Semi-weekly herald., 1912-05-20

Never" was the firm answer. 'T
have told you repeatedly that | shall
never marry you"
AN l tell you that you shall" he
shouted as he forced his horse against
hers. The shock half unseated her
and as she reeled In the saddle two
men with masks over their faces
sprang toward her.
For a moment she fought them OF.
but she was no match for two muscu-
lar men, and before Alvoro could dis
mount and come to their assistance
they were carrying her to the boat
They placed her, fainting. in the
stern. AlvOro leaped into the bow and
with strong strokes they pulled toward
the yacht. 1t was the work of a mo-
ment to pass Leigh over the side and
boost Alvoro after her In another mo-
ment the tender was siung and the
screw began to churn the blue water.
Alvoro pranced up and down the
deck in jubilation of spirits. Already.
In imagination, he could see himself.
the victor of the army. ruling in the
executive mansion at Marino.
Already two OF the Granger fruiters
had started from New Orleans with
small arms and field pieces. For a
year his agents had been working to
perfect an organization 1t needed only
arms and the men. Both were on the
way. He peered toward the south
while yet the Florida coast was In
sight. vainly seeking a glimpse OF the
promised land.
Suddenly eight bells rang and the
new watch came on deck. The skip
per came out of the chart house and
stood looking down. At signal two
OF the men sprang upon the little man
and bore him to the deck
In spite OF his diminutive size he
was no coward. and he fought fierce
ly to draw his guns, but 1t was no use.
Presently he lay painting on the deck,
bound hand and foot 4,
Sherlock came and stood over him.
The elopement Is getting along IA
mously," he smiled cheerfully.
This Is treason" stormed the lit.
tie man. Il am mos surprise that you
should act thus"
Noh i NdIS W Dt
thank you.' WAS the retort Il think
l would rather marry that young
woman In the cabin"
But she Is mine" stormed Alvoro
you shall be thief to take her."
Seems to me we helped you to do
q little stealing a short time ago."
suggested Sherlock. "If the shoe get.
m hA 9TH IL
easy"
But she is mine" pleaded Alvoro
Her father have gave her to me He
Will be annoyed"
Il can quite understand that"
laughed Sherlock He will certainly
be annoyed with you"
Non, with you.' insisted AIvoro.
He is a mos big man He is a mil
lionaire.'
This last was In hushed whisper
that brought the smile to Sherlock's
lips. I'm a millionaire, too" he ex
planned pleasantly.
You are Sherlock" gasped Al
voro.
AT your service" agreed Sherlock.
But your nag said it was not you,"
gasped the senior. You should have
had your flag If you were on board"
"Thero were purely personal rea-
sons why ! did not want to fly the
pennant,' explained Sherlock
The senior resorted to Spanish to re-
lieve his feelings. Sherlock, who
spoke the tongue, smiled. 81 don't
blame YOU" he laughed. It's turn
ing the tables. Now. look here.
You've been useful to me tell you
what I'll do. You show me the part
of the coast where you can get the
boats that are waiting for you, and I'll
put you OF. That will make 1t a nice
little honeymoon trip for us"
Who will marry your" exulted AL
voro. You forget"
why. Miss Granger" explained
Sherlock.
You have no minister" was the
triumphant retort
Il shipped one last night" laughed
Sherlock Would you like to come
down and witness the ceremony"
Alvoro glanced a. his bonds AT
sign from Sherlock a sailor stepped
forward and undid the lashings, at the
same time feeling for any concealed
weapons. Together the two men made
for the cabin. where Leigh, stin pale
from the excitement, sat In a corner
chatting with man in clerical garb
For moment Alvoro hung in the
doorway, then he went forward and
bowed low over the girls hand
IL had hoped" he said, that IL
would be our nuptials we would cele
brate. l felicitate you, though my
heart-it breaks"
With smile the girl thanked him
and turned toward Bert. Alvoro
sprang forward. AT least" be said
gallantly, ut should be mine to give
away the bride, Your father he has
give you to me. Now ! give you to
Senior Sherlock"
He drew from his pocket a hand.
some ring ut was all provided" he
explained. ITO the victor belongs tho
spoils" The girl looked at Sherlock.
who nodded, and with the ring intend.
ed for so different groom, the we'd
ding was celebrated
Alvoro insisted upon champagne at
the dinner that followed He was of
too mercurial temperament to grieve