Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/290

 wholly in my power.' 'Then I will kill myself,' I cried. 'Oh, no; you will come to your senses in a few hours,' he said, tauntingly. 'I shall expect to find you in a better humor when I return.' Then he went away, locking the church door behind him.

"When he had gone I piled all the furniture of the church against the door and then threw myself down before the altar and prayed. The opening of a door aroused me. I lifted my head, expecting to see again the hated face of Captain Huerta. Instead, to my great joy, I beheld Father Hilario. When he told me of your arrest I cried out in terror. Then he gave me your message and hope came to me."

"And Satan came also," quotes Ashley. "I fear your barricade would not withstand a very earnest assault," surveying the rude defense critically.

"It was all I could do. But tell me of yourself," urges Juanita. "What is the meaning of your violent arrest?"

As Ashley unfolds the black plot, beginning with the first appearance of the adventuress at La Quinta de Quesada, the Cuban girl grows very pale, and she realizes how much she owes to the blue-eyed young man who finishes his story with the smiling quotation: "And now, senorita, if a lifetime of devotion"

"There, do not remind me of my folly," she protests, choking back a sob. "I will never doubt you again."

Thus encouraged, Ashley takes both of Juanita's hands and whispers very tenderly:

"In this darkest hour before the dawn I have found the courage to tell you what has been in my heart for—for nearly three weeks," he finishes with a smile. Even amid the dangers that surround them, the humor of his declaration impresses him.

A wave of crimson spreads over the girl's face, and in the big black eyes Ashley sees the light of a great love.

The young people's eyes meet in mutual understanding. He draws her to him, and the first kiss of love is exchanged. It must be followed by many others, for Father Hilario, after waiting what he considers a reasonable