feet three or four; on the top of a pair of very nar- Olivia mind and be sure to dream of the sweet row shoulders, a large bald head was odly placed; colonel, adios," adios they all returned, laughing his forehead seemed to constitute two thirds of his and Claudio flinging on his sombrero sought his face, projecting beyond it like the portico of a house own home. beneath which two small deep jet black eyes kept incessant watch, his nose was long and thin, and his mouth screwed up to the figure of a button, his body was lean and his legs attenuated to mere shadows. To look at him, you would say he was a walking dyspepsia, or the natural personification of famine. Such was the man destined to become Claudio's most dangerous rival; and how it may be asked could he hope to succeed against the inclination of the lady? we shall see. A short time after the new commander had been putin possession of his post, Claudio was seated beside Olivia and her parents. All ears and mouths were busy in receiving and giving intelligence of the colonel, and he naturally became the subject of conversation. "Have you seen our new colonel, Olivia ?" "Oh yes, several times, why he was here this morning to see us!" "And an excellent man he is too," interrupted old Alfarez. 44 He is little but por el gran Pelagio, he is worth a dozen such poltrones as old Ganzo, who was here before, I warrant you this Cisneros will find the difference soon." "Why father if all be true we hear of Cisneros, this colonel would hardly be a mouthful for him," laughingly cried Olivia. "Oh I promise you he will not suffer much from el Chico," added Claudio. "Well," said Alfarez, “he is going to-morrow in search of him, and I hope he may eatch the robber." "And I hope he will not," returned Claudio, "there are many worse than he." "But is he not a robber, a common thief?" asked Alfarez. "He is called so," but he is far better than they who under the cloak of authority, levy such taxes upon us, carry off our property when we cannot pay what they demand, and tyrannize over us, while to the rich and powerful, they are all smiles and professions of kindness; why Cisneros is a thousand times more just, he takes only from the rich, but from the arrieros, and those who work for their living, he never will take a medio, (sixpence.") "But Claudio, you know he never forgets an injury." "Nor fails to return a kindness," said Claudio, "I once rendered him a little service, and it seems as if he cannot be sufficiently grateful. Often when I have been belated among the mountains, I have seen his tall figure emerging from the shadows of the rocks to meet me, affording me his help and promising his assistance whenever I desire it." Time rolled on, and Claudio still toiled with his mules up and down the rough steep of the mountains, but his whole demeanor had become changed, his step was no longer light and elastic, his face wore not the joyous smile which was wont to illuminate it, and no longer did he give vent to his light heartedness in songs which used to make the wel kin ring, and the startled birds fly screaming to the skies. Senor de Raton had so far ingratiated himself with Alfarez that when the former pleased with Olivia, made proposals for her hand, the old man swore by the bones of Pelagio that he should have her were she a princess. He communicated this intelligence to his daughter, who to his astonishment ridiculed the idea and said she could never think of relinquishing Claudio, especially for such a man. Her father told her that she should and must relinquish him, for he had promised her to Senor de Raton, and that none of the descendants of the great Alphonso could break their word, besides that he was a colonel, a rich man who would make her a lady like her ancestors, but she persisted in refusing. The colonel on being informed of this told her father it was merely modesty on her part, and that when she was better acquainted, she would undoubtedly prefer him to a poor muleteer. "La Senorita Olivia is young and inexperienced, but when she hears how many in the old world and here, I have refused, and the pleasure which I can afford her, she will be willing to give up her rustic lover." "Seu lo que seu," let what will happen," returned Alfarez, she shall be yours." Thus encouraged by her father, the colonel con tinued his attentions, and Olivia received him civilly, and to all appearance favorably, meanwhile she enjoyed occasionally stolen meetings with Claudio, who consoled her with the hope that if no other way were found, he would obtain the assist ance of Cisneros. At length the day for her marriage was fixed, and Senor de Raton went to Caraccas, to make preparations for his nuptials, leaving his affianced bride ill at ease in the prospect of such an union, and her delighted father talking larger and more loudly than ever, of his immortal ancestors, and the heroic Pelagio. Claudio, as we mentioned above, pursued his oc. cupation, but without the spirit which once anima. ted him. One evening