Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-09-17

The ranchsro, that was lssding the lovely
but unwilling Tula, halted near the door OF
the chapel and looked over his shoulder.
Perhaps be had detected the tread Of the
Americans, though they arrived almost
noiseiexsly.
At the same time, q tail, middle aged,
grizzly bearded Mexican officer, Henrique
Fernandez. the wouid oe bridegroom. who
was little In advance Of the bride. became
aware OF the Americans presence. The Off
Ger. Fernandez. was attended by two younger
officers. and all were dressed in the most gor-
ceous uniforms. The party stopped Fer
nandez, IN an imperious voice, demanded:
.Don yelasouez particularly requested
that this ceremony should be free from all
intrusion! W Tho are the strangersF
The moon ere this had lowered herself be-
hind bold range OF mountains in the west
hence the dim outlines only of the intruders
could be made out, but nothing OF faces nor
dress could be distinctly seen
sit is the Seniors Anierieanos," replied the
savage voice OF Veiasquez. Why are you
here, senorsf he demanded
Don Velasquezr replied Leo. stepping
bold y before the ranchero. You are cruelty
forcing youF child to marry. this night, one
whom her soul detests, while her heart Is in
the keeping OF the brave Ezaaldo Of Juarez's
army. Ii is to save Tula Velasquez from the
evil fate YOU have selected for her that we
are here.n
With glad cry Tula Velasquez tore her
self away from her fathers side and rushed
up to Leo just as he struck the revolver,
which the Mexican officer had leveled at
him, from his hand.
Quickly ieveiing his own revolver In the
face of Henr,que Fernandez, he said: You
are my prisoner, Col Fernandez Stir from
your tracks at your peril
The Mexican officer knew that LIE was no
match for tine young American, and one
glance was sufficient to show him that the
least resistance would invite his death But
be had not been forbidden TO use his voice,
so he called to Velasquez, who, at first, was
too dazed at the very unexpected attack TO
move.
Don Velasquez, call upon your servants
for Lelp; inform my men without!'
The young officers who had accompanied
Fernandez had oil they could do in hand
to hand struggle with two robust Americans.
However, the struggle was Of short duration,
and the Mexicans soon surrendered.
The ranclero gave a weak call for help,
which some OF the men servants quickly an
swered.
A sort of melee commenced. There was a
scene of confusion by the little chapel door.
Pistol shots rang out on the still night air.
The women in attendance shrielied and fed
through the garden. The priest, who stood
unmoved in tine chapel door, shouted in vain
to he heard above the din.
In the height Of it all, Leo with a severe
wound in his left arm, received he scarcely
knew how, cut his way out, dragging Col
Fernandez, a prisoner still, with him lula
Velasquez and Leila, her maid, were near
him, and the other Americans soon came
after, bringing the two officers that had been
captured.
Here, through the garden TO yon grove"
Whispered Tula to Leo I'VE shall find
lhorses there for our escape. Go not by the
front entrance, as soldiers left Oh the plaza
iby Col Fernandez Will again oppose U.s."
1t required little time to reach tho grove
pointed out by Tula Veiasquez. As she had
promised, they found their horses ready for
Them. Zela, with tno assistance of her lover,
one of the rancleros servants, had attended
Ito that part. They soon mounted and started
Ibriskly away through the grove, the shouts
Iof tho Mexican soldiers, who were trying to
find their route of escape ringing il their ears.
l When at last their trail was discovered tho
Me1icans gavo them hot chase for q short
distance But they had the prudence to re-
1linquish tho pursuit. as they were being
drawn within short way from Juarez's
ucamp.
Leo and his companions dashed into camp,
lwherc the lovely Tula was placed under the
charge OF E=aaldo, and tho prisoners sur
readed to Juarez himself, who found in Col.
Fernandez foe whom he had long desired
to capture.
Leo Gordon's wound was so obstinate in
healing that he was compelled to leave tie
service. Before lie had quit Mexico, how
ever, he saw lula Velasquez and Eznaldo
happily made one Three years after, when
Leo returned to visit his friends in Mexico, 10
met Eznaldo's handsome and accomplished
sister, Valletta. A love sprang up between
them, and they were soon married, Leo
bringing his bride to dwell on tho bank OF the
Pearl.-Yaul1oo Blade.