CHAPTER XXXII.

A STARTLING INTERRUPTION.

It was some little time later, when Howard and Estella, accompanied by the faithful Cara--now also happy for the reason that the young war correspondent had assured her that Tomasso was alive and in the vicinity--left the woods and took to the road leading to the nearest camp of the insurgents. As they journeyed along Estella told her story in detail, to which he listened with much interest.

"I have also much to tell," he said. "Since we parted I have been able to send much important news to the press association I represent, and I have also been promoted to a captaincy in the Cuban Army. So if you marry me you will become the wife of a full-fledged rebel!" he laughed.

"I will be proud of that," she responded, with an arch smile. "Am I not a little Cuban rebel myself? Ah, how I wish papa might see things in the light we do--have correct ideas of Spanish injustice."

"The burning of his plantation had, no doubt, made him doubly bitter against the insurgents," said her lover. "It is a mystery how that attack started," he went on. "Captain Martinez gave no orders to that effect, nor did any of his associates. Some one said the orders came direct from General Gomez, but I cannot believe that possible."

"Lieutenant Mazenas intimated to my father that you were responsible for the attack upon the place, and what is worse, my father believes all the stories told about you."

"I am half of the opinion the destruction of the cane was the lieutenant's work," cried Howard, struck by a sudden idea. "He might do it, to make your father more bitter against me. His stories and actions prove his hatred of me."

"He is afraid of you."

At the end of the conversation they had come in view of the rebel camp. They were halted several times, but Howard had the password, and the badge he now wore on his breast--a miniature rebel flag, five blue and white stripes, with a red triangle and a single white star--allowed them to pass without further question.

Once in the camp, Estella and her maid were made as comfortable as possible in a spacious tent. Cara was over-joyed to see Tomasso, who had attached himself to the young war correspondent's company.

Howard went off and came back in an hour, smiling quietly to himself.

"I have been talking to one of the chaplains attached to the camp," he said, as he drew her aside. "He is a most worthy man, and was formerly the rector of one of the Episcopal churches at Santiago. He says he would be greatly pleased to perform the ceremony for us, at any time you may select."

Estella's heart gave a bound, and she blushed with maidenly modesty. He drew her to him fondly, and at last she whispered a few words into his ear.

"So shall it be," he said. "This evening at sunset. I will invite Captain Martinez and a few others, and Cara and Tomasso can also be there. I am sorry I cannot grant you a more stylish wedding, but----"

"I do not want it," she whispered. "To marry you will be enough to satisfy me," and he embraced her and said no more.

When Cara was told, she beamed brightly. A wedding was quite to her taste. She told Tomasso of it, and on the spot Tomasso asked why they could not go and do likewise, and after torturing the poor fellow for over an hour, she consented.

There were several ladies in the camp, wives of the officers, and as soon as it was whispered around that there were to be two weddings, preparations were set afloat to make the double occasion a worthy one. The largest tent was fitted up, and decorated with flowers, and several musicians from the band were told to be on hand to play the wedding march.

Estella wondered how affairs were going on at the mansion. Surely they must know of her flight by this time. Had her father come back?--and, if so, what did he think of her conduct.

"He will never forgive me--never," she thought, and a sharp pang shot through her heart, for, in spite of all he had done, the beautiful girl thought much of her stern parent.

Dinner was served, and the afternoon glided swiftly by. Walking about the camp, Estella observed that many of the officers seemed worried. They held several consultations, and in these Howard took an active part.

"What is the trouble?" she asked, as she called him to her.

"The Spanish troops are intent upon some strategic movement," he replied. "Our spies report that they are leaving Puerto Principe, but it may be only a ruse to draw us on. We shall attempt no advance until late to-night."

"And will you take me with you when you move?" she asked, anxiously.

"I thought to send you to a place of safety," he answered, tenderly. "A battlefield is no place for a woman."

"Still, I would rather be there--at your side. Oh, I entreat you to take me along!"

He could not resist, and so it was arranged that she should accompany him. Arm-in-arm they strolled out into the balmy woods, where they were perfectly safe from the enemy. His arm was about her slender waist, and never were a couple happier than they, despite the clouds that hovered over them.

"This war cannot last much longer," he said, "and once it is at an end, we will try to make peace with your father. I am sure I can do this when I am able to bring the rascally Lieutenant Mazenas into court, and show how he and his confederates have swindled me out of my uncle's estate."

"I trust so, Howard," she replied. "Yet, my father is very stern and unrelenting. You will have no easy task."

"Let us hope for the best," he rejoined.

Then the subject was dropped, and he spoke only of love to her, spoke in such a tender way that she felt he was indeed her heart's idol.

At last the setting sun told them they must return, to make their brief preparations for the ceremony which was to join them together so long as life should last. Alas! little did they dream of all the horrors in store for both ere a haven of rest and peace should be found!

Howard was called away at the entrance to the large tent, and went off, leaving Estella in the care of her maid. Cara had been arranging her mistress' scanty things, and now she set to work to dress Estella for the ceremony. In less than half an hour all was in readiness, and Howard came back, in full rebel uniform, and accompanied by the chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Ponesberry. They were followed by the native band of half a dozen pieces, who stationed themselves at one side, and awaited the signal to strike up the wedding march.

Orange blossoms were numerous, and not only did Estella have a wreath, but the whole tent was decked with them, as well as with palms and trailing vines.

A dozen lanterns were hung up, giving to the scene a really finished and beautiful appearance.

"Are you ready, Estella?" whispered Howard, and at her nodded assent he spoke to Tomasso, and immediately the others gathered around, and the musicians played a well-known Spanish wedding march. Leaning upon her lover's arm, Estella was led through the crowd, that opened to let them pass, to the opposite end of the large tent, where, with bared head and Bible in hand, the clergyman stood ready to receive them.

A short prayer was offered, and then the clergyman uttered those solemn words, "If any one hath aught to say why these two should not be joined together in holy wedlock, let him now come forward and speak, or otherwise forever hold his tongue."

The last echo of the words had hardly died away when there was a sudden stir.

"Surrender!" came in a well-known voice outside of the tent, and the next instant General Corona appeared, sword in hand, and followed by a body of Spanish soldiers. "Men, spare my daughter, but as for the American spy, if he attempts to escape, shoot him on the spot!"