OCR Text |
Show ces f CoprHrht 5j iii fj by Hsrper ft Brother 8 Riders of the Purple $age, Wildfire, Etc. fffiJ oX that a horse, burdened or taneda. Nell lay in ' the hammock, unburdened, could find footing and her hands behind her head, with rosy hold it upon that wall of narrow cheeks and arch eyes. Indeed she ledges and Inverted, slanting gullies. looked rebellious. Dick was inclined to be rebellious But he climbed on, as a mountain goat, and, surmounting the himself. Beldlng hod kept the rangers last rough steps, he stood a momenta In on the line, and therefore Dick. silhouetted against the white slcy.j 'had been idle most of the time, and, Then he disappeared. Ladd sat- - though he tried bard, he had been unable (o stay far from Nell's vicinity. astride 1'laneo Sol gazing upward. H(kv Jlie cowboy must have honored He believed she cared for him ; he could not catch her alone long tha,t raider's brave steed (Jale, who bud been too dumb to enough to verify his tormenting hope, shout the admiration he felt, suddenly lie had long before enlisted the loyal leaped up, and his voice came with a Mercedes In bis cause; but in spite of shriek : this Nell had been more than a match for them both. "Look out, Laddy !" A big horse, like a white streak, was Oale pondered over an Idea he bad bearing down to the right of The long revolved In' mind, and which now ranger. I'danco Diablo! A matchless suddenly gave place to a decision that rider swung with the horse's motion, made his heart swell and his cheek burn. HtNvent In search of Mrs. fiiilo was stunned. Then lie rememand found her busy In the bered the first raider, the one Lash had shot at and driven away from the kitchen. The'reliitlon between Gale and Mrs. outlet. This fellow had made for the mosquito and bad put a saddle on Fielding had subtly and Incomprehen-slvelHe understood her changed. Beldlng's favorlie. In the heat of the excitement, while Ladd had been In- less than when at first lie divined an tent upon the climbing horse, this last antagonism in her. If such a thing raider had come down, with the. speed were possible she had retained 'the of the wind straight for the western antagonism while seeming to yield to outlet. Perhaps, very probably, he some influence that must have been fondness for him. Oale had come to did nnf know Dale was there to liflick It; and' certainly be hoped to pass care greatly for Nell's mother. Not Ladd and Blanco Sol. only was she the comfort ond strength A touch of the spur made Sol lunge of her home, hut also of the Inhabiforward to bead off the raider. Diablo tants of Forlorn Uher. Indian,, Mexiwns ttt his xtride- but the distance find TSti.meTrcWTvWrW'TO angle favored Sol. The raider had no her In trouble or Illness,; and then she carbine. He held aloft a gun ready was nurse, doctor, peacemaker, helper. to level It and lire. He sat the saddle She was good and noble, and there was as If It were a stationary seat. Oale not a child or grownup in Forlorn saw Ladd lean down and drop the River who did not love and bless her. .405 In the sand. He would take no But Mrs. Holding did not seem happy. She seldom smiled, and never laughed. chances of wounding Beldlng's There was always a soft, sad, hurt horse. Oale- - often wonTheg (inle fnt transfixed with sus- look In her eyes. pended breath watching the horses dered if there had been other tragedy In tier life thnn the supposed loss of thundering toward him. Blanco Dln-blwas speeding low, fleet as an anher father In the desert. Mrs. Heldlng beard Dick's step as telope, tierce' and terrible In bis devilish jictlon, a horse for war and blood be entered the kitchen, and, looking He seemed unbeatable. and death. up, greeted him. Vet to see the magnificently miming "Mother," began Dick, earnestly. Blanco Sol wns but to court a doubt. Relding called her that, and so did Plain It was the raider could not make Ladd and Lash, but It was the first the opening abend of Ladd. He saw time for DIcW "Mother I want to It and swerved to the left, emptying speak to you." as he turned. his The only Indication Mrs. Beldlng Blanco Sol thundered across. Then gave of being startled was In her the race became straight away up the eyes, which darkened, shadowed