Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 253, Ed. 1, Sunday, April 10, 1887 Page: 10 of 12
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WHITE FLOWER
OR
THE COMANCHES DREAM
A Romance of Savage Chivalry
Texan Yalor in the Days
of Slavery
i
and
By the Late COL E Z O JCDSOX
NED BUNTLINE
ICopyrlght 16S7 by William Ouldwell
All
rights reserved
CHAPTER X
Hurrah lor Jack Maierson hurrah
ior the best man that ever packed a deck
o cards cut a throat or winged a cop-
per Hurrah hurrah three cheers for our
bully captain
The one who first spoke was the lieut-
enant of a sans of gamblers thieves and
cutthroats who hailed Jack Maierson as
their captain and those who with wild
hurrahs echoed his words were the mem-
bers of the gang who were assembled to
welcome their leader back from what he
termed a pleasure trip to the country
Thank vou my lads thank you
heartily Though Ive been off on private
account this time Ive brought back
enough to treat with And he tossed
down a handful of gold on the table
Call in the drink boys call in the drink
Make yourselves as joily as a drunken
gang of tailors till I come back Ive an
errand thatl take me an hour or so and
then Ill drink with you to your hearts
content
The place where these men were as
sembled was one of the few low and >
dangerous dens which may be found in
the pretty and enterprising city of Gal-
veston
In a very pretty cottage within sound
of the pleasant dash of the breakers
which rolled snowily over the outer bar
and in upon the white beach sat a female
whose age could not be much in advance
of twenty years Her hair was browi
rich and glossy her complexion so fair
that a freckle here and there could be
seen amid the red and white of her cheek
and brow her eyes of a melting blue
her lips full and enticing her form rather
slender but exqusite and voluptuous
Books magazines and mu = ic lay upon
the center table and a guitar rested
against a chair within reach of the lady
She appeared to be in a sleepy dreamy
humor for she leaned back in an easy
chair beside the table with her round
chin resting on
the palm of her little
white hand her smal slippered feet ele
vated upon a velvetcovet ed stool and
her eyes half closed
Startled u > a rather heavy knock at the
door the color ilew to her cheek and she
half rc e as she said Come in
T e person who entered was none
Other than our new acquaintance Jack
Marleson That he was a stranger to the
lady was very evident from the look of
wonder not unmixed with alarm with
which she received him
This is Miss Ada McAlpm I believe
said he
That is my name sir she replied
My name is Jack Maierson father to
Paul You know him well enouga said
he taking a seat coolly without waiting
to be asked
I have met Mr Paul Maierson but he
never spoke to me of his father said
the young beauty looking rather dis
trustfullv at the roughlooking customer
Didnt he Why the undutiful dog
But I must forgive him hes my pre-
cious only He sent you down this ring
its a sparkler isnt it said Maierson
handing her a large and very handsome
diamond ring
When and where did you see him
sir asked the lady taking the ring and
looking at it with a glance of undisguised
pleasure
I was up at his uncles plantation to
see him Pine old uncle that rich as
Cxcesus but hes got a very pretty
daughter and Im afeard theyre setting
traps to get Paul to marry her
They never shall he is mine mine
said the young lady passionately rising
to her ieet and quivering all over with
excitement
Nor with my consent for you are a
girl of spirit and worth a dozen of her
I like you said Maierson
Will you watch over this matter for
me I love Paul Maierson and he has
said that he loved me said she in a win-
ning way And she advanced to put her
ffcj and into his rough palm and looked
into his eyes with such a beseeching look
that his bold gaze softened beneath it like
ice in the sunlight
I will Ada for I like yon thongh I
neve before laid eyes on you
Thank you said she Will you
have some wine And she rang a bell
lor a servant
I like brandy better wine will do for
gentler folks than I but I ye been brought
up in a rough way at sea and am a rough
customer
The finest diamons are found in the
roughest coats she said And again the
sunlight of her smiles fell upon the rude
shell of his harsh naure
I dont wonder that Paul fell in love
with you he said Youve got a very
captivatin way of your own
The servant now came in and the lady
ordered such refreshments as she judged
would best suit Mr Jack Maierson or
Captain Jack as he liked to be termed
And among these he made himself free-
ly and perfectly at home oniy pausing
now and then to bestow praise upn them
or upon his beautiful hostess
CHAPTER XI
On the day succeeding the attack upon
La Bolsa de Flores Major Ben and his
rangers followed the trail of the retreat-
ing red men but they had got beyond his
reach carrying away their dead and
wounded and also a large number of Mr
Delormes best horses The damage
which they had inflicted upon the planter
was very great but such however as he
could easily repair with the immense
means at his command
Although Mrs Delorme begged him o
remove from a position so dangerous he
stubbornly refused for in all Texas could
not be found richer land or a more lovely
situatiou And as new settlers would
inevitably gather around him in the
course of time the value of his property
would increase with years And Mr
Delorme was a stern and resolute man
strong In his hate and his love powerful
in all his prejudices
Until this time he had exhibited a dis-
like rather than a partiality for Paul
