what means it?” said Haver-
sham.

“And _ the road is torn up with horses
tracks,” I remarked. ;

“Santissina Maria!” groaned Don Luiz,

in great agony, “there has been foul work
Forward, men.” ;

We put spurs to our horses, and rode
rapidly forward, our minds disturbed with
fear and anxiety,

 

at aateanatan

 

 
 

ee

 

. harmed.

  

; PURSUIT OF THE ROBBERS. ami

CHAPTER VL
On the Trail.

* We swear torevenge them! no joy shall be tasted,
The harp shall be silent, the maiden unwed,
Our halls shall be mute, and our fields shall lie
wasted,
*Till vengeance is wreaked on the murderer's
head.” —Tom Moore.

,We reached the crest of the hill. The ha-
cienda was not there! In its place was a heap
of smoldering ruins, and blackened, half-
charred timbers.

“Oh, gractos Dios!” groaned Don Luiz, in
a tone of unutterable agony, scarcely able to
retain his seat in the saddle, “what a calamity
is here! My father! Inezella! Inezella!”

We dashed at headlong speed down the
descent toward the ruined hacienda. The
smoking embers, the trampled lawn and
broken shrubbery testified of wanton outrage.

Throwing himself from his horse, Don Luiz
ran about the ruins like a madman, alter-
nately vowing vengeance upon the perpetra-
tors of the deed, and calling by name upon
his father and sister.

Unable to console him, we remained silent
but anxious spectators of his anguish. Sud-
denly a thought seemed to strike him, and
turning, he ran at full speed toward the bar-
racoons, which the guerrillas had left un-
He burst open the nearest door
and entered; but in a moment reappeared,
swinging his sombrerc and calling us to him.

On entering the room, we found Don Luiz
bending over the form of a venerable looking
man, reclining upon a rude couch. They
were clasped in each other’s arms and uniting
their tears and sobs. The person thus em-
braced was Don Felix. In a corner of the
room, lying in a pool of blood, was Ramon
the overseer. He was still alive, but weak
from excessive loss of blood.

“Water, for the love of God, water!” he
gasped, in scarcely audible tones. Water was
quickly: brought in a calabash, end the over-
seer drank freely. Its reviving effects were
soon apparent. He sat up and pointed out
his wounds, which were soon bandaged. The
Don, though not able to sit up, was appa-
rently not severely injured, a bad gash upon
the forehead being the only serious wound.

“Thank God, your life is spared, dear
father,” said Don Luiz, as soon as the hurry
of the occasion had somewhat subsided. “But
where is my sister?”

The parent groaned and covered his face
with his thin hands. As it was with the
greatest difficulty he could speak at all, he
turned to Ramon, and motioned him to tell
us of the disaster that had so unexpectedly
befallen them.

Ramon in a brief manner narrated the
events of the day previous as we have already
described them,-and continued:

_ “The guerrillas left me bleeding and.sense-
less upon the floor of Donna Inezella’s cham-
ber. I soon revived, and saw Don Felix sus-
nded by a lasso from a hook in the ceiling.
ith much labor and difficulty I succeeded

   

 

in severing the cord, and he fell heavily to
the floor, cutting that frightful gash in his —
forehead. The bleeding therefrom, however,
restored the circulation in his veins, and he
revived. Having bound up our wounds as
well as we could, we lay quietly upon the
floor, almost helpless, and fearing a return of
the villains, whom we heard carousing and
plundering in other parts of the hacienda.
Finally they departed. We crawled into the
main hall. A crackling, snapping sound was
heard, accompanied by a noise as of distant
roaring. The building was on fire! The
flames spread rapidly, and we barely reached
the garden when the roof fell in with a crash-
ing sound, sending a cloud of sparks and
cinders heayenward. After repeated and
wearisome efforts, we reached the shelter of
these barracoons.”

“But my sister, Inezella! you say nothin
of her,” interrupted Don Luiz, in accents’ 0
such sorrow as made my heart ache.

“ Alas, Don, we know nothing of her fate,”
said Ramon, sadly. “She was in the cham-
ber when I last saw her, but when I revived,
she was nowhere to be seen. In all proba-
oa Captain Doblado carried her off with

i ?

“Captain Doblado! Aviles tonitres,” shouted
Don Luiz, springing to his feet in an ungoy- ~
ernable passion, and seizing Ramon by the
shoulder. “Did that outlaw perpetrate this
outrage? Speak |”

“Even he,” answered Ramon.

“Great God!” groaned the Don, covering
his face with his hands. “Poor Inezella!
What a fate!”

My friend seemed overpowered by the
alarming intelligence that his beloved sister
was in the hands of this unprincipled and
reckless desperado. Suddenly starting up,
Luiz clutched the hilt of his sword conyul-
sively, and exclaimed: ~

“ Per omnes Dios! thou shalt be avenged,
Inezella !”

He became apparently composed, spoke a
few words of comfort to his parent, and or-
dered two men to remain with the wounded
and look after their necessities. He then ad-
dressed the overseer.

“Which way did these villains go?”

- “Toward the river, whence they came.”

“ How long since ?” #

“They left about five o’clock.”

“ Diabolo, and it’s now ten! The guerrillas
have five hours start,” ejaculated Don Luiz;
“Dut, as they are heavily laden, and move
eas I think we can overtake them speed-
ily.’

“They carried away every thing,” said Ra-
mon.

“Tow many were there?” asked Luiz.

“About fifty at first. I think they returned
with a dozen less, at least.”

“J shall at once pursue,” said the Don, —
turning tome. “ Will you aid me?” a
“Yes, Don Luiz, to the last drop of my —
blood,” I answered. : ee
“Carambo! I’m dying to have a shot at
Doblado himself,’ ejaculated Havershana, —
“and I'd go a dozen leagues to get it, too.”

  

 

   
 

flashed upon our sight.

 
   

ba

“Tet us proceed then,” said Don Luiz, as
he bent over the prostrate form of his vener-

able parent and imprinted an affectionate

“We will restore you

kiss upon his brow.
Rest easy. Fare-

Inezella, dearest father.
well.”

Don Luiz announced to the Llaneros his
determination to follow the guerrillas. They
received this information with shouts of ap-

-plause, and a twirling of lances that boded

no good to their enemies, should they be so
fortunate as to overtake them.

“Tot we'd got to journey’s end, mass’r
Capt.,” said Okra, with considerable surprise,
as I bid him tighten my saddle-girths and
remount his horse.

“We are starting on another one, Okra,” I
said. “ We are going afler Captain Doblado.”

“Wil hil Pratieledaoo agin? What's
he bin an’ done now ?”

“Fe has burnt the hacienda and carried off
Don Luiz’s sister.”

“De debbel!”’ ejaculated Okra, his mouth
expanding into a grin, and exposing a mag-
nificent array of ivory. “He be bigger cuss
dan I tot he was. Stole a woman! Faugh,
he’s wusser dan a brack nigga!”

-Havyersham and I could not suppress a
laugh at Okra’s ideas of Doblado’s character.

In a few moments the troop was mounted

and on its way. The numerous tracks lead-

ing toward the river were a sufficient indi-
vation of the route pursued by Doblado, and
we dashed rapidly along in the pursuit.

After leaving the hacienda a league to the
rear, the roads forked. The road leading to
the north-east was the one over which we
had passed early in the morning: the other
turned off to the north-west. This latter was
the one taken by the guerrillas.

“ How far is it to the river?” asked Haver-
sham.

. “Hatf a league to the ferry,” replied Don

Miz.

We again relapsed into silence.

The sparkling waters of the river soon
We approached the
bank.

The ferry-boat was gone!

We looked at each other in surprise and
perplexity.

“Carambo !” ejaculated Don Luiz.

“Cunning devils,” said Haversham. “They
haye used the ferry-boat and then probably
sunk it.”

Don Luiz was lost in thought, and doubt-
ing what to do.

- “Plunge in and swim the horses across,”

“suggested Hayersham.

«ave you forgotten the last time we tried
that experiment, and the result of it?” said I.

“Rather think not,” laughed Haversham.
*T was too badly scared to forget it so soon;
but Mr. Cayman couldn’t eat but a few of us
this time, and we must cross, you know.”

“Suppose. you were one of the few?”

said I.
“Yl stand my chance with the rest,” replied
Hayersham, jocularly. “I don’t think my

 

danger is imminent, for ‘the man that was
porn to be hanged’—you know the adage ’

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

ra Shall we swim across?” I asked Don
uiZ.

“Swim across!” he answered, with an ex-
clamation of surprise. “Sania Maria, it
would be certain death to half of us at least.
The river is a quarter of a league wide, and
swarms with crocodiles.”

“What then can we do?”

“Go to the ferry above,” was the answer.

“ How far is it ?”

“Half a league.”

“Three miles in all, out of our way,”
said I. :

“ And an hour’s time lost,” remarked Hay-
ersham. :

“There is no help for it,” said Don Luiz.

‘We turned our faces westward and gal-
loped on in silence. :

We reached the ranche of the canoero, or
ferryman, and, to our joy found his boat in

ood condition. It was only an uncouth,

at-bottomed scow, propelled bye paddles

vigorously plied by himself and a pair of

halfgrown sons. It required considerable

time and several trips to take our party on

the opposite side. However, by exercising

patience and encouraging the canoeroes by

the sight of a handful of glittering reals, and

stimulating them with copious draughts of

aguardiente, we accomplished the transit in
safety. Several ferocious-looking caymen,

who watched our movements: with an hun-
gry look and an ominous snapping of |
sharp teeth, from the wake of the boat, did
not escape our notice, and I involuntaril
felt thankful that we had not been so fool-

hardy as to attempt a passage by swimming. ~
We soon regained the road we had left, and-
our horses, somewhat refreshed by the delay
in crossing, were pushed on rapidly. ;

It was now noon. There was little wind
stirring, and the air became very hot and op-
pressive. The guerrillas, doubtless, not fear-
ing any pursuit, had taken no pains to con-
ceal their route, which was easily discovered
by the multitudinous tracks Jeft upon the
road by their horses.

A league from the river, the surface of the
country became uneven, and increased rap-
idly in roughness as we approached the
mountain range that now loomed up in the
distance.

“What's that?’ ejaculated Haversham,
reining in his horse. ; :

A broken junk-bottle lay in the road, ‘

“ Santissina!” joyfully cried Don Luiz.
“The villains are not far ahead,”

“ How do you know that?” asked I.

“ They probably dropped that bottle, which
broke as it fell, and they did not stop to pick
it up,” replied the Don. .

“Well, suppose they did—it may haye been
hours ago,” said I.

“No, that can not be.”

“Why not?” ;

“Tf much time had elapsed, the sun would —
haye dried up the contents of the bottle, but
the earth is even yet moist around it.”

I admired the shrewdness of the Don’s
reasoning and admitted its cogency. Agaia,
we spurred on our beasts, full of hope,

 

 

 

 

 
 

tol) satanic ot he alas Maal

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dashing boldly into the stream.

A HALT FOR CONSULTATION.

dashing along the road which now wound
around the foot of the mountain Tange.

“Whar am de tracks, mass'r Capt.?” asked
Okra.

There were no longer any tracks upon the
road before us. We had not cared to watch
the ground closely, and had not noticed that
the track of hoofs had ceased to be visible.

“San Juan! we've lost the trail,” ex-
claimed Don Luiz, with a look. of perplexity.
“We must turn back and find it.”

The troop which had halted, now began to
retrace their steps, examining carefully to
discover the point where the trail had been
lost. Finally, at a point where a broad,
shallow stream, flowing rapidly over a

_ smooth, pebbly bottom, emerged from a ra-

vine and crossed the road, we obtained the
desired information. The trail coming up
the road from the Oronoco, was lost upon the
left bank of this stream.

“El Diabolo!” said Don Luiz, “ the scoun-
drels have taken to the water.”

“Gone up this ravine?” I asked.

“Yes, or down the stream,” said Hayer-
sham. “

“More likely up-stream,” said Don Luiz.

“Why so?” asked Haversham.

“Well,” replied the Don, “in the first place,
to follow the stream south would simply be
to return toward the Oronoco, whence we
eame; and secondly, the ravine leads into
the mountains where they would be more
secure in their retreat, and so I think they
have gone up this stream.” _

“Well, we'll soon see,” cried Hayersham,
The water,
which rose only to the horses’ knees, was
clear and cold, and the bottom of the stream
was quite smooth, so that the change from
the hot, dusty road was delightful, especially
as a refreshing breeze blew softly down the
tayine.

Steep rocks covered with vines and run-
ning creepers arose like walls on both sides.

’ After proceeding a few rods the stream turned |

‘from its onward course, and wound abruptly
around a rocky ledge. We had scarcely pass-
ed this ledge of rocks, when we discovered a
smooth bridle-path, which left the right bank
of the stream, and extended by easy ascent
up a ravine, running at right angles with the
stream we were wading.

The path was of sufficient width to permit
two horsemen to ride abreast, and had the
oy Se of being much travel-worn.

‘he body of a dead horse lay at the water’s
edge. It had been shot, and the blood curd-
ling in little pools, and the carcass scarcely
yet cold, told of recent death. The bridle
and saddle were still upon the beast.

We were now evidently approaching the
rendezvous of the outlaws, and caution was
necessary.

We halted for consultation.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER VI. ,
The Mountain Fastness.

“Hark! the horn of combat calls—
Ere the golden evening falls,
May we pledge that horn in triumph round!
Many a heart that now beats high, ;
In slumber cold at night shall lie,
Nor wakep even at victory’s sound.”’--Moorz, —

“He loves—but knows not whom he loves,
Nor what her race, nor whence she came;
Like one who mects in Indian groves,
Some beauteous bird without a name,
Brought by the last ambrosial breeze,
From isles in the undiscovered seas.’’—Trm.

WE sat upon our horses in the middle of

the stream.

There was a look of deep anxiety and dis-
quietude upon the countenance of Don Luiz.
Haversham had drawn from his case a cigar,
and was puffing incessantly as if to induce
thought. As I cast my eyes up the ee
bridle-path and viewed the surroundings,
became satisfied that we had a difficult task
before us,

A dozen men, warned of our approach and
properly stationed, could defy successfully a ~
regiment of soldiers. Therefore, there was
need of excessive caution in any further ad-
vances we might make. Hayersham seemed
to have arrived at the same conclusion, for
he removed his cigar from his mouth, em‘-
ted a cloud of light-blue smoke, and turning’
toward us spoke: ;

“A confounded tough place that to storm,
if the rascals make any attempt at defense.”

“We can never ascend that path by mere
physical force, against the will of the guer-
rillas,” I replied. ;

“Caramba, no, senor,” added Don Luiz,
“we must take them by surprise, if we hope
for success.” ;

In this decision we all agreed.

“ Besides,” continued the Don,” if we can
not drive them into close quarters and cut
off their retreat, they will assuredly carry off
Inezella with them when they* ty ore-
over, we are ignorant of their strength. They
may outnumber us greatly for aught we
know, as they are now within reach of rein-
forcements, doubtless.”

“Why not send forward scouts to examine
the path,” Isuggested. -  -

“ A good idea,” said Hayersham. “Tl go
for one.”

“ Carambo! no, indeed,” interrupted Don
Luiz, “we can’t spare you; but I have two
men whom I will send. They are used to
such business, and I would match them for
cunning against all the devils in the moun- ~
tains.” :

He called out from the ranks two Llaneros,
who were the very antipodes of each other
in their outward appearance. Pedro was a
tall, stout fellow, with light hair, heavy fea-
tures, and of powerful strength. una was
short and spare, but very active and wiry, —
with black hair ant eyes, and apparently a —
very shrewd little fellow. al ae :

“You wiil leave your lances, carbines, and
horses behind,” said Don Luiz, addressing ~
them, “ taking with you only your knives.”_

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 gtreamlet.