with TV. was a fleet, beautiful, mag- multiplying thought. valley. nificent race. Oale thrilled and ex"I love Nell," went on Dick, simply, ulted and yelled ns his horse settled "and want you to let me nsk her Into a steadily swifter run and began to be my wife." to gain. Mrs. Bidding's face blanched to a The gap between Diablo nnd Sol j deathly white. Gale, thinking with narrowed yard by yard. All ibe devil surprise and concern that she was that was In Blanco Diablo had Its run- going to faint, moved quickly toward ning on the downward stretch. The her, took her arm. strange, cruel urge of bit and spur, "Forgive me. I was blunt. . . the crazed rider who stuck like a burr But I thought you knew." upon him. the shots and smoke added "I've known for a long time," replied terror" to his natural violent temper. Mrs. Beldlng. Her voice was steady, He ran himself off his feet. But he and there was no evidence of agitacould not elude that relentless horse tion except in her pallor. "Then you behind liim. you haven't spoken to Nell?" Then, like one white flash following Dick ktughed. 'I've beeu trying to another, the two horses gleamed down get n chance to tell her. I haven't l ad it yet. Bat she knows. I hope. I almost believe Nell cares a little for me." "I've known that. Uo. for n long time," said Mrs. Beldlng, low almost as a whisper. crieu iuck. witfta-"lou Know: glow and rush of feeling. "Mother: You'll give her to me?" She drew him to the light and looked with strange, piercing Intent ius Into his face, dale had nevei dreamed-woman's eves could hold such a world of thought and feeling. It seemed till the sweetness of life was there, and all the rain. "Dick (ode. you want my NeP? You love lo r Just as she is her sw ci ness-hc- r Jusl herself, goodness': . . There's nothbody and soul? ing could change you nothing" love Nidi for "Dear Mrs. Beldlng. herself. If she loves me I'll be the happiest of men. There's absolutely nothing that could make any difference In me." "Hi t your people? Oh, Dick, you cctiii' of a proud family. I can tell. You love You've become a ranger. the adventure the wild life. That won't last. Perhaps you'll settle I know you love down to ranching. But, Dick, there's your Only One of Them Got Avuay, and He the West. Came R ding for Life Down Under family" "If you want to know anything the Eastern Wall. about my family, I'll tell you,' Interthe bank of a wash and disappeared rupted Dick, with strong feeling. "I've in clouds of dust. no secrets about I hem or myself. My (inle watched wllh strained nml future and happiness are Nell's to smarting eyes. The thick throb In make. No one ol- -f shall count with ids car.- - was pierced by faint sounds me.'' Then he walled In alof ? "Then. Dick you nay her. Ood bless- - you bolh." most unendurHble suspense. Mrs. Bidding's strained' face underSuddenly something whiter than the background of dust appeared above went a swift and mobile relaxation, ihe low roll of valley floor, (iale levand suddenly she was weeping in eled his :;lass. Iii the clear c'rrle strangely mingled happiness and bitshone I'.lanco Sol's noble head with Its terness. long black liar from ears to nose "Why, mother!" Oale could say no Sol's licnd was droopl ik now. Another more. He put bis arm around her. In second showed Ladd still In the saddle l another moment she bad gained The ranger was lending Blanco over herself, and. kissing him. Diablo broken dragging she pushed him out of the door. spent riderless. There! Oo tell her, Dick. . . . CHAPTER IX And have some spunk about It !" Oale went thoughtfully back to bis An Interrupted Siesta. room. Then remembering the hope No man ever had u more eloquent Mrs. Bidding bud given him, Dick lost ami beaullliil pleader for bis en bis gravity In a (lash, nnd something than had Dick Oale In Mercedes 'in begun lo dunce and rlug within him. yoml belief -- I LOVE NELL" SYNOPSIS.-Peeki- ng sold in the Assert. "Cameron," solitary prospector, forma H partnership with an unknown man whom he later learns Is Jonas Warren, father of a girl whom Cumeron wronged, but later piarrlwl, tiark In Illinois. Cameron's exfilmations appt ase and llie'lwo rroi'eJ toTallinn ri'l'uRi' from a dissandstorm In a cave, Cain'-rucovers ifold, but to'Vla'i.'