Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/250

 come. At the same instant Ashley recognizes El Terredo in the wielder of the sword, and he whispers, "Easy, Navarro," in time to check a slash at his own head.

Meanwhile the remaining three troopers have hurled themselves upon Alvarez and Barker. It all occurs in a flash and before Ashley recovers from his surprise at the unexpected turn of events a shrill whistle from Navarro has summoned nearly a score more of men from the surrounding shadows.

Navarro raises Don Carlos in his arms and the youth, who has recovered consciousness, clasps his arms about his brother's neck and bursts into tears of joy.

"There, be a man," soothes the latter. "Remain here a few minutes while I look after your Spanish friends."

Navarro picks up the lantern and flashes its rays into Alvarez' face.

"What's this?" he cries. "By heaven, Captain Alvarez, I think we have met before."

As the two men confront each other in the moonlight, there is no need of the lantern for each to see the other's countenance.

An exclamation of surprise and rage escapes Alvarez' lips, and he struggles in the grasp of the two men who pinion his arms.

"Curse you!" he grits, in a voice choked with passion; "I'd give half my life for five minutes of fair play now!"

"Fair play?" sneers Navarro. "You do not know the meaning of the phrase. You are a thief, a blackguard, and a traitor!"

Alvarez wrenches free by a mighty effort and with a fearful oath hurls himself upon Navarro.