The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-02-17


nearer. II care nothing for this Bin
Lacy-nothing." and he snapped HIS
fingers derisively. "Why should L?
But. instead. i would be your friend.
Inc senorita is nm American, and to
her one or my race may not appeal,
yet | would prove my devotion with
my iife."
your devotion. SenOr?"
rs not the word expressive? nm
or Southern race, Senorita. and we
% NOT calculate--we feel. Whv tben
should l conceal my eagerness? II IS
'oFe which causes me to thus defv aII
ana offer you freedom"
"Love!" she laughed. "Wbv. tbot :,
impossible. Surely you only lest.
senior"
Ihe smile deserted his lips, and
win quick, unexpected movement
he grasped her hand.
jest You would call 1t a lest You
VIII not think so for long. yhv what
N'h you 90? No; stop shrinking bucl
from me. 1t will be well that Won lis
ten. L come to you with q chance of
escape; will take the risk and nIedgo
you my aid. L alone can save You:
tioFe Is no other to whom you can
turn. In return L but ask my re-
ward"
She hesitated, her eyes lifting to his
face.
You promise me your assistanceY
within the hour"
Howf What plan have youY'
mat VIII not tell; you must trust
uic. 1 am the lieutenant of Pascuol
A.'hdez'" touch of pride In his voice.
"hd my word alone will open the
way. You Will Gomez"
wait; must know more. You saw
II Is love which prompts your offer.
senior. L cannot understand; and even
IL this Is true, l must be frank and
honest in my answer-I do not return
your love-"
ban! That is nothing. I know
women; they learn love quickly when
til" way opens. am not so III 20 look
at, Senorita. a kiss now Will seal rho
bargain! l will wait the rcst."
You ask no pledge, then, of me?"
only your consent to accompnny
me, and the kiss. Beyond that I 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 ronight?'
Ihe sooner the better; they tell me
Lacy VIII he here himself soon and
after he comes the one chance is over
with. You will give the kiss?"
do not ask it. senor!"
Oh, but L will-aye, more, I'll take
1T. 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,
ana 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, rcmorse
lcsSly, he bent her head backward un-
III shc reared her neck would snap.
INTO her terror-strickcn mind leaped
the sudden conclusion that resistance
with this beast was futile; she must
outwit him with her brains. Suddenly
relaxing herself, she slipped to the
granite floor on her knees.
"Please, please she begged. 81
give in, senior, l give in
But rs she spoke her right hand
closed about Il square jagged bit of
rock.
so, my pretty" sneered Cateras,
you have learned that Juan Cateras
is not man to trifle with. II is we'll"
And, releasing his grip upon her, he
allowed the girl to rise.
AS she stood there i'm the half light,
her gray eyes flashing, her young
bosom rising and falling, she was IL
vaguely defined but aluring figure. So
Juan Cateras thought, and he took a
step nearer, his thick, red lips curling
with lust, eager to claim their rich re.
ward AS they came closer Stella
Donovan stlffenc&.r
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 1t for
ward again with all her vigor. Cluk
She heard the rock sound against her
opDreSsorS head, heard low moan
''- - ------------ ------- -