"DO NOT ALLOW THAT VILE WRETCH TO CARRY OUT HIS BASE DESIGNS!" So well had the old general planned his attack upon the rebel camp, so silently had his orders been issued and obeyed, that nearly every one was taken by surprise. There had been shouting outside, but very little firing, and the noise had been drowned by the spirited playing of the wedding march by the band, anxious to do its best. As General Corona issued his command he rushed into the tent and up to Estella's side. Pulling a pistol, he presented it at Howard's head. "Do you surrender, you villain, or will you take the consequences?" he rudely demanded. "Father, do not shoot!" gasped Estella, and threw herself upon her lover's breast, as if to shield him from her parent's wrath. "Estella, leave that wretch--leave him at once!" roared the aroused old man. "Oh, that my own flesh and blood should so disgrace me!" he moaned. "Back, all of you!" he went on, to the crowd that surged around. "Do what you will among yourselves, but if you respect the feelings and rights of an old man and a soldier, you will leave this hound to me! The quarrel is between him and me. If you have a spark of manhood in your veins defend yourself!" He threw his pistol aside, and with the point of his sword touched the hilt of Howard's weapon. The movement was suggestive. The blood mounted to the young war correspondent's face, and on the impulse of the moment he drew his shining blade. There was a sharp clash, as the two blades crossed each other, and those within the tent forgot their own quarrel as they gazed upon the strange and thrilling tableau thus presented. "Ha! you have something more than water in your veins, you cur!" shouted the general. "Very well; I would rather fight a rascal with a spark of courage than a mere dog!" "Father!" "Silence, Estella! Some day you will thank me for saving you from the wiles of this villainous American. I know and understand his character far better than you." Click, crash, click! went the two flashing blades. The general made a savage thrust, but Howard parried the attack; yet he did not attempt to thrust in return. "Oh, Howard! do not harm my father!" burst from Estella's lips. Ere her lover could reply her father made another lunge. There was a clash, and on the instant her father's blade went spinning from his hand. Instantly Howard allowed his own sword to drop to his side. "General Corona, let this teach you that I can defend myself with the sword as well as defend myself in other matters," said the young war correspondent, with a pale but determined face. "Arm yourself, again, if you wish; but, out of respect for your daughter, I will fight with you no more."