She had evidently not expected to meet a stranger, for she drew
back upon seeing Billie and the color rushed to her face.
"Come hither, daughter," was Santiago's command.
The young woman obeyed.
"Lucia," said Santiago, "this is the honorable young man whom I
have chosen for my heir. Henceforth consider him your betrothed.
The marriage shall take place one new moon from to-day."
"Oh, Father," cried the girl, her face becoming even more scarlet
than before, "I cannot----"
"No!" interrupted Billie, springing to his feet, "neither can I.
You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Santiago----"
"What!" cried Santiago, springing to his feet and again drawing
his sword. "Who calls me Santiago? I am Prince Ixtazhl of the
great Aztec nation and guardian of the treasure of Montezuma!"
He raised his sword and would have stricken Billie down ere the
boy could have prevented had not the young woman thrown herself
between them and seized his arm.
At the same instant the door from the ante-room opened and Donald
and Adrian entered.
CHAPTER XVIII.
A MISSION FOR FUNSTON.
"Santiago!" exclaimed Donald.
"By all that's great!" from Adrian.
"Help!" cried Lucia. "He will do something desperate!"
Donald and Adrian sprang forward, but their assistance was not
needed.
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