. hoth mm are. dying, tamrton leaves evidls. dence. In the caw. if Iht--r covery of polJ, e.l personal documents. jlU'hurd dale, adventurer. In CaslhV, Mexiian border town, meets Georse Thome, lie'.itenant in the Ninth lavalry. old colleKe friend. Thome tells JaJ he Is there to gave Meiet'des C'astaneda. wife, Spanish girl, his allianred from Rojas, Mexican bandit. Gale "roughhouses" Hojas and his fang, mlth the help of two Aire rican and cowboys, and hq, Mereedi-Thome escape. A bugle call from the fort orders Thome to his regiment. He leavis Mercedes under Gale's protection. The pair, aide by the cowboys, Charlie l.tid.1 and Jim Lash, arrive in safely at a ranch known as Forlorn River, across the border. The fugitives are at Tom Beldlng's home. Holding Is Immigration Inspector. Living with him are his wife aed Nell Burton. Ga'e, with Ladd and Lash, take service with as rangers, Gale telling Beldinga Beldlng the cause of his beln wanderer, a misunderstanding with his father concerning the son's TiusThess a hi llflesT" KereedesiraTs" word to Thorne of her safety. Dick also writes to Ids parents. Informing them of his whereabouts. Nell's personality, and her kindness, attract Gale. Riding the range. Gale falls In with a party of three Mexican raiders encamped at a water hole. Watching his opportunity to oust them, he sees two Indians ride Into the camp. One of them, a Yao.ul, Is evidently badly wounded, and the Mexicans seek to kill him In a cruel way. Dick drives them off, conveying the wounded Yaqui to Reldlng's ranch. The Indian becomes nick's Gale's admiratardent admirer. ion for Nell Increases. Folding's of his life, are horses, the pride run off by the Mexicans. Gale, and the Yaqul. with I.add, pursue the raiding party, finally cornering them. Vam-n- . gether. I CHAPTER VIII. Continued. 9 The other rnnseis sowed, the reins of plunging steeds nml whirled to Gale escape the unseen buttery. slipped n fresh clip Into the mazarine of his rifle. He rest mined himself from useless firing nml snve eager eye to the duel below. I.iuW begun to shoot while Sol wns running. The .40." rung out slinrply (lien ngnin. The heavy bullets streaked t Tie (Inst nil the wny across the valley. The rnlders spurred madly In pursuit, loading nml firing. They shot ten tlraes while I.add shot once, and nil In vain; and on I. adds sixth shot a raider toppled backward, threw bis onrhlne and fell with tils foot catching The frightened horse In a stirrup. lilutveil away, dragging liim In n path of dust. I.add had emptied n mncnzlne, and now I'.laiicn Sol quickened and lengthened Ids running stride, lie run away from Ids pursuers.' Then It wns that the ranger's ruse wns divined by the nlders. They hauled slinrply up and Boomed to be conferring. I!ut that was a fatal mistake. Hlnticn Sol wns seen to break his gait and slow down In several Jump?, then square away tun stand stockstill. I add lired at the cloM.v grouped raiders. An Instant lasted. Then Oiile heard the spat of n bullet out in front, saw a puff of dust, (lien heard 1'ie Tend strike the roc!;s and go hilling :i" ay. And it was lifter this that one of (lie raider fell prune from his saddle. The .405 bail gone through blin on I's uninterrupted way to hum past O.'de's position. The remaininc two raiders ("ran flfiilly spurred their horses ftruT fled tip (lie valley". " Ijidd sent Sol afler them. Tiie raiders split, one iimklriir for the eastern outlet, the other circling back of the meMuit"s. I.add kept on niter the latter. Then puffs of white smoke and rifle shots faintly crackling teld of Jim Lath's hand in t lie game. However, lie succeeded only In driving the valler liack Into the valley. !ui I.ndd bad turned the other horseman, and How It appeared the two raiders were lietween l.iedi above on the stony rlopc nml I.ndd Ik low on t lie level. Th-r- e was riding on part to kivp fniin being tu the raidi-rliC.iut'.ol in el.i-e();ilv one of them 01 atvv. he mine riding for life li:M) ':iob I' the eastern wail. I'.lanco fVI into his graceful, beautiful v,l;:g. lb' gained steadily, lln.ugli be vas far from extending himself. Some few bundled rods to the left of ;nlo the raider put his Imrse to the weathered slope. He began to cllnib. 