Maierson for in truth there was more to
dislike than to like in the character of the
youth for he was wild reckless ill gov-
erned and none too honorable in his ways
But he had for his wifes sake to whom
be seemed much attached borne with
him and allowed her to supply him with
pocket money from her own most liberal
allowance
But since the tattle in which Paul ex-
hibited so much bravery and coolness the
manner of Mr Delorme changed toward
Paul and he treated him as kindly as if
be were his own son He bade Stella on
no account to ride out without an escort
and suggested that Paul would be the
best she could choose And he also con-
sulted Paul in his new plans for rebuild-
ing where the destruction had occurred
made him several valuable presents and
in many ways exhibited marks of esteem
and confidence
And this seemed the more remarkable
because he never aked after or alluded
to Pauls father or the single visit which
he had made to the plantation
Mrs Delorme was overjoyed at this
treatment of Paul for now the road
seemed smooth by which she meant to
accomplish her longcherished design of
his union with Stella the heiress of De
lorme And she took an early opportun-
ity when they were alone to urge him
to do his part toward bringing about this
desirable consummation
Stella does not seem indifferent to-
ward you she said Urge your suis
and she will love you
But my good aunt I do not love
her he replied
I dont ask you to love her think of
the property You may yet be the richest
planter in Texas instead of she hesi-
tated
A dependent upon your bounty said
he bitterly You might as well speak a
thought as to harbor It
Oh Paul you are cruel Were you
my own son I could not love you more
or do morefor you than I have done
A favor loses half its value wheu the
giver ever holds it up like a debtors
overdue note before the receiver
Ah Paul I do not deserve this I
only seek your interest It were better
that you were married and settled down
May be so may be not But I have
a question to ask my worthy aunt My
father
Oh for heavens sake do not speak of
him cried Mrs Delorme turning pale
But I Will He has some secret of
yours What is ii
Paul you must never know it When
you do I will cease to live said shehalf
choking with agitation
It is strange muttered Paul It
must bsomething that much concerns
me or else youd not fear to tell me
Never speak of it to me again Paul
if you love or even respect me she
said
I shall not without you stint me in
pocket money he said coolly
My God are you as base as your
father she groaned
A little selfish but not base my
good aunt I want to take a little trip
down to Galveston and need money to
keep up appearances I have a little
divinity there wrapped in muslin who
thinks the world and ail of me
Oh Paul Paul how you torment me
Yes like my namesake of Tarsus
Im given that way
Would to heaven that like him youd
repent and mend your ways
I will my good aunt in time after
Ive sowed my wild oats
Beware of the harvest which you may
reap after such sowing I show you how
you may become rich happy and respect-
able and you
I dear aunt will stop bantering you
and seriously think of what you propose
In truth I have thought of it and
studied over it since the old man
h3S shown a liking to me Stella is
a pretty girl and if she dont like me she
at least shows no signs of hatred The
reason why I wish to go to Galveston U
to break off with my flame there in au
honorable sort of way for if I do not she
might come here to spoil our game
If that is your wish Paul I will get
money for you immediately Forgive me
my dear > oy if I wounded your feel-
ings I know you are good at heart
Yes aunt but as rough as acocoanut
outside
When do you wish to leave for Gal-
veston
Tomorrow I reckon the old man
will send me down to buy new machinery
for the sugar mill
Well you shall not go with an empty
purse Only take my advice and Stela
will soon be yours and then your fortune
is made
chapter xn
It was two or three weeks after the at-
tack when the overseer Mr Mahoney
came riding through the large gate in
great haste He did not draw rein or
cease spurring his mustang until it was
checked by the front piazza of the house
whereon Mr ami Mrs Delorme and Stella
were sitting enjoying the cool breeze of
approaching evening And here it was
brought up so suddenly that Mr Ma-
honey turned an involuntary simeraautt
out of the saddle on to the piazzi where
he lay doubled up in a heap at the feet of
the planter and his family
What on earth is the matter Are
you prac icing for the circus asked
Mr Delorme in wonder
Och may the saints purlect us
groaned Mahoney crossing himself as
ne scrambled to his feet The red hay
then are on us again yer honor Sure a
ahundred of em were close at my heels
Liok there they are
And the brave overseer darted into the
house for an Indian splendidly dressed
and mounted upon a magnificent horse of
snowy white was seen riding leisurely
up the avenue that led to the house
It is Lagona he who saved me from
the torturing Lipans cried Stella
Yes and asked you for his reward
lie is bold indeed to come here when he
most likely was the leader of the band
who gave us such trouble the other
night saii Mr Delorme while a shad-
ow came athwart his face
You surely will not harm him fath-
er said Stella anxiously Remember
that but for him I had died a terrible
death
If he comes alone he shall not be
harmed But Mahoney said there were
100 said Mr DeJorrae
One magnified by fear into 100 T ex-
pect said Stella Mahoney talks too
much about what he has done to be a-
very brave man We know Major Mc
