Idaho Springs siftings., May 03, 1902, Image 11

About Idaho Springs siftings. (Idaho Springs, Colo.) 1900-1905

Image provided by: History Colorado

                
An American Nabob.
A Remarkb 1 e Story of Love. Gold &nd
Adventure.
By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE
CHAPTER IX. —(Continued.)
As the musicians struck the first low
wailing notes a shout of universal ap
plause greeted the fair dancer. Slow
y the mandolins sounded the measures
pf the dance, and with tranquil, al
most hesitating steps, the young girl
interpreted the rhythm and time with
aer tiny feet. Gradually the chords
quickened and became livelier, and the
•low-moving Circe merged into a ra-
Siant Terpsichore. Her eyes, hitherto
oent timidly upon the floor, were now
proudly raised and swept the crowd
with half coquettish, half inquiring
glances. They seemed to say: “Are
ihere none brave enough to risk being
aiy partner?"
One of the young fellows thus inter
preting the look, and perhaps eager to
•how his courage, quickly advanced to
ihe estrada, and, uncovering, present
ed his gay sombrero with its garniture
af silver and lace for the acceptance of
the bewitching dancer. Receiving it
with a smile, without pausing for an
Instant in the evolutions in which she
was engaged, she placed it coquettlsh
ly upon her head. A prolonged viva
fretted this act, while the pleased gal
lant, who had thus been conceded the
floor, placed himself opposite to her
and Joined in the dance. It continued
for a time, when, at the cry of “Cham
mara!” by the spectators, the young
gallant, bowing gracefully to the girl,
retired to give place to the second as
pirant Placing himself opposite Circe,
the new partner went through the
same series of evolutions as his prede
cessor, ending by unwinding the crim
son China crape sash from his waist,
which he fashioned into a rosette and
hung from one of the bare shoulders
of the girl.
This act constituted a challenge to
ill comers, while by permitting it to
remain the girl signified her accept
ance of him until such time as an
other should present a better caim. It
could only be answered in one way—by
the knife. From the crowd arose the
cry of “Machete! machete!” and in
prompt response the rival lover sprang
into the estrade, and, with a graceful
bow, presented himself to the girl. A
•light nod told him that he, too. was
welcome to the honor of bestowing his
favors; and, drawing his long, glitter
ing cuchillo from its sheath, he sus
pended it by its bow of purple ribbons
from the right shoulder of the girl, al
ready carrying the sash of his rival
upon her left A new pas de deux now
began, carried on as before, though
with many extemporized variations.
Every now and then a chorus of vivas
and bravos greeted the execution of
Borne more than usually difficult step,
or suggestive figure.
Suddenly a strident voice in the
crowd shouted “Bomba!” and the
dance was at an end. The women,
now that the dancing was over, took
themselves out of harm’s way. The
two factions, occupying opposite sides
of the estrada, clamored for the fight.
Dona Juanita, proud and radiant,
stood in the center of the estrada
awaiting the final ceremony with a
tranquillity which went far to prove
her indifference to the claim of either
aspirant. But the pledges were still
to be redeemed, and. with a practical
eye to the business features of the
play, she waited with extended hand.
The usual fee of each pledge js a sil
ver half real, but the two gallants, ad
vancing one after another, filled both
her hands with silver coins, amid the
murmurs of applause which such pro
digality excited.
The estrada was now cleared for the
fight, which nothing could now avert.
The sylvan temple, so lately the scene
of gayety and pleasure, was converted
into a gladiatorial arena. Into its
midst one of the gallants advanced,
and, first tracing a rude circle in the
hard-beat sand of the floor, planted his
knife in its center. The second
promptly followed and placed his long
blade close beside that of his rival,
while both courteously uncovered. A
polite altercation then ensued as to
who should first place his hat upon his
head, each claiming an honor which,
granted by either, would make him
the superior in point of courtesy. The
difficulty was, however, decided by
both contestants covering at’ the sams
time. The spectators were then rele
gated to the outside of the estrada. the
combatants placed face to face, and
the signal given.
The combatants stood each with his
long blade grasped in his right hand,
and with his left hand and arm
wrapped in the folds of his manga by
way of shield. At the word the com
bat began. The Gautaricans know
nothing of scientific fencing, and rqly
wholly upon strength and agility of
body. The blows were furiously given,
but were far from dexterous. On both
■ides it was only a series of quiok
thrusts and clumsy parries, of sudden
lunges and hasty retreats. Their long
knives struck one another with a me
tallic clang, or cut the air with a
mournful sough. But th£re wSS a
ferocity and determination about the
men which resulted in much bloodshed
and mutual hacking of flesh. They
swayed to and fro upon the floor, the
tumultuous crowd closing about them
as they were successively displaced.
