La Junta tribune., 1901-09-14

bushes on low spot between the river
and the higher bank. about ten feet
from the water
Here they halted. and II they spoke
at all. spoke only in whispers. while
they peered he:e and there to see II
there were any human beings near
them.
Suddenly Mdworth was startled mt
seeing the thick vines on the side OF
the bank move. A hand appeared-a
small, jewelled hand-nnd then q wom-
ans face.
Medworth clutched Tempest. and
they remained hidden, wondering what
sort OF hiding place that was.
Two women-one young and pretty.
the other mature. but still handsome
emerged cautiously from some secret
place. looked this way and that. and
moved slowly away up the river.
They had not gone beyond the sight
Of the young Americans. when. with
a loud shout. man rushed upon them
and seized the younger.
The Americans heard her scream
and knew that she needed protection.
All thoughts OF their own safety fed.
and as they saw two others come to
the assistance OF the first, they rushed
out.
Are you not the wife and daughter
OF General Salvarez?" asked Medworth.
Jacirta looked up into the handsome
face OF the young American, and said:
we are, senior. and this man is our
enemy"
1t Is. of course. apparent to the read
er that Jacinta's assailant was Pedro
Francisco. He made a gesture as II to
draw his knife. hut before he could
use it. the sledge-hammer fist Of Tenn
pest caught him square. and he went
cursing and howling to earth.
His two companions attempted to
help him. but Medworth. who was
strong man himself. though not equal
10 Tempest In strength. knocked one
OF them down. and Tempest nearly
killed the other.
The Americans then. to end the af-
fair before others came. drew their re-
volvers. and Francisco and his COM
panions sneaked away. crestfallen
and swearing vengeance.
The Americans were overwhelmed
with thanks. and Jacinta's black eyes
were devouring Medworth's face and
figure, while her tongue was uttering
soft words of gratitude for his timely
assistance.
What a handsome mani" she was
saying to herself Il wonder who he IL.
| hope shall meet him again.
"Senors." said Dona Maria. who had
no thought OF the romance In the SIT
uation. but hungered for news Of her
husband, do you know where General
Salvarez Is now?"
He is about a mile below. with his
soldiers replied Medworth. who
spoke Spanish better than Tempest.
I'VE left him to hurry forward and
gain some knowledge OF the situation.
We will escort you to him."
So they started back down the river.
Medworth helping Jacinta. and Tenn
pest having Dona Maria under his
care.
Jacinta smiled fasclnatingly upon
Medworth, and asked him where he
came from.
II came from New York with, my
friend" he answered. "A beautiful girl
is in the hands Of the men who have
captured your castle. and We have
come to rescue her."
Then Jacinta did not look SO pleased.
is there any secret approach to the
castle?" asked Medworth.
NO" replied Jacinta. boldly: there
is none
When they had escorted the two la
dies to that point where they could SEQ
the faces of the approaching army. they
babe them adieu. and again receiving
thanks. turned back toward the castle.
Quite an adventure" said Tempest.
by Jove. though. that girls stun
ner! What eyes! But what are we go
ing to do now?"
Those women escaped from the cas-
tie by some secret way" said Med
worth" and we saw them emerge ap-
parently from the very ground. It's my
belief that there is cave or some
thing there. perhaps with communi-
cation with the castle"
ITO be Continued