as he was returning home, ed the road, whom from his gigantic height, his a man suddenly emerged from a wood which skirtdress and arms, he recognized as Cisneros. "Take care, take care Claudio," returned the old man, if the government knew this your life would “Well, comrade,” cried he, as Claudio stopped be in danger. I know the fellow has some good his mules, "still toiling along but you seem sor. about him, but it is better he should be kept from-rowful, here take a sip of this brandy, 'twill refresh but hark, did you hear that shot, por mis proavos, you! Well, how goes your courtship? I think (by my ancestors,) el Chico is after hiin." you told ine that Raton was your rival; has he yet raised the siege ?" "And he may think himself lucky if he gets back with a whole skin," cried Claudio-"but it is grow. ing late, and I must bid you farewell, but I say "The castle is likely to surrender," answered Claudio. "How is that," inquired Cisneros, "the girl likes you, you say." quetia, I come to tell you, you must not marry her." Yes," replied the muleteer, "but her father But noble chief I have promised to marry her, likes the sword and jack boots of a colonel better all the village knows it, and what will they say." than the course clothes and sunburnt face of a poor "I care not for your promises here," cried he, arriero." presenting the hilt of his sword, which was fashion"And has he promised to give her to this little ed to the shape of a cross, "here swear by the blesshop o' my thumb," asked Cisneros. ed cross that you will give up all thoughts of the girl." "He has indeed," answered Claudio, and the colonel has gone to Carraccas, to make preparation for the marriage, which is to take place a fortnight from to day." "And what says the girl," asked the robber. 44 Poor thing she has almost cried her eyes out, but she still hopes that you can do something to help us." "I can, I will," loudly exclaimed Cisneros, "these rich tyrants are not satisfied with depriving the of their hard earned rials, but they must poor have their brides too. No! no! my good fellow, cheer up, cheer up, she shall be yours at any price, depend upon it, before three days have passed, he shall relinquish all right to the girl! farewell for the present, you shall see me again." So saying he darted into the wood, leaving Claudio to pursue his way, cheered by his promises, yet wondering how he would be able to fulfil them. It was night, and the full moon poured her silvery rays over the darkened houses and deserted streets of Caraccas. The good people were locked in the arms of Morpheus, or in plain English were snoring loudly, except those whose love-perforated hearts would not allow them to sleep, and who to gain the good will of their mistresses, were kindly endeavoring to deprive them of repose, with their tinkling guitars. All beside these I say, were sleeping, and among them the redoubtable colonel Francisco de Raton. He was dreaming (as most lovers are apt to,) of his fair Olivia; already had he in imagination led the beautiful maid to the foot of the altar. Around them stood old Alfarez, his wife Margarita, and the young people of the village. The priest, book in hand was performing the ceremony, and Olivia was just giving him her hand: but instead of a gentle pressure, that delicate haud seemed to deal him a tremendous blow; the violence of which, made him start from his slumber. The moon was shining through the window with sunlike brightness, and by her light he saw not his beloved Olivia, but the tall and commanding figure of a man standing close beside him. Surprize and terror, struck him dumb for a while, but at last he summoned courage enough to ask who he was. "I am Cisneros," answered the stranger. Ha," cried Raton starting up, "Cisneros! the devil you are, and what may you want, most noble Cisneros." "Be still if you care for your life, one loud word and my sword shall stop your tongue," exclaimed Cisneros, seizing him by the arm, and dragging him down to his former posture. "Good Cisneros," interrupted the colonel, trembling from head to foot, "take my money but spare my life." "Coward and fool," returned the robber, "I want not your money or your life; I come for a different purpose; you are engaged to marry a girl of May. “I swear,” returned the shrill trembling voice of the colonel, "I swear by the blessed cross that I will never marry Olivia de Alfarez.” ""Tis well," said the robber, sheathing his sword. "I go, attempt not to pursue me, your death will be the consequence. So saying, he quickly and silently disappeared through the window. It may be supposed that the colonel did not enjoy much repose during the remainder of the night. After recovering from his alarm, he began to reflect To break off his what course he should pursue. engagement with Olivia, would not only be contrary to his own inclination, but would expose him to the anger of her parents, and the ridicule of the village. But on the other hand, there was his oath and the terrible