28

 

“Si, senor captain,” replied the men, re-
spectfully.

“You will ascend that path, and ascertain
whither it leads, and whether there be any
guerrillas near us. Exercise the utmost cau-
tion, and in no case permit the enemy to dis-
cover you. We will await your return.”

The scouts at once commenced the ascent.
They moved slowly, Nuna in the advance,
keeping a keen look-out, for any thing suspi-
cious. They were soon lost from our view.
No signs of the enemy were discovered. A
few horse-tracks only were seen, which was
not to be wondered at, as the path was over
a stony foundation. After proceeding a short
distance, the path grew more level, and
finally terminated upon a broad piece of
table-land.

As the scouts emerged carefully upon this
plateau, the distant neigh of a horse struck
upon their ears. They halted and exchanged
looks of satisfaction.

“Did you hear that?” whispered Nuna.

“Yes, it was 2 horse,” replied Pedro, “ but
a great way off.”

“ Peste, no, it is near by.”

“Tt was too faint to be near.”

“No. These rocks broke the force of the
sound,” said Nuna.

“Then we must go slowly for awhile.”

Sitting down upon the rock they conversed
awhile in low whispers, when at length Nuna
began to crawl upon all fours toward a rocky
ledge that abutted uvon the plateau. Reach-
ing this, he was followed by Pedro. By
means of shrubs and vines they slowly clam-
bered upward.

- This ledge was crowned with a thicket of
thorny mimosas, through which the two men
made their way with great difficulty, fre-
quently being obliged to cut away and re-
move entire shrubs with their knives to fa-
Cilitate their progress. Suddenly Nuna, who
was in the advance, gave a sign of warning
to Pedro, and they both knelt upon the

round. Nuna placed his ear upon the sur-
face of the rock and remained in that posi-
tion for several minutes. He then began to
creep forward again with much caution, Pe-
dro remaining stationary. .A few rods were
traversed in this manner, when he again
dropped down and began to work his way
backward.

“ Santos,” he whispered, “the devils are just
ahead of us!” 3

Se How many ?”

“Witty or more.”

“What are they doing ?”

“A little of every thing, I guess,” was the
reply. “It is a mighty promiscuous sort of
a crowd.”

After a few moments of hurried consulta-
tion, the scouts crept forward to obtain a
better view. Beyond the rocky ledge upon
which the scouts were concealed, was a
broad ravine, through which ran a small
The mouth of this ravine opened
upon a part of the plateau, which Nuna and
Pedro had just left, previous to climbing up
the ledge. Along the bottom of this ravine
were the brigands,

THE ORONOCO CHIEF,

 

e

Their horses were picketed near by, while
the guerrillas were reclining in various pos-
tures, resting themselves from the fatigues
of the expedition. Some were gathered in
groups playing cards, others were lunching
on tasajo and arepas, while others were get-
ting boisterous oyer their aguardiente. They
evidently had no fears of pursuit or surprise,
as no indications of sentinels were seen, and
their carbines were stacked near the stream.

On the opposite side of the creek, beneath
the shadow of a mimosa bush, were seated
three persons, Inezella de Montessa, Zala her
maid, and the guerrilla chief. The captain
was evidently making some proposition to
Tuezella, which she repelled with scorn,
weeping all the time. Zala was sitting close
by her mistress and holding one of her hands,
encouraging her in her refusals.

Captain Doblado rose to his feet, and shak-
ing his clenched fist at the. females, was
about to depart.

“ Per Dios!” whispered Pedro, “I'd give
my horse to have a crack at that scoundrel
yonder, threatening the senorita.”

“Or one thrust of my knife,” added Nuna,

After a few moments’ longer delay the
scouts began to feel their way back, which
they accomplished without discovery.

“ El Demonios,” whispered Don Luiz, rising
in his stirrups, as the scouts detailed their in-
formation. “And Inezella is there?”

“There were two females, senor,” repliea
Nuna. 3

“The elder one with dark hair and eyes?”
hurriedly asked the Don.

“ Si, senor.”

“ Gracios Dios! it is she beyond all doubt,”
exclaimed Don Luiz.

“By St. George! you’re a trump,” said

Haversham, delighted, as he gave Nuna a-

thump on the shoulder, “if you are e little
fellow.” ;

“Si, senor,” replied Nuna, as he winced
beneath the heavy hand of Haversham, well
pleased at the compliment, though he but
half understood its import.

We-now made preparations to attack the
camp of the guerrillas. Deeming it good
policy to leave our horses behind, as they
would be comparatively useless, and as a
single neigh from them would suffice to alarm
the enemy, the entire troop dismounted, and
the animals were left in charge of half a dozen
Llaneros.

The rest of us slowly began the ascent,
Nuna acting as guide. Arriving upon the
edge of the plateau, we again came to a halt
Twenty men, under lead of Pedro and Nuna
were ordered to ascend the ledge and conceal
themselves among the mimosa bushes. Upon
hearing a carbine discharged, they were to
fire a volley into the ravine and assault the
guerrillas upon the flank. Meanwhile, the
rest of the party were to advance along the
plateau toward the mouth of the ravine, and
make a simultaneous attack upon the enemy’s
front. We hoped by these means to surprise
and overwhelm the robbers without much
difficulty. Pedro and Nuna were moreover
directed to push forward vigorously after the

   
 

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first volley and prevent the carrying off of
the females, should it be attempted.

At this important juncture of affairs oc-
curred an unlucky accident that, as the sequel
will show, was peculiarly unfortunate. The
last of the Llaneros under Pedro had nearly
reached the top of the ledge, and our party
was just on the eve of advancing to the as-
sault, when the Llanero nsissed his hold upon
a shrub and rolled backward down upon the
plateau, his carbine striking against a rock
and being discharged. The report reverbe-
rated loudly from rock to rock and reached
the guerrillas.

All hope of a complete surprise vanished.

“ Forward, men, quick,” shouted Don Luiz,
leading the main troop in person.

“In a moment we were under way and
dashed toward the mouth of the rayine, trust-
ing to Pedro to do his part to the best of his
ability. On reaching the opening of the que-
brado, another surprise awaited us. A bar-
ricade of rocks and trees, which had escaped
the notice of the scouts, extended across the
ravine and prevented our further advance.

The report of the Llanero’s carbine had
given warning to the robbers of danger at
hand, and aithough not fully prepared for so
vigorous an attack, they nevertheless offered
stout resistance at this point. A score of car-
bines were discharged at us as we emerged
from the plateau and came in full view of the
barricade. Twice that number replied from
our side, and a dense cloud of smoke so filled
the ravine as to conceal both parties for a few
moments. Several of our party fell either
killed or wounded.

“There is no barricade where the stream
flows through,” shouted Haversham, swing-
ing his sword and drawing a pistol from his

elt.

“That is our point, Don Luiz,” I exclaimed,
exciteilly, for my blood was now up, and I
felt ready for any thing.

“Follow me, Llaneros,” cried the Don, as
he plunged into the stream, the waters of
which were about two feet deep and ran with
a strong current.

_As the smoke lifted, three-score men were
wading up the stream, loading and firing as
they advanced. The guerrillas gave us an-
other volley and rushed toward the edges of
the stream to dispute our passage. The open-
ing in the barricade, toward which both par-
ties were tending, was about six yards in
width. :

The next instant we were engaged in a
hand-to-hand encounter in the middle of the
Stream, the swift current carrying away and
dashing against the survivors the bodies of
the dead and wounded. My eye was search-
ing for the tall form of Captain Doblado. He
was not to be seen. ‘The leader of the guer-
rillas was a short, fleshy villain, with a fierce
expression of countenance, and a profusion
of bushy red hair, who kept up the most ap-

palling yelling I ever heard. He had the
thes of a stentor, and uttered a profusion of
caths that would have made a sea-pirate

blush for very shame.

“What a devilish howling that brute keeps

THE ATTACK ON THE GUERRILLAS. oe |

 

 

    
    
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
 
  
   
   
  
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
    
 

up,” said Haversham. “The cuss actually
makes me nervous.” Faces

“ Shoot him,” said I. :

“May I always be on half-rations, if I
hayen’t fired at him three times already,”
growled Haversham.

“Can’t you spot him?” J asked.

“No! biow me, I think I’ve got a bead on
him, when he utters one of those infernal —
yells, and so disarranges my nerves that I —
invariably miss the whelp.” wad

“Tl try him one-shot,” said I, as I took
deliberate aim at the villain’s bushy head. .

“He’s squat dis time, suze, mass’r Capt.,”
chuckled Okra, who was at my side all the
time. -

Sure enough the red-headed scoundrel had
disappeared.

“Laus Deo! screamed Haversham with
delight, “now we can fight like Christians
since that devilish yowling has ceased.”

Just then a sharp firing was heard from
the ledge; with a shout Pedro and his men
attacked the guerrillas upon the left flank.
They gave us a parting volley and scattered
in various directions, taking shelter behind
rocks and trees upon the sides of the ravine,
and keeping up a desultory firing.

A junction of our two parties was now
made. We had not yet discovered the females,
nor indeed had we seen Captain Doblado.

From the chief's absence from the fight, I
at once inferred that our plans for the recoy-_
ery of Inezella and her maid had miscarried.

“Where is my sister?” asked Don Luiz,
rushing up to Pedro,

“T can not say, senor.”

“ Haven’t you.seen her?” 3

“There were no females in sight when we
reached the brow of yon ledge,” replied
Pedro. : . Se

“Madre de Dios!” exclaimed Don Luiz,
“can that villain have escaped with her? Is
all this blood spent for nothing?”

“Not so,” said J. “Those scoundrels are
not concentrating over there without an ob- —
ject.

“T wager my life,” said Haversham, “ that
Dobiado is somewhere on you hillside yet,
where the ruffians are gathering.”

“There is an opening in the rocks like a _
cave,” said Pedro. 2

“ Caramba, yes,” said Luiz, “and a villain”
has just entered.”

“That is their stronghold, and there we —
shall find the females,” added Haversham.

“Then we must take it,” said Don Luiz.

“-Twon t take long to do that,’ continued
Haversham, “for your Lianeros fight mag-
nificently, by Jove! With ten thousand
such fellows, I could march from Calais to
Marseilles and back again.” tae
_ The guerrillas kept up a constant scatter-
ing fire upon us all this time, and it was
posed that we should withdraw. behind a
clump of trees until further measures were
decided upon. From this point we replied
occasionally to the fire of the guerrillas,
which was not severe but very annoying.
Don Luiz, Haversham, and myself withdrew
a little way from the troop, and held a short

    
     
       
 
 

  
    
  

      
       

  

  
 

 

 

28 ae THE ORONOCO CHIEF,

consultation. I was leaning against the
trunk of a small alcornoque tree, with my
sombrero in my hand. I felt a quick, sharp
blow, a leavy cloud of darkness seemed to
cast its shadow over me, and I sunk uncon-
scious upon the ground.

A stray ball from a guerrilla’s carbine had
struck my left breast. When I recovered my
senses, I was lying upon the grotind, my
head supported by Don Luiz, who was bath-
ing my temples with cold water from the
stream, while Haversham was kneeling at
my side fanning me with his sombrero, much
agitated.

“Thank God! he lives,” ejaculated the
poor fellow, who was nearly frantic over my
misfortune, as I opened my eyes and sighed.

“How exceedingly fortunate,” said Don
Luiz, “that it so happened. It is the hand
of God.”

I turned a bewildered look upon him as I
endeavored to comprehend his meaning, and
said: “ Fortunate that I have been wounded ?
It is not a mortal wound, is it?”

“No, no, thank God,” said Haversham, in
joyful tones, “you are not hurt much, only
stunned.’

: “Tt saved your life though,” remarked Don
iz.

“What saved my life?” I asked, sitting up
and regaining my strength rapidly.

“This miniature, which in searching for
the wound we found in your breast-pocket,”
said Don Luiz.

“What say you?” I asked, eagerly, as I
felt the hot blood mounting to my temples.

Don Luiz held up to view the diamond
locket which I prized so highly. I took it in
my kkand but could not open it, as the spring
had been broken by the guerrilla’s ball.

“T trust the picture is not’ injured,’ I said.
Then turning to Luiz, I continued: “ You
can pry it opea with your knife.”

“ The portrait of your affianced, eh?” asked
the Don, laughingly, as he proceeded to in-
sert the edge of his blade beneath the broken
erring.
“Your supposition is wrong,” I answered.
“She is not my affianced, though I worship
her—in fact, 1 have never seen the original
~ at all”

The spring snapped and the locket opened.

“ Madre de Dios /” exclaimed the Don, with
a look of utter bewilderment and surprise, as
the opening case revealed to his gaze the
lovely features of the portrait. ‘“ Where, in
the name of the blessed Virgin, did you get
this? Speak, speak quickly, senor.”

“The story is too long to tell you now,” I
replied, as the crimson hue spread more
rapidly over my face. “Do you know her?”

“ Know her? By all the saints in the calen-
dar, I think I do.”

“Who is she?” I asked, eagerly, my heart
beating with increased rapidity.

“Santa Maria, don’t you know ?” replied
the Don.

“No, as I hope for heaven,” I replied.

“ Tt és the portrait of my sister /” ;
_“Tnezella?” I ejaculated, trembling with
- emotion.

 

“Si, senor, my sister Inezella.” :

“Found at last, thank God!” I Sarr
overwhelmed with joy and surprise as
sprung to my feet, forgetting my weakness
and every thing else in the tumultuous whirl
of emotions that swept over my brain at this
happy discovery. “ As you Sabie my friend-
ship, Luiz, don’t mock me with false hopes.”

“Mock you, Ellesmere, heaven forbid!
Dearest sister,” continued the Don, pressing
his lips again and again upon the precious
locket, as if he would devour it in the excess
of joy which its recovery enkindled. Sud-
denly he paused, and his brow grew some-
what darker and sad as he turned and ad-
dressed me in slow and deliberate tones that
evinced much and deep feeling:

“You said, Edward Ellesmere, that you
worshiped this lady, who proves to be my
sister. You have never seen her, but I trust
you soon may have the opportunity. If your
love for her proves a pure and holy affection,
J have naught to say; but, beware, senor, for
if you trifle with her, heaven help you!” He
paused, and then, as if repenting of his harsh
tone, he grasped my hand warmly and said:
“Forgive me, Ellesmere, I spoke harshly. I
can trust every thing to your honor. Let it
pass.” ,

“Tf it please you, senor captain,” said Pe-
dro, advancing, sombrero in hand, “the guer-
rillas are getiing bolder by our delay, and
haye just wounded Nuna, and killed another
man.’

“ Par Diaz!” exclaimed Luiz, “ we are in-
deed wasting time. Keep the locket now,
Ellesmere, and we will hear the story again.
Let us at once to business, which your fall
interrupted. What course shall we pursue?”

“The villains won't stand a vigorous
charge,” said Haversham, who was always
in favor of blows rather than strategy. “They
are badly frightened already, and a bold dash
would put them to flight instanter.”

“But that is just what we don’t want,”
said Don Luiz. “For then they will carry
off my sister with them.”

“Our plan must save her, or it’s not worth
trying,” I said, energetically. ‘“ We must
have her if we cut the windpipe of every
loon on the hillside yonder.”

“What is your plan?” asked the Don.