Cullough to be the bravest of the brave
yet you can scarcely ever draw him on to
speak of his own adventures
What a noblelooking fellow he is I
never saw a man so handsome said
Mis Delorme gazing at the Apollonian
form of the young chief with undisguised
admiration
The young chief reined up his horse be-
fore the piazza and leaping to the ground
with his bow and quiver at his back and
lance in his hand he walked boldly for-
ward and looking the planter in the eye
said
IamLagona
I know yon said Mr Delorme For
what have you come
To live in vour
wigwam to
learn the speaking paper of the palefaces
to learn how to work as they do I am
tired of hunting and of war replied the
yqmng chief ernestly
Yo ir wish sounds good but I doubt
your will said the planter Were you
not here with a band to attack me and
burn my buildings a few days ago
Lagona would not lie to save his life
He was here He came to cirry off the
daughter of the palefaced chief But he
is sorry for it and will not try again
How may I know that asked the
planter who was a man and could not
but be pleased with the honest candor of
the fearless chief
I pass my word I do not know how
to lie
lieHow
How may I feel assured that you do
not eek an entrance into my house with
a design to admit your murderous band
when I am asleep
Lagonais not a coward The house
and all that the palefaced chief owns Is
as safe while Lagona is here as If the
Great Spirit robed in the garments of
the Sun stood guard over it If the
palefaced chief reads treachery in the
face of Lagona let him kill him not as a
warrior but as a dog
If I let you live with us and work with
my men will you promise not to try
to steal ray daughter
Lagona will promise He will look
upon her as he does upon the stars which
are very beautiful but a great way off
Yours is a strange request and it is
imprudent in me to grant It but I will
trust you said Mr Delorme after a
moments hesitation And he called a
servant and bade him take care of La
gonas horse
Take these and keep them until I ask
for them said Lagona handing his
knife hatchet lance bow and arrows to
the planter
This looks well said Mr Delorme
I really believe now that Lagona is In
earnest
I am not a child said the Comanche
quietly I only say what I meari
I make you welcome to my house
you have courage and honor goes hand
in hand with that You shall study the
arts we know and my daughter shall be
one of your teachers said Delorme
carried away by the noble impulses of his
nature
lam not strong enough to learn of
her kt me learn of those whom I do not
love said Lagona who had but once
glanced at her during this conversation
And then though the red blood darkened
his cheek he saw no sympathetic glow in
hers You are a noble fellow your confi-
dence in me shall not be misplaced
Come with me said the planter leading
the way into the house
Scarcely had he and Lagona entered
when by another avenue Mr Mahoney
came out
Jabers the master will be murthered
entire said he Hes in there afore
ninst the sideboard wid the brandy in his
hand I saw him offer the red nager a
drink and he wouldnt take It and said
firewater was bad
And he spoke the truth He shows
more sense than some white men in his
refusal said Sttlla
Thats thrue so far as
it
ladv but dve see werent
goes
me
it for the
knowledge of the bit o comfort theres in
a sthray glass now an then divil the bit
would we white men take it
Take your lessons from this Indian
and beware how you offend him then
said Stella
Is he going to live wid the masther
Yes he is
Och milledhuel Its time that
Patrick Mahoney asked for his walkin
papers or hell be less a scalp to his head
one o these fine mornings
Do not fear I can influence him cad
you shall be in no danger always pro-
vided you do not affront him
Faith lady Ill be as careful as if I
was travclin over a road paved wkl eggs
when Im in nis company
Do so and you are safe
Thank ye lady While Im under
the protection of yer innocence and
beauty Im as safe as if the angels gave
me one of their wings for a counterpane
Im the better continted now and wish-
ing you pleasant drames and no disturb-
ance Ill bid ye an early good night
The overseer now betook himself to his
own quartersevidently liking to increase
so fir as he could the distance between
him and his dread the chief of the Cora
auches
CHAPTER XIII
Paul Maierson with a pocketful of that
article which only is needed to establish
ones gentility in our model republic had
arrived registered his name and just
been ushered into the best room of the
best hotel in Galveston when a servant
announced a gentleman who wished to
see him on particular business And at
the same time the servant permitted
Captain Jack Maierson to enter the
roinAh
Ah Paul how are you Been ex
pectiug you for some time So has Ada
told her youd be here soon said Id look-
out for you and here I am cried the
Captain as he came in
I am much obliged to you for your
unnecessary care sir I almost feel old
enough to take care of myself the more
especially that I have never until now
known anything of parental care said
Paul stiflly
No fault of mine lad no fault of
mine as you will learn by and by But
It was necessary that I should see you
the moment you arrived for I have been
working for you packing your cards all
night to play a winning game aye
hear
I near sir but I do not understand
No Then Ill explain Yoa see I
knew you loved little Ada who is a
trump of a girl and loves you harder
than a mule can kick and as I had a
diamond ring worth a cool thousand that
I didnt care much for I took it to her
and told ber yon sent it Didnt I do it
