Motion Picture Mail (October 28, 1916)

JlASB. 12- MOTION PICTURE MAIL. October 28, 191b. LIBERTY A Romance of Old Mexico 7 By H. H. Van Loan Novelized from the Photoplay Serial of the Same Name, Released by the Universal Film Manufacturing Company • Liberty Horton, American heiress, and IlOpSIS owner of a large Mexican estate, is cap - lured and held for ransom by Pancho Lopez, a noted Mexican insurrecto. While in his camp she overhears a plan to attack an American city and army camp. She escapes with the aid of Pedro, a faithful servant, and while a rescuing parly, headed by Major Winion, U. S. A., Capt. Rutledge of the Texas Rangers, who is in love with her, and Manuel Leon, son of her other guardian, stop pursuit, she rides to warn the Americans. She, however, is too late and the Mexicans attack. They are repulsed by American soldiers. That night Pancho Leon threatens Major Winston with exposure of misappropriation of funds left in his care unless he (Major Winston) forces Liberty to marry his son, Manuel. The major refuses. FIFTH EPISODE— Love and War. L IBERTY then stepped into the room. She found Pancho stretched across the table while the major * was bending over him with his fingers clutched about the Mexican’s throat. As she stood just inside the door, her gaze fixed on the two men, a shot was heard outside. The major, hearing, it, relaxed his grip and, turning, discovered Liberty. Immediately he released Pancho, who managed to get to his feet, still clutching the major’s notes. A deathly silenee fol- lowed as the girl looked from one to the other. The shot which was heard by the trio inside un- doubtedly saved the life of Manuel, and the man who saved him was none other than his arch-enemy, Rut- ledge. Bob had been standing in the shadows near the entrance to the courtyard after leaving Liberty when he saw Therese approach Manuel. A heated conversation followed. He saw Manuel shove her away from him several times, but each time she returned. As Rutledge watched he saw the hatred in the eyes of the Mexican for the girl who had accepted his cruel treatment with sincere affection in every line of her countenance. He could not hear their words, but he knew the Mexican was in a rage, for he paced ner- vously back and forth, clenching his fists as Therese hurled threats at him. Then he saw the girl creep up to Manuel and whisper something in her ear. In- stantly the fellow turned about and, raising his fist, was about to strike her when Pedro, who had been lurking behind one of the bushes, ran up, and snatch- ing his knife from his belt raised it above the Mexi- can’s back. As it started to descend Rutledge raised his gun and fired. It was an excellent shot and sent Pedro’s weapon to the ground. The three turned and paw the ranger, who w'alked up to Manuel. “I always thought you were a cur and now I know it,” said Bob, as he shoved his gun back in its holster. But Manuel only sneered at his rival, and then, snap- ping his fingers at the ranger, walked into the house. "What does this mean, Pedro?” asked Rutledge. For answer Pedro looked down into the eyes of the frightened girl, who had rushed into his arms for safety, and then led her away. In the meantime the major and Pancho were trying to explain their actions to Liberty. Finally, when she saw what a poor mess they were making of the whole affair, she crossed over to the major. “Major, I overheard what you were talking about and—■” She paused for a moment—“I—I have de- cided to marry Manuel.” The major took her in his arms. “I can’t believe this, ray dear child,” he said in amazement. “It is true,” she said softly. “But Manuel and I were afraid, so we—that is we—wanted to be married before you left.” “Well, I’ll be—Mowed! ” shouted the major, as he looked down into the big eyes that were upturned to him. “You explain this to me,” he continued. “I don’t think you are telling me the truth. ’ ’ “Some other time, major,” answered Liberty. ‘ ‘ I cannot let you marry this man, ’ ’ said the major, thoughtfully. “If I did the spirit of your father would return to censure me. You will never know a moment’s peace with this man. He will not treat you right, Liberty. I have never liked the sneaking look he carried around with him.” “Major, I cannot explain everything to you,” said Liberty, as she raised her head and raised her handker- chief to her eyes. “All I can say is that I’m going to marry Manuel. It is my wish, and knowing that you have always tried to please me, I rely upon you not to stand in my way now.” “Liberty,” he said, with a tone of sadness in his voice, “if this is your wish I reluctantly give my con- sent; but I want you to know that this is the hardest thing you have ever asked of me.” Then he tenderly placed his arm about her and pressed his lips to her forehead. At that moment Pancho, who had left the room when Liberty entered, returned, and smiled with content- ment as he glanced at them both. Ho knew he had won, and as Liberty turned from the major and started to leave her prospective