"Have a care, my proud beauty!" he snarled, and the next moment she
was writhing in his grasp.

Little availed her puny strength. Helpless as an infant was the fair
New York society girl as Snake le Vasquez, foulest of the viper
breed, began to force his attention upon her. The creature's hot
kisses seared her defenseless cheek. "Listen!" he hissed. "You are
mine, mine at last. Here you shall remain a prisoner until you have
consented to be my wife." All seemed, indeed, lost.

"Am I too late, Miss St. Clair?"

Snake le Vasquez started at the quiet, grim voice.

"Sapristi!" he snarled. "You!"

"Me!" replied Buck Benson, for it was, indeed, no other.

"Thank God, at last!" murmured Estelle St. Clair, freeing herself
from the foul arms that had enfolded her slim young beauty and
staggering back from him who would so basely have forced her into a
distasteful marriage. In an instant she had recovered the St. Clair
poise, had become every inch the New York society leader, as she
replied, "Not too late, Mr. Benson! Just in time, rather. Ha, ha!
This--this gentleman has become annoying. You are just in time to
mete out the punishment he so justly deserves, for which I shall
pray that heaven reward you."

She pointed an accusing finger at the craven wretch who had shrunk