Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/293

 "You here, dog of an Americano? Who opened to thee the doors of the carcel?" And the Spanish captain glowers around upon his followers.

"I am indebted to no one except myself for my escape from your infernal den," replies Ashley; and he adds, sternly:

"Hark ye, Captain Raymon Huerta. I am here to protect this young woman from your deviltry, to protect her with my life. I warn you that any violence to her will cost you yours."

"Your life is already forfeited," sneers Huerta. Then to his followers:

"Ho, there, men! Seize the Americano and leave the girl to me!"

Ashley's arm comes up.

"Halt!" he thunders. "This woman is my wife and as such she is an American citizen. Another step, and, by the stars and stripes, I'll send your leader to perdition!"

The streak of dawn that struggles in through the little window above the altar glints upon the polished barrel of a revolver pointed straight at the heart of Captain Raymon Huerta.

CHAPTER LI.

UNDER THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.

"You lie!" shouts Captain Raymon Huerta, white with rage.

Ashley retorts calmly. "I repeat, Captain Huerta, what I have asserted. As my wife, this woman is an American citizen. An order from you to your men to fire upon or seize us, will be the last words you will utter in this world!"

"The marriage? Impossible! The proof? The proof?" cries Huerta, foaming with passion.

Ashley points to Father Hilario. "The proof is the