Cisneros. But at length love prevailed, and he came to the conclusion that his oath was not binding, and that he might by care and prudence avoid the vengeance of Cisneros. The sun had It might have been about a week after the above mentioned incident, that old Alfarez and his wife were sitting at the door of their cottage, enjoying the cool refreshing air of evening. set but his rays still lingered about the tops of the neighboring mountains, and continued to gild with gorgeous splendor the western sky. The birds had ceased their music, and the stillness of the hour was only broken by the little brook, that wound its way down the rocky glen beside the house. The old man sat rolling from his mouth clouds of smoke, wrapt in some deep study, most probably upon the exploits of his renowned ancestors, while Dame Margarita was amusing herself with the gambols of a pet kitten, which an old tabby who sat at some distance, regarded with dignified disdain. After a long silence, the dame suddenly turning to her husband, inquired if she had lately seen Claudio. The old man immersed in his reverie, heard not the question; Hombre," cried his wife, in a louder tone, "are you asleep." 66 Hey, why what's the matter," returned he, raising himself. "Why husband," cried the dame, "you must know as well as I, that your giving Olivia to the colonel is like to be the death of him, and I have often wondered why you would do so, because the girl is as fond of Claudio, as he is of her." "Vaya," returned her husband, "can the girl be so forgetful of the honor of her family, descended from so many heroes as to prefer a poor muleteer to a rich man, and a colonel besides; does the fellow still persist in his audacity even to think of her." "Audacity!" replied Margarita, "why he is as good as we are any time, and a thousand times better looking than Senor de Raton." "He may be, wife, but his purse is not, no! no! wife, the time is come when the name of Alfarez which has so long slumbered in obscurity, will again rise to equal at least its former glory." Dame Margarita gazed in astonishment at her husband, for in the excitement of the moment, he had risen from his seat, and traversed the hall with long and hasty strides, uttering rapidly the above words at the same time. "But husband, you will break the poor girl's heart." "Nonsense, wife," cried the old man," when she has once become acquainted with the pleasures which rank and wealth afford, the poor arriero will be remembered only with contempt; besides my word is pledged, and the honor of my family for bids me to retract. To-morrow is the day fixed for signing the marriage contract, and the settlement by which Senor de Raton gives her for her own use the sum of four thousand rials a year, per los puesos de Pelagio, (by the bones of Pelagio,) that alone is worth ten muleteers." So saying he clapped his hat on his head and stalked off down the road towards the village inn, leaving the old dame muttering to herself, "the man is crazy, he'd been better off if he had never had any ancestors; and poor Olivia to marry such a monkey, 'tis a downright | shame." "Ah yes," replied the inaiden, "and to-morrow is the day fixed for signing the hateful contract; my father is delighted with Senor Raton, because he is to make a large settlement on me." "What hope is then left for me," cried the youth, what can Ioffer in comparison, Olivia, I love you too well to be any obstacle to your good fortune, forget the poor, humble arriero-live and enjoy the wealth and happiness now offered you." "Claudio, Claudio," exclaimed the girl in tears, "have I deserved this, why have I all along refused this man, was it not for you? and do you think I value your happiness and my own so low as to part with you, for such a man, though he were as rich as an emperor! no! no! Claudio I am determined if I cannot avoid this hateful match in any other way, I will die rather than suffer such a fate." "Mi alına, my life, my own Olivia, forgive me if I for a moment forgot myself. I knew you could not act otherwise, but what says your mother?" Alas, what can she say, you know my father's disposition." "Too well, too well, yet fear not I have again seen Cisneros, he promises his assistance, nay, more declares that ere long, Raton shall relinquish all pretensions to your hand, but quand a mia, why have you not been here before, many an evening have I watched here, till the day faded into night, and the bright stars warned me to retire, waiting in vain for the sound of your footsteps, dearest, why did you not come?" "Ah Claudio, if you knew how I am watched, you would not wonder, I just now stole away while they were talking at home, and I am afraid my father may discover my absence; so I must for the present bid you good bye." "My dear Olivia," returned Claudio, "I cannot urge you to stay, but will you come soon again?" "If I can, doubt not that I will, but Claudio do not follow me, for should my father see you, our meetings would be at an end." "Farewell then