father-in-law started toward her with outstretched hands. “I am sure you are going to be happy,” he said. But she dashed by him and ran to her room. “You see,” continued Pancho, as he rubbed his hands and grinned at his partner. ‘ ‘ I knew it would come out all right, major. This has been a good day’s work. ’ ’ The major was lighting a cigar. When he had fin- ished he walked up to Pancho and, glaring into the cunning eyes of the Mexican, said: “I don’t know whether she loves him or not, but let me tell you something: If that scamp doesn’t treat her right he’ll have to answer to me personally—do you hear? To me!” Bent upon finding if there was anything wrong with his ward the major hurriedly left the room and went at once to Liberty’s bedroom. He paused a moment outside and listened. Somebody was sobbing within. Without waiting to knock he opened the door and stepped inside. It was Liberty. As soon as he entered she raised herself and brushed the tears from her eyes. “What makes you so sad, my little pet?” inquired the major, as he went over to her.” ‘I’m not crying because I’m sad ,” she replied, brokenly. “ It’s because I’m so happy. ’ ’ ******* It was anything but a merry wedding party that later in the evening made its way to St. Stephen’s Chapel, not far from the Horton estate. There was only Liberty, Manuel, Major Winston and Pancho Leon—and they walked in silence. When thev reached the chapel the padre was light- ing the candles on the altar. To Liberty he seemed almost like an executioner who stood ready to take her life. The major noticed her nervousness and stepped to her side. “Are you still of the same mind?” he asked her. She nodded her head. Then the padre opened his book and requested Lib- erty and Manuel to kneel before the shrine. Therese, who had heard of the intended marriage, rushed out of the house and learned that the wed- ding party were on their way to the chapel. Wrapping her shawl closely about her head she hurried after them. But Pedro, who of late had spent most of his time guarding the jilted girl, discovered her absence and followed her. Upon her arrival at the chapel Therese saw the lights on the altar, and, in the dim reflection, the kneeling couple. Then she threw open the gate and was about to rush into the chapel when two strong arms closed around her. She fought madly to free herself, but the grip tightened. Turning, she looked into the face of Pedro. The ceremony completed, the padre started to put out the candles as Manuel took Liberty by the arm and walked slowly out. As they reached the chapel yard Therese, whom Pedro was trying to urge away, took one look at the couple and then fainted. After Manuel and Liberty had departed from the chapel Pancho took the major’s notes from his pocket and offered them to the major, who made no move but stood staring at the man who had brought about this unhappy affair Then, when the major refused to take them, he tore them up and threw them on the floor. Then they silently left the place. The major went at once to join Rutledge and the rangers, who had been ordered to meet Col. Dalton’s troops, which had started out to cross the border and capture the Mexicans responsible for the attack on Discovery. Earlier in the day the colonel, who was encamped with his troops near the Horton estate, had received the following message from Washington: Col. Dalton, commanding Troops D and K, Cavalry, Discovery, N. M.: You are hereby ordered to move troops as per instructions. Cross the line and bring back parties responsible for attack on Discovery, dead or alive. This order is effective imme- diately upon its receipt. (Signed) GEN. CRANSTON, Commanding Second Division U. S. Army. The receipt of this order filled the troopers with joy as soon as it was repeated around the camp. What had become of the leader of the insurrectos was a question which puzzled Lopez, who had not seen him since he rode out of Discovery. The major domo had taken refuge in an adobe shack not far from the town, and there, with his men, was waiting for the early hours of dawn. Then, when all was quiet, he intended to make a break across the border to find the chief of the insurrectos. He had stationed pickets for a considerable distance along the road to warn him of any approaching troops, <for he knew that when Washington learned of the happenings of the night before the government would take some drastic action. All day and during the evening he had kept messengers close to the camp of Col. Dalton watching every movement and waiting for the signal that would in- form him the troops were preparing to cross the border. Late that night, as Lopez paced back and forth im- patiently, he heard the beating of horse hoofs out- side, which came nearer and nearer, until they came to a halt at his door. He pulled his gun as a means of precaution and waited to learn the identity of the rider. The door was thrown open and Lopez dropped his hand as he recognized one of his messengers. [CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 .]