d not enter into the particulars of my wooing. Gabriella lived
upon a _hato_ some distance below Valverde, and nearer to the desert of
the Dead Man's Journey (_Jornada del muerto_)--of which no doubt you
have heard mention. Her father was a _hatero_, and owned large flocks
of sheep. He pastured them upon the great plains on the eastern side of
the Sierra Blanca--where I was in the habit of going in my capacity of
_cibolero_ to hunt the buffaloes. The _hatero_ and I became
acquainted--became friends. He invited me to visit his house, and I
went. I saw Gabriella for the first time; and ever afterwards was her
beautiful face before my eyes. I went often, as you may believe,
_cavallero_; but for a long time I was uncertain whether I was welcome--
I mean to Gabriella: for her father still continued my friend. It was
only after the incident I have mentioned--my saving her from the bear--
that I felt certain my love was returned.

"She had ventured too far into the mountains, where I had chanced to be
at the time. I heard her voice calling for help. I ran through the
rocks, and came up, just as a huge bear was springing upon her. I was a
good shot, and my bullet brought down the monster--stretching him
lifeless at her feet. Gabriella thanked me with sweet words--with
smiles that were far sweeter, and told me still more. From that hour I
knew that she was mine. Shortly after she consented to marry me."

"You were married, then?"

"Married--but only for an hour."

"Only for an hour!"

"Ah! _senor_; just so. One hour of wedded life, and then we were parted
for ever. Death parted us. Death to her--to me worse than death;
despair that has never left me--no--never will."

The voice of the speaker trembled in sorrowful tone. It was manifestly
a sorrow that defied any efforts I might have made at consolation. I
made none; but in silence and with eager attention awaited to hear the
denouement of a drama, whose prologue promised such a tragical ending.

"_Puez, senor_," proceeded the narrator, after a short silence,
"Gabriella, as I have said, consented to marry me, and we were married.
It was the day of our wedding. We had parted from the church; and with
our friends had gone out into the country for a _dia de campo_. There
were about twenty of us in all, young men and girls--about, an equal
number of each--all in their holiday dresses, just as they had been to
the church. Most of the girls were Gabriella's