Thus it continued for ten minutes,
when, wounded and bleeding, both men
came to the floor, and were carried off
by their more intimate followers.
It was when the barbarous uuel In
the public square had been brought to
a termination that Overton, indulging
in a little bitter reflection regarding
the evil that befalls man through his
natural love for woman, felt a San"
plucking his sleeve, and knew from the
whiff of villainous tobacco smoke that
his new Jonathan, the general, stood
at his elbow, his face wreathed in
smiles and his portly frame swelling
with the importance of the communica
tion he bore.
CHAPTER X.
The Maker of Presidents.
As soon as his eyes fell upon the
smiling countenance of General Bar
rajo, Jack knew the latter carried a
message—he seemed so pleased with
himself, so desirous of doing some fa
vor to the brave Senor Overton, who
had saved his precious life, and made
him overwhelmingly his debtor.
When, however, the verbal communi
cation was delivered Jack’s face took
on a frown and he bit his lip. For the
stout general bore a message that
Dona Juanita desired to meet the
American at once; and he also gave
Jack to understand that this summons
was to be considered a great honor,
about which, however, that worthy had
his doubts.
He concluded to meet Dona Juanita.
He found the senorita not far away,
and her manner of receiving him was
peculiarly coy for one who had shown
herself so bold when the rival young
gallants were vielng with each other
for the privilege of her smiles. Jack,
had he known these hot-blooded crea
tures of Gautarica better, would have
taken warning from this very fact and
studiously avoided the senorita, for it
was quite patent to the astute general
she had conceived a sudden and over
powering admiration for the American
that was very apt to blossom presently
into a passion.
Jack carried on a spirited conversa
tion with the belle of San Jose, and
could not but note the deep satisfac
tion shown by the general. In the
goodness of his heart, no doubt ne
wanted the man who had saved his
life to have all the prizes there were in
the lottery, and the senorita, In his
mind, came within that category.
So he worked the strings.
Had Jack suspected his philanthrop
ical design, he might have deeply re
gretted running those three revolution
ists off when they had the general cor
nered.
As it was, having in mind a sketch
of some mythical goddess, which the
senorita as he had seen her dancing so
alluringly before her many admirers
would fill to perfection, he studied her
while thus engaging her in conversa
tion.
Doubtless he forgot that in thus ex
erting himself, with the purpose in
view of drawing her out, he at the
same time accomplished a double oo
ject, and appeared unusually attrac
tive in her eyes.
That was where the boomerang came
in.
It chanced that after this night they
met frequently—not so much througn
his inclination as an apparent com
bination of circumstances.
The lovely daughter of the tropics
had taken a great fancy for Senor
Overton, and his indifference piqued
her, since she was so accustomed to
having gallants go mad for an iota of
the favor she bestowed upon Jack.
Sometimes it appears as great a crime
to be diffident as to show egotism—it
may not push one into hot water as
often, but there are occasions when it
counts as much.
And the wily general looked on, ana
behind Jack’s back rubbed his hands,
very much as a miser might over his
gold.
It was his purpose to devote his life
to showering blessings on his noble
deliverer —love, power, wealth, ail
should be his, and he would bless the
day when he first met Pedro Alphonso
Barrajo—indeed, it would be a red-let
ter day in the affairs of the little re
public as well.
Overton had never taken the general
into his confidence, to tell him the bit
ter story of his past and how he had
become a full-fledged woman hater,
pledged to remain forever a bachelor.
He had found a means of engaging
n business. Such energy as he pos
sessed was a new element in San Juan,
ind from the way in which he started
it was evident that in due course of
ime. say, ten years, if nothing hap
pened to overturn matters—something
is always occurring in these torrid ut
.le republics—he bade fair to own tne
vhole community, which shows what
push and enterprise may accomplisn
when properly applied.
Ten years was a long time to wait—
he had calculated on half that period
when he could go back to London and
pay up old scores.
And then it occurred to Jack to par
tially take his friend the general into
his confidence, and tell him how neces
sary It was that he should roll the ball
of fortune faster, in order that the re
sult should be hastened.
Brave Barrajo had met danger when
it appeared about to overwhelm him
with a steady front and a flashing
blade.
He was equal to the occasion now.
