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Show 86 WESTERN WILDS. season not too deep for fording; but our pursuers gained fast upon us. As we neared the American shore they reached the opposite bank, and with a yell of rage at being foiled, discharged a volley from their scoupetas. The balls whistled around us; I only noted that the animal did not fall, then spurred him on, and in another moment he scrambled up to the northern bank, and we were safe upon American soil. " Safe! Oh, merciful powers, why had we not an hour more in the start? Why had we come safely through such perils only to part when our haven was won ? Dolores' arm tightened about my waist she did not speak. I turned with a glad smile, a word of love and cheer upon my lips. She was deadly pale, and I had barely time to dismount, when she fainted in my arms.. A shot had entered her giQp ) 9| t | C 3p * P * f* " But anguish was unavailing. There was no time for regrets. Cold water, rest and shade were imperative. Clasping her in my arms, I bounded up the rocks, and laid her by a little pool at the foot of the cliff. I dashed the water upon her face and loosed her clothing. She revived: " ' Holy Virgin, spare him, guide and protect him/ " There was no word for herself. Then starting up fiercely: " l The padre ! The padre ! Bring the padre ! ' she exclaimed. Then recollecting : ( No, it is too late ! too late ! ' " My agony was terrible. I wrung her hands, and implored her to live. My wife, my dear wife, with whom I had shared so many perils, who had saved my life; must she lose her own by following me? must she die here when we were beyond danger? " She soon revived and gave me hope. For a few moments we con-versed, and a thrill of delight shook my frame when she spoke and smiled. But it was brief. She felt no pain ; her hurt was unto death. Soon her eye grew dim. She drew a small crucifix from her bosom, and held it before her face, while she clasped my hand. Her glazing eye was fixed upon the emblem: " ' Oh, Sancta Maria ! ra pro no bis / ' " I took her in my arms. She glanced at me speechless, with an ineffable smile pointed upward, and was gone. * * It was night, but I still held her in my arms. I could not consent. I would not have it so ; she was mine ; I would not yield her to death. * * * Then, laying her on the grass. I raved, prayed and cursed by turns. " Morning found me still there, but exhausted. The first fierce agony of grief had yielded to a dull pain, which seemed unending. |