“Well,” replied I, “I think Haversham’s
plan a good one, provided we follow the
villains closely. They can’t run and carry
off two females expeditiously enough to pre-
vent our overtaking them; so I favor Hayer-
sham’s plan.” i

“Perhaps you are right. At all events,”
said the Don, “any more delay here gives
them time to prepare for defense, and to re-
cover their lost wits. Besides, I think we
shall find the females in yonder caye, near
the group of trees.” sage

A broken ledge of rocks, and two clumps
of small trees near the foot of the opposite
ascent, offered three secure resting-placea
when once reached, from which we could
meet the foe on more equal terms. After a
short consultation we divided the troop into
three companies, commanded respectively by

 

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ROUT OF THE BANDITS. 8

Don Luiz, Haversham, and myself. <A level

iece of land lay between us and the opposite
Bill While crossing this plain we would be
exposed to the fire of our foes, but once over,
the trees and rocks afforded a shelter; as we
agreed to pause there for a few moments to
regain breath before endeavoring to ascend
the hill.

At a given signal we all pushed forward,
scattering as much as possible to avoid dan-
ger, and again concentrating as we approach-
ed the opposite side of the plain. Not ex-
pecting us, we were half-way across the level
space before any thing like a well-directed
fire was received. ‘The enemy were con-
cealed behind trees, rocks, and hillocks, and
we wasted no ammunition upon them.

Our plan to rest in the shelter of the trees
was completely frustrated by the impetuosity
of Haversham. No sooner had he reached
the spot where he was expected to halt, than
overcome by the ardor of his nature, he waved
his sword and shouted to his party:

“Up the hill my hearties, and at them!”

The brave Llaneros needed only the word,
and springing forward they dashed up the
steep ascent. It was a rash undertaking, but
Don Luiz and I could not prevent it. In fact,
so electrical was the effect of this gallant con-
duct upon our respective commands, that we
were swept along with the men, like straws
upon the whirling current of a rushing
stream.

In an instant the guerrillas and Llaneros
were engaged in a tierce and close encounter.
Few carbines were fired. Knives glistened
in the sunlight, and pistol-shots. rung out
clearly on the air. Powerful men grasped
each other, and with arms intertwined, rolled
down the hillside into the ravine below,
where such as had any strength left, exhaust-
ed themselves in further efforts to destroy
their adversaries. Some, too excited to re-
load, dashed out the brains of others with
their clubbed carbines, and blood flowed like
water. :

Nothing could withstand the vigorous as-
sault of our men. They swept away their
opponents like chaff before the wind. Those
guerrillas who escaped unhurt turned to fly,

‘but their pursuers were close upon their heels,
dealing out fatal blows. We pushed as if by
common consent toward the cavern. <A half
doen bandits were putting forth superhuman
efforts to roll a huge stone before the entrance,
but abandoned their attempt on our ap»roach
and ran into the cave.

We dashed in after them, Haversham lead-
ing the way. The sudden exit from bright
sunlight into comparative darkness was so
blinding, that we were forced to come to a
sudden halt. A few moments accustomed
vs to the change, and aided by a glimmering

. light that found entrance through a long nar-

row crevice in the roof, we pushed slowly
along.

   

termed a cavern, but was rather « long, nar ~
rew, crooked hall, or passage way, lighted
dimly by cracks in the roof. We traversed
several hundred yards in this manner, dis-
covering no living thing, although an oceca-
sional garment or canteen gaye evidence of
previous occupation. As we turned a corner
of rock, we saw at a distance a circle of light, —
which soon proved to be the termination of -
the hall or passage way. Emerging from this
natural viaduct, we entered at once upon a
well-beaten path leading along the side of a
mountainous crag.

A short distance from the outlet of the cay-
ern, we came upon the dead body of a guer-
rilla lying in the middle of the pathway. He
had been stabbed to the heart, and the white
ivory handle of a dirk was still protruding
from his waistcoat. The moment Don Luiz
saw the weapon he sprung forward and drew
it from the wound, exclaiming, fiercely :- fr

“ Caramba! this belongs to Inezella! My
sister is near.”

A faint groan was heard from an adjoinin
thicket of mimosas. In an instant sever
Llaneros darted into the bushes and drew
forth a female form.

It was Zala, the waiting maid of Inezella!

She was nearly insensible, and so utterly
prostrated and exhausted as to be unable to
speak. There was blood upon her face, pro-
ceeding from a slight scratch on the fore- ~
head.

“ Santissima Maria!” exclaimed the Don,
bending over her, “ where is your mistress ?”

The poor mestizo, with a look of unutter-
able misery shook her head and endeavored
to raise her hand. The effort was futile, and
her arm fell to her side. : :

“Give her some aguardiente,” said Haver-
sham. —

His suggestion was followed. Her face also
was bathed with the liquor, and she revived
and sat up. Again Don Luiz inquired for |
her mistress. This time, after several efforts, —
Zala succeeded in speaking faintly:

“Gone yonder,” pointing along the path
we were pursuing.

“ Alone?” continued the Don.

“No, senor, with the Captain Dobladn,”
whispered the girl. ‘

“ How long since?”

“ Fifteen minutes, perhaps.”

“How happened this?” continued the Don,
pointing to the dead guerrilla and Inezella’s
dagger. : ;

“He insulted us in the momentary absence
of Doblado, and Inezella killed him in self —
defense.” . sie oe

“By heavens,” shouted the Don, “ we have
nearly reached them. On, men.”

Full of hope and encouragement we dashed
ahead. :

Pedro, who was some rods in adyance of —
the rest of the party, suddenly halted and —
threw up his sombrero with a shout. =

 

The excavation could not properly be

 

In an instant we were at his side,

giles

 

 
- arms.

30 THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

CHAPTER VIL
The Mountain Struggle.

* Timon. Prithee! what success, my lord?
Hen, Our ere grows apace: each hour but
adds
To its accomplishment. Methinks I yet
Shall win the maiden, though ‘twixt the
present
And such result, be perils both of flood,
And sword.
Timon. Heaven grant thou may’st.
Hen. The Fates have so decreed; I feel it in
My very inmost soul.’’—Oup Puay.

Tu cause of Pedro’s shout was apparent.

Before us lay a broad ravine, at the bottom
of which rushed a mountain torrent, between
precipitous, rocky banks. Across this stream
extended the trunk of a large tree, answering
the purpose of a bridge. The stream was
here about thirty yards wide.

Crossing upon this temporary bridge and
about three-quarters of the way across was
Captain Doblado, bearing Inezella in his
Her dress had become entangled in
some of the branches, and the guerrilla chief-
tain was endeavoring to tear it loose that he
might proceed. A dozen carbines were in-
stantly leveled at him.

“Hold, men, for God’s sake don’t fire!”
exclaimed Don Luiz, in extreme agitation.
“You will kill my sister, too.”

“Let me give liim a shot,” said Haversham.
“Tll wager my head that I can put a bullet
through his brain, and never harm your
sister.”

“No, no, caramba, senor,” cried Don Luiz.
“Tf you kill him, he will fall into the stream
and drag Inezella with him.”

So evident was this to the minds of all, that
while the Llaneros still covered the villain
with their carbines, no one dared to fire.
The guerrilla perceived the movements of
our party, but not hearing the conversation,
was unaware of our decision not to fire.
Fearing instant death, he waved his sombrero
and called out:

“T know you, Don Luiz de Montessa. You
have me in your power now, but if you harm
me, I will plunge your sister into the stream
below, where she can not live a moment.
Will you listen to a proposition from me?”

“Speak on, dog of a Spaniard,” answered
the Don, “but talk fast.”

The guerrilla ground his teeth with rage at
the epithet bestowed upon him, but suppress-
ing his anger he replied:

“Permit me to cross alone in safety and
ascend yon mountain’s side, and I will leave
your sister here unharmed.”

For a moment silence ensued, the desire
for vengeance upon the bandit, and anxiety
for Inezella’s safety, each contending for the
mastery in Don Luiz’s bosom. The hesita-
tion was only momentary, however, for affec-
tion triumphed and he answered :

“T accept your offer. Go now, but beware
of the future. I will pursue you to the
world’s end, and visit upon your foul head

the vengeance ‘your heayen-defying crimes

eserve.
The guerrilla did not pause to reply, but

 

abandoning Inezella upon the bridge, where
she. supported herself by the branches, he
bounded like a chamois up the steep ascent
beyond. Impulsively, several carbines were
raised, but Don Luiz exclaimed:

“No firing! The word of a Montessa is
as good as a bond. Let the villain go this
time.”

Scarcely had the robber left the log before
I sprung forward to have the honor of aiding
Inezella to return. I was half-way across
the bridge when a cry of mingled terror and
surprise arose from the Llaneros upon the
right bank of the stream. I paused to learn
the reason, and perceived my friends pointing
terror-stricken toward the opposite mountain.

Turning my gaze in that direction, I be-
held a scene that froze the blood in my veins
and paralyzed all my nerves, The reason of
the bandit’s willingness to release Inezella
was now apparent. He hoped to save his
own life and yet destroy Inezella. Halfway
up the hight, and beyond the reach of the
carbines, he had paused. Seizing the stout
branch of a fallen tree, which he used as a
lever, he had succeeded, in starting from its
insecure resting-place an immense rock weigh
ing several tons.

‘he ponderous stone had already started
from its bed, and was descending directly to-
ward the log-bridge!

With a yell of defiance the guerrilla watch-
ed its descent. On it came, with a crashing,
roaring sound, like an Alpine avalanche,
gathering momentum 4s it proceeded. I
stood rooted to the spot, incapable of motion,
holding my breath and expecting instant de-
struction, while poor Inezella pressed a gold-
en crucifix to her lips and murmured an ave
Maria for protection.

The vast stone bounded like a ball froin
rock to rock, filling the air with flying splint-
ers of tree and rock, as it swept every thing
before it.

Will it strike the bridge ?

One fiend in human form hopes it will;
while three-score brave hearts are invoking
all the saints in the calendar to avert so dire
a calamity. We are saved! The moving
body strikes a hillock ;and deviates from its
course. We rejoice too soon, for reaching a
worn channel that terminates opposite the
end of the bridge, the rock dashes along it,
as unerringly as a locomotive on the track.

“ Gracios Dios!” A territic crash—a fear-
ful scream from our friends upon the bank—
a cry of exultation from the mountain’s side!
Rock, bridge, Inezella, and myself are pre-
cipitated with the rapidity of thought into
the abyss of whirling waters beneath.

I arose to the surface unharmed. <A dark
object swept by me, but in the blinding spray
I could recognize nothing. As a drowning
man grasps a straw, so I convulsively clutch-
ed at this. It was the form of Inezella!
There was no time for congratulation.
The wild waters hurried us along. Although
a strong man and a powerful swimmer, and
induced to every exertion by the hope of
saving the life of her, already dearer to me
than life, all efforts to breast the current

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RESCUE OF

were unavailing. The stream dashed along
with the velocity and force of a mill-race,
and I found I was exhausting my strength to
no purpose.

A ledge of rocks jutted out into the rapids.
I clutched it with a desperate grasp. Fora
moment I steadied myself and threw the form
of Inezella over my shoulder. I could do no
more. A fierce surge of waters loosened my
hold, and we again shot down the ravine.
Directly ahead of us I saw a small tree grow-
ing out of the rocks at the water’s edge. We
were swept by the seething, boiling current,
against the branches of this tree, which were
buried in the waters.

Bidding Inezella, who, though very weak
and much frightened, was still conscious of
passing events, to cling closely to me, I
grasped a stout braneh with both hands and
held firmly to it. My feet, which the force
of the current whirled around against the
bank below, struck upon a slight projec-
tion, and gave me such powerful aid that
. felt able to retain my position for some

ime.

. Could our friendsreach us in time?

Not long were we subjected to doubt. A
shout from the top of the bank, which was
precipitous and thirty feet high, announced
the arrival of help. J answered back with a
wild whoop which rose clear and shrill above
the roar of waters.

_ My God, they're here!” called out an ex-
cited voice, which I instantly recognized as
Haversham’s,

“Hold fast five minutes, Ned, and you're
saved,” he shouted from above.

“Lose no time,” I answered, “for my
strength is failing.”

There was a hurried tramping of feet above
us and confused voices, and then Haversham
called out again:

“Shall we lower youa lasso ?”

“Yes, and hurry.”

In an instant a Strong lasso, that ever-pres-
ent convenience of a Llanero, was dangling
before my eyes. Releasing my hold with one
hand, I endeavored to slip the noose beneath
Inezella’s arms, but in vain. My strength
was too far gone to retain my position with
one hand only, and I was compelled to de-
Sist from all such attempts. I threw the lasso
from me and again seized the branch. |

“What’s the matter?” cried Don Luiz.

_“Tam too weak to fasten the lasso,” I re-
plied. 3

There was a hurried consultation on the
bank. The lasso was drawn up. Again it

- descended. This time, the welcome form of
Okra descended with it, the Jasso firmly
bound around his waist. :

“Tse a comin’, mass‘r Capt.,” said the gen-
erous fellow, whose countenance still wore
traces of recent tears, although now wreathed
With joyful smiles. =

ee You are a good fellow, Okra,” said I,

“and Pll reward you for this.”

“Don’t say nuifin’, mass’r Capt., not *nud-
der word,” interposed the noble black, his
; oe moist with tears of joy, “I’se so glad to |
_ find ye ’gin—t’ank de Lor’, mass’r.”

wf

 

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were stationed in proper positions,

   
 

INEZELLA.

“Take the lady gently in your arms, Okra,"
said I, “and they will draw you up.”

The powerful black raised her in his braw-
ny arms as if she were a child. Willing hands
above drew them up rapidly; and a second =
trip deposited my exhausted frame upon the
smooth rocks above. A few drops of aguar-.
diente revived us both. 2 :

The sun, meantime, had sunk from sight
in a bank of dark clouds, and night was fast
approaching. Darkness comes on rapidty —
in the tropics, and it was necessary to decide
quickly upon what course to pursue. a

“We can not get out of these mountains
before dark,” said Don Laiz, “and we can
not remain here.”

“Suppose we return as far as the cave, at
all events, and then decide,” suggested Hay-
ersham.

“A good idea,” I rejoined, as I rose to my —
feet and endeavored to steady myself, “I can |
easily walk that distance, if Hayersham will
give me the aid of his arm.”

“We must carry Inezella upon a litter,”
remarked Haversham. At the mention of her
name, Inezella, who was reclining with her
head resting on Don Luiz’s shoulder, said:

“T think, brother Luiz, that I can walk.”

She essayed to arise, but found herself un-
equa! to the task. x

“Do not weary yourself by trying, dearest,” —
kindly interposed the Don.

A rude litter of branches, over which were
thrown a poncho or two, was soon impro-
yised, and Donna Inezella was placed there-

Two stout Llaneros lifted each end, —
while Don Luiz walked by the side, conyers-
ing in low tones with his sister.

Our return was much slower than the ad-
vance, and by the time we reached the cave,
complete darkness so enveloped the earth, —
that any further progress was out of the
question. We therefore halted and began
preparations for the night.