Slapping Jack most heartily on the
back, he winked his left eye mysteri
ously, and, looking cautiously around
to see that they were alone, whispered
hoarsely:
“Carramba! Make your mind eas*,
senor—it is all arranged—the train is
laid and at the proper time the match
will be applied—then comes the explo
sion, and, pouf! there you are in a
jump! One thing tell me, Senor Jack,
how long you have been in San Jose —
on Gautarican soil?”
Jack figured it out. “Just six months
to-morrow —how time has flown, and
I have only made a start,” he said
slowly.
The general rubbed his hands to
gether in almost delirious joy.
“Six months—it is quite enough.
You shall be made a citizen to-mor
row.”
“Is it positively necessary?” dubi
ously.
“Undoubtedly so,” came the prompt
reply.
“Then I submit —any sacrifice so
that I may attain the end to which I
aspire.”
“Madre do Dios! You will not call
it a sacrifice, Senor Jack, when you
learn what a feast of good things is
being prepared for you. Never was a
man more favored by fortune, I
swear.”
Jack smiled and shook his head.
“Ah! you speak in enigmas, gen
eral.”
“Soon —soon all will be made plain.
Wait, have patience; your loftiest
dream of pomp and power could not
attain to what awaits the friend and
preserver of Pedro Barrajo. I do not
forget—l can never forget!” with a
gesture of vehemence.
“Well, I place myself in your hands,
my general.” Overton felt compelled to
say, having concluded to go the whole
thing, once started.
“Aha! you are wise—you will bless
me to your dying day. Love, power,
fortune, all shall be yours. The vow
is recorded. One thing I must beg of
you, Senor Jack. It is this. If, some
night, after tomorrow, you should hear
a commotion in San Jose, shots fired
and loud cheers from the army, pray
do not show yourself upon the street
until I call upon you.”
“Ah! prospects of another revolu
tion, I suppose?”
“Hush! Not so loud, please. Robla
do’s spies may be about —they Buspect
something is in the wind. No, it is
not Montejo this time —he is a dead
herring In Gautarican politics now.
Ask no more questions, only wait and
see; great events are on the eve of
transpiring. You promise—good! Go
your way, my dear friend, and prepare
for a grand surprise. Silence!” and
with his finger on his lips the remark
able general bowed, and mounting his
horse galloped toward the barracks,
leaving Overton a badly puzzled man.
After that mysterious warning from
Barrajo, Jack was exceedingly careful
how he strayed from his domicile aft
er old Helios dipped his glowing face
in the western sea and the black pall
of night descended upon gay San Jose.
For he placed great confidence in the
general, and that worthy’s directions
had been so very direct and explicit
they could not be mistaken.
His reward came.
It was the fourth night after the
flower procession, and San Jose had in
a measure calmed down —that is, re
sumed the normal condition that
marked the passing of early evening.
The gay crowds still lingered in the
plaza near by, as though having some
inkling of the tremendous epoch in
Gautarica’s history that was on the
eve of occurring.
Overton wondered how it came that
the sounds of merriment had long
since died away, while the throng still
remained abroad.
He had not known so strange a thing
to happen before, and he had been half
a year in San Jose, too.
He had just completed his task of
writing, and, utterly fagged out, filled
his pipe for a comfortable smoke be
fore retiring, when the sound cf a sud
den shot electrified him.
(To be continued.)
The vegetable dealer is apt to get
into a peck of trouble when his met*-
ure falls short of the standard.
PARROT A LINGUIST
IT TALKS SEVERAL LANGUAGES.
Story of Its Sagacity Remarkable If
True—Knows How to Spell—lmi
tates Many Birds—Whistles
"Marching Through Georgia”—
Calls for Whatever She Wants to
Eat. '
F. S. Winston of Chicago, says, the
Chronicle, has just purchasinl from E.
L. Peterson of Plymouth, Wisconsin,
a most remarkable parrot, said by bird
fanciers here and in Plymouth, where
the bird has been owned for years, to
be the most wonderful talking parrot
in existence. Polly's reasoning powers
were first given publicity by Mrs. Otto
Gaffron, a writer on. Wisconsin bird
life.
The bird is a linguist. Few other
parrots have been able to speak more
than one language, but this bird has
mastered several. It has been known
to ask what language the oneaddressed
preferred to talk in and to have sur
prised Mrs. Winston’s maid by asking,
the morning after its arrival, “Bitte,
Polly will hieraus kominen.” When
the bird saw that the maid did not
comprehend it it said: “Oh, you do not
understand German. Perhaps you can
understand this: ‘Polly would like to
come out, if you please.’ ”
Polly can spell. She is so sure of the
proper arrangement of the letters that
she corrects people when they go
astray In the spelling of words. She
will sometimes ask people if they can
spell. Then, If they respond in the af
firmative, she will ask them to spell
“dog” and bark in response. When
“kitty” is spelled she will mew as nat
urally as any Thomas or Tabitha.
