diately, for I shot him through the body
from my revolver as I held it concealed beneath the smock I wore; then
I dashed for Dolores. I had still two chambers undischarged, and one
of these I intended for the man bearing Dolores, but he was too quick
for me; he turned his horse and bolted back along the road we had come
and I after him. He was apparently in a panic. I roared out to him
with all my might that if he would give up the lady I would spare his
life, or otherwise he would be a dead man.

This hint seemed sufficient for him, for he slid off his horse and
rolled away somewhere into the rough ground at the side of the road,
leaving Dolores on the horse.

Then I saw that she had been secured to the high pommel of the Spanish
saddle by a turn or two of a lasso.

We had gone fully three hundred yards more before I caught the horse
which galloped away at full speed. Perhaps it was as well things
happened thus, as the robbers were thundering behind, and had I taken
the two burdens on one horse, we should I think, without doubt, have
been recaptured. As it was, I lashed both horses to their fullest
speed when I saw Dolores was secure, though evidently in great
discomfort, yet it was a matter of life or death or worse.

Presently we came in view of the train getting up steam, though it was
some distance off, and then a sight burst upon my view in addition
which filled me with both joy and astonishment. About ten bicycles
ridden by men were coming along the road, the slender spokes of their
wheels glinting in the moonlight. They no sooner saw us than they
raised a great shout, and waved their arms; it was then to my great
thankfulness I saw the leading cyclist was my cousin, St. Nivel. I
felt as if a ton weight of care had been lifted off my shoulders.

They made way for us as we came, and St. Nivel shouted to me as we
passed through--

"Make straight for the train!"

I did as he bid me, and within five minutes had the pleasure of tearing
the handkerchief with which she was gagged from my darling's mouth; and
before all the assembled passengers kissing her upon the lips as I gave
her insensible into the arms of her aunt.

I think I had earned those kisses!

CHAPTER XIII

DON JUAN D'ALTA

No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across
the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which
they discovered in the rough ground.

To my astonishment they unstrapp