Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/291

 length of time, turns to the pair with an uneasy: "Well, what is all this leading up to?"

"A marriage, I should say," replies Jack, cheerfully. "That is usually the logical outcome of such a situation." Father Hilario bites his lips impatiently.

"The church and the pastor are here, and I think the bride is willing," continues Jack. The young girl gives the priest an anxious look.

"It is useless to argue that matter further," is the firm reply. "My duty to the church forbids." The priest's face convinces Ashley that the debate on the matrimonial question is closed.

"Then we must seek elsewhere for a clergyman," he remarks, coolly. "Come, Juanita." And he leads her toward the little door by which he entered the church.

"This is madness!" cries the priest, barring the way. "The town is overrun with your enemies. It is nearly day and the place is already astir. Hark! Do you not hear the tread of feet in the street?"

"Spanish or no Spanish, I don't propose to remain here and be trapped like a rat," declares Ashley. "We can at least make a break for liberty. I do not"

The sound of a key being tried in the church door cuts short his words.

"It is Captain Huerta," whispers Juanita, and she trembles like a leaf in Jack's arms.

"Quick, father!" commands the latter. "You reconnoiter and see if the way through the garden and your house is clear." The venerable padre hurries away and Ashley improves the opportunity to shower kisses upon Juanita's cold and unresponsive lips.

"What a man you are!" she murmurs. "I believe you would make love on your way to execution."

"I should if the opportunity was offered," laughs Jack, softly. "What could more brightly illumine the last moments of a condemned man than to hold in his arms, if but for a few minutes, so much loveliness?"

At that moment Father Hilario reappears. "There is no hope," he reports. "Suspecting all was not right,