The Colorado statesman., 1912-01-27
@J[ITlI1.3-:- 4LII-=-@II%N
Elopement
III.
by JAMES HAWKINS

hers. The shock half unsea+ed her
and as she reeled in the saddle two
men with masks over their faces
sprang toward her
For 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 mo-
ment to pass Leigh over the side and
boost Alvoro after her In another mo
ment the tender was slung 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 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 a 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
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
Il don't think care to be admiral.
thank you" was the retort. 81 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
a little stealing short time ago."
suggested Sherlock. "If the shoe gets
on the other foot 1t ought to fit as
easy"
But she is mine," pleaded AIvoro.
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 Alvoro.
He is a mos big man. He is a mil
lionaire"
This last was in a hushed whisper
lips. I'm a millionaire. too.' he ex.
planned pleasantly.
You are Sherlock" gasped Al
voro.
AT your SERVICE" agreed Sherlock
But your flag said 1t was not you,"
gasped the senor You should have
had your flag If you were on board"
There were purely personal rea-
sons why l did not want to fly the
pennant," explained Sherlock.
The senor 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 off. That will make 1t a nice
little honeymoon trip for u.s.
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 at his bonds At a
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 sat
For moment Alvoro hung in the
doorway then he went forward and
bowed low over the girls hand.
81 had hoped" he said, that II
would be our nuptials we would cele.
brate. I felicitate you. though my
heart-it breaks"
With a smile the girl thanked him
and turned toward Bert. Alvoro
sprang forward. "At least" he said
gallantly, ''it should be mine to give
away the bride. Your father he has
give you to me. Now l give you to
Senor Sherlock"
He drew from his pocket hand
some ring. 1T was all provided" he
explained. ITO the victor belongs the