Part 21 (2/2)

Different with the _capilla_, from whose belfry comes a continual clanging of bells--merry bells--marriage bells. Nor needs any one telling who are to be wedded. All know that the owners are about to enter into relations different from that of a mere commercial partners.h.i.+p; that Gertrudes Villanueva is about to become the wife of Henry Tresillian.

The hour for the happy union has at length arrived, and from the two grand houses on the _plaza_ issue the bride and bridegroom--each with their train of attendants--and take their way to the _capella_, amidst the enthusiastic plaudits of the a.s.sembled people, who cry out:

”_Viva la novia linda! Viva el novio valiente_--_nuestro Salvador_!”

(Long live the beautiful bride! Long live the gallant bridegroom--our saviour!)

Inside the church the ceremony proceeds, relatives and friends from afar a.s.sisting at it; among them Don Juliano Romero, and of course, also, Colonel Requenes. And there is one present who not only disapproves of the marriage, but would forbid it, were it only in his power. This the young cornet of lancers, Colonel Requenes' aide-de-camp, now a captain, who stands among the spectators, with an expression upon his features telling of a heart torn with jealousy.

How different is that on the face of Pedro Vicente, luminous with delight! Joyed and proud is he to see his young _protege_ of the chase attain the desire of his heart, in its fullest happiness.

The procession returns to the house of the bride's father, followed by the crowd, again vociferating, ”_Viva la novia linda! Viva el novio valiente_!”

Then the pre-arranged sports of the day commence on a gra.s.sy plain outside the _pueblita_. There is _correr el gallo_ (running the c.o.c.k), _colear el toro_ (baiting the bull), with other feats of equitation, in which Crusader bears a conspicuous part. Ridden by a famous _domidor_-- his owner for once but a looker-on--the beautiful black wins every prize, in speed outstripping all horses on the ground.

The Lancer band makes music in accompaniment; and over an improvised pavilion, ornamented with evergreens, in which stand the chief spectators, waves the national flag--that same bit of bunting which, three years before, was run up as a signal of distress on the *Lost Mountain*.

THE END.

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