Page:Don Coronado through Kansas.djvu/281

264 ALONSO RBrresAiiS His lotbs. aop for my tt^ng; with you about my dear lady, but I need not ask that questioa, for I kaow you too well for that. O Monte! I lore her so much that I some- times am afraid of beoominf? unbalanced because of the constant thinking of her; if I could only see her for a few minutes so as to press her sacred lips to mine! Do yon know, Monte, since the tournament, after which by. the rules of chivalry I was entitled to the smiles and presence of her of my choice, and yet to be so far away' My God ! I thought my head would split open the night of that affair, for it seemed the list brought up to my vision the many passages of arms which I have witnessed since a boy, and when the time is reached when by custom I am entitled to at least a pressure of the hand from my beautiful queen — well, well, O God! please give me strength to stand erect like a man and not allow one thought of doubt to pass my brain, for I am sure she will be faithful to me, as You are witness to my honor and reverence for her. Keep her, protect her for both our sakes, for Father, it is Your guidance and strength that has protected my body and soul up to this time, for which accept my thanks from the bottom of my heart; and you know whether I deserve Your pro- tecting hand to sustain me while going through the awful mental ordeal, and Lord, speak to her so that she may be comforted and not depressed in spirits as I have been for many days." And then the poor fellow broke down and sobbed, but the gates of the brain had been opened by his friend on earth and the Greater One above. Without speaking a word, Monte took his friend's both hands