7.lg.ag they went up ntnl tip, and when Laild reached the edge of the slope I hey were high along the cracked and guttered rampart. Once twice I.ndd raised (lie long rifle, hut each time be lowered It. Oale divined that the ranger' restraint was hot on account of the Mexican.' but for that valiant ami faithful horse. Vp and up he went, mikI the yellow dust clouds rose, nd nn avalanche rolled rati ling ami '' mu i... cracking down the slowI . sure-foote- d bt ! Bel-din- y - best-love- d 1 . . 1 gmi'-'oots- . li- com-niani- l Continued ta Wednesday's herald For Infanta and Children. : ? in - SB " showed a alow, wearing strain- Be simply could not keep hit ep Thome's commission expired the turned from (lie patio. Every path end of January, and tf be could not led there. His blood was throbbing, n his hopes mounting, bis spirit souring. get his discharge Immedlateiyf sureijt. could obtain leave of absence. "Now for some spook J" be said, un; Thesefore, Gale waited, not wWwt der Ms breath. did his best to Plainly he meant bU merry whittle growths anxiety, and and bis buoyant step to Interrupt this cheer Mercedes. The first of February first' languorous stage of the siesta came bringing news of rebel activities which the girls always took during and 1andit operations in and around the hot hours. But neither girl heard Caslto, but not a word from the cay; him. Mercedes - lay under the palo alrywan. ? A dosen times Gale declared he verde. her beautiful head dark and still upon a cushion. Nell was asleep would ride In to Caslta and find out In the hammock. Her sweet, red lips, why they did not hear from Thome; with the soft, perfect curve, had al- however, older and lser heads preBelding ways fascinated Dick, and now drew vailed over ils Impetuosity. him irresistibly. He had always been and the rangers and the Yaqui held a consumed w lth a desire to kiss her. consultation. Not only had the Indian and now he was overwhelmed with his become a faithful servant to Gale, but " It would be a terrible be was also of value to Belding. opportunity! thing to do, but If she did not waken Yaqui had all the craft of his class, at once No, he would fight the and superior Intelligence. His knowlto temptation. That would be more than edge of Mexicans was second pnly And Yaqul, who She stirred he ids hate, of them. spunk. It would had been scouting on all Lie trails, feared jdie would awaken. lie had 'dropped back erect when gave Information that made Belding she opened her eyes. They were sleepy, decide to wait some days before sendto Caslta. " jet surprised until she saw him. ingIt anyone was upon Gale's coming from this Then she was wide awake In a second, conference that he encountered Nell. bewildered, uncertain. "Why you here?" she asked, slowly. Since the luterruptedsiesta episode "Large as life !" replied Dick, with she had been more than ordinarily elusive, and about all he had received unusual gayety. from her was a tantalizing smile from "How long have you been here?" a distance. He got the Impression "Just got here this fraction of a secnow, howeverT that she had awaited ond," he replied, lying shamelessly. "I thought I was dreaming," she hlin. When he drew close to her he said, and evidently the sound of her was certain of It, and he experienced more than surprise. voice reassured her. "Dick," she began, hurriedly. "Mer"Yes. you looked as If you were having pleasant dreams," replied Dick. cedes Is dying by Inches. Can't you It's more than I can't see see what ails her? "So sorry to wake you. love or fear. It's uncertainty suspense. Oh, can't we find out for her?" "Nell, I feel as badly as you about her. I wanted to ride to Casita. Belding shut me up quick, the last time." Nell came close to Gale, clasped his arm. There was no color In her face. Her eyes held a dark, eager excitement. "Dick, will you slip off without Dad's consent? Risk it! Go to Ca. slta and find out what's happened to Thorne at least if he ever started for Forlorn River?" "No, Nell, I won't do that." She drew away from him with passionate suddenness. "Are you afraid?" This certainly was not the Nell Burton that Gale knew. "No, I'm not afraid," Gale