He caught her in his arms, and, despite her resistance, would have pressed a burning kiss upon her bloodless lips. But at that instant a side-door to the parlor burst open and a manly form sprang in between the pair. "Coward!" cried Howard Sherwood, and slapped Lieutenant Mazenas so soundly in the face that the Spaniard tottered back, and stumbling over a foot-stool went down in a heap on the floor. "You!" yelled the Spaniard, as he scrambled to his feet. "You!" "Oh, Howard, what have you done?" wailed Estella. "I have protected a lady from the gross insults of a miserable cur!" replied Howard, as he eyed the lieutenant steadily. "Are you not proud of your conduct--you, a Spanish officer?" "I will have your life for that blow!" yelled the lieutenant, and drawing his sword he rushed upon Howard, only however, to find himself looking into the glistening muzzle of a revolver with which his sweetheart had provided him. "Diablo!" muttered the lieutenant, falling back several paces. "Put down that weapon." "Sheath your sword, and I will do so," replied Howard. "This is no place to fight, and in the presence of a lady. If ever you wish to meet me hand to hand, and alone, you will find me ready." "You Americans can all brag well," sneered the lieutenant, yet he thrust his sword aside. "I thought you must be somewhere about here. Your liberty will not last long now." "Oh, Howard! what will you do?" cried Estella, in terror, as she turned to her lover. "The lieutenant is not alone. See! four soldiers await him in the garden!" Howard turned to look out the window. He saw that Estella was right. At that moment the lieutenant gave a loud cry to his men. "The escaped man is here!" he shouted. "Surround the house, and watch for him!" "That command will cost you dearly, Lieutenant Mazenas!" exclaimed Howard, hotly. "Had you permitted it, I would have gone peaceably. As it is, I must use force. Good-by, Estella!" He kissed her, and whispered a few words in her ear. Lieutenant Mazenas was startled, and, ere he could recover, Howard had his pistol at the officer's ear. "Clasp your hands behind you," he said sternly. "Refuse, and I swear I will fire at you! There, that's it. Now walk to the window and order your men to withdraw to the gate at the entrance from the main road." "But----" hesitated the lieutenant. "Do as I tell you, and do nothing more, or your life will pay the forfeit. I am a desperate man, and will take no chances with you." Whether Howard meant all he said or not, the words had full effect upon Lieutenant Mazenas. The heavy heads of perspiration stood out upon his forehead, and he trembled in every limb. Standing by the window, he gave the order as Howard had directed. The soldiers in the garden were puzzled, but obedience is the first duty of a soldier, and they withdrew without asking any questions. Howard, from behind a curtain, saw them depart, and a smile of relief came to his face and to Estella's.