A huge fire was speedily kindled near the
rear entrance of the cave, from the pieces of
dry wood and faggots that strewed the
ground in great abundance. To our joy we
found Zala in the cave, whither she had
crawled, after our hurried departure. She
was much recovered, and took an active part
in assisting her mistress. The night air grew
so chilly, that we feared lest the damp clothes
of Inezella might cause illness, she being of
a delicate constitution. A small fire was
therefore kindled within a recess of the cay-.
ern, under the personal supervision of Don
Luiz himself. This, together with a tempo- —
rary curtain, consisting of several ponchos, —
made quite a cozy little apartment, which
was devoted to Inezella and her maid. The
generous little mestizo, moreover, insisted —
upon her mistress assuming her dry garments,
she, in turn, with natural skill and ingenuity
making for herself a tasty dress from a cou
of ponchos, until her mistress’ clothes should
dry before the fire. es

As for myself, the immersion did me no—
harm, and the blazing fire soon dried my gar
ments. Under the direction of ae

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    

   
    
     
      
  
  

:

  

‘

  
or

ae THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

reat of the company, after partaking of what
little tasajo and aguardiente remained in their
possession, disposed themselves in various
comfortable nooks.

Don Luiz, Haversham, and myself, wrap-
ed ourselves in our cloaks and sat down a
ittle apart from the rest.

“A very eventful day,” said Don Luiz.

“Stirring times,” said Haversham, in reply,
as he handed us each a cigar, and continued:
“How did you enjoy involuntary baptism
to-day, Ellesmere ?”

“Not so badly scared as if there had been
crocodiles in the stream,” I retorted.

Haversham took the joke and indulged in
a hearty laugh over the remembrance of his
own adventure in the Oronoco.

“Yes, .yes, Ellesmere,’ interrupted the
Don. “Tell us about the locket, now, for
I’m dying to hear how you obtained it.”

“Oh, I got it from our mutual friend, Do-
blado,” I replied. :

“From Doblado?” asked Don Luiz, in
surprise. ‘“ Why, how in the deyvil’s name
did it come into his hands?”

“ Carambo! That I can’t pretend to ex-
plain,” said I, smiling.

“Well, then, tell us how you got it.”

“J won it from him at a game of rouge-et-
noir, down at Angostura. We had a duel,
you remember,” said I.

“And a mighty queer Gael it was, too,”
chimed in Haversham. “One might better

_call it general engagement, or a regular cam-

paign for that matter. Instead of Ellesmere

and the captain doing up their own fighting,
as being good Christians they were bound to
do, they lugged your humble servant and
some twenty others into the affair—a big
crocodile included—and a right handsome
little scrimmage it was, too; barring always

‘the part that abominable water yvarmint

took in it, for you see, Don, the heathen crit-
ter, with no more manners than a Chinese,
stuck his nose into business that no way con-
cerned him.” _

“Tmpolite, wasn’t it?” laughed the Don.

“ Rather think it was,’ added Haversham.
“And the beast up and swallowed a horse
that cost me twenty pounds, just as easily as
Jonah took in the whale.” -

“You mean as the whale swallowed Jonah
—not Jonah the whale,” said I, with a hearty
laugh.

“Well, perhaps you're correct,” replied
Haversham, scratching his head. “I’m not
quite as familiar with Scripture as I ought to
be; but the comparison is just as good any-
way—only I wish the horse had swallowed
the crocodile, and then it wouldn’t have mat-
tered a bit. The crocodile wasn’t as honest

though, by half, as the whale.”

“Wow do you make that out?” asked I.
“J can’t see any honesty or dishonesty in-
volved in either case.”

“Well, I can,” replied Haversham. “The
whale was an honest fish, but the crocodile
was a dishonest varmint.”

».“ How does it appear?” :

“Now, look here, Ned,” answered Haver-

sham, with a broad grin. “If you are good

 

at Scripture, you are dull at secing 3 clear

oint, any how. You see, that Jonak swal-
owed—no, J mean the whale swallowed
Jonah, but the very minute he was convinced
he had swallowed the wrong man he threw
him up again, so that he could return to his
wife and children; but this pesky crocodile
don’t return the horse.”

“T give it up,” I said, as we all three burst
into a loud laugh over Haversham’s logic.

After our merriment had somewhat sub-
sided, I asked Luiz: -

“Was Doblado intimately acquainted with
your family ?” |

“Somewhat so,” replied Don Luiz. “Per-
haps I may as well tell you briefly how it
came about, and why the villain entertains
such bitter hatred toward aJ] our family.”

“Do so,” said both Haversham and myself.

 

CHAPTER IX.
The Don’s Story.

“T tell it as "twas told to me—
A plain, unvarnished tale.”"—Appis,

Don Luz stretched his limbs, drew his
mantle closer around him, and began:

“Two years nearly have now elapsed since
I first met Captain Doblado. J was at Mara-
caibo, awaiting the arrival of the steamer
from New Orleans, by which we expected
my sister, Inezella. She had been spendin
ayear in that city at a young ladies’ semi-
nary, perfecting herself in the various ac-
complishments of refined society. At the
same hotel with me was the captain, then
simply senor Doblado, who represented him-
self as the traveling agent of a London firm,
for whom he was empowered to purchase
large quantities of sugar and tobacco.

“Being at a loss for something to do to
while away the time, and,the captain having
apparently considerable leisure, we quite
naturally struck up an acquaintance. We
played monte, drank champagne occasion-
ally, and enjoyed ourselves amazingly. The
man was very polite in manner, agreeable in
conversation, and winning in his ways.
Moreover, he negotiated of my father,
through me, for several hundred hogsheads
of tobacco, to be delivered at Angostura.

“JT extended to him an invitation to return
with my sister and myself to our estate
which offer he accepted, as I had afterward
reason to remember, with apparent great
satisfaction, though at the time it did not
make much impression upon me.

“The steamer soon arrived with Inezella.

Much to my surprise, I then learned that the _

captain had met my sister in New Orleans,
and had already a slight acquaintance with
her, They had met at a soiree given by the
Spanish. consul, and the captain had called
upon her soon afterward, apparently much
pleased with her. 3 5

“She, however, took a dislike to him from
the beginning, and avoided his society, when-
ever she could do so without giving offense.

 

 

   
  
  
   
 

 

 
   
 
    
 

4
4
4

 

 

DON LUIZ’S STORY.

“He had sugdenly disappeared, and she
had heard nothing of him until she arrived
at Maracaibo, on her way home.

“Upon learning these facts, I regretted
that an invitation had been given him to ac-
company us home; but it was too late to re-

ttract without offending the captain, and, as
he was likely to prove a good customer for
the products of our estate, and supposing that
Thezella’s dislike was only a whim of the mo-
ment, I decided to drop the subject for the
present, trusting to the future to right mat-
ters. The sequel proved, however, that Ine-
mie was a better judge of the man than my-
self.

“The captain remained a fortnight at the
hacienda, enjoying our hospitality, until the
tobacco was properly packed, and ready for
shipment down the river to Angostura. Ine-

_Zella’s dislike to him seemed to increase daily,
and in the direct ratio of the pointedness of
the captain’s attentions, until I’ concluded to
speak to our visitor upon the subject, unless
an early departure rendered such a course
unnecessary. f

“One afiernoon on my return to the house
from a trip to a distant part of the plantation,
I found my sister in tears. After urgent and
repeated inquiries, I ascertained that Captain
Doblado had actually had the impudence to
offer himself to her, and had only left the
room after repeated refusals on her part. to

listen to his proposals, and threats to call her*

maid, unless he withdrew-from her presence.
“My anger knew no bounds. This was
the return the ungrateful scoundrel was mak-
Ing for all my kindness and hospitality toward
him. I was proceeding with rapid strides
to his apartment, determined to eject him
summarily from the house, when 1 overheard
f loud words fipon the piazza. I stopped to
listen, and recognized the voices of Don Felix
and Captain Doblado in violent altercation.
I stepped out on the portico. The captain’s
hand was clenched and raised as if about to
Strike my father. Before he was fairly aware
of my presence, I gave the villain a powerful
blow upon the side of the. head, beneath
which he reeled and staggered off the piazza.
“We immediately clinched, but the captain
Was more than my equal in physical strength,
and I was likely to be overcome in the strug-
gle, as Don Felix, just recovering from an at-
tack of illness, was unable to assist me. The
Scoundrel endeavored to draw a dirk from his
, to prevent which, it required all my
efforts. Ramon, the overseer, who was for-
tunately near at hand, heard the noise of the
‘8cuffie and ran to my aid. We soon had the
Captain secured and his wrists bound with a
thong. I was in doubt what to do with the
mIniscreant, but finally decided. I ordered the
entire population of the estate to be assem-
bled, and stated the ungrateful conduct of the
captain. I told them how he had wormed
himself into my confidence, had abused it,

_ had insulted my sister, had threatened Don

Felix, and even endeavored to take my life.
I informed them that I intended to punish

_ the criminal, not’by taking his life, though in

such a course I might be justified; but by
Cen a

  
 
 

!

 

  

disgracing him in the eyes of all present. 4
then ordered three stout blacks to seize the
captain and carry him to the adjacent horse-
pond and give him a thorough ducking.
This the servants did with a hearty good-
will, amid the jeers and hooting of the entire
plantation. The captain swore furiously and
raved like a madrean, vowing all kinds of
fearful vengeance; but in vain.

“After the miserable wretch was half

drowned, I ordered a whip to be placed in
the hands of some twenty of the servants, and
bid them drive the culprit from thie place,
first giving him some good #vice and a
warning not to be caught in our neighbor-
hood again. The dog of a Spaniard at first
rebelled and actually showed fight, but a
powerful darkey grasping him by the collar,
ave him such a good shaking that he begged
or quarter. Upon being released, he bounded
off across the lawn like an affrighted deer,
pursued by the servants, who plied their
lashes most vigorously and successfully, as
the continued howls of pain uttered by the
wretch fully testified. :

“The tobacco had not been shipped, luckily
for us, as we soon after Jearned that the cap-
tain was a swindler, and was, in reality, pur-
chasing on his own account, and paying
es in forged bills of exchange on Lon-

on. :

“The next time I heard of Doblado, he
was a captain in the patriot army at Puerto
Cabello, which he doubtless joined for pur-
poses of plunder or revenge. He soon after
quarreled with a fellow-soldier, shot him in
a duel and was dismissed the service. He
now holds a captain’s commission in the
royalist army.” ; z

“As arrant a knave as walks unhung,”
said Haversham, as the Don concluded his
narrative.

“ But, how did he get this locket?” T asked.

“JT think he must have stolen it from my ~
apartment,” replied the Don. “he case
was originally my mother’s, and was manu-
factured in Florence. It was a present to her
when a young girl from the Visconte Sis-
mondi, a friend of the family. The portrait
of Inezella was painted by an Italian artist —
in New Orleans, and I prized it exceedingly.
Soon after the captain’s exit from the tee
enda I missed it, but never connected its ivss
with his departure, until 1 saw it to-day in
your possession, and learned that you ob-
tained it from him.”

There was a pause in the conversation.
Haversham’s hard breathing indicated that
he had succumbed to the fatigues of the day,
and was fast asleep. ,

Don Luiz was the legitimate owner of the
locket, and I debated in my own mind
whether I ought not to return it to him at
once. True, he had not asked for it, but that

was no proof that he did not expect it. Ire

solved, therefore, much as I prized it, that
the owner should have it, and I drew it from
my bosom. Soe ;

“Here, Don Luiz,” said I, handing it to —

him, “is your locket; I take pleasure in re-

storing it to its original and proper owner.”

 

 

 
Se

|
te
te
hs
rt

 
   
  
 

 

of THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

Don Luiz gave me an earnest look as he
replied ;

“No, Ellesmere, Pll not take it from you.
I think you have earned_a claim to keep it.
Besides, you know it preserved your life to-
day, and on that account you ought to prize

,

“T do not deny, Luiz, that it would confer
great pleasure upon me to retain the minia-
ture, not only as a remembrancer of my own
providential preservation, but as a precious
memento of the friendship of yourself and
Inezella,” I replied.

“Then keep it.” ;

“On one condition only can I consent to
do so,” was my answer.

“ What is that?” asked the Don.

“That Donna Inezella gives her free and
unreserved permission for me to do so,” I
continued.

“Keep it then. 1 will guarantee that,” said
Don Luiz.

“Pardon me, my friend, I may appear a
stickler for technicalities, but her own con-
sent is necessary, which of course you can
not give at present,” said I.

“How know you that?” asked the Don,
quizzically.

“Why you hayen’t spoken to her at all
yet on the subject.”

“Yes, but 1 have, Ellesmere,” replied the
Don.

*“ When and where, pray tell?”

“Qh,” said Don Luiz, with some indiffer-
nee, “as the litter was borne hither, we con-
used absut fou.”

© About me?” I asked, with no little grati-
fica‘ioa as well as suspicion.

“Certainly, about you. Caramba, why
not?” said Luiz, with a laugh.

“T did not suppose she was enough inter-
ested in a comparative stranger,” I answered.

“Pshaw, not think of the man who had
just periled his own life to rescue her? Who
in heaven’s name would she think of, if not
of her preserver ?”

“ And she knows that I have this locket?”

“Yes. I told her so myself; and added
that it had saved your life lately, and that

ou prized it both on that account and for
ner sake, too,” said the Don.

“Why, Don Luiz, you didn’t repeat what
I told you to-day ?”

“What did you tell me?” asked Luiz, with
asmile. ‘Come, Ellesmere, what’s the mat-
ter? I declare your face is crimson already.”

“Oh, nothing,” I replied, striving to con-
ceal my feelings. “You know what I al-
tuded to. On the impulse of the moment I
said_vo-day that I loved your sister, Inezella,”

“Do you wish now to retract that asser-
tion?” asked the Don, his face growing
gloomy and sad. “If it was only the ex-
clamation of a passing thought—then, indeed,
haye I committed a grievous error in inform-
ing Inezella of it; but I supposed you were
in earnest and meant what you said.”

“You misunderstand me, Luiz,” I replied,
quickly and with earnestness. “I desire to
retract nothing. On the cqunany I now
repeat, deliberately, what I sai iJ
1

 

this morning—that I love Inezella, I worship
her.”, s
“You relieve my mind greatly,” said the

on.
* But you didn’t tell her that I said I loved

her, did you?” é
“Yes, Eljesmere, I did,” replied the Don.

“May I ask you what she said?” I eagerly -

inquired,

“ Well,” answered the Don, with a yawn
of drowsiness, “she said, ‘Good soul, let him
keep the locket, for he deserves it.’”

The Don gave another yawn and mani-
fested such unmistakable indications of
sleepiness, that I made no reply, but drew
my mantle closely around me. .

A sensation of exquisite satisfaction and
Peete diffused itself through my mind, as

thought of Inezella, dearer and more pre-
cious now than ever; after the late perils ub-
dergone in her behalf. Overcome with the
fatigues of the past forty-eight hours, my
eyelids grew heavy, and the misty shadows
of dreamland darkened my weary brain, as I
sunk into the embrace of Morpheus. Bright
visions of future joy flitted before me, over
all of which the ideal object of my love, the
fair-faced and dark-eyed Inezella cast radiant
beams ef ineffable happiness. How long I
slumbered I know not, but I was awakened
by the sound of approaching voices and the
trampling of many feet.

. Don Luiz had arisen and was conversing
apart with Pedro, the lieutenant. Between
the fire and myself were several Llaneros,
and near them stood a large-framed, dark-
visaged man, dressed in a green jacket and
buff-colored breeches, with high-topped boots,
and wearing a slouched hat with a black
plume. He was unarmed and apparently
awaited the termination of Pedra’s conversa-
tion with Don Luiz. He was not of our
troop, and I began to wonder who he was
and whence he came. My doubts were soon
dissipated. Don Luiz beckoned to him to
approach. The stranger complied with the
order, and advanced toward us, hat in hand,

“You say you belong to the band of Cap-
tain Doblado,” said the Don. ;

“Ydid, senor, belong to his band this morn-
ing, but am no longer a member,” replied the
stranger, in a firm voice.