up brown You are aU right m her books
now
Yes just at the time when I want to
be out of them I came down here on
purpose to break off with her
Whew What does this mean
My aunt has arranged matters so that
it will be to my interest to marry Stella
Deiorme
What the old planters daughter
Yes
He is rich I suppose
Yes sir very and she will be an
heiress
Got much by him in hard cash jewel-
ry plate and the likes of that
Yes sir a great deal but why do you
ask thai
Oh for no very particular reason
only I was thinking of your interest dye
see I dont want to see you tangle
yourself in any chains but golden ones A
man is a fool if he does nowadays But
well have time to think of this matter
and talk it over before you go to the
country again Meantime when you C3ll
on Ada dont let on but that you sent her
the diamond And if you get short o
dimes come to me at the Arcade and ask
for me and youll find em ail ready for
youThank
Thank you sir if I need them Ill
callAnd
And with this understanding Mr Jack
Maierson left his sons room
Heres the Captain once more Long
life and rich deals to his hand was the
cry of Sandy Spicer the lieutenant of
Malersons gang when Jack returning
from his recent visit entered the room
or rather den of smoke and whisky fumes
which they occupied as headquarters
They were a hardlooking set of cus-
tomers Men of nearly every nation and
hue except black for they were murder-
ers and thieves of a class too gentle-
manly to be found associating with
niggers Some were dressed as fanci-
fully as they could afford others rough
enough to suit the most romantic maidens
idea of a ruffian or a cutthroat
Well lads said Maierson as he en-
tered aint you almost tired of doing
nothing
That we are said Sandy Spicer
whose red hair and choleric face indicated
a peppery nature Have you anything
ahead Captain Maierson
Yes a big haul if we manage it
right Theres a chap up country who is
as rich as a bank or more so got lots of
money and plate on hand and any quan-
tity of niggers and horses I mean to
take the whole band disguised as Indians
and clean him out Hes got a daughter
as pretty as all out doors and she shall
be mine his wife isnt badlookin I
guess Ill let you draw lots for her Once 1
Id have cut my heart out for her but
that time has gone by
The gang received this announcement
with cheers
When are we to start I hunger for
action My hearts in arms and eager for
the fry as the fellow said when he smelt
the eels acookm cried the poetic Mr
Spicer
Soon as we can stay in all of you
Ive a little errand to doj and Ill be back
and lay my plans And mind boys no
drinking now we can make a big haul if
we keep sober and work the game up-
right
Well be as sober as expectant heirs
before the will is read said Mr Spicer
Paul is here said Captain Jack Mai
erson to Ada McAlpin as he entered her
room a short time after he left his
men ne has come here to break off
with you
Then he has come to die said Ada
while her fine eyes flasned angrily
1 Not so fast my beauty not so fast I
came to caution you about that very
thing lor I know the grit that is in you
and youll stick at nothing if youre once
roused lam going to fix matters in a
better way Ill put that girl out of his
way if youll be easy with him
Will you oh Mess you will you
cried Ada clasping his hands
Yes girl yes I will fix her so that
hed as soon marry a Comanche squaw as-
her
Oh how shall I trust you
Youll trust me because Im his father
and I like you well enough to have you
for a daughter
I will trust you she said
Thats right But now Ada dont
you tell him of this second visit though
he knows of the first and whatever you
may hear about the Delormes keep it to
yourself
I pomise that But is the girl whom
he wishes to marry a Delorme
Yes her name is Stella Delorme but
I dare no stay here longer as I expect
Paul will be along soon Ah there he
comes down the street I must slip out
by the back door as he comes in at the
front
Ada gave her visitor directions how to
leave the house unseen and a few
moments after he left Paul entered
CHAPTER XIV
When Paul entered Ada as she usually
did bounded to his arms and imprinted a
flood of kisses upon his lips ne gently
but rather coldly returned her fervent
caresses and then led her back to the
sofa from which she had sprung
Sit down dear Ada said he I
want to talk to you
I am all ears go on dear Paul she
said retaining his hand in hsrs
He seemed at a loss what to say for
the subject that was uppermost in his
mind was an embarrassing one
Well Paul what is it Why do you
not tell me what you wished to saj
said Ada smiling at ins embarrassment
I am very poor Ada said
last with hesitation In tone as
Paul
well
at
as
manner
And therefore quite a criminal in the
eyes of the world yet not in mine But
I am sorry for you Paul What can I do
for you Im
worlds tioods
not very rich in this
but the treasury of my
affection is full and overflowing
Ada you are a good girl You know
that I love you
Once I thought you did Paul But
now I know you do not You are now
racking your brain for a plausible excuse
to cast me off But you cannot fiud one
you cannot find one You say that
you are poor what of that Have I
asked you for money My love cannot
be measured by bars of gold and bars of
iron cannot imprison it
Paul trembled with emotion but was
silent Why do you not reply to me Paul
continued Ada Come I will give you
a theme for conversation Suppose we
speak of Stella Delorme
Heavens do you know her
As well as I wish to She is very
pretty Paul Do you love her
No Ada no as God is my judge I
do not But I am poor and she is an