dearest, for a while, fear not but trust to the promises of Cisneros." So saying, he embraced the maid, who half resisted, half returned it, then springing away, kissed her hand to him and disappeared. He stood for a moment gazing on the spot where she had stood, and then turning walked pensively-away. While this conversation was going on between the old people, Olivia had found an opportunity of escaping unseen from the house. A short distance behind the cottage, the little brook which we before mentioned, as if tired of its noisy contests with the obstacles that opposed its progress, spread itself out into a little calm and pellucid lake, the borders of which, were thickly shaded with limes, cocoanuts, and other trees; among these, and just on the shore Our narrative must now return to the favored of the lakelet, a rustic bower which was completely suitor of Olivia, colonel Francisco de Raton, whom hid from the house by the surrounding foliage, had we left in a fever of fear and mortification. As we been erected by Claudio, and arranged by Olivia before stated, he passed the remainder of the night with neatness and taste. Too full of anxiety for her in considering the best course to pursue, determinlover and herself, to think of the beauty of the even-ed at all events not to relinquish the hand of Olivia, ing, which under other circumstances, might have he still doubted whether he could with propriety been a fertile source of pleasure, she rapidly cross-break the oath imposed upon him, and if he could, ed the garden, and threading her way through the long grass beyond, reached the grove that surrounded the arbor. A young man rushed forward, and in an instant she was clasped in the arms of her lover, after their first salutations and inquiries, they entered the little arbor and sat down, each clasping a hand of the other, and continued to gaze at each other for some moments in silence. At length Claudio found voice. whether he would be able to elude the vengeance of Cisneros, whom he believed to be if not the enemy of mankind, himself at least his ally. From the former of these doubts, he was relieved by his Confessor, who assured him that his oath was not binding, and that by paying to the church a certain sum, he might consider it as though it had not been. Relieved from his apprehensions on this point, he still felt anxious upon the other, and his reflections “And so dearest, your father still persists in his thereon embittered all the pleasing anticipations of scheme ?" the happiness which he had looked for, in being Meanwhile the descendant of the great Alfarez seemed to increase in importance, as the time of his daughter's marriage approached, and he talked inore and more of his ancestors, the saviors of their country, the defenders of its faith. united to the fair maid of Mayquetia. Still he ad- cast, not to flinch from standing the hazard of the hered to his resolution, and having made all the die." necessary arrangements on the same day on which the conversations above related took place, he left Caraccas for Mayquetia, (attended by a troop of soldiers,) to sign the marriage contract. During the day, the fear of the robber chief kept him in constant dread, every leaf that rustled in the breeze, every bird that screamed among the dark recesses of the forest, was interpreted as a signal for his approach. The day was drawing to a close, and he at the head of his band was just descending into the plains, when suddenly on turning a sharp corner of the road, the attention of all was attracted by a loud whistle, and upon looking up, a strange spectacle met their eyes. Upon the summit of a lofty crag overhanging the road, there stood a wild looking, half clad figure, even at that distance almost gigantic, in his left hand he held a long gun, and his right was extended in a commanding attitude, as if calling upon them to stop. The picturesque and wonderful appearance of such a figure, in a place which all thought inaccessible, struck terror into the minds of the troop. They halted, and whispered each other as they crossed themselves devoutly, "es el diable," "it is the devil." Finding his purpose of stopping them accomplished, (for Raton had halted with the rest,) the figure in a loud voice, rendered terrible by the thousand echos which threw back the sound, thus addressed their leader: "Colonel Francisco de Raton, think not to deceive me, I know your purpose, it shall never be fulfilled, though you may forget your oath, hope not to elude my vengeance." Men," cried Raton, turning to his soldiers, "Fire! 