“Your name ?”

“Gaspar Gomez.”

“From your dress, I might suppose you
were an officer,” continued Don Luiz, ~

“Si, senor, I was his lieutenant.”

“Hal say’st thouso? Why did you leave
him ?” :

“He abused and maltreated me, senor.
Besides, | am an honest man, and have al-
ways opposed the captain’s cruelties and rob-
beries. I was formerly a sergeant in the
army of Morillo. Six years since we sailed
hither from Cadiz. Lately, I was ordered
to report to Captain Doblado and assigned
to a lieutenancy. I volunteered, senor, as a
Christian to fight for king Ferdinand, and
not to murder defenseless women and clil-

dren and sack haciendas,”

“You speak fair, my man, and your tongue,

 

te nt a

 

Ba i esr

 

 
       
 

ia eda So

 

_ fast until our horses were

GASPAR GOMEZ,

is smooth,” continued the Don, “ but answer

me one question ere we go further.”

“ Well, senor.” :

“Did you aid in sacking the hacienda of
Don Felix de Montessa ?”

“No, senor. I opposed that expedition;
wherefore I was thrown into a dungeon,
whence your men, hearing my calls for help,
liberated me.”

“My lieutenant, Pedro, has informed me
that you are willing to aid us, in order that
you may be revenged upon Doblado; is this
true?” asked the Don.

“Per Dios! I crave for his heart’s blood,”
responded Gaspar, with a fierce oath.

“Tis well. For had you participated in
the ruin of my father’s house, and still be-
longed to that accursed gang, I should hang
you in the twinkling of an eye.”

“And I should have deserved it,” was
Gaspar’s response. .

“The fellow has an honest look and fair

Speech,” said the Don, in a low voice to me.
“Would you trust him ?”
... Les,” I replied, “ for he can aid us greatly
if he is honest; and if he attempts to deceive
us, why put a ball through his treacherous
skull—that’s my advice. Trust him, but
Watch him.”

“I will try you, Gaspar Gomez, and if you
Serve us well and truly, you shall be at libert:
to return to the royalist army unharmed.
But mark my words: if you are playing us
false, and assume this tale to deceive, by all
the saints in the calendar, Pll cut your head
from your body and leave you as food for
the beasts.

“Pedro! take charge of this man, and, on
the first indication of treachery, put a ball
through him,” continued the Don.”

‘Si, senor!” answered Pedro, striking his
mustachios. “May I stay in purgatory for-
ever, if I don’t do as you bid me.”

Again the camp relapsed into silence, and

‘Raught was heard save the heavy breathing

of the weary sleepers, and the regular, distant
tread of the sentinels. :

 

CHAPTER X.
The Retreat and the Fruits af tt.

“dnd. Oh, they are villaing, every pesky wretch.
Practiced to stab and smile; to stab the

__ That smiles upon them. :
Wal. Food only for black powder, my lord.
And. reat which rightly applied, would blow

em
To the devil—where they belong.””.
Brooke.

‘TE gray streaks of early dawn found act-
ivity prevalent in the camp. The slowness
of our advance, impeded as we were by the
two females and several wounded Llaneros,
would consume several hours in reaching the
foot of the mountains.

Our rations were consu and we must
1, which we
had no doubt we should find grazing upon

“

 

 

THE DESERTER. a

the luxuriant herbage along the stream, under
charge of the faithful Llane:os detailed for
that purpose.

At the word of command the troop fell
into column, the females and wounded bring-
ing up the rear. Don Luiz and Haversham
rode in the advance, while the former, wha
had much regard for my inclination, suggest- ;
ed that I should remain with the ladies. Thisk
arrangement was very agreeable to me, and. _
I flattered myself that it was not particularly
objectionable to Donna Inezella, whose
hightened color as I approached, revealed
evident satisfaction.

In a voice of great tenderness and earnest-
ness she expressed to me the gratitude she
felt for my interest in her welfare, as proven
by the events of the last few days. My reply
was checked by the report of a carbine some
distance in advance of us. Don Luiz came”
hurriedly to the rear, exclaiming, excitedly:

“There are guerrillas near us. We must
move with caution.”

“There can’t be many, I think,” said I,
“for we whipped them badly paseriate. ;
“Tam by no means sure of that,” replied
the Don, with anxiety. “Pedro declares he
saw a large number of yellow breeches
among the rocks and trees a few moments —

a 0.”

“There was no longer any doubt on the sub-
ject. A volley of balls rattled around us,
while banditti started up from behind trees,
stumps, and rocks on both sides of the_ra-
vine.

“ Diabolo,” shouted Haversham, as he came
bouncing up to us. “ Where in the devil did
all these villains come from? There are at
least two hundred of them, and as rantank-
erous and saucy as musketoes down at An-
gostura.”

“We must fall back to the cave at once,”
said the Dun. “Do you, Ellesmere, see to
the ladies and wounded, while the rest of us
give these rascals a check.” .

Under these directions we began a retro-
grade movement, the Llaneros skirmishing
constantly with the guerrillas, who, encour-
aged by our retreat, grew very bold. We
were outnumbered three to one, and fought
strictly on the defensive. At length the
shelter was reached and we breathed easier.
But we had little time or reason for relaxa-
tion. The guerrillas, with desperate daring,
threatened to assault us even in this new
position. To our great dismay, Pedro an-
nounced that our ammunition was beginning’
to get low, not more than one or two hun- _
dred loads remaining in the entire troop.
Our situation now became really alarmin®,
and our capture or destruction seemed by no
means impossible. .

Wecould not hold this position any length
of time against the superior numbers of the
enemy; and we knew of no means of escape
except through the ravine now in their pos-
paden: tas this Sg of our extremity, —

aspar Gomez came forward, sombrero in
hand, and said: ccaeete aeetee

os Somer captain will listen tome, I cam

 

 

   
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Don Luiz, with a look of satisfaction,
which, however, gradually changed into an
incred lous smile, replied:

“How can you help us, pray tell ?”

“ By showing you a way of escape, senor.”

“Santa Maria, Gomez, lead us out of this

infernal trap, and you shail have not only:
your freedom, but one hundred doubloons

besides.”

“T want no gold, senor; only trust me.”

“Well, then, lead on; but no treachery, or,
caranda, yowre a dead man.”

Gaspar grinned, and continued:

“By pursuing the path in the rear of this
place in a southerly direction, we shall soon
arrive at. the stronghold of these guerrillas,
which is less than a quarter of a league
hence. There you can supply yourselves
with ammunition and provisions, and make,
if need be, a stout resistance. The entire
band is in our front now, and the way must
be clear.”

“Will not the villains attack us on the
route ?”

“Tmpossible. There are only two roads
leading hence to their stronghold. The one
we pursue is short—the other compasses two
leagues, and they can not scale the mountain
range that separates the two paths.”

After a short consultation, we decided to
follow Gaspar’s guidance and at once took up
our journey, leaving a half-dozen Llaneros at
the mouth of the cave to make such demon-
strations as might deceive the guerrillas and
conceal our departure.

After leaving the cave, we took a direction
opposite to that pursued in reaching the log-
bridge, and moved as rapidly as the circum-
stances of the case permitted. The path
wound along the mountain’s side, gradually
descending until it reached the bottom of the
valley, and then ascended the opposite side.

We had just begun the ascent, when a
number of shots were fired in the direction
of the cave, and we saw the Llaneros whom
we had left behind, running down the de-

_ Clivity, followed by a host of yelling guer-

rillas.

Our party was now urged on expeditiously,
in hopes of reaching our new place of shelter
before. we were overtaken. Occasionally a
stray shot fell near us, which served to quick-
en our movements. Gaspar performed his
part well and was fast gaining our confi-
dence, when to our dismay he stumbled, and
fell forward upon his face, exclaiming:

“Santissima, I’m shot.”

We raised him up, and found the blood
pouring profusely from a wound in the back.

“Leave me and push ahead, I can’t live
but a moment,” he gasped, and overcome by
paiv and loss of blood, fainted away.

The bandits were now in the ravine below
us in close pursuit, and we were compelled
to hurry on. We therefore drew the body

of Gaspar into the bushes and pressed for-

ward. The death of our guide appalled us,

as we needed now more than ever his direc-

tions and words of cheer. We supposed that

_ the path we were treading led directly to the
_ Stronghold, but were not altogether certain

 

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

of this. Moreover, t..c scattering fire of the
pursuers was becoming very serious.

Hayersham finally volunteered to take
command of thirty Llaneros, and endeavor to
check the audacity of the bandits. Station-
ing his men behind a large fallen tree, he
succeeded in checking their advance for some
ten minutes, when he was compelled to fall
back to prevent being captured.

This momentary repulse was our salvation.

We reached an open plateau with the en-
trance to a large cavern in full view before
us, which we hastened to enter. After pass-
ing the entrance, the cavern increased rapid-
ly in width and hight. At the rear of the
first vault, a narrow passage-way began, ex-
tending some half a dozen yards, when: it
again widened into a second vault. This
second apartment communicated with a
third, which latter was entcred by an open-
ing from the side of the second one. From
the ceiling was suspended a rude metal lamp,
which emitted a faint light and a disagree-
able odor of fish-oil.

It was a large vault, capable of containing
one hundred persons comfortably. The floor
was strewn with blankets, various weapons,
and several packs of cards, and its general
appearance indicated an unexpected and sud-
den departure of its former occupants. Con-
siderable arepas and tasajo was also found
upen a swinging shelf in tlfe corner, but no
ammunition. An opening in the side wall
of this apartment indicated additional pags-
ages and vaults, but a damp, noisome air
that came up from it, forbade our entrance.

The females were at once placed in this
inner room, and we cast about for a method
of defense. There was no time to be lost,
for the ruffians were already swarming over
the plateau, evidently half inclined to rush

into the cavern. There was this advantage ~

on our side, that, while we from within the
cavern could distinctly observe the- meve-
ments of our foes, we were invisible to them.
A dozen Llaneros with carbines were station-
ed in the first apartment, which disposition

had scarcely been made, before the guerrillas _

dashed at the eritrance, but started back in
terror as the twelve carbines vomited forth a
leaden tempest, directly in their faces. ‘Ten

bodies lay near the doorway, and the rocks —

grew red with their blood. The assaiiants
retreated tumultuously a short distance.

Twice this attempt was repeated with the
same result; and the devils appeared as ready
as ever to renew the attack, while, to our
horror, Pedro announced that our powder
was now entirely exhausted. My own pis-
tols were each loaded, and I determined to
reserve them asa dernier resorte, in case of
extreme necessity.

Don Luiz was nearly frantic with the idea
that we might yet be overpowered by the
guerrillas, while Haversham was ransacking
every nook and corner of the three apart-
ments, vowing a dozen wax candles to any
saint or heathen god that would ‘enable him
to find a few loads of ammunition. Inezella,
with Zala at her side, was commending us
all to the blessed Virgin, in whose protective

s

 

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Sablitclibiieahaiteneai

   

THE STRUGGLE

power she seemed to place abiding confi-
dence

Again our foes showed signs of hostility,
but also greater caution. Suddenly the re-
port of a carbine resounded through the cay-
ern, followed by an exclamation. of joy.

_He’s dun fur, mass’r Capt. I’se kill’d
him!” shouted Okra, as he ran up to me,
greatly excited.

= ae whom ?”

“Why, yon debbil of a capt’n, wat you
call tine “Dubbledadoo,” us :

“That is a mistake, I think,” said I.

“Yah, yah, mass’r Capt., I shot an’ see’d
um fall, and seed um carry um off.”

From the commotion visible among the
guerrillas, it was evident that some accident
had occurred of a serious nature.

They were hurrying to and fro, and an
officer was’ lying upon the ground at the foot
of a small tree, who we hoped might be
Doblado, but were not certain thereof.

Our foes were now more furious than ever,
and adopted a new plan. Gathering up all
the faggots and dry brush they could
find, they began to pile them up against
the mouth of the cavern. We were to be
smoked out !

To this pile they applied a match, and in
an instant dense volumes of thick smoke
came rolling into our retreat. As the smoke
filled the first apartment, it poured into the
hext, and soon became almost insupportable,
80 that we were driven for safety into the
third apartment.

“Currai! exclaimed Haversham, “blow
me to flinders, if ’m going to be cured like a
ham in this way. Let me die like a Christian
or-not at all.”

With this ejaculation he lighted a lamp
and darted into the damp, gloomy opening
in the side of the rocks. Ten minutes passed,

When Don Luiz remarked:

“I think the density of the smoke is de-
Creasing; the fire must be dying out.” &

‘Go and see,” said I, to Okra.

Okra dropped upon his knees, knowing
that the nearer the floor he kept the less
smoke he should find, and crawled into the
second yault. There was perfect silence.
Five minutes elapsed and the darkey did not
return. :

“Caramba!? said the Don, “the smoke

strangled him.”

“No danger of that,” I replied. “ His
lungs can stand any thing; he will be back
Shortly.”

“ By St. George,” shouted Haversham, gay-
ly, as he emerged with a bound from the dark
passage-way “ we'll circumvent the heathen
this time, sure.”

“What have you discovered?” I asked,
anxiously.

“TLaus Deo! what do you think? That

age-wagMteads through the mountains,
Out into the fresh air.” | ;
“Glorious news!” exclaimed several.
“And better yet,” continued Haversham.

“Per Santos! the powder-cnest of these rap-

scallions is stowed away in a nice little grotto
‘in there, and the devil only knows how much

 

    
 

 

IN THE CAVE. a

plunder of various kinds besides. A genuine
sub-treasury with a heap of deposits!” ;

“Bravo!” shouted the group. Se

“Oh, de Lord save us, mass’r,” grunted —
Okra, as he crawled in from the second apart-_
ment, coughing and sneezing and haif suffo-
cated by the oppressive smoke.

“What's the matter?” I asked. “Is the
smoke increasiny ?” :

“No, mass’r, tain’t dat, fur de fire’s gone
out most; but de debbils wid yaller. breeches
be ’centratin’ in de fust cave, and is talkin’
ob comin’ in yer right ‘way—so dey is.”

“ Santa Maria!” exclaimed the Don. “We
must hurry the females off at_once. Here,
Inezella, you and Zala, with Ellesmere and
half a dozen Llaneros, must proceed with ail
haste through that passage; and Ellesmere,” —
he continued, addressing me and grasping
my hand, “into your keeping I intrust my
sister, if any thing befall me. Go and await
us at the further end of the passage.”

In an instant we were groping our way
along by the dim light of an oil-lamp, carried —
by a Llanero who took the lead. The pas-
sage was narrow and scarcely high enough
to permit me to stand erect, while great drops
of water continually trickled down the sides
or fell from the roof. I followed next to the
guide and Inezella next to me, in order that

might assist her over the more difficult
places. After proceeding one hundred yards
in this manner, we paused a moment to rest
in the little grotto mentioned by Haversham.
There was a great profusion of articles gath-  /
ered together in this little apartment—am-_
munition, weapons, several bags of coin,
clothes, provisions, and in fact, the accumu- _
lated spoils of many expeditions.

As we arose to continue our course, two-
Llaneros burst into the grotto, grasped each
a canister of powder, and hastily disappeared
in the direction we had come.