heiress
And so you tip up the pleasure cup of
love and li 1 it with gold bitter indi-
gestible gold
Oh Ada I do not know what to do
I do love you but you need comforts
luxuries which wnile I am penniless I
cannot give to you Let me marry her
let her have my hand while you retain my
heartPaul
Paul Maierson cried Ada while her
color rose and her eyes flashed do not
destroy all rry dream Do not change
my love into hale for your own sake do
not Do not make mo despise you Do
you think that I could let you come ille-
gally to my arms while you are legally
bound to anothei No Paul Maierson
do not taunt and insult me
Ada Ada I do not know what to
do
Be just be just to yourself and that
will be justice to me I did not seek you
out I was content when you found me
I ask no otner lot But in you I thought
that I had found a young pure fresh
heart untainted by the conupting at-
mosphere of the world I loved you hid
away and kept myself aloof from the
world for your sake And this this is
my reward Farewell Paul Maierson
farewell
And as she spoke she drew a dagger
from her bosom and raised it above her
breast Her cheek was ghastly pale stxe
was breathless and every nerve was iced
into firmness a moment more and that
bright steel had opened deaths pathway
to her heart But Paul caught her hand
ere it descended wrested the dagger away
and threw It through the window beyond
her reach
Ada Ada would you destroy your-
self he cried
Yes soul aud body she gasped and
sunk fainting into his arms
Tnis is love I cannot give her up
he muttered as he laid her gently down
upon the sofa and hastened to call her
maid to aid in her recovery
CHAPTER XV
Two weeks are when counted off into
hours by the tongue of joy but brief
very brief breaths of time Yet if
lengthened by the sighs of sorrow or the
longdrawn moan of pain how measure-
less and unending do they seem
For two weeks had Lagona dwelt be-
neath the roof of Varian Delorme And
during this time the distrustful planter
had tried by many and even by harsh
aud cruel means to test the sincerity of
the young Comanches professed desire
to learn the arts and ways of the pale-
faces
He had sent him to the fields with his
hoe in his hand And Lagona went and
did what he had never done before
worked He had made him perform
many a meniel service and though the
throbbing heart of the proud young chief
almost broKe from its bonds he perse-
vered bowed his head and obeyed He
had endeavored to throw him alone into
the company of Stella while he kept a
secret watch upon him to see if Lagona
did not indeed Intend to try to carry her
offBut
But though the young chief trembled
when he heard her voice he would not
raise his eyes to look upon her though
fearless of a thousand foes he seemed
afraid even of himself when in her pres-
ence
Bat another peril to an unsophisticated
CTr J M h11i i
THEGASETTE FORT WORTH TEXAS SUNDAY APRIL 10
heart weis in that house for him Mrs
Delorme as I have elsewhere said was
for her age avery beautiful and attractive
woman and her art and knowledge of
the world rendered her capable of turn-
ing every point to advantage From the
hour when he came to the plantation Mrs
Delorme had been madly infatuated with
him so much so that she could hardly
avoid attracting the observation of
others But Lagona did not appear to
heed her attentions She made him many
presents but he carelessly threw them
aside and when she spoke to him only
answered in a monosyllable and turned
away This very indifference only
seemed to fan the flames which burned in
her heart Bnt if Lagona was really
aware of her preference he made not the
slightest recognition of the fact a mat-
ter which much pleased Stella who from
the moment when Mrs Delorme had ex-
pressed her admiration of the young
chiefs person had noticed her conduct
and observed her evident partiality
towards him And though no tell tale
yet the honor of her father was too
closely held in her heart for her not to
feet anxious that It should not be haz-
arded by imprudent conduct on the part
ot her stepmother
It was night about the time stated In
the opening of this chapter and Lagona
who had been kept at work all day was
seated near Mrs Delorme who was ask-
ing him many questions regarding his
tribe their habits and manner of living
These questions although by no means
pleasing to the taciturn chief were an-
swered oriefly and respectfully by Lagona
As he spoke of his mountain home
brightened with silvery cascades and glit-
tering streams rendered beautiful with
flowers and mosses and grand with gray
rocks and dark green pines his eyes
flashed like that of the eagle in its native
sky and he seemed once more a tameless
monarch there
Oh how I should like to be there to
ride like the wind over hill and dale to
hunt the bounding antelope cried Mrs
Delorme
No place for a squaw Her place is
over tiie pot in the wigwam said La
gona in a tone of quiet contempt which
would have stung some women to the
soul but she was too much blinded by
her infatuation to notice it
It is not fated for us to know what re-
ply she would have made to this charac-
teristic if not gallant speech for one of
the Mexican herdsmen who had been be-
lated on the plains rushed Into the pres-
ence of Mr Delorme and told him that
Indians were close at hand so close that
they had pressed his utmost speed aud
nearly succeeded in reaching the gate and
entering when he did
What means thiscried Mr Delorme
turning upon Lagona I thought that
you said while yon were here no Indians
would trouble me
Neither the Comanche nor the Lipan
