"Yes," said Jack, firmly, "it is love. I have worshipped your niece these many months, Señor Maraquando, but I dared not to tell you of that love, seeing I was an Englishman, a heretic. Now, however, if I have done anything to deserve your gratitude, I ask you, in the presence of my friends, to give your consent to the marriage of Dolores and myself." Don Miguel was silent for a few moments, and then turned slowly towards his niece. "Do you love Don Juan, Dolores?" She raised her head and looked not at her questioner, but at Jack. "Yes," she replied simply, "I have loved him this long time." "Señor," said Maraquando, with great dignity, "it is true you are not of our race; but during the time I have known you I have seen nothing in you but what I admire and respect. In rescuing my niece from the Shrine of the Opal at Totatzine, you have acted like a chivalrous gentleman. To your marriage I gladly give my consent. Take Dolores as your wife, Señor, and with her this." He held out for Jack's acceptance the Harlequin Opal. CHAPTER XI. AWAY TO THE FRONT. One kiss! 'tis our last one; the horses await, And swift through the midnight I ride to my fate. 'Tis life for thy lover, or death it may be, But living or dying, my thought is for thee. Who knows when my arms shall enfold thee again The future hides ever its joy and its pain. I leave thee for battle, my dear one, my bride, And on, through the darkness, I ride, and I ride. Light hand on the bridle, light heart in my breast, A bunch of your ribbons flaunt gay on my crest. I go not in sorrow, but hasten with glee, To fight for my country, my honour, and thee. Soon wilt thou in triumph behold me, my sweet, Return with my laurels to cast at thy feet. I dream of a future with thee by my side, As on, through the darkness, I ride, and I ride. Jack's position was now similar to that of Tantalus. Love was within his reach, yet he dared not to grasp it, for on the next day he was to depart with Don Rafael for Janjalla, in the torpedera _Montezuma_. Peter had also been invited to visit the seat of war, and although a man of peace, decided to go, as he was anxious about Tim. That redoubtable warrior was at Janjalla, with General Gigedo, busily engaged in wiring sensational accounts of the siege to _The Morning Planet_. Tim was particularly anxious that Janjalla should not fall into the hands of Don Hypolito, as it was the spot whence started the telegraph-wires for the south. If Xuarez captured the town, the forces of the Junta would be driven back to Tlatonac, and as likely as not the wires would be cut by the rebels, therefore Tim would be unable to transmit news to England. As it was, he made good use of his time, and took full possession of the telegraph-office in Janjalla.