Another hundred yards, and the welcome
light of day opened upon our longing éyes.
The terminus of the passage was upon a
beautiful plateau, covered with a short growth
of green grass, and concealed from view by
small trees, festooned with hanging vines.
At one side of the, plateau were picketed
several mules. From the outer edge of the
plateau, we could see spread out before us
the verdant plains, stretching away south-
ward, and in the dim distance beheld the
bright waters of the Oronoco. =

Tnezella, Zala, and myse'f, seated ourselves
upon a grassy knoll, to enjoy the beauty and
quietness of the scene, which were most re-
freshing to us all, after the excitement and —
toil of the past two days. ; ;

While we were thus enjoying comparative _
ease, our friends behind us were in a fever |
of excitement and industry. The guerrillas
were preparing to force a further entrance —
into the cavern, while the Lianeros were la-
boring to give them a warm reception. _
_ The two canisters of powder were placed
upon the floor of the third apartment near
the outer passage-way. Over them were
piled all the pieces of rock, and timbers, an

 

(Wes

 

 

  
 
   
  
 
  
   
  
   
      
    

 

     
  

   

 

 

 

 

refuse-matter that could be gathered together

 

  
  

 

 

   

83

quickly. From this pile a small train of
powder was laid, extending some twenty
yards into the passage-way. These arrange-
ments haying been fully completed, the en-
tire party left the vault and proceeded toward
the grotto. Okra was detailed, or rather
yolunteered, to fire the train at the proper
moment. ‘
The faithful black knelt at the terminus of
the train, and in silence awaited the approach
of the guerrillas, whose voices were now dis-
tinctly heard in the second apartment. A
bandit thrust his head into the third vault,
east a hurried glance around and withdrew.
Immediately the guerrillas swarmed into the
chamber with several torches, uttering fierce
oaths and imprecations. There were at least
forty within the apartment, when they seem-
ed to have arrived at the conclusion that we
had made our exit through the side passage-
way, which idea had no sooner occurred to
them, than several rushed in that direction.
Seeing the huge pile of rubbish near the
entrance, they paused and hesitated to ad-
vance. At this auspicious moment Okra
sprung to his feet, threw out his long arms,
uttered an infernal yell, and touching his
match to the train, fled toward the grotto.
The long. serpentine flame ran along the
floor like lightning toward the canisters.
With a scream of terror they drew back in
affright. :
They were too late!
A terrific explosion, like thunder, a bright
sheet of flame, and the air was filled with
rocks, timbers, mangled limbs, and bodies.
Great pieces of stone were detached from the
sides and roof of the vault, which in their
descent crushed to death many of the guer-
rillas. The very mountain itself seemed to
tremble beweath the force of the explosion,
and to rock to its foundation.
In a few moments our party were all as-
sembled in safety together upon the little pla-
teau, congratulating ourselves upon our proy-
idential escape. As our enemies had been
nearly annihilated by the explosion, we felt
in no danger of pursuit. The contents of the
grotto were brought out upon the platean,
each man helping himself to what he liked.
The coin, of which there were three bags,
was poured out in a pile upon the green-
sward, and counted by Don Luiz, Haver-
sham, and myself It consisted mainly of
Swanish doubloons and English guineas, with
a few French Louis d’ors, and amounted to
eight thousand doubloons, or about twenty-
six thousand pounds.
Don Luiz counted out five hundred doub-
loons each, for Hayersham, himself, and me,
dividing the balance equally among the re-
. mainder of the troop, except five hundred
; doubloons, which he set aside for Don Felix,
as a compensation for the loss of his haci-
“enda. ;

The distribution gave general satisfaction,

and the Llaneros were greatly rejoiced over
their good fortune. Having satisfied the
cravings of hunger from the abundant proyi-
sion of the grotto, the treasure was carefully
put up in separate parcels and returned to

a.

   

 

 

 
 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

the larger bags, which were in tur placed
upon one of the mules.

Saddles were thrown upon the other two,
and Inezella and Zala were seated thereon.

The descent of the mountains was now
begun over.a rough and narrow path. This
task consumed an hour, and we finally de-
bouched into the plain. To our surprise and
joy, we discovered a troop of horses near by,
which upon closer inspection proved to he
the balance of our company. The roll way
now called, and to our sorrow, we learned
that. the expedition had cost us the lives of
thirty men. This loss occasioned a depres-
sion of spirits for a time, but the natural vi-
yacity of the Spaniard soon resumed its sway,
and we took up our journey for the river.

As we approached the great river, whose
course Was indicated by groves of palm and
balsamiferous trees upon its banks, we re-
jpiced over the speedy termination of our ex-
pedition.

“ Halt,” exclaimed Don Luiz, suddenly.

The troop drew rein and came to a pause.

“What's the matter?” I asked, with sur-
prise.

3 Did you hear nothing ?” asked the Don.

o

0

We all sat quietly upon our horses and
listenea intently.

The silence was broken. %

The distant notes of a bugle came softly to

us upon the gentle breeze. It was a plaintive
English air, that recalled to mind happy
scenes of my céstant sea-girt home.
“By St. George,” shouted Haversham, as
he swung his cap in the air, “it’s McPherson
himself! Tl wager my hopes of heayen that
the gallant Sixty-first is not far distant.” ~

“ Youwre right, my boy!” I gayly answered,

We plunged our spurs into the horses and
dashed rapidly forward, Inezella and her
maid keeping along side and proving them-
selves capital riders. We swept over tite
brow of a small hill, and saw a scene that
‘causcd the flush of pride to mantle our cheeks,
as Haversham and I with one voice shouted:

“Wurrah! Old England forever!”

The broad surface of the grand old Oronoco
was covered with barges, heavily laden with
troops. As the little flotilla of sails and oars -
moved slowly and gracefully along, it pre-
sented an imposing appearance. Music filled
the air; banners floated upon the breeze,
and polished bayonets and bright uniforms
glittered in the sunshine.

From the staff of a large barge flaunted a
red and blue pennant, indicating at once the
presence of Sir William De Courcey.

As we reached the bank we hailed the
nearest boat.

“Who are you?” was the response.

“Captain Ellesmere, of Sir William’s staff,
and Captain Montessa, of the dragoons. Re-
port me to Sir William, at once.”

“Ay, ay, sir,” was the answer, as the littie
craft dashed toward the flag-ship.

In a few moments the barge of Sir William
swept in toward the shore, and the canoeros
rested on their oars. A few moments were
consumed in giving the commander a brief —

 

  

 

 

 
  
 

statement of affairs that had lately transpired.
The heart of the brave old soldier was visibly
affected, and he expressed much sympathy
with Don Luiz and Inezella in their misfor-
tune, saying that he himself would take the
liberty of granting the Don an additional
_ leave of absence in order to right matters at
home; and promised to make all needful
apologies to Don Luiz’s superior officer.

Don Luiz announced his intention of re-
turning to the hacienda to look after affairs
there, and probably to convey Don Felix and

: his sister to Angostura-for safety; and I
' doubt not that Sir William would have also
permitted me to accompany the Don, had I
S0 requested, but. deciding that my duty
; called upon me to attend the General in the
4 expected campaign, I preferred no request
upon the subject.

Giving my hand to Inezella, who was stand- |

Ing a little distance apart from the others,

and who seemed to me more lovely and en-
chanting than ever, now that we were to
d Separate, I said in a voice of much feeling:
“Duty compels me to leave you, Inezella
a. —to leave you, I trust; however, only for a

illiam. It will, however, lighten the hard-
ships of campaigning to know that I have in
you a friend ‘and a well-wisher. Adios, cara
inezella !?

“ s, * . . q
Adios, mon amigo,” returned. the fair girl.

“My thoughts will ever follow yo re
ee 0 you, my pre

y heart grew lighter as I felt the warm |.

pressure of her gentle hand in mine.
And thus we parted.

She to the ruins of the desolated home,
and I to join in the fatigues of a soldier’s life,
and the dread carnage of the battle-field.
But beyond the clouds and sorrows of part-
ing, the brightness of the distant future threw
i athwart the sky of hope radiant beams of
. Golden hue,

 

CHAPTER XI.
Viva Independencia!

“Duke F, Good monsieur Charles, what’s the news ?
Char. Great news, my lord. A victory!
Duke F. A victory! “Zounds! I must off and see
my lady love.”’—OLD PLAY.

selon

i Vicrory! The brilliant and decisive bat-
_ tle of Carabobo had been fought and won.
Venezuela was secured to the patriots by this

_ . engagement, in which the republican forces,
~ under Bolivar and General Paez, defeated the
rcyalists under La Torre, whose shattered
army was falling back, routed and panic-
stricken, toward the fortifications of Puerto
Cabello, closely followed by their victorious
enemies, \ : ®
_ The “British Legion” had taken a promi-
nent part in this complete and magnificent
victory, and had covered itself with glory.
olivar upon the field had complimented Sir
Hiam De Courcey upon the heroic valor

     
 
  

 

 
  

 
 

‘oops,
| appreciation of our services,

  

THE BEARER OF DISPATCHES.

brief period. I must rejoin the staff of Sir

-to which divisions of the army our victory is.

and, as a slight testimonial of |

 

  
 
  
 
  
   
  
   
 
   
     
  
   
  
    
   
 
   
  
  
   
 
  
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
    
   
    
 

had assigned to Sir William the privilege of
choosing from his own staff the messenger
who should have the honor of bearing the
ratifying news of our success to the National
ngress, then in session at Angostura,

Sir William’s choice fell upon me! :

The clock in the tower of “ San Michael” was
striking the hour of three, in the afternoon
of the thirtieth of June, 1821, as my wearied.
and foam-flecked steed dashed along the
“Calle Real” of Angostura, and I drew rein
before the hall occupied by the National
Congress.

Throwing the reins to a peon, who stood
on the curb-stone, I quickly ascended the
broad steps and entered the legislative hall.
There were present some sixty members. At
the further end of the hall sat the venerable
president of the assembly, and upon his right
was the clerk. Advancing up the aisle, and —
removing A cap, I handed him the packet
containing the ful] dispatches of the General
commanding.

“Whom have I the honor of addressing,
senor captain, and what is this message?’
inquired the president, in a bland tone of —
voice. ae

“T am Captain Ellesmere, aid upon the
staff of Sir William De Courcey, and bearer
of dispatches from General Bolivar to your |
Honor.” Ces

“Dispatches from the General; and by spe- —
cial messenger, too! They must be import. ~
ant.” ae
Quite a commotion and stir was visible
among the members at my announcement.

“The clerk will open the Gispatches and —
read,” continued the president, in a dignified
tone. :

The latter officer arose, and in a clear, au-
dible voice, read the following dispatch:
“ Head-quarters, field of Carabobo,
“June 25th, 1821. '
“ [bo his Honor the President, and the

“members of the National Congress: —

“Wr have met the enemy, and Almighty*
God has vouchsafed to our arms a most signal
victory! Upon the twenty-fourth instant,
we assaulted the enemy in his chosen posi-
tion, and after a fierce engagement, lastin
the entire day, we drove hin, routed she
flying, fom the field. ; ;

“He is now retreating rapidly toward
Puerto Cabello, and our cavalry are in pur- —
suit. 7

“Great honor is due to the cavalry of Gen-
eral Paez, as also to the ‘ British Legion’ for —
their unsurpassed valor and endurance, and

   
 
   
    

chiefly owing.
_“Full dispatches accompany this commu-
nication, Yours with great respect,
ee ee “BoLivaR.” —
At this point, a thrill of excitement ran
through the house. Universal joy pervade
the assembly. Sedate, dienified “reembers
lost all control of their feelings, and swung
their hats with shouts of applause. The air
was filled with cries of:
* Vioa Tndepeniioncia [
“Viva Republica!”

    
 
      

      
    

 
    
  

        
  
  
 

 

  

“ Viva Bolivar !”

While on all sides the most tumultuous
and uproarious demcnstrations of joy were
indulged in. For a time, all parliamentary
rules and usages were ignored, in the excited
state of good-feeling that prevailed. Mem-
bers left their seats to congratulate each
other, and many crowded around the speak-
er’s chair, and overwhelmed me with their
questions and exclamations.

As the tumult began to subside, I saw a
venerable-looking man, with hair white as
the driven snow, approaching me. Many
stepped aside to permit him to pass, while all
treated him with marked respect. Although
I had seen him but once before, and then but
for a moment, I immediately recognized him.
No person could see the commanding form
and dignified carriage of Don Felix De Mon-
tessa and ever forget him.

“Permit me to congratulate you upon your
safe return, Captain Ellesmere,” said the Don,
with a warm grasp of the hand.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, respectfully.

“Know you aught of my son?” continued
the Don, in a tone low and sad, and quiver-
ing with anxiety.

‘He passed through the battle unharmed,
and, as usual, Don Luis was’ the bravest of
the brave.”

“Thank God for his safety,’ replied the
Don, with a sigh of relief, “We are staying
in the city now, captain, and shall expect to
see you at your earliest convenience,” he con-
tinued, handing me a card and withdrawing.

A hurried motion for adjournment was put
and carried, and the members began to sepa-
rate, to spread the glad-tidings throughout
the city.

Remounting my horse, I was soon installed
in my old quarters at the “San Marco.” After
a capital lunch, I proceeded to perform my
ablutions and make my toilet, preparatory to
calling upon Inezella, whom it is superfluous
to say, 1 was exceedingly anxious to see,

« both on my own account, and to deliver in
person a note from Don Luiz.

After our separation five weeks previously,
Don Felix had removed with Inezella to An-

.gostura, taking his seat in Congress, and leay-
ing Ramon, the faithful overseer, to attend to
matters at the estate. Don Luiz returned to
the army, and was present at the decisive
victory at Carabobo. Lte was overjoyed to
meet me, and had delivered to me a note
frony his sister, full of gratitude for my kind-
ness toward her, and well-wishes for my
prosperity, and urging me to call upon them,
should I return to Angostura,

The day was drawing to a close as I left
the hotel. The last rays of the departing sun
poured a flood of mellow light over the city,
tinting the roofs of the houses and church.
spires with-a golden hue. The card handed
me by Don Luiz, ran thus:
: “Don Fenix De Monressa,

Villa Cara,
Calle del Rosario.”

This direction was sufficient, and I leisurely
pursued my way toward the “Street of the

 

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

Rosary,” one of the most aristocratic avenues
in the city. The Don's residence was a mod-
erate-sized mansion, well proportioned and
very tasty in design. There was a veranda
in front, and a balcony supported by several
fluted columns. The windows reached to
floor and opened upon the yveranda.. The
building stood a few rods from the street,
with a beautiful lawn in front, studded with
luxuriant trees and shrubs. A graveled walk
led from the gate to the entrance-door. I
gave a gentle knock. :

“Quien es?” asked a voice within, as a lit-
tle wicket-door was opened and the shriveled
hand of an aged domestic was thrust out to
receive my card. Upon seeing it, and hear-
ing my inquiry for Don Feiix, the servant
seemed satisfied, and opening the main door,
ushered me into an apartiaent to the left of
the large hall and withdrew. g

The room was high and spacious, display-
ing both elegance and comfort. The ceiling
and walls were painted in panels, and the
floor was composed of small brown tiles.
Neat white curtains exquisitely embroidered
hung from the windows. The furniture was
mostly of some dark+colored wood. A small
table, with a rich crimson cover, stood in one
corner, and upon it a guitar and several
books. I was admiring the taste and refine-
ment everywhere visible, when a gentle. step
was heard on the threshold and a lady en-
tered the apartment. I advanced to meet
her, :

“ Tnezella !”

“Captain Ellesmere! -Welcome to Angos-
tura,” said Enezella, in a tone full of tender-
ness and joy.

“Tam overjeyed to meet you again, Ine-
zella,” I replied.