will said Lagona Give me my
weapons 1 will go and see who these
are
Trust you with weapons when you
may use them against myself I am not
quite a fool
Pale faced father I forgive jou I
will go without them said the young
chief with a mournful haughtiness and
he left the room
Oh Mr Delorme you cruelly wrong
the noble fellow I would stake my life
upon his fidelity cried Mrs Delorme
You might madam I would not
said Mr Delorme coolly You will
oblige meby minding your own business
The whole place was now in alarm
The herdsmen and blacks hurried like
frightened sheep to the mansion Mr
Mahoney who was quite brave within the
walls commenced mustering his forces
iu the main hall Paul Maierson who
had returned from Galveston hurried to
his old station the tower over the gate
taking with him a half dozen or more
men whom he found with arms in their
hands
The yells of the foe could be heard
with fearful distinctness as Mr Delorme
stepped out upon the piazza and he had
been tnere but a few moments when he
heard the crashing of battering rams or
something of the kind at the gate But
in a moment or two after he heard firing
there and knew that Paul had gained his
old position He was occupied a short
time iu seeing that the men who had hur-
ried to the house were made ready for
action Then he returned to the piazza
where his terrified wife stood with Stella
listening to the sounds beyonnd the wall
Where is that cursed Indian he
cried Gone I suppose to help his
mates to butcher those who fed him he-
ad < ied bitterly
Paleface the cursed Indian i3 here
said Lagona The men who come to
attack you are not Indians but white
men in diguise
The sudden appearance of Lagona by
his aide and the calmness with which he
replied to the insulting words of Mr
Delorme so unnerved the latter that for
a moment he was speechless
How do you know they are white
men he asked at last
I have been among them replied
Lagona Is this a red mans scalp he
asked and he shook a dripping scalp
fresh from the head of some redhaired
white man before Mr Delormes face
Heavens where and how did you take
that
From its owner with his own knife
for you would not let me have my wea-
pons I have been outside the wall
Forgive me Lagona I have acted
like a dog toward you said Mr De
lorme
I knew you had wronged him cried
Mrs Delorme in triumph
Weve no time for talking now they
are many and strong with arms We
must fight said Lagona Give me some
men and we will climb the wall and take
them in the back Ill make them know
what real Indian is
Your plan is good and I will go with
you said Mr Delorme hastening to get
picked men for the duty
Do not put your lite In peril said
Mrs Delorme In a low tone to Lagona
Death is the playmate of warriors and
a scarecrow to squaws said Lagona as
he went after his own arms
Oh Heavens what a hero said the
infatuated woman not heeding the pres-
ence of Stella
Meanwhile the fight at the gate had
been very het The assailing party with
some logs which they had procured had
endeavored repeatedly to batter in the
strong gate led on by a desperate man
who in vain endeavored to make his voice
sound like that of an Indian Another
had been by his side at first as bold as
he a redfaced redhaired man but in
one of the first charges and before the
men in the tower had opened a steady
fire he had fallen dead with a loud
shriek And when a few moments after
his companions bore him back they
found to their horror that his heart had
been p ierced and his scalp had been torn
from his head
There is some treachery among our-
selves When the fight is over Ill look
into it and woe to him that killed Sandy
Spicer shouted the leader
The fire which opened from the tower
at first was hot and fatal to several of
the besiegers but in a short time it
slackened for Paul had begun to get
short of ammunition
Cut down the gate with your axes
lads shouted the leader not attempt-
ing to play Indian any longer in his
voice though dressed like one Make a
bold pudh and the day is ours
And they did so and in a few moments
r < i
would have effected an entrance had not
the terrible warwhoop of the real Coman-
che been heard in their rear and the next
instant pouring In a murderous fire a
band they knew not how large or who
they were bounded in amongst them led
by a warrior whose every blow brought a
man to the earth
To your horses laps save yourself
as best you can theyre too many tor
us cried the leader of the
band
attacking
And lucky was it for them that their
horses were near else not one of them all
would ever have escaped As it was
more than half were left dead upon the
ground But the leader fighting desper-
ately got the rest off and all of his
wounded And not being prepared ior
pursuit Mr Delorme could not follow
them
CHAPTER XVI
Lagona again I must beg you to for-
give me for my unjust suspicions and my
crul and unmanly treatment said Mr
Delorme after he had returned from
driving away his assailants and stood
once more in his house
Lagona forgets all but the palelaced
chiefs kindness was the reply of the
young chief
Again you have placed me under re-
newed obligations by your bravery How
can I reward you
By never speaking of it again I have
done right no more
Take this from me said Mrs Del
orme attempting to throw a rich chain
of gold about his neck
But he pushed it back with his hand and
quietly said
I am free I do not like chains
She olushed and turned away and in
a few moments was in her chamber
where she burst passionately into a fit of
weeping
Oh heaven I am scorned by this
savage I who am beautiful andso fond-
ly madly love him she sobbed
