The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-04-14

| loWeu Dy tn6 crash OF DeHCne
and table. Then Jacks voic'
rose, chill with death.
Gentlemen" he said. 81 learn
ed for the first time a few min
utes ago that this lady was not I
boy. Within the hour, If she will
do me the honor to accept me, sh'
will be my wife. In any event
you will remember that hence
forth her honor D mine and yol
will address her accordingly"
Perhaps Hibbs had no taste fol
struggle. Perhaps he merely
realized that he had gone too far
Have it your own way" hi
seoffed, facing Jack, with an as
sumption of scorn. This is a free
country. Marry whom you please
But il you want to marry this boy
-Humph, this - er - lady
you've got to do it quick. If she
isn't your wife in an hour she
goes out of this fort for good and
all. I'll give you an hour to send
for Father Francisco and get tied
up. Understand! An hour! Not
a minute more" he rasped, and
tramped out of the room, followed
by his friends.
Jack shrugged his shoulders
That's all right" he sighed,
smiling at Alagwa. "You poor
girl! What a little heroine you
are. Well, we haven't much
time" He caught sight of Alag
was face and broke off. Whats
the matter-er--Bob?" he asked
gently.
Alagwa raised her face to his
The road is watched" she said,
"Metea and his braves watch it.
If We evade them and pass un.
seen, they will come to the Mai
soon Bondie at dawn, All If they
find us gone they will pursue.
We cannot escape them. There
fore you must stay here, in the
fort. | will go"
Your" Jack stared. Then he
laughed. You? l wasn't Just
talking a moment ago. will be
very proud and happy if you will
be my wife. You will marry me
won't you-dear?" He brought
out the last word with a gulp.
Slowly Alagwa shook her head.
No she breathed.
Jack stared at the girl and
hesitated. Bob, dear!" he said,
you must marry me. I'll tell you
why in moment. But first'-he
turned to Peter-''go and get Fa-
Their Francisco and bring him
here"
Peter nodded and started for
the door, but stopped as Alagwa
raised her hand.
% not CO." she breathed.
TITS useless"
Peter hesitated, but Jack
stepped over to him and spoke to
him, and with a nod of compre-
hension he went out.
Meanwhile Famine had slipped
to Alagwa's side. Alagwa clutch
ed the French woman's arm.
Why did You tell him?" she
walled.
81 told him nothing till he
guess for himself. Parbleu! 1t
was time"
HE guessed? Guessed that |
am Estelle Telfair-'
Non! Non! He knows not
that! He knows only that you are
a girl and that-Hush! He comes.
| must CO." With a nod to Jack,
the French woman swept from
the room, sweeping Cato before
her.
Jack watched her go; then he
went to Alagwa's side and took
her hands. Little comrade," he
said, gently. You really MUST
marry me. The priest will be
here in minute. Say you'll
marry me-"
But the girl shook her head.
The door swung open, letting in
the night. The parade ground
was aglow. Men with lanterns
came and went. Wagons were be-
ing hurriedly piled with luggage.
Evidently Lieut.. Hibbs had OBJ
tanned information enough TO
alarm him and was preparing for
the worst.
As Jack glanced through the
doorway, Peter entered, ushering
In Father Francisco. Behind
trooped Famine and Cato, and
back of them came Lieut.. Hibbs,
with Williams at his heels.
For a moment the lieutenant
glowered at the scene. "Tie them
up, Father" he rasped. THE
hours nearly gone"
Jack turned to the girl. (Which
is it be, little comrade?" he asked.
With a sudden gesture of sur
render the girl faced him. Swear
you will never regret-never re-
gret-never roget" Her voice
trailed away.
"Regret3 OF course not. Come,
Father! We're ready"
Father Francisco did his office
promptly.
A buzz of congratulations fol-
lowed. Famine wept over Alag
was curly head. Tell him who
you are" she whispered. Tell
him who you are" Then came
Cato, who bowed over her hand
and called her 'Mist'ess." Last
came Peter.
The Frenchman dug a letter
out of his pocket. Here's an
epistle," he said. 1T come half an
hour ago, while you two was
talkin', and kept 1t till you was
through. It's from Alabam'.
got to go now. Give 1t to him.
Alagwa took the letter. Though
proficient in the Indians picture
writing, she knew nothing of the
white mems lettering and she
held 1t In awe. AS quickly as
possible she handed it to Jack;
then stood back and watched him
las he broke the seal.
Jack smiled as he read. Then
a a