CHAPTER XXV—Love and Revenge
BEYOND the oleanders a tall thick hedge of cypress favored the flight of the fugitive. At the end of the gardens Tia Teresa took a little path that dipped into the river bed, and when they ascended again out of the hollow, Dick found himself quite close to the grove where Pierre was in hiding with the ponies.
By this time the young fellow was angry with himself for having fled so precipitately. He was full of solicitude for Merle. Why had not he remained to defend her from the brutality of that ruffian, Ben Thurston? This was the question that was now making him both ashamed and anxious.
“Hush!”
The caution came from Pierre, and showed that the Frenchman was alive to what had happened.
“I saw ze automobile rush by,” he whispered. “We will ride across country, so zat it cannot follow us.” He pointed in the direction he would go.
“Not yet,” replied Dick, determinedly. “I’m off back to the house to see that they are all safe there.”
“No, no, Mr. Willoughby,” protested the duenna earnestly. “You heard what Miss Merle said—she is afraid of that raging old man. Besides I know. He has vowed that he and his hired gunmen will shoot you on sight. For my little girl’s sake you must not go back,” she implored.
“Besides your word of honor is pledged to me,” added Luzon. “You must return wiz me. I have your parole.”
“Parole be hanged,” muttered Dick between his teeth.