The Argosy — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRIZE OF THE MISSING GOLD MINE. 223 ‘And then what will you do? You will stay in Los Majones?”’ ‘‘I must for a day or two. I can’t get away. Ishall hite out as a cow- boy or freighter as soon as a chance offers. It’s my only way to raise a stake.’’ ‘“ And as soon as you can you will go back to the mountains to look for mines. Oh, why will you not give up your wanderings and stay where there are people—sonie one—who cares for you? Here!”’’ “It’s for love of you that I go, Lola. Your father, as you know, will never consent to our marriage till I have money—and my only chance for that is to find a mine. So I must keep on prospecting till I make or break. And it’s break now, sure enough.’’ They were standing in the shadow of one of the great posts supporting the veranda. J,ola glanced round from the corner of her eye and saw that a couple much engaged with each other were between them and the doorway. She put both hands to the young man’s neck caressingly and lifted her face tovhis. ~_ 3 ‘Did you think of me away in the mountains?’ she asked tenderly. Their lips were near together; the answer was inaudible, but his head bent down, so that the broad brim of his sombrero hid the gold filigree comb in her hair. Within the hall the musicians were tuning their instruments, and the dancers were reassembling on the floor. ‘“ Dolores! Where is Dolores?’’ called a voice from the hall. Its tone, deep and resonant, indicated the habit of command. It was the voice of Don Albino. : ‘' Now I must go. Father is calling me and he must not find us together,” whispered the girl. ‘‘ When shall I see you again? Will you wait for me to come out another time? No? ‘Tomorrow then. ddzos. Are you quite sure that you love me, cavo mio ?”’ Their lips met, then she turned swiftly, and, with a bright glow on her cheek, was walking demurely down the fortal as her father appeared in the doorway. ‘There was a look of satisfaction on his face, though he spoke to her impatiently. ‘“Where have you been so long?’ he asked. ‘ Everybody is waiting for you; Don Enrico and you are to lead the dance. And he has asked me tonight—but I will tell you that later. Go and join him now.” Lola passed swiftly through the hall, where the couples were ranged upon the floor and Don Enrico Gallego stood at the head of the set with a sulky look on his dark face. He did not fancy being kept waiting by any one, for he was the son of a.rich family in Bernalillo County, and felt his importance. It was whispered among the guests that the handsome young 7zco had come to the alcalde’s house in Los Majones for a bride, and it was easy to see that all were interested to observe how Lola behaved toward him. After Lola had left him, Alexander Campthorne, lingering in the shadow of the pillar, watched her, through the window, take her place by the side of Don Enrico. The music struck up and the dance began. It was a pretty scene, the handsome girls, gay in flowered silks; the graceful, deferential, CoTnmiclaoolK< (S@)