"I said I'd never marry you," she rushed on, vibrantly. "This is
the man I love--the only man. Yes, and I've learned the truth
about you. I know who killed Mr. Austin."
Longorio did a very unexpected thing then; slowly, unconsciously,
as if the movement were the result of a half-forgotten training,
he crossed himself.
But now from the hall at his back came the pounding of boot-heels,
and a half dozen panting troopers tumbled through the door. He
waved them back and out into the hall again.
Father O'Malley, who had been trying to make himself heard,
stepped in front of the general and said, solemnly: "Take care
what you do, Longorio. I have married these people, and you can't
undo what I have done. We are American citizens. The laws of
civilization protect us."
The Mexican fought for his voice, then stammered: "You are my
priest; I brought you here. I offered to marry her. Now--you force
me to damn my soul." Turning his eyes wildly upon Alaire, he
shouted: "Too late, eh? You say I am too late! It seems that I am
barely in time."
Dave added his words to the others: "You are ten to one, but you
can't have her," he cried, defiantly.
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