But the sound of approaching footsteps
warned her to be upon her guard and
she checked her sobs and hastily wiped
her eyes It was Paul Maierson who
came His face was flushed and he
seemed much excited
What do want Why do you core
here to my private chamber she asked
Do you know madam who it was that
led the attack here tonight said he
No Wry do you ask Who was it
she answered
It was the mart that you toid me was
my father said Paul narrowly watching
every change of expresiou in ner lace
Heavens John Maierson a robber
almost screamed Mrs Delorme
Yes I suspected as much when I saw
him and bis associates in Gilvestoa lie
led the murderous gang disguised as
ludians to night And now I know why
he asked so particularly about the wealth
of Mr Delorme
Xou have not told Mr Delorme of
this yet
No he was busy when I came in
Then for your life do not The vil-
lain has been foiled do not now expose
him
I do not believe that he is my father
He if Paul eb Heaven he is 1
know it Would to God that I did
not
What is the secret that he holds iu
terror over your head
Paul in mercy do not ask me now
The time may come when I will tell you
but do not aek it now I am very very
wretched
And she wept as if she indeeO
was so
I am going to Galveston again
Paul when
his aunt became
said
more
composed
For what she asked
To warn him that if he puts his foot
on this plantation again his neck is In
danger even If he be my father
Do be cautious Paul L3t me ad-
vise you not to go near him Some of
his vile gang may assassinate you
I do not fear them Moreover I
must go to Galveston far I promised to
see Ada McAlpin once more before I part
with her forever That done you may
arrange matters with Stella and her
father for me as soon as you please I
begin to 1 ve the girl and I am sure she
does not dislike me
Wei Pdu t if you must go do it but
return quickly Take this purse it con-
tains all the money which I have by
me now
He took it and left her auain to herself
CHAPTER XVII
Ada McAlpin tat in her beautifnl room
looking pale sad and dejected to an un-
usual degree She was not dressed with
her cu > tomary care Her beautiful hair
lay in tangled masses upon her white and
lovely neck and shoulders Her eyes
were red with weeping She started and
trembled when she heard a knock st the
door and her voice was low and husky
when she stid
Come in
It was Jack Maierson who entered
His louk was alsogloomy and morose
What uewt she asked
Dark very dark he muttered
Where is Paul she asked
I neither know nor care I went to
Delormes place to carry the girl off and
thus serve you aud lost half ot my party
and came near losing the number of my
messAnd
And Id not have shed a tear if you
bad said Paul Maierson himself who
followed the footsteps of his father noise-
lessly aud now stood upon the threshold
of the room
Ada started and uttered a faint scream
but John Maierson turned with a scowl
and said
Listeners never hear any good of
thei ilves
hether you are a listener or not you
will never hear much good spoken of
you said Paul bitterly Then turning
to Ada he said I did not think that
you were leagued with this man and his
robber gang
I am not Paul I am not she said
It is false Did I not hear him this
moment say that he had tried to carry off
Stella Deiorme to please you cried
Paul angrily
Yes you heard me say so but this
girl knew nothing of the plan said John
Maierson If you want to abuse any-
one pitch into your father and not into
that girl who is ten times too good for a
milsop like you
Your gang didnt And me a milksop
the other night I reckon said Pul
Some of them went to their last home
with a ticket from my hand
Yes and if you dont lock out some
of them will provide you with a traveling
pass to join their friends in the long
journey
Im not afraid of themhere or anywhere
else They may thank me that they and
their leader are not In jail for I alone
know who it was that made the attack on
La Balsa de Flores
Indeed Well I am very grateful
that you didnt try to hang your father
They will feel very glad to hear how mer-
ciful you are Probably theyll vote you
a resolution of thanks said John Malei
son with a sneer
I will not Dandy words with you but
I wish to see this lady alone sir
Oh very well Bat mark you lad
yon neednt try to play her false for your
fancy charmer on the plantation for yon
shall never marry her Ive sworn tothatf
rememoer
Bah yon threaten one who knows no
fear said Fkul as his father after ut-
tering these jvords left the room
Paul yotjlre not going to marry her
nmf
n nm
are you Ob tell me that you are not
or else kill me on the spot
Ada If I were more of a villian than I
am I would lie to you and say that I
would not marry her but I cannot say it
Stella Delorme will be mine in a few
days
Ada did not reply It seemed as if she
could not Her face was as pale and as
rigid in its expression as marble Her
Angers were clutched into the palms of
her hands till the blood actually started
from beneath her fingernails There was
not a tremor iu her lip not an eyelash
quivered not a limb moved but her
eyes gazed upon him with an icy glare
whicn he never never could forget
Ada what is the matter he asked at
last almost terrified by her silence and
terrible look
Nothing said she speaking slowly
as if she were in great pain Go she
added raising her arm and pointing to-
wards the door
No I will not while you look so You
are ill he cried
Go she repeated and still her white
arm and its marble finger pointed to the
door
lean not leave you thus he cried
Sneak one kind word to me Ada
Go she said louder than before and
still she pointed to tne door