'tis Cisneros!! a purse for him who brings the villain down." 44 The troop thus called upon, wheeled round and discharged their carbines at the robber, but their fear prevented them from taking aim, for as the smoke cleared away, they could see him yet standing in the same spot, though his gun instead of being carried as before, was presented at the troop below, a report followed, and the laced hat of their commander dropped to the ground. With a loud, and as they thought a demoniac laugh, the figure disappeared, leaving them to pursue their way with fear and trembling, the feelings of their chief rendered agonizing by the words of the Brigand. Dame Margarita said little, but prepared for the nuptials with a heavy heart, she saw with the instinctive penetration of a mother, that her daughter's heart was with her humble lover. Claudio too had the satisfaction of conversing with Olivia whenever she could at evening escape the watchfulness of her sire. Confiding in the promises of Cisneros, Claudio was not fearful of the result, and she, relying on his assurances, with all the bursting fondness of a loving girl, partook of his confidence, yet as the space which separated her from what she considered a dreadful fate diminished, she could not but feel some anxiety for the issue. On the evening preceding the day fixed for her marriage, she contrived to steal away to the rustic bower. "Ah, my Claudio," cried she mournfully, on meeting her lover. "Cisneros has forgotten us; tomorrow is the fatal day. But there is one resource; do you see this," she exclaimed, drawing a small dagger from her bosom, sooner than wed the man I hate (and as she spoke her eyes seemed to flash fire and her whole figure to dilate,) this shall end my life." "Think not, oh! do not think of so dreadful a purpose,," hastily interupted Claudio, "Cisneros has not forgotten us; to-morrow you shall see a proof of his remembrance," fear not, all will yet be well, so dry your tears and talk no more of death, I shudder at the thought." “Since you say so I will believe him,” replied she, returning her weapon to its place, "but the possibility of being compelled to marry this conceited fool, almost drives me mad. Still, still I fear he may have forgotten us, or will not be able to prevent this detestable marriage.” "He has not forgotten you," cried the rough voice of the Robber Chief, as he presented himself to their astonished sight, armed to the teeth, Olivia alarmed at the wildness of the figure, shrunk behind her lover. "Maiden, fear not," said Cisneros, "I seek to repay a favor, not to injure you. You fear I have forgotten my promise, or cannot fulfil it. Be not afraid, sooner shall the serpent escape from the talons of the eagle, than he from me, my plan is laid, its success certain, and the morning that would without my interference, have beheld you his bride shall find you freed forever from his presence." During the time which intervened between the last mentioned incident, and the day fixed for the marriage of Senor el colonel de Raton, and "the pride of the village," nothing took place worthy of relation. The colonel passed the time in a state of mind bordering on madness; his attachment to the artless and beautiful girl he was to wed, (to lose The maiden forgetting her fear, rushed forward whom seemed worse than death,) and his pride on and catching the rough hand of the robber, pressed the one hand, his oath and the threats of the mys- it to her lips. "Thanks good Cisneros," cried she, terious and incornprehensible being who opposed" accept the heart felt thanks of a poor girl, whom his wishes on the other, contended fiercely in his you have saved from worse than death; men call breast. He looked forward to the day of his mar you. fierce and cruel, but surely never did there riage, as the malefactor to that of his execution, beat in human breast, a heart more kind and tenwhose hope (however faint) of a reprieve, preserves der." him from total despair. The contract had been signed, and if he would, there was no way of escaping its fulfilment with honor to himself, he therefore determined, as he had set his life upon the The harsh and severe countenance of Cisneros softened for a moment into an expression of tender. ness, as he gazed on Olivia, You have wakened feelings maiden," said he, "that have slumbered for years-but time presses, another hour must find | me far from here; maiden, farewell, and sometimes think kindly of the cruel Cisneros," then turning to Claudio, he added, "your way and mine are for a short distance the same, I would speak a while with you." "My Senor mio-Circumstances which I deeply regret but which I cannot control will prevent me from ever having the honor of being your son. More I cannot say. It will be of great service to me and may perhaps be the means of saving my life if you will marry your daughter to her former lover Claudio. I hereby release her from the con With a hasty embrace, and a few words of encouragement Claudio bid her “adios," and sprung||tract signed by her and desire her acceptance of after the Brigand, who with long strides was traversing a small open space between them, and a thick grove at the foot of the mountain. Lost in reverie, Olivia forgot for a time her situation, startled at last by finding herself alone, the moon high in the heavens, she hastened home just in time to satisfy her father, who was anxious to hear her opinion of the wedding dress and orna