As she stood before me, her hand still rest-
ing in mine, and her dark eyes looking up
expressively at me, I felt that she was sur-
passingly beautiful. A slight flush suffused
her cheek, and there seemed to be a halo of
glory all about her lovely face. It requined
a great effort to repress the wild tempest of
passion that possessed my soul. Perhaps a
suspicion of the love that glowed within me
crossed her mind, for she gently withdrew
her soft white hand, and seating ourselves,
she continued :

“You left my brother, Luiz, well, I under-
stand ?”

“THe escaped all harm, as if
T replied. ‘

“Was he exposed to much danger?”

“In the thickest of the battle, always,” 1
returned.

“JT might have known that,” added the
spirited girl, “for Luiz is brave as a lion,
though tender-hearted as a dove.”

There was a moment’s pausé, which Ine-
deplle broke, by saying: ;

“Don Felix desired me to excuse him
‘for a few moments, when he would be at
liberty.” ‘ e:

Scarcely were tiese words spoken, before
the Don appeared and grecied me with much
cordiality. Lights were brought and the

by a miracle,”

 

time passed very pleasantly for several hours,

 

 

    
     
IT found the Don a man of fine talents and
great conversational powers. Thongh born
in Venezuela, his early years had been prin-
cipally spent in Spain: At the age of twenty-
five, haying made a tour of Europe, he mar-
. Yied the woman of his choice, and retired to
his father’s estate to assunie the responsibili-
ties of his station.
In return for the many little episodes of his
Bie past life that he narrated, I gave him full ac-
counts of our campaigning since leaving An-
gostura. Inezella seated herself upon a low
ottoman at her father’s feet, and listened with
intense interest to all the conversation, in
which she frequently participated.

After partaking of a slight repast of fruit,
cake, and wine, I arose to depart, receiving
an urgent invitation from both Inezella and
the Don, to call as often as it suited my con-
venience. Promising to avail myself of the
generous invitation and bidding them good-
night, I threw my military cloak about me
and retired.

The weather had changed during my visit.

he sky had become overcast with gloomy
clouds, which hurried rapidly across it—re-
vealing only an occasional star, while the
wind swept along the deserted streets in fitful
gusts, and with a mournful cadence. The
dim street-lamps flickered in the breeze and
nearly went out.

I walked along rapidly, my thoughts wan-
dering back to the cheerfal room I had left
and the charming Inezella. With my mind
thus absorbed, I had not noticed a man, who,
as I left the villa, arose from behind an aca-
cia shrub and followed my footsteps. The
man moved with a sof’, stealthy tread, and
kept close to my heels.

do not know how to account for it, but it
is no less a fact, that oftentimes one is aware
that. another is watching or following him,
even though one does not see the other per-
Son. Gradually it seemed to impress my
Maind that I was followed. At first I paid no
attention to the impression; but so strong
became the conviction, that just as I passe
-an old-fashioned gateway, with a high arch
and pillars, and through which flickered out
upon the street the faint light of an oil-lamp,

turned suddenly uround.

Within three paces of me stood a dark

figure in a mantle, with a slouched hat press-
down over his brow, so that the face was
partly concealed.

“ Die, you cowardly friend of the Montes-
_ 88,” hissed a rough voice, as, with the rapidity

of light, the assassin discharged a pistol so
near me, that the smoke for a moment blinc-
my vision. : 2a

_The ball whizzed by my cheek, dashing to

picces a small piece of statuary standing near

the geeway. “ -
“Wretch! assassin!” I exclaimed, spring-
ing forward to close with him before a second
ot,
But with a cowardice consistent with the
brutal assault, the ruffian turned and ran
Swiftly down the street. ‘I dashed after him,
but so ee were my movements by my
heavy cloak that the villain gained upon me,

 

.

Ai ehiiasigi tcd,

te

 

atl

Sinead 8

     
  
  
 
 
  
   

 

  

   
  
 

      
 

 

THE PRESIDENT’S BALL.

ai

and turning into a dark asley disappeared
from view.

Giving up the pursuit, I turned my face
toward the “San Marco,” wondering what
could haye induced so foui an attack upon a
stranger like myself, in a strange city. The
whole thing was shrouded in mystery, and
was inexplicable upon any reasonable hypo-
thesis. I was confident that I had made no _
enemies during my brief sojourn in the capi-
tal; but, on the contrary, reckoned upon a
large number of friends. s ‘

The most probable solution of the affair
that occurred to me was, that the villain had
mistaken his victim, and recognizing his er-
ror upon hearing my voice, had hastily fled
to escape detection. Having arrived at this
conclusion, and devoutly hoping no such
mistake might again occur, I was about to
dismiss the subject from my thoughts, when
I remembered distinctly the exclamation ut-
tered by the villain: “Die, friend of the
Montessa!” ;

“Strange,” said I, to myself. “ This bravo
must have known at least that I was a friend
of Don Felix; and, moreover, the villain
must be an enemy of the Don.” E

A wild thought flashed through my brain!
Could it be Doblado?

The same hight, general appearance, and,
yes, by heavens, there was a similarity of
voice, too! I was now almost positive that |
the assassin was Doblado himself. The idea
startled me, I must.confess. I had hoped
that the scoundrel was killed among the
mountains; but on recalling to mind the oc-
eurrences of that eventful period, I was
obliged to acknowledge to myself that this
belief was founded solely on the fact that
Okra had shot some guerrilla officer, whom
he supposed to be Doblado.

The black might readily-have been mis-
taken, and the captain be yet alive. In this
uncertain state of mind, and with many wis-
givings, I arrived at the hotel and retired for —
the night. :

 

CHAPTER XIL
Something not down in the Programme.

“On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined.

No sleep till morn, when youth and pleasure

meet,

To chase the glowing hours with fiying feet.”
; Byron.

Tue fashionable circles of Angostura were
in a fever of excitement. f

The President of the National Congress
was to give a ball in honor of the great vic-
tory. Three hundred invitations had been
extended, and the affair was to be the most
magnificent and recherche ever witnessed in
the city. Although large, the party was to —
be very,select, comprising the elite of Angos-
turian society, and was appointed for the en-
suing Wednesday evening. Expectation was
on tiptoe, and no one awaited the coming
event with greater impatience than myself.

The evening finally arrived, and according

 

 
 
 

to previous arrangements, T called with

 

  

 

 

 

   
   
 
  
 
    
 

 

-

      
 

 

orange and acacia.

walks, bordered with sweet-scente

eatriage to escort Inezella to the soiree. We
had anticipated haying the pleasure of Don
Felix’s company, but indisposition rendered
it imprudent for him to venture out. Assist-
ing Inezella to the carriage, I ordered the
coachman to drive on.

We soon reached our destination.

The residence. of the president was built in
the usual style of architecture prevalent in
Angostura, with a veranda in front and bal-
cony supported by pillars, and extensive
wings on either side of the main building.
The mansion was situated upon one side of a
small plaza, or square, and as we drove up,
the street in front presented an animated ap-
pearance. The bright glare of light that
streamed from every window, revealed well-
filled carriages, with prancing horses, foot-
men, and servants in gay livery, and fair
women and bold cavaliers.

I alighted, and, offering Inezella my arm,
passed up the broad steps to the main en-
trance. We entered a hall, the sides of which
were decorated with statuary and frescoes.
The saluons were magnificent, revealing evi-
dences of wealth, luxury, and refinement, be-
yond any thing I expected to see in Angos-
tura. Many guests had already arrived, and
fresh groups came constantly pouring in, add-
ing life and animation to the scene.

here was a rustling of silks and sparkling
of jewels, while gay uniforms and stars shone
resplendent in the dazzling light. For some
time we promenaded the apartments, chat-
ting merrily, criticising this dress or that uni-
form, or nodding familiarly to an ucquaint-
ance. A burst of exquisite music floated
upon the air from the large saloon, and sets
for a quadrille began to form. Then followed
a waltz, in which I joined with Inézella.

What dance more enchanting than the
waltz? As we glided along to the sweet
notes of the music, my arm encircling the
slender form of Inezella, while her soft, dark
eyes, liquid with joy, were raised to mine, the

‘gentle flush of excitement tinging her cheeks,

and long, dark tresses floating over her snowy
shoulders, I seemed to be in a fairy land.
We took no note of passing time. The voice
of Inezella sounded surprisingly soft and mu-
sical, and I felt instinctively that every ca-
dence as it reached my ear, awoke in my
heart inspirations of love.

Soon we passed from the crowded saloon
into the quiet garden. It was a glorious
night, bespangied with stars glittering in all
the luster of a Southern latitude. Fire-flies,
emitting a bright phosphorescent light flitted
from leaf to leaf. The air was soft and balmy,
and fragrant with the delicious odor of the
The music, as it came
floating out in gushing streams upon the
stillness of night, added to the énchantment
of the hour.

Oh!. it was a glorious night for love!

Slowly moving along smoothly graveled
shrubs
and rich tropical plants, we held sweet con-
verse until, like two fleecy clouds upon a

‘summer’s sky, our spirits seemed to mingle
into one. 1 was charmed with Inezella’s

 

 

2 Fayed THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

wonderful conversational powers, her lively
wit and piquant manners. Never in our pre-
vious intercourse, had she so completély
thrown off all reserve, and revealed in its
true light the amiability of her nature and
the winning sweetness of her disposition.

Our conversation paused for a moment,
when Inezella said:

“Would that Luiz were here!
would enjoy this festive occasion.”

“Poor fellow!” Trejoined, “he enjoys so-
ciety, does he not?”

“Oh. it is his delight,” replied Inezella.
“We expect him next weck.” /

“So soon ?”

“Yes, Don Felix received a message from
him this afternoon to that effect. I intended
to tell you, but forgot it until now.”

“That reminds me, also,” said I, ‘of some
information I have to communicate to you
T received a note from Sir William this after-
noon, stating that he had received orders
from the war office, requesting him to return
to England at once, as the department de-
sires to assign him to a different sphere of
action.”

“Indeed,” replied Inezella, “how you will
miss him.”

‘““Miss him?” I asked, with some surprise.
“What do you mean ?”

; = That you will regret to be separated from
rim.

“There will be no separation. When a
cominanding officer is ordered home, his staff
always accompany him.” :

“Are you, then, going with him?” asked
Tnezella, in a voice of much earnestness.

“Certainly. Orders are. imperative, and
military men haye no choice in such mat-
ters.”

There was a pause in the conversation.

“You never visited Europe, Inezella?” I
asked. :

“Never. You love England, do you not?”
she replied.

“Yes, indeed! Glorious old England!
Merry old England! There is no place in
the world more desirable for a residence. A
good government, a healthy climate, refine-
ment, wealth, civilization, and all their at-
tendant blessings are there. And London!
a gay and brilliant metropolis, full of plea-
sure, life, and gayety.” ; :

“And there, too, are all your relatives and
friends, and those you love,” suggested Ine-
zella, in a tone tinged, I thought, with sad-
ness,

“You have awakened gloomy feelings,
Inezella,” I replied, “for, though I count
many friends, as the world styles friendship,
in yon sea-girt isle, I have no relatives. From
early youth, I have been the child of fortune.
My present position I owe nrainly to my own
efforts, aided by a lucky star of destiny, or
perhaps, rather by Providence:

How he

‘That shapes our ends,
» Rough hew them how we may.’

“But it is a dreary thing to be alone upx
the sea of life. Often in the tumult of ba

the thought comes over me with thrilling

 

 

 

 
    

power, who would mourn my loss should I
fall? I imagine as my name is read upon
the list of the killed some acquaintance might
Say: ‘Ah, and so he’s dead, and passing on
to other names, the memory of mine would
glide away forever. Ah, Inezella, truly is it
said: ‘Every heart knoweth its own bitter-
hess,’ and this want of kindred is my well-
spring of grief.”
_ “You are scarcely generous, Edward, to
our friends; for I am confident that neither
4uiz nor myself could grieve more over a
lost brother than we would, should any such
tnisfortune befall you.”

This was the first time Inezella had ever
addressed me in any other manner than as
Captain Ellesmere. That it caused a thrill
of intenss satisfaction to hear my name thus
Pronounced by her, I need not say. We
turned our steps along a secluded walk and
continued our conversation.

Reader, were you ever in love? desperately,
wildly, madly in love? If not, you can but
faintly realize the emotions that swayed my
iumost being at that moment. I could no
longer restrain my feelings, but raising her
fair hand, I pressed it td my burning lips
with all the devotion of a worshiper.

There was no resistance, and I pressed it
fervently. Was I dreaming? Could it be
mere fancy? I thought the pressure was re-
turned. My heart leaped ‘with joy, and I felt
a flush of hope upon my cheek. We had just
entered a little arbor, formed by the over-
hanging branches of citron trees, and covered
with thickly hanging festoons of vines. There
were two shall benches, upon which we
seated ourselves, Inezella remarking that she
felt wearied.

: “Oh, I’ve lost my bracelet,” she exclaimed,
in a voice of anxiety.
‘e “ Not the beautiful emerald one?” I asked,
with solicitude.
z “ press.
“Where did you lose it?”
“Only a moment ago—TI felt it on my
arm.”
“Sit still, and I will procure a light from
_/ the house and search for it,” said I, springing
: up and hastening toward the mansion.
_ My form:had scarcely receded from Ine-
zella’s view in the darkness, when a heavy
step was heard and a jarring of the bushes.
Affrichted, Inezella arose and stood in breath-
less expectation, while she pressed her hand
to her fluttering heart. A rough grasp tore
away the hanging vines, and the tall form
of a Py emerged from their clusters with a
aha cad

 

eee tit

basal Sanaa.

Seda

 

 

“Ah, my pretty bird! now I have you,”
exclaimed a gruff voice, as the intruder laid
one hand upon her shoulder, and with the
other endeavored to place’ a handkerchief
over her mouth. :

-_“Unhand me, villain!’ said Inezella, in-
dignantly, as she shrunk back in alarm,
_ “Who dares treat a lady thus?” _ \

_ “Carambo! my enchanting idol,” continued
he man, “don’t disturb your sweet temper !
ethinks a Spanish Donna might as well

   

A MISADVENTURE.

“dozen times!

| heavy footprints upon the smooth gravel.

 

Permit one of her own nation to kiss her | instant I had

    
 

   
    
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
     
   
    
    
        
 
     
      
   

8
ruby lips, as to yield to the embraces of a dog
of a Briton.” ‘ See

“ Santissima Maria,” faltered Inezella, “save
me, save me!” ; ee :

“Oh, rest easy, my bird of Paradise!” con-
tinued the villain,“ I would not harm thee
for a thousand doubloons. Thou wilt yet be —
mine, You scorned me once; si, peste, a
Your infamous brother dis-
graced me before his servants; and your
cowardly lover, that dastard Briton, insulted
me as no man does and lives. Caraje, you
know me now, methinks !” rie

As he said this, the ruffian removed his
plumed hat, and revealea the scowling fea-
tures and hated visage of Captain Doblado. _

“Oh, Luiz! oh, Edward! save me from
this fiend,” cried Inezella, now cesperate with
fright, as she strove to release herself from
the ruffian’s grasp. She was successful, and
with great agility attempted to dart from the
arbor; but the villain was too quick and —
powerful, and again he clutched the frantic
girl, exclaiming:

“Silence, pretty fool! or, diabolo, Pil thrust
this ’kerchief down a little throat. Ha! —
ha!” he laughed, diabdlically, “it might hurt
thy little gullet, perchance; but, carrai, it
would stop thy screeching at all events!
Come with me, my beauty, or, Satanas, Tbe
obliged to carry you.” ‘ ao

There was another struggle for escape, but
the fierce grasp of the guerrilla closed tighter
upon the quivering form of Inezella, as the
brute forced the handkerchief into her mouth, —
and lifting her in his brawny arms like a child, —
again entered the shrubbery. jaa

But a moment elapsed ere I entered the
arbor, accompanied by a servant carrying a
lantern. I had quickened my steps, for I
thought I had heard a noise and a faint

scream. :
Inezella had gone! There were marks of

“Tnezella! Inezella!” I called aloud.