lie was almost as pale as she when he
obeyed and went out
She stood after that for a moment as he
had left her stood until she heard him
close the front door and then she fell
senseless to the floor
CHAPTER XVIII
My God girl has he been striking
you asked John Maierson as be en-
tered the room and fouud Ada upon the
floor with the blood streaming from her
nose and month
Yes yes to the heart she mur-
mured Not with his hands but bis
words his words
Poor girl I pity you indeed I do
said the Captain with unwonted tender-
ness as he rased her from the floor and
kelped her to wipe the blood from her
faceTenible
Tenible indeed was the mental excite-
ment the souls struggle the hearts
misery which could produce such an
effect physically upon her
Maierson wouM have called a servant
to help her but she foi bade it and went
alone to her toilet room and there wash-
ed away the stains as well as she could
She was very pale when she returned
to the sitting room but vry calm
You have been kind tn me sirso far
said she to Maierson Will you not help
me I have considerable money and many
jewels
I dnt want any of your money bnt
tell me what I can do for you and it shall
be done What do you want
Kjvengf rkvkxgs said Ada in a
husky whisper
On him asked the captain
Yts but tarough her She must die
and by my hand
Good I like your spirit But how
can this be accomplished
In some disguise I must gain admis-
sion to her presence ouce there I will
drink her very hearts blood
Well study out how you wish the
thing done and I will nevtr fail yon I
have fifteen or twenty men left who
burn for vengeance on those who killed
their companions
I will arrange some plan a < 3 soon as
my brain cools It is now very hot
Yes poor girl I see it is I will go
now and see my men and keep a lookout
upon Mxster Paul Were he not my own
son Id split his wizz n bifore I slept
But I shall have use for him and he may
come to reason sf er that girl is out of
the way He may yet be yours and as
fond as ever
Never never cried Ada wildly I
hve loved him as never woman loved
before but now words may not tell now
I loathe and hate him I hate him too
much to wish for his death I want him
to live that I can make him misera-
ble But leave me now I wish to be
alone that I may grow calm Come again
tonight I will by that time think of a
plan by which to govern my future
course
Well women are curious creature
murmured the Captain a > he went out
If they cant love theyll hate if they
cant be honey theyll be vinegar If they
cant whimper theyll tnuntjer Carious
creatures are women
Tne Captain had just finished this solil-
oquy when he saw his sou moving slowly
along the street
Paul hold on a bit said he Ive
a message for you
Wnat is it said Paul gloomily for
he felt bad at the manner in which he had
parted from Ada to whom at one time he
had oeen much attached
I want yon to tell Mrs Ilattie Del
orme as sho calls herself that I am in
need of SU000 and that if she will send
the money by you she will save me
the trouble of going to her husband
and asking him for it Tell her there is
no use iu fooling with me I must have
it
I will deliver your message and ad-
vise her to treat it with contempt said
PaulWhich
Which she will not do said the
Captain passing on
CHAPTER XIX
I cannot endure tnis everburning pas-
sion nor can I yet restrain it It mad-
dens me to think it yet I love this cold
and haughty savage even to idolatry T
How quxkly and how gladly would I fly
with him far away from these scenes e > f
luxury and comfort from all of civiliza-
tion to share his perils aud his hardships
He must be mine he cannot forever be
senseless to my advances
Thus soliloquz d Mrs Delorme some
days after the incident last related con-
cerning her while she walked in tne
pleasure grounds which adjoined her hus-
bands mansion
And while he spoke her eyes and fine
eye8 were they were bent upon him as
with an air of sadness and thought he
slowly approached her along the same
avenue notappearing to s e her for his
eyes were upon the ground Since his
gallantry in his defense against the rob
oers Mr Delorme imposed no more tasks
upon him but had rather treated him as-
a brother and a favorite guest
When Lagona had approached closely
to and observed her he stepped aside
and would have passed on had she not
addressed him
Why is this cloud upon the lace of
Lagona she asked adopting the flguara
tive style which she had heard him use
and knew to be favorite with his people
Because the sun which my heart
loves does not shine upon it he replied
quietly
Taen there i3 some one whomLsgona
leves among his people some maiden
beautiful as the flowers who laughs like
the waters and dances like the birds
among the green trees
No If there were Lagona would not
be here
What keeps Lsgona here asked the
crafty woman noticing that for a won-
der his dark eyes were fixed upon her
with an apparent expression of Interest
and that for the first time he lingered and
did not as usual pass her with utter care
carelessness
His heart said the Indian satU
He is master of his life but not of
thatMrs
Mrs Delorme trembled with aggitatlon
for in her blindness she actually began to
believe that she had awakened feelings of
at tachment in the breast of the brave son
Continued on 11th Page
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Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 253, Ed. 1, Sunday, April 10, 1887, newspaper, April 10, 1887; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth85404/m1/10/: accessed July 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; .