The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 374: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

eg en a 368 THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDI’S YOUNG CAPTAIN. i “‘Then, Spinola,’ said Carlos, reddening, ‘if you doubt the truth of her deyotedness to me, you are not my friend,’ “*T thought you would say as much,’ said Spinola, with a quiet smile, ‘All men have their ambition, and if any one steps in to thwart it, that one is considered an enemy.’ ‘‘¢ What reasons have you for supposing that she does not love me?’ . ce Many.’ ‘“<* Name them.’ “Ts not your father, Don Toros, a Spanish in- vader of this soil ?’ “* He is, and many others beside.’ “What made him rear this castle with so much care and expense ?’ ‘““* Aga safeguard against the natives and their Indian allies,’ re roel; “But what of that ?’ said Carlos, in doubt. “*Why, this: if these native princes and their Indian allies were so peaceably inclined, if they bowed willingly to the yoke which the Spaniards had thrust upon them, why build strong castles, and why retain scores of armed knights and military adventurers around us?’ “* For fear of treachey.’ “‘* That is the very word, Don Carlos—treachery |! Beware of it; for not all the strong places in the world could defeat the cunning of these native princes and their Indian friends if they once made up their minds to destroy us.’ ““«You are raving, Spinola! The descendants of Montezuma have been thoroughly subdued long ag0,’ ‘** They have not, Carlos, Their constant dream is for the liberation of the land from the Spanish invaders,’ “*And what are dreams worth?’ said Carlos, laughing. “Spinola did not heed the laugh, but asked— ‘“‘* Has Don Toras, your father, ever visited this prince Catalka, whose daughter, Elvina, so much enraptures you ?’ ‘** He has not,’ “*The last time they met was in the battle field ?’ cee It was.’ “*Catalka and his forces were routed by your father, Don Toras?’ _ “*They were; and my father was raised in rank Im consequence,’ “* But Don Toras knows nought of this your love for Elvina?’ “* He does not.’ * Nor would he approve of it?’ * “Perhaps he would not ; and, for this reason, I have always observed the greatest caution and secresy about it.’ “* More than once,’ said Spinola, ‘I have been tempted to act the true friend in this matter, but you would have looked upon me as an enemy had I done so,’ “* What then did you meditate ?’ “¢ To tell your father the whole secret,’ ‘** But you did not?’ said Carlos, rising in anger, “*T did not; but I say, again and again, that I fear Catalka, Hlvina’s father, knows of the whole affair.’ ‘“* And what if he does?’ “* He will, if he has not already, take advantage of it to ensnare you, and perhaps slaughter every Spaniard in this part of his former dominions,’ ‘‘* Dreaming again,’ said Carlos, with a hearty laugh, p . “<No, I am not dreaming, Carlos. You do me wrong—a grievous wrong! And to prove my friendship I will do aught you wish; go wherever you bid me, or even lay down my life if you will prove the truth of my attachment.’ “¢T do not need fresh proof of your love, Spinola,’ said Carlos, “ but 1 came here to speak to you on particular business.’ ““* Name it,’ ‘‘< Tt is hazardous,’ **¢ That matters not.’ «¢Tt also requires the greatest secresy.’ «Tt is of love, then ?’ “‘It is, I have resolved to visit Elvina once more, and bear her away from her cruel father.’ **¢ And bring her hither ?’ cee No.’ «Where else would you convey her, then?’ “ «Anywhere, but not here; it would entail certain death on both, for Don Toros, my father, hates the name of Catalka, and all who belongs to him.’ ‘“¢ That fact is well known,’ said Spinola, ‘No two enemies ever hated each other with such in- tensity as they do; and why, therefore, prosecute this wild passion ?—it can never end in good,’ “ «She is so beautiful,’ Carlos exclaimed, in a rapture, . “¢ But you dare not return to your father’s halls with her,’ “<7 know it, fly to Spain.’ ‘‘ Madcap ‘that you are, Carlos! venture will bring ruin on us all,’ ““*T care not,’ said Carlos, ‘None but the brave deserve the fair. I have sworn that Elvina shall be mine, so there’s an end of it.’ * * * I have made every preparation to This wild ad- * * ‘‘ Half-an-hour had not elapsed after this com- munication, when two gallant young horsemen were seen to emerge from the gate of Don Toro’s castle. ‘‘They were none other than Don Carlos and his faithful friend, Spinola. ‘‘They were splendidly mounted, and their horses neighed and pranced along the lonely road in splendid style. “«How far is it to Catalka’s castle?’ asked Spinola, ** * Several leagues.’ ‘“** Tt will be broad daylight ere we reach it,’ *** No, not if we ride fast.’ ‘‘So saying, they spurred onwards in the beautiful twilight, and their glistening spears and shields were soon lost in the depths of a dense - forest through which they had to pass. . “They did not observe anything particular as they journeyed along, so intent was Don Carlos in dilating upon the charms of his ladylove. “But at the very moment they had leit the gates of Don Toro’s castle, several mysterious lights could have been seen flittering about on adjacent hills. “The winds sighed mournfully, “The trees shook in the breeze with a melancholy murmur, ‘The calm around made both Carlos and Spinola thoughtful as they entered the forest. “They cantered along, however, and soon left the forest far behind. ‘In a short time they arrived at the mouth of a mountain gorge through which it was necessary to pass, “This gorge was the common boundary between the domains of Catalka, the native Mexican prince, and Don Toros. , GComicbookssco