‘Phere was no response, but beyond the
arbor, I imagined that I heard the cracking
of branches and retreating footsteps. I dart-—
ed in that direction, followed by the servant.
The garden was surrounded by a stone-wall, —
some ten feet high, one part of which we ©
were rapidly approaching. A large orange —
tree, laden with golden fruit, stood against
the wall. As we came beneath this, I saw
something white among the bushes further |

on. i %
My feet tripped in the shrubbery and I fell”
to the ground. Most fortunate for me that I~
did so, for the report of a pistol broke the
stillness of the air, and I heard the whiz of
the ball above my prostrate form, and the
sullen “thug” with which it buried itself in
the bark of the orange tree. ; ites
I sprung to my feet. There was a rustling:
of the bushes and the sound of pee Bae ci
With immense strides I pursued, ti ng
= over beautiful acacias and other val-—
uable plants. Just before me was a dark
figure bearing in his arms a smaller form,

  

  

   

With a shout — pul a
‘ossed § with ‘h

 
 

aaa a

  

 

figure, who dropped his burden and turned
upon me with great ferocity.

“Hound of miscreants!” I exclaimed fierce-
ly, “ surrender, or you die!”

The bravo laughed scornfully, 4s he parried
my vigorous assault. We were evidently
both masters of our weapons, and fought res-
olutely and determinedly, feeling it was a
struggle for life. With a sudden whirl the
villain whisped my sword from my hand,
and it flew against the wall.” With a fiendish
howl] of exultation, my opponent exclaimed,
as he thrust at me wickedly:

“ Die, dog of an Englishman !”

Isprung lightly aside, while the momentum
my adversary had acquired laid him prostrate
upon the greensward. Availing myself of
this opportunity, I drew forth a pistol, and
as he arose fired at his breast. The villain
sunk upon his knee with a groan of intense
agony.

There was an outcry and the trampling of
many feet close at hand. I felt that we were
saved and turned toward Inezella. With a
cry of joy the poor girl sprung toward me,
exclaiming :

“Are you hurt, dearest Edward ?”

“No! but how is it with you?”

“Thank heaven, unharmed.”

I threw my arm around her waist and
pressed her to me, while she nestled her face
on my bosom, sobbing as if her heart would
break.

“There, dearest Inezella, compose your-
self,” I whispered. ‘“ The danger is all over.”

Several armed servants and a dozen guests
_ from the saloons now made their appearance,
and at once seized Doblado, who had risen to
his feet and attempted to escape. >

“ Carajo, it is Doblado, the spy!” exclaim-
ed an officer, wearing a colonel’s uniform.
“Hold him fast! Place him in prison at
once.”

Leaving the group, Inezella and I made our
way back by another path, and‘entered the
mansion at a private entrance to escape ob-
servation and remark. A few minutes’ rest
and a glass of wine restored her to some de-
gree of calmness, and not desiring to join
again in the festivities of the evening, which,
though interrupted for a brief period by the
adventure in the garden, had already re-
sumed their sway, I ordered the carriage and
we proceeded homeward.

With that light-heartedness and exube-
rance of spirits so natural to Spanish females,
Inezella rapidly recovered from the shock
and fright consequent upon the attempted
abduction, and by the time we reached the
‘residence of Don Felix, was as lively and
vivacious as ever. Dismissing the coach at
the gate and giving Inezella my arm, we
sauntered slowly along the walk toward the
house. ;

A gentle breeze rustled among the leayes
and shrubbery. A thousand bright stars
glistened in the blue yault above, while the
nionotonous hum of various insects alone dis-
turbed the surrounding quiet.

“How much J am indebted to you, Ed-
ward. This is the second time you have

THE ORONOCO CHIEF.

 

   

rescued me from the grasp of this man, Do
blado,” remarked Inezella, in a voice full of
gratitude. “How shall I repay you for all
your kindness ?” :

“Shall I tell you, Inezella?” 1 asked, in a
low and fervent tone. Then, without wait-
ing for her answer, I placed her hand in
mine, and drawing her toward me, said:

“Dearest Inezella, 1 must unburden my
overflowing heart. I worshiped your loyel
features, as.revealed to me in this diamon
locket; and vowed to search the wide world
over until I found the owner. Heaven threw
her in my path without any exertions on my
part, and I believe the hand of destiny is in
it all. I became acquainted with you only —
to admire, revere, and adore all the lovely
qualities of mind and heart which you pos-
sess. The more intimately I have known
you, the more have you won upon my affec-
tions, until you are now the guiding-star of
my future. Permit me, dearest Inezella, to
be your protector hereafter as in the past, to
cherish you and to lavish upon you the
wealth of love untold. Accompany me to
my distant island home, where, amid the
luxuries and enjoyments of English life, you
may preside over my household as you now
sway the scepter of my heart. Believe me,:
Inezella, I love you truly, devotedly, passion-
ately. Dear to me beyond the power of lan-
guage to express; I lay my ‘heart and affec-
tions at your feet, a willing and a pure offer-
ing. Will you accept them, and render me
the happiest of mortals?” :

novella had not withdrawn her hand from
mine, and, as I finished speaking, I gently
pressed her to my breast. Her head rested
upon my shoulder, and I felt that she indeed
was mine.

How long we remained entranced and
happy in the knowledge of our mutual love,
I know not. : :

The bell in the cupola of San Michael toll-
ed the hour of two, as I gave Inezella a part-

ing kiss and hurried toward my hotel.

CHAPTER XIIL
One and one make one.

“ All’s well that ends well.’’

THERE was a festive scene in the church |
of St. Aloysius.

An hundred waxen candles threw a bril-
liant light over a group of fair women and
brave men. Every aisle and corner was
gleaming with light, and the frescoes and
marble columns and mosaic floor reflected a,
sea of brightness,

It was our wedding night. a

The priest was there, arrayed in his sacer-
dotal vesture, and before the chancel stood —
Tnezella and myself, while upon_either side
were grouped our friends. Don Felix looked
more dignified and noble than ever. Beyond
him were Don Luiz and several female
friends. On the lett stood Sir William De —

  

 

 
      
   
 

 

\ :
Courcey and his staff, who shone regplend-
ent in their gay scarlet uniforms. Quite a
number of invited guests occupied various
parts of the church. -

The bride appeared even more lovely than
usual. The glowing words of the poet could
alone describe her radiant beauty. There
was a blush of loveliness upon her cheek, her
large, dark eyes shone with a magnificent
luster, long tresses of dark, silken hair flowed
over her snowy shoulders, diamonds sparkled
among her raven locks, and there was such
a calm purity of perfect innocence upon her
brow, that it seemed as if a halo of glory sur-
rounded her. Love lent an additional grace
and beauty to her figure. She was dressed
very richly and with exquisite taste.

‘Tne ceremony began, and proceeded with-

out interruption to the end. As I gave Ine-
--Zella the first joyous kiss of wedded love, my
heart throbbed with ecstatic pleasure, and I
devoutly thanked a propitious Providence
that had vouchsafed to me the possession of
my soul’s idol, and brought to realization
my. wildest dreams of earthly happiness.
_ The solemn and interesting. exercises being
concluded, we left the church to receive the
congratulations of our friends at the residence
of Don Felix, which was thrown open for
the occasion.

After an hour’s reception, the company

THE BRIDAL,

 

 

withdrew, and matters assumed their wonted

quiet at “ Villa Cara.” ;
* * * * * * *

One week subsequent to the events nar-

rated in the preceding lines, the British frigate

Haleyon weighed anchor at the mouth of the

Oronoco, spread her white canvas to a favor-
ing southerly breeze and stood out to sea.
pon her decks were assembled a group
of a dozen persons gazing wistfully at the —
rapidly receding shores of Venezuela. They —
were Sir William De Courcey and staff, Ine-
zella and myself. The thoughts of leaving
her early home for a foreign land cast a slight
tinge of sadness over Inezella’s spirits, but
the glorious scene that surrounded us, and
her husband’s smiles, soon dissipated all
gloom from her brow, and restored her natu-
ral buoyancy and vivacity of temperament.
There was a fresh breeze from the land
and the distant shore with its rocks and
trees gleamed in the bright morning sun.
The sky was blue and cloudless, and the
diminutive waves of the Caribbean sea danced
~ sported their white crests in the radiant
ight.
A distant sail, far away on the horizon,
welcomed us on our course, as with light

hearts and happy faces, we glided swiftly
waves, en route for the

through the curlin

shores of “ Merry England.”

 

 
  
es
ee

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

NED BUNTLINE’S GREAT INDIAN TALE!

WILL BE GIVEN AS THE NEXT ISSUK, NUMBER 147, OF

Frank Starr’s American abc

-

THE RED WARRIOR;

Stella Delorme’s | Comanche

CHIVALRY.

A ROMANCE

It was upon such stories as this that the anthor won his best reputation.
in later years has failed to add to his laurels.

READY TUESDAY,

OF SAVAGE

JULY 7TH, VIZ. :

In this splendid work of his prime we have a ro- |} —
The beautiful daughter.|} |

mance stamped with originality, vigor, and the keenest interest of story.

of the ranche, Stella Delorme, has her fate singularly involved in that of a young Comanche chief,
who, through strange adventures and perils,

ciety prevailed in Texas thirty years ago,

Then comes in young Paul Malerson, his wicked father and his most wretched but true-hearted

mother, adding a wilder interest to the story, inwoven’ as they are with the fortunes of the De- |

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Every page of the romance is exciting to the last degitec, and those who would know what
Buntline once was, as a novelist, should not fail to read “ The Red Warrior.”

proves 1 superb man, savage though he is,
The great Ben McCullough and his wonJerful Rangers are parties to the drama, showing what |
kind of men they were; and the part they have to act shows what a lawless and fierce state of so-

*
Lover.

Ali that he has done

 

 

The issues of this beantiful and everywhere popular series are kept in stock by all newsdealers
or are sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ONLY TEN CENTS EACH—a marvel of cheapness—to any ad

dress, by the publishers.

 

FRANK STARR’S AMERICAN NOVELS.

1—The Wood Rangers.
2—The Patriot Scouts.
38—Peleg Smith.
4—The Backwoodsmen.
5—The Phantom Chief.
6—The Prairie Trail.
5—The Black Scout.
8-—Westward Bound.
9-—Chinga, the Cheyenne.
10-—Witch of the Wallowish.
11--lhe Young Pioneer.
12--The Beautiful Unknown.
13--The Jungle Scout.
14--The Stenm Man.
15—The Red Foe.
16—Lew Wetzel, the Scout.
17--Kit. Carson, the Guide.
18—Kill-B’ar, the Guide.
19—Back Buckram,
20—Trapper Ben.
21—Canebrake Mose.
22--Old Lute. Indian-Fighter
"he Prairie Pirates.
4—Red Claw, the ‘Trapper.
25—"he Free ‘Trappe rs,
61 he Border Scout.
27—The Bandit Hermit.
98--Keen- Eye, the Ranger.
29—Old Sol, Giant Trapper.
30--Nick Gnarl, Dwarf Guide
31--Sib Cone, the Trapper.
32—'The Specter Spy.
33—Tom Hawk, the Trailer.
34—The River Rifles.
35—The Renegade Chief.
36—Hank, the Guide.
387—White Slayer, Avenger.

 

38—The Red Ranger

| 39—The Forest Outlaw.

40—Red Jacket, the Hnron.
Wild Raven, the Scout.
—Tom Pintle, the Pilot.
43—The White Warrior.
44—Lone Star, Texan Scout.
45 —Ham, the Hunter.
46—The Hunter Guide.
47--Old Stratecy.
48—Scarlet Moccasin.
49—Mad Anthony's Scouts.
50—The Miner Rangers.
51--The Cannibal Chief.
52—-The Skeleton Scout.
58—Thorn path, the Trailer,
54—The Black Rider.
55—Green Jacket, Gunmaker
56—The Valley Scout.
5%7—The Black Dwarf.
58—Silent Shot, the Slayer.
59--Iron Hand, ‘Tory Chiet.
60-—Lhe Man-Uunters.
61--The Three Trappers.
62—The Scalplexs Hunter.
63-—Bald Head, the Hunter,
64—The Haunted Hunter.
65--The Wood Witch,
66—Cloudwood,
67—Rainbolt, the Ranger.
68—The Indian Scout.
69—The Phantom Hunter,
%0—Tahle, the Trailer.
71—The Mad Miner.
T2—W'eptonomah, —
"3—The Secret Slayer.
74--The Phantom Trail.

 

i5—The Red Guide.
76—Rollo, the oar Ranger.
7i—Dusky Darrell, Trapper.
ogee Cap.
19—The Red Spy
80—The Heart-Eater.
81—Blue Belt, the Guide,
42—Montbars, the Scourge.
83— the Tangled Trail.
s4—Wild Nat.
s6—The Boy Spy.
86—The Scalp King.
s87—The Wolf- “Queen.
88—The Boy Chief.
89. The Squaw Gnide.

. The Skull-Hunter.
91. The Red Wizard.

. Delaware Tom.

. The Girl Avenger.

The Wild Horseman.

95—Death-Dealer.
96—The Phantom Rider.
97—The Masked Spy.
98—The Mad Trail-Hunter,
99 —Merciless Matt.
100-Red Ax, Indian Giant,
101-The Forest Fiend.
102-Clyde, the Trailer.
103-Kenton, the Ranger.
104The Hunter Hercules,
105-Star-Face, the Slayer.
106-Cortina, the Scourge.
107-The Texas Hawks.
108-The Yellow Hunter.
109-Little re Boy Trapper
110-Old Ruff, the Trapper.
111-Sharp-eye, Sioux Chief.

 

112-Phil Hunter, Scourge,
113-Mori, the Man-hunter, *
114-The Dog Avenger,
115-Red-knile, Wyandotte.
116-The Boy Pilot,

117-The Elk Demon, A
118-Crockett, Bear-hunter, |
119-The Phantom Trailer.
120-Donble-band, Destroyer.
121-Moceasin Bill.
122-Frontier Shack.

123-Cato, the Creeper.
124-Ontlaw Jack.
ee Outlaw.
126-Silver Rifle, Girl 'railer.
127-The Red Prophet.

128-The Antelope Boy.
129-The Specter Horseman.
130-Left-Handed Pete.
ie The Squaw Spy.

132-The Branded tive 4
133-Spanixh Jack. 4
134-The Witch Queen. Pg
13°-Wolf-Cap. 4
i The Red Hermitess.

137-Old Pegs, Mountaineer.

MAMMOTH STAR NOVELS. 3

138-Kid Kerly, the Trapper. |}
139-The Fighting Trapper.
140--Thayendanegea,
141-Black Horse of Prairies.
142-T'he Texan Spy. |

148-The Gulf Pirate.
144-One-eyed Sim.

145-Old Rube, the Hunter. |
146-Doblado, ‘the Outlaw,
147-The Red’ Warrior.

The above books are sold by all newsdealers ; or sent, post-paid, on receipt of price—ten cents en

FRANK STARR & CO. Publishers, 41 Platt St. N. Y