The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1920-10-30

| me?'
still endeavoring to retain the mask
| he had first assumed. Because cir
| cumstances make me defy the lava
mere love of adventure, no more--is
no reason why / should be devoid of
heart and sympathy" He took a step
nearer. Il care nothing for this Bill
Lacy-nothing," and he snapped his
fingers derisively. "Why should II
But, instead, would be your friend
The senOrita is an American, and to
her one Of my race may not appeal
yet / would prove my devotion with
my life"
Your devotion, senOrw
us not the word expressive7 ] am
of Southern race, senorita, and we
d. not calculate-we feel. Why, then,
should / conceal my eagerness?. It is
love which causes me to thus defy all
and offer you freedom"
Lover she laughed. "Why. that is
impossible. Surely you only jest,
senor.'
The smile deserted his lips. and
with quick, unexpected movement
hes grasped her hand
Jest You would call 1t Jest. You
Will not think so for long. Why, what
can you do2 No; stop shrinking back
from me. 1t will be well that YOU lis
ten. l come to you with a chance of
escape; l will take the risk and pledge
you my aid. / alone can save you
there is no other to whom YOU can
turn. In return 1 but ask my re-
ward"
She hesitated, her eyes lifting to his
face.
"You promise me your assistance?"
within the hour"
"How? What plan have your"
THAT / will not tell; you must trust
me. i am the lieutenant Of Pascual
Mendez," touch of pride in his voice.
And my word alone will open the
way. You will conner"
wait; l must know more. You say
1t is love which prompts your offer,
senior. l cannot understand; and even
II this is true, ! must be frank and
honest in my answer do not return
your love-"
Bah! That is nothing. / know
women; they learn love quickly when
the way opens. l am not so i'll to look
at, sen0rita. A kiss now will seal the
bargain l will wait the rest"
"You ask no pledge, then, of mel"
"Only your consent to accompany
me, and the kiss. Beyond that take
the gamblers chance. Only you must
say yes or no; for it will require time
for me to clear the road
1T must be tonight?'
"The sooner the better; they tell me
Lacy will be here himself soon, and
after he comes the one chance is over
with. You will give the kiss?"
do not ask 1t, senor!'
ooh, but / will-aye, more, I'll take
it. A dozen will do no harm, and no
scream from those lips will be heard.
You may as well be nice, my beauty"
She was against the wall, helpless,
and the grip of his hands was like
steel. His breath was on her cheek
his eyes burning with lust gazing
straight into her own. Slowly, remorse-
lessly, he bent her head backward I'M
til she feared her neck would snap.
Into her terror-strickeh mind leaped
the sudden conclusion that resistance
hno 81 mi Ia In 81
outwit him with her brains. Suddenly
relaxing herself. she slipped to the
granite floor on her knees.
please, please" she begged. II
give in, senior, l give in"
But as she spoke her right hand
closed about square jagged bit of
rock.
$50, my pretty" sneered Cateras,
"you have learned that Juan Cateras
is not man to trifle with. 1t is WE'LL"
And. releasing his grip upon her, he
allowed the girl to rise.
As she stood there in the half light,
her gray eyes flashing, her young
bosom rising and falling, she was
vaguely defined but alluring figure. So
Juan Cateras thought, and he took
step nearer his thick, red lips curling
with lust, eager to claim their rich re-
ward. As they came closer Stella
Donovan stiffened.
Look, senor," she whispered-'be-
hind you!"
The Mexican in his eagerness was
off his guard. He turned to look, and
at that instant the girl drew back her
sturdy army and then brought It for
ward again with all her vigor. Cluk!
She heard the rock sound against her
oppressors head, heard low moan
escape his lips, and saw him sink slow
ly to the floor at her feet
The next instant she was beside him,
In terror lest she had killed him; but
hurried glance, supplemented by her
fingers which reached for his pulse,
assured her that she had only stunned
her assailant. With deft hands that
worked speedily in the darkness she
unstrapped from around his waist the
belt with its thirty-six cartridges and
revolver, then pulled from his pocket
the keys, not only to her cell, but, she
judged, to others.
The feel Of their bronze GOODNESS In
her hot hands brought quick message
to her brain; beyond a question Of
doubt the missing Cavendish was con-
cealed In one of the dark, dank cells