replied, a little nettled. "Will you go for my sake?" Like lightning her mood changed and sfie" was close to him again, hqnds on his, her face whlte,4.her whole presence sweetly alluring. "Nell. I won't disobey Beldlng," protested Gale. "I won't break my word." "Dick, It'll not be so bad as that. But what If It Is? . . . Go, Dick, if not for poor Mercedes' sake, then for mine to please me. I'll I'll . . . Nell Was Now Deep In Her Siesta. you won't lose anything by going. I She Was Inert, Relaxed, Untroubled think I know how Mercedes feels. .Tust by Dreams. a word from Thorne or about him would save her. Take Blanco Sol and how I came to do It, I was so quiet. Mercedes didn't wake. Well, I'll go go, Dick. What rebel outfit could ever and let you have your Siesta and ride you down 'on that horse? Why, Dick, If I was up on Sol I wouldn't (beams." But he did not move to go. Nell be afraid of the whole rebel army." Gale could only stare at this transregarded him with curious, speculaformed girl. tive eyes. . . . If you go"Dick, listen "Isn't it a lovely day?" queried Dick. fetch some word of Thome to "Yesterday was finer, but you didn't lf you comfort Mercedes, you well, you will notice It." have your reward. Dick, will you go." was "Oh, somewhere yesterday "No no I" cried Gale, In violence, back in the past the Inconsequential struggling with himself. "Nell Burpast." Nell's sleepy eyes opened a little ton, I'll tell you this. To have the wider. She did not know what to reward I want would mean pretty make of this changed young man. near heaven for me. But not even Dick felt gleeful and tried hard to for that will I break my word to your father." keep the fact from becoming manifest. She seemed the Incarnation of girl' "What's the Inconsequential past? ish scorn and willful passion. You seem rumarkably happy today." "Gracilis, senor," she leplled. mock"I coitalnly am happy. Adios. ingly. "Adios." Then she flashed out Pleasant dreams."' Dick turned away then and left the of his sight. Oale went to his room at once, disinitio by the opening Into the yurd. Nell was really sleepy, nnd when she turbed and thrilling, and did not soon had fallen asleep again he would re- recover from that encounter. The following morning at the breakturn. He walked around for a while. table Nell was not present. "She's fast reif magnet-drawas he Presently, traced his steps to the patio und en- In one of her tantrums lately," said Belding. "Wouldn't speak to me this tered noiselessly. Let her nlone, mother. morning. Nell was now deep In her siesta. She was Inert, relaxed, untroubled by She's spoiled enough, without runn'ng dreams. Her hair was damp on her ufter her. She's always hungry. She'll be on hand presently don't mistake brow. Nell Again stirred, and gradually me." Notwithstanding Beldlng's convicawakened. Her eyes unclosed, humid, which Onle Nell did not tion, shared. rested shadowy, unconscious. They upon Dick for a moment before they appear at all during the hour. Perbecunie clear and comprehensive. He haps half nil hour afterward, as Gale stood back fully ten feet from her. wns leaving his room, he saw the and to all outside appearances re- Yaqul running up the path from the fields. Gale wondered what was the garded her calmly. "I've Interrupted your siesta again." matter. Yaqul ran straight to' Belbe said. "Please forgive me. I'll take ding, who was at work at his bench under the wagon shed. In less than myself off." He wandered away, and when It a moment Belding was bellowing for Gale got to him first, became Impossible for him to stay his rangers. away any longer be returned to the but Ladd and Lash were not far behind. patio. The Instant bis glance rested upon Nell's face he divined she was feign"Right out then Nell swore Dick dropped upon his ing sleep. he'd go after Thorne." knee's and bent over her. He wanted more than anything he had ever wanted In his life to see If she would keep (TO HK CONT1NI KD.I up that pretense of sleep anil let him kiss licr. Shy mu.;t Jiave felt his Charms of Music. breath, for her hair waved off her "Sarantha, what's the cbtnie the brow. Her cheeks were now white. playln' now?" asked the old Her breast swelled and sank. He fanner, who