Mrs. Mamie Herbert, 56 Elmwood Ave.,
Buffalo, N. Y., Treasurer Empire State
Fortnightly, Buffalo, N. Y., After Eight
Years’ Suffering* Cured by Lydia E. Pink
ham’s Vegetable Compound.
" Dear Mrs. Pinkham : — lnflammation and ulceration of the
uterus laid me low and robbed life of its joys for me. For eight years
I was in frequent pain and misery, and then Lydia E. Pinkham’s
Vegetable Compound came to me, the greatest boon I hare
known, for it brought new life and health to me. I used several
bottles of Compound and your Sanative Wash. My improvement
was slow, but from the first bottle I felt that I was better, and so I
kept up courage and continued the treatment. None of my friends
ever dreamed that I would be well again, but I have now enjoyed life
to its fullest extent for three years.” Mrs. Mamie Herbert.
$5OOO FORFEIT IF THE ABOVE LETTER IS NOT GENUINE.
When women are troubled with irregular, suppressed or painful
menstruation, weakness, leueorrhcea, displacement or ulceration of the
womb, that bearing -down feeling, inflammation of the ovaries, backache,
bloating (or flatulenos), general debility, indigestion, and nervous pros
tration, or are beset with such symptoms as dizziness, faintness, lassitude,
excitability, irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness, melancholy, “all
gone” and “ want-to-be-left-alone ” feelings, blues and hopelessness,
they should remember there is one tried and true remedy. Lydia E.
Flnkham’s Vegetable Compound at once removes such troubles.
Refuse to buy any other medicine, for you need the best.
Mrs. Plnkbam invites all sick women to write her for advice.
She has guided thousands to health. Address, Lynn, Mass.
ALABASTINE MSUf
U NOT A KAISOMINC J
A |h 1 'ttciC I Forms a pure and permanent coat- 7
I I j.V* 11‘« ing and does not require to be taken y
L y*“ y'^v» r= 'nf ===: ’ to renew from time to time. Is y
W J. toV'' ll a P° w^er * ready for use by
A- J mixing with cold water. *
* 1 |P~TI tkj I TO THOSE BUILDINa
m I We are experts in the treatment of A
x * walls. Write and see how helpfal x
we can be, at no cost to you, in get- y
V 'sir!' ALABA^TiNR 7 ting beautiful and healthful homes. y
a c, ted for and what I want.’* *1
■< ALABASTINE COMPANY, Grand Rapids, Mich, v
WINCHESTER!
CARTRIDGES IN ALL CALIBERS I
from .22 to .50 loaded with either Black or Smokeless Powder |
always give entire satisfaction. They are made and loaded in a j
modern manner, by exact machinery operated by skilled experts. I
I THEY SHOOT WHERE YOU HOLD ♦ ALWAYS ASK FOR THEM |
No robin or oriole knows Its own
notes better than Polly. Her imitation
of the robin’s note canot be mistaken,
and she can scold as well es any blue
jay. She is no more cracker bird. She
calls for bread, coffee, peanuts, apples,
and other things much more frequent
ly than for the proverbial cracker. She
whistles “Marching Tlirongli Georgia”
from start to finish and beats time with
her foot. “Will You Come Out To
night, Boys?” is a favorite song with
Polly, and after she has asked the boys
to come out she whistles just as one
lad would to another.
Some visitors to the Pattersons once
had a sore throat, and since that time
Polly gargles periodically. She tvill
remain silent for about fifteen minutes,
listening to the conversation of the peo
ple about her and then astonish them
by suddenly saying: “I know what you
are talking about.” The nearest ap
proach to downright impoliteness of
which she is guilty is telling people
that they are dumb. She stu
pid by this and she puts it Into Ger
man, saying, “Du bist dumin.”
PUTNAM FADELESS DYES color
■ilk,wool or cotton perfectly at one boil
ing. Sold by druggists, 10c. per package.
A War Against Rats.
The Imperial health department of
Germany, which numbers among ita
counselors some of the most distin
guished scientists, has lately consid
ered the possibility of exterminating
rats throughout the empire. It is the
object of the health department to mit
igate the danger from the spread of
contagious diseases. I>r. Robert Koch,
the eminent bacteriologist, has been
commissioned to devise a plan of get
ting rid of the rat pest in the east port
towns.