San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-10-10


girl he loved.
Accordingly, they made ell things ready
and waited for the hour of ten to roll round.
Leo was on his watch at the window, and
when, at last he beheld the bridal party
moving swiftly and silently as specters to-
ward the chapel. he gave the signal to his
COMPANIONS to follow him. They filed
orderly out Of the wing, and very soon the
wedding party was Joined by six uninvlsed
guests.
The ranchero, that was leading the lovely
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, a tall, middle aged,
grizzly bearded Mexican officer, Henrique
Fernandez, the would be bridegroom, who
was little in advance Of the bride, became
aware of the Americans presence. The OIL
Ger, Fernandez, was attended by two younger
officers, and all were dressed in the most gor-
geous uniforms. The party stopped. Fer
nandez, in an imperious voice, demanded:
don Velasquez, | particularly requested
that this ceremony should be free from all
intrusioni Who are the strangersT
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.
at is the Seniors Americanos," replied the
savage voice of Velasquez "Why are you
here, senors7" he demanded.
don VelasqueI," replied Leo. stepping
boldly before the rancherO. You are cruelty
forcing your child to MARI, this night, one
whom her soul detests, while her heart is in
the keeping of the brave Ezlaldo of Juarez's
army. 1t is to save Tuia Veiasquez 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 he was no
match for the young American, and one
glance was sufficient to show him that the
least resistance would invite his death. But
SO he called to Velasguez, 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 Mexicans soon surrendered.
The ranchero gave a 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 Shr;ekcd and fed
through the garden. The priest, who stood
unmoved in the chapel door, shouted in vain
to be 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. 1--WE shall find
horses there for our escape Go not by the
front entrance, as soldiers left on the plaza
by Col. Fernandez will again oppose US"
1t required little time to reach the grove
pointed out by lula Velasquez. 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
+S,+ hot ~ mr.
briskly away through the grove, the shouts
of the Mexican soldiers, who were trying to
find their route of escape ringing in their ears
When at last their trail was discovered the
Mexicans gave them hot chase for 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,
where the lovely Tula was placed under the
charge of Eznaldo, and the prisoners sur
rended to Juarez himself, vino found in Col.
Fernandez foe whom he had long desired
to capture.
Leo GordoaS wound was so obstinate in
healing that he was compelled to leave tho
service Before no had quit Mexico, how
ever, be saw Tula VclaSqUe2 and EznalIo
happily made one. Three years after, VIXEN
Leo returned to visit his friends il Mexico, lie
met Eznaldo's handsome and accomplished
sister, Valletta- A love sprang up between
them, and they were soon married, Leo
bringing lis bride to dwell on the bank, Of the
PearI-Yankee Blade.
OVIRWORK.
'Too little rest, too little sleep.
Too many hours to SOW and reap;
At last, disease and pain.
The strongest rope parts strand by strand