"Yes," she replied simply, "I have loved him this long time."
"Señor," said Maraquando, with great dignity, "it is true you are not of our race; but during the time I have known you I have seen nothing in you but what I admire and respect. In rescuing my niece from the Shrine of the Opal at Totatzine, you have acted like a chivalrous gentleman. To your marriage I gladly give my consent. Take Dolores as your wife, Señor, and with her this."
He held out for Jack's acceptance the Harlequin Opal.
CHAPTER XI.
AWAY TO THE FRONT.
One kiss! 'tis our last one; the horses await,
And swift through the midnight I ride to my fate.
'Tis life for thy lover, or death it may be,
But living or dying, my thought is for thee.
Who knows when my arms shall enfold thee again
The future hides ever its joy and its pain.