was attending a concert bent down closer closer. But he for the first time In his lift'. must have been maddeningly slow, for Sarantha. his wife, looked long and as he bent still closer Nell's eyes earnestly at her program. "It's by a follow called Chonln." she opened, and lie caught a swift purple gaze of eyes as she whirled her head. replied. Then, with a little cry, she rose and "Well, maybe," wns the replv. "But fled. It sounds a deal more like sawln' liOndon Answers. CHAPTER X A Near Guess. "I'm Improving In drawing, mother." Rojas. No word from OTorge Thorne had said the 'ittle girl. "Are you, dear? come to Forlorn River In weeks, dale ( That's good!" "Yes, I drawed a cake grew concerned over tho fact. n..i t on my slate and Bonnie guessed It began to wonder tf anything serious Wiis an oyster. He knew It was somecould have happened to him. Mer- thing to eat, anyway, didn't be?" Mothers Knpv That Genuine Castoria 2Si mm tipfflUTOmomN- ' V'" r- I - Si f t.1r..lOrraedT fcf 5 XossqrSiEEF' SdtMaftererrMBr- -' Sri, 1 use ffffjj 'i ,v it i For Over OMjL Thirty Years ASTORIA Exact Copy of Wrapper. TMC eCKTAUR COBMMV. HCW CITY. SFCHArS DISTEAIPEK COIOFOUND is tadtopsble to tnaUnc Influenza, Distemper, Coughs and Colds among horses and mules at this season of the year. For nearly thirty years "Hi'OHN'H" has been given to prerent these diseases, as well as to rsllevo and ear them. An ooca-slon- al dose "conditions" yonr horse and keeps disease away. As a remedy tor cum actually sulleruic, "SPOHX'8" Is quick and certain. Bold in two siies at ail drug stores. SrORN &DICAX COMPACT GOSHEN, INDIANA so prevalent CttMSTIPATIOTJ Take a good dose of Carter's little liver Pills then take & or d tor a tew nights after. 1 ney CARTERS cleanse system of all waste matter and IITTLE Regulateyour Your Bowels. Mild -- as easy to IVFR PILLS Small Dose. Small Price. Small PilL French Serve Canned Food. When most foreigners go to France, they stop only at the big hotels and are served with salmon and sardines fresh from the can that was packed In r, Portland, Ore., or somewhere in milk from a can packed In the United States, meat Imported from Chicago's big four pacfters.Tiread three days old, vegetables which are brought to town every day by the same country Innkeepers, being part of their unused stock of yesterday. The French hotels seem to think that travelers prefer " """"" canned foods. Progress in Sahara. The limits of the great arid wastes of the Sahara desert are slowly being narrowed by the invasion of windmills and motorcars. The oases are being linked together by good motor hlgli-wsand the sinking of wells is great-l- y Increasing the tillable area. The soil is fertile and, wherever water can be obtained, tropical fruits, millet "aud other cereals may be raised. A railroad has been proposed by the French government, but there are many technical problems to be solved In the construction of such a line. The desirability and value of a New Greek Goddess. rail connection across the desert beThe ancient history class at a city tween southern Algeria on the north high school came to attention. A and western French Africa on the written lesson was decreed by the south Is obvious. Nor-waj- teacher. Replying to one of the questions, a boy in the class wrote: "The Greek goddess of the chase was Diameter." Those Permanent Waves. Molly "I've Just had a wa ve." Cordellla "What ! taken to radio, too?" U SAY traus-Saharla- n Sweet Tattootlel "What's all the excitement in the "Someone told Tatfreak show?" tooed Bill he was a marked man." Life. permanent Have you the other Do your duty and let low do the explaining. fel- ucEJlr U IaSU u "BAYER" when you buy. Insist! Unless you see the "Bayer Cross" on tablets, you are not getting the genuine Bayer product prescribed by ph) sicians over 23 years and proved safe by millions for Colds Headache Toothachi Rheumatism Neuritis Lumbago Neuralgia Pain, Pain Accept only "Bayer" package which contains proper directions... Handy "Bayer" boxes of 12 tablets Also bottles of 24 and ssirls li the trade siart ot Barer aUanfsetu of BtoBoaeeUossUsaUr gista. ( BaUerUsaoM. Saves Need Buying a New Skirt Putram Fadeless Dyes-dy- es or tints at you wish |