ments which Don Francisco had sent her. the enclosed bill for 4000 rials." Murmurs of astonishment went round the room among which might be heard "Cisneros" often mentioned, while the countenances of Olivia and her lover brightened with joy; which was increased by the following words of Alfarez. "And my friends," since you are assembled to celebrate my daughter's marriage porlos huesos de Pelagio (by the bones of Pelagio) you shall not be The day fixed for the Nuptials of Don Francisco disappointed, Claudio? Nay, man dont hang your de Raton and the pride of Mayquetia dawned bright head now-but come forward it is plain some good and fair. At an early hour the family of Alfarez spirit favors you, else how had such an honor befalhad risen to prepare for the ceremony. Dame len you as to be united to one of the family of the Margarita bustled about to get the feast which great Alfarez. Will you have this maiden for your follows the priest's benediction. Old Alfarez wan- wife, Olivia will you have this youth for your husdered restlessly all over the house, now into the band." kitchen to inspect the proceedings of his spouse, now into the "Salon" to see that every thing was arranged and twenty times to the door of his daughter's room to ask if she were up and warning her that she would be too late. Soon all the Village was alive, and long before the appointed hour the house was filled with guests, the "padre" was there in his sacred vestments, book in hand, impatient of the delay, which increased the distance between him and the good cheer for which his mouth watered, and in which as his goodly paunch showed he occasionally indulged. There too was Claudio neatly dressed wearing on his countenance an expression of contentment far different from what the present scene seemed likely to have called forth, which inspired Olivia with a hope that all would yet be well. Among the company old Alfarez bustled shaking hands and receiving the congratulations of all, and then running to see if the bridegroom had yet arrived. His unaccountable delay was the subject of general conversation and finally induced Alfarez to send to the "posada." The long interval which followed was filled up by the various surmises of the guests. The lovers were secretly delighted but the anxiety of Alfarez exceeded all description, a second messenger was despatched who returned breathless with haste bringing the news that the Don had not been seen since the previous night and that in his room was found a letter addressed to "Senor Alfarez." Breaking it open, in haste he read the contents, suddenly the letter dropped from his hand, and he would have fallen but for the surrounding guests who caught him. All was confusion, some ran for water to sprinkle over him, others commenced fanning while Olivia and her mother bent over him in anxious solitude. In a short time he recovered and raising the letter from the ground he said "my friends as you have met ine here to celebrate the marriage of Senor Don Francisco De Raton it is but right that you should know the cause of the bridegroom's delay and my astonishment at the contents of this letter" so saying he read aloud : house rung with "Vivas," the ceremony was perMy readers can imagine the reply. The whole formed and the whole company enjoyed the feast which on the receipt of the letter they were very apprehensive of losing their pleasure, greatly increased by the change of bridegrooms for Claudio was an universal favorite and all rejoiced in his good fortune. But who can paint the joy the unutterable delight of the lovers, thus relieved from their painful apprehensions, their fondest wishes crowned with fulfilment, or, who can tell their gratitude to him who had been the cause of all their happiness. of my readers,-who being or having been in I dare not attempt it, but leave it to the imagination love may better conceive the extent of their feli city. The cause and the manner of the sudden disappearance of Raton, remains a mystery; all that ever transpired of his subsequent history, was that on board a vessel bound for the old world, there embarked shortly after the marriage of Olivia and Claudio, a passenger whose appearance closely resembled that of Raton; he was observed to be very melancholy and spoke but little during the voyage. Old Alfarez became speedily reconciled to the change of son-in-laws, especially as Claudio was one of the best listeners in the world: his stories lengthened with the patience of his hearer, and to crown his happiness, in process of time, he was blessed with a grandson,-when he straightway named his heir and dignified him with the title of Alphonso Pelagio de Alfarez. Contentment inclines us to good actions. Innocent pleasures, also, have a healthful influence upon the body and mind. As melancholy and grief wear away our strength, so it is proportionably increased by cheerfulness and joy. The mind. would often sink under the weight of its sorrows, if it did not receive an impulse from some other source, |