Rock Island daily Argus., 1888-12-15

but unwilling Tula, halted near the door Of
the chapel and looked over his shoulder.
Perhaps he had detected the tread of the
Americans, though they arrived almost
noiselessly.
At the same time, TALL middle aged,
grizzly bearded Mexican officer, Henrioue
Fernandez, the would be 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 COR
geous uniforms. The party stopped. Fer
nandez, in an imperious voice, demanded:
don Velasquez particularly requested
that this ceremony should be free from all
intrusionl Who are the strangersF
The moon ere this had lowered herself be-
bind 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 Senors Americanos,n ~ replied the
savage voice of Velasquez "Why are you
here, senorsi7 he demanded.
Don Veasquez," replied Leo, stepping
boldly before the ranchero, lyon are cruelty
forcing your child to marry, this night, one
whom her soul detests, while her heart is in
the keeping of the brave Eznaldo of Juarez's
army. 1t is to save Tula velasquez from the
evil fate You have selected for her that we
are here
With a 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 leveling his own revolver in the
face of Henrique 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 the young American, and one
glance was sufficient to show him that the
least resistance would invite his death. But
he 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 help; inform my men without!'
The young officers who had accompanied
Fernandez had all they could do in hand
to hand struggle with two robust Americans
However, the struggle was of short duration,
and the Mexieans soon surrendered.
The ranchero gave q weak call for help,
| which some of the men servants quickly an
swered
A sort of melee commenced. There was
scene Of confusion by the little chapel door.
Pistol shots rang out on the still night air.
| The women in attendance shrieked and fed
through the garden. The priest, who stood
un1noved in the chapel door, shouted in vain
to be heard above the din.
| In the height Of it all, Leo, with severe
wound in his left arm, received he scarcely
knew how, cut his way out dragging Col.
| Fernandez, a prisoner still, with him. Tula
| 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 grover
whispered Tula to Leo. I'VE shall find
horses there for our escape Go not by the
front entrance, as soldiers left on the plaza
! by Col. Fernandez viii again oppose US"
1t required little time TO reach the grove
pointed out by Tula Velasqucz. As she had
promised, they found their horses ready for
them. Zela, with the assistance of her lover,
one of the ranchero's servants, had attended
TO that part. They soon mounted and started
briskly away through the grove, the shouts
| of the Mexican soldiers, who were trying to
find their route of escape ringing ia their ears.
When at last their trail was discovered the
MeZicans gave them & hot chase for q short
distance. But they had the prudence TO re
linquish the pursuit, as they were being
drawn within a short way from Juarez's
camp.
Leo and his companions dashed into camp,