Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer

, to which his rank and the favor in which His

most terrific that had swept over the coast in years. He had marked as he rode a huge ship far to seaward, staggering along under shortened canvas and laboring tremendously in the heavy seas. But his thoughts were so centered upon the situation in which he found himself that he had not particularly noticed the vessel, although

o consideration. He schooled himself to go through that part with the resolution of a Spanish gentleman. Although there was no evidence of gentle blood save such as was presented by his actions, he had always cherished the hope that could the secret of his birth be revealed he would

y man knew, had he the right to enter that assemblage of the rich and well born. It was as a soldier he woul

ss was as steady as if it held merely the sword in some deadly combat. He endured passively the affectionate greetings of the happy de Tobar, who was intoxicated at the assurance afforded by the betrothal of the coming realization of all his hopes. He sustained with firmness the c

me interposition from him, but the snow-capped Andes were no colder than he appeared, their granite sides no more rigid a

best friend, was not to be endured longer. Pleading indisposition, he early begged leave to withdraw from the festivities which succeeded the completion of the betrothal ceremony

splendor through the open window dispensed with the necessity of lights. There was no one in the cabinet when he entered, and he felt at last able to give way to his emotion; Mercedes though she was not married was now lost to him beyond recourse. After the women withdrew from the hall with Donna Mercedes there was no restraint

not acquire them? Fame? Have I not a large measure? Birth? Ah, that is it! My father! my mother! If I could only know! How she looked at me!

balcony in the shadow. He did not hear a footfall coming through the open window that gave into the room. He did not realize that he had an auditor to

ed me; I

startled surprise. "How came you here?" he added brusquely, catching he

d, surprised in turn that he had n

he perceived her intent he opened his hand

," she went on piteou

against the dark background of the huge empty room-that face with its aureole of soft dark hair, the face of a saint, pale yet not p

catching her again a

ould detain her. They were alone together, almost for the first time in their lives. It was night, the balmy wind blew softly, the

suffering. I do not know why-something drew me on. You whispered-you were s

It was a confession she made.

Ah, God help m

r in his arms, and drew her

. I begged you with all my soul before I signed. You di

love

y soul," sh

oo

ay

scu

ay

haps ignob

pon thee, dreamed upon thee, loved thee. I can not marry Don Felipe. I, too, have the pride of the de Lara's. My father shall find it. I signed that contract und

worship thee with all my heart and soul! Were it not a coward's act I would h

mine," she whispered. "But could'st fin

ave me kill

away into the undiscovered countries to the southward. A continent is before you. We will find a new Mexico, carve ou

r plight

That is enough. Let us go, we may never have

etrothal to give her up. He had abandoned hope; he had put aside possibilities, for he could see none. But here she was in his arms, a living, breathing, vital, passionate figure, her heart beating against his own, pleading with him to take her away. Here was love with all its witchery, with all it

ear your fath

ere mine breaks? I

pe is my pers

thed, but I h

as a so

ne as a

tude-d

e strongest. I have dreamed a dream. Lend me your dagger.

e young soldier, lifted the point gleaming in the moonl

ried. "Give ba

d fell fro

This time he bent his head to her upturned face and pressed kiss after kiss upon the trembling lips. It was the

voice as the Viceroy entered the room. "My officer in whom

found Donna Mercedes in the cabinet when I came in. She strove to fly. I detained her-by force. I po

ger at y

re to bury it in her heart unles

and nobly to save

friend!" shouted the Vicer

animity about his next action; so handsome, so splendid, so noble, in spite o

Alvarado, for as I live

his belt, he unclasped

m dishonored," he cried.

in the still night and I came in, not he. I threw myself into his arms. I begged him to take me away. He spoke of his love and friendship for you, for Don Felipe, his hono

t her father's feet

ll the power, all the intensity, all the prid

ue, Captain

t said so," answered

it t

guilty one. I was on the point of yielding.

u had r

hesit

ld man. "And you, shameless girl, you forced y

y, my father? Did'st never feel that life itself wer

Don F

man. I love him not. Oh

ised me from obscurity, you have loaded me with honor, you have given me every opportunity-I will be true. I will be faithful to you. 'Twill be death, but I hope it may come quickly. Misjudge me not, sweet lady. Happiness smiles not

ver!" crie

ther stood by as if stunned. She laid her arms arou

love you. What matt

varado, staring at the Viceroy,

ied Mercedes, extending her a

ame of de Lara as it hath never borne in five hundred years. Thou hast been betr

ppy girl, sinking into a chair. "W

e you, you have met it. Whatever demand that hard circumstances have made upon you, you have overcome it. For every test there counts a victory. You have done the State and me great service, none greater than to-night. With such a temptation before thee, that few men that I have come in contact with in my long life cou

father!" interrupte

n you Donna Me

Excell

is passed. In solemn attestation before our Holy Church I have promised to giv

jected Mercedes;

so bold! I could punish thee, but thou art mine all. I am an old man. Perhaps there is some excuse in love. I will say no more. I will e'en forgive thee, but I must have your words, both of

, Captain Alvarad

have trusted me," bowing to the old man. "Here are two appeals. God help me, I c

woman. "O my father, he loves me not! I have been blind! I promise

ath he loved thee so truly and

girl, reeling as she spoke. "Take m

, senseless between the