OCR Text |
Show BEAVER CITY PRESS ) . HelitioU ; allliosi et-i- j :A,v One of the itis'ulted COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT By ZANE GREY" men. a P.'.h.'lawnv fellow, lei.ped tn cwtfronf vol-.,;'!,. and 'in a frenzy screamed 'a tlistn;al which of of JipabNh. IX ,uMind "Gringo!" 1"'K (iWU"s P,V r'd with a swift side kick knocked I eel the fellow a thud. whirling him down with so sudThe aclion was performed Mexi-,- . the made it so adroitly, denly "such a weakling, so like a tumbled Author of 1 (Sold, .... i h'ib Riders of the Purple Sage, . Wildfire, Etc. that the shrill. Jabbering Gale knew this to be the. Copyright by Harper A Brother. teni.in hushed. fignrficant moment. It Wheeling, he rushed at Rojas. Neiulunge! hiu ..i.i to ther Rojns nor ills men had time - R0UGH-H0USE- 1 STNOP8I6. Seeking" gold In the desert, "Cameron," solitary prospector, forms a partnership with an unknown man whom he later learns Is Jonas Warren, father of a tlrl whom Cameron wronged, but later married, back tn Illinois. appeaso Camel oil's explanations Warren, and the two proceed tofrom a Taking refuge gether. aandstorm la a cave, Cameron discovers gold, but too late; both men ars dying. Cameron leaves evidence. In the cave, of their discovery of gold, and personal documents. Richard Gale, adventurer, In Caslta. Mexican border town, meets George Thome, lleutenan In .the Ninth cavalry, old college Mend. Thome tells Gale he la there to save Mercedes Castadena. 8 panlsh girl, his affianced wife,' from Kojas, Mexican bandit CHAPTER I. Continued. "Dick, think, think t With Mercedes also It wag love at first sight. My plan Is to marry her and get her farther to the interior, away from the border. It may not, be easy. She's watched. So am I. Rojag must have got word to his friends here ; yesterday bis gang of cutthroat rebels arrived, and today he came. When I learned that, I took my chance and left camp; I hunted up a priest, lie come here, It's time he's promlstjto due. Bui I'm afraid he'll be stopped. Tou see, we're over the line" "Are we In Mexican territory nowT queried Gale, sharply. "I guess yes, old boy. That's what complicates It Rojas and his rebels have Caslta In their bands. If Mercedes Is really watched If ber Identity Is known,: which I am sure Is the case we couldn't get far from this house before I'd be knifed and she aelxed." "Good heavens I Thome, can that sort of thing happen less than a tone's throw, from the United States liner asked Gale, Incredulously. "It can happen, and don't you forget It Ton don't seem to realize the power these guerrilla leaders, these rebel captains, ami particularly these bandits, exercise over the mass of Mexicans. IT seen Rojas, He's a handsome, bold, sneering devil, vainer than any peacock. He decks himself In gold lac and silver trappings. In 11 the finery he can steal. He spends gold like he spills blood. But be Is chiefly famous for abducting women. The peon glrla consider It an honor to be ridden off with. Rojas has shown penchant for girls of the bet ter class." Thorn wiped the perspiration from his pal face and bent a dark gaxe out of the window before he resumed bis talk. "Consider what the position of Mercedes really la. Rojas can turn all the bidden underground Influences to his ends. Unless I thwart hlra he'll get Mercedes as easily as he can light a cigarette. But 111 kill him or some of bis gang or her before I let him get her. . . . This Is the situation, old friend. I've little time to spare. I face arrest for desertion. Rojas Is "In town. I think I was followed to this hotel The priest has betrayed me or has been stopped. Mercedes Is her alone, waiting, absolutely dependent upon me to save her from from . . . She's the sweetest, loveliest gtrl I . . . In a few moments sooner or later there'll be hell here I Dick, are you with meT Dick Gale drew a long, deep breath. A coldness, a lethargy, and Indifference that had weighed upon him fur months had passed out of his being. On the Instant he could not speak. , but his hand closed .powerfully uoo his friend's. Thome's face changed wonderfully, the distress, the fear, the appeal all vanishing lu a smile of passionate gratefulness. Then Dick's gaxe attracted by some slight sound, shot ove his friend's shoulder to see a face at the window a handsome, bold, sneering face, with glittering dark eyes that flashed In sinister Intentness. Dick stiffened In his scat. Thome, with sudden clenching of hands, wheeled toward the window. "Rojas P be whlsperea. hljfh-backe- slow-pacin- ove and happiness tor Vs life or us. ! u ' lentil." She became quiet, and slowly recov ered control of herself. She wheeled to face Gale with proud d.irk eyes tragic sweetness of appeal, un exquisite grace. You "Senor. vou are mi American. cannot know the Spanish blood the 1 bandit's hate mid cruelty. touches hand die before itojas' wish to me. If he takes me alive, then the hour, the Uttle day that my life lasts afterward will he torture torture of hell. If 1 live two days his brulal men , the dogs will have me. If I have you Senor. . . . of his camp a si.ster whom you love": Help Senor Thorne to save me. He Is a soldier. lie is hound. He must not ltetray his . . Now, honor, his duty, for me. let me waste no more precious tune. 1 am read;. I will.be brave." She came close to dale, Iw.ldins out her white hnnd.t, a woman all tire and soul and passion. To Gale she was wonderful.. His heart leaped. As he bent over her hands' ann kissed them seemed to feel himself renewed. i hnnmt i.w.i. live-three- . (t: :MW : renin de. H u-- lor 32-Pag- p L e Booklet -- TVa 1 1J 1 Tsaaaisi MenomiBs.Vju,i i If WolU WjT says must , ! so, it fce j No law of limitatioai blocks justice in this case AH the way fornra!tWiW public At least, it which we want to pasmimn oafl "Senorita," he said, "I am happy to Urns A Brotbtr Co, Rlchaastv. 1V. I too uA he your servant. I can conceive of no TTVV: DwrSirsi greater pleasure than giving the serv laeklnf th. sbiliyr to ice you require. And what Is that?" inquired For many I hanU hUy you, and up to th prMMtUMtaTZ Face Thome hurriedly. Bandit's The JT; aekaowld(mnt; "That of Incapacitating Senor Rojas Turned a Dirty White. th. obligation ,wm net been outlawed, but Uwi cried. for tonight, and perhaps several 7L coatlauiot oblintios, tad Uw y? his Gale had no answer to make. Mer Utioaa doa sot rua t".-d-bt. nights to come," replied Gale. "Ill face turned a dirty white; if he would have shrieked cedes stood as If stricken. The bugle make a row In that saloon. I'll start I u pttt tltj wttn I Int t!, blowcall ended. From a distance another something. I'll rush Rojas and his Gale had not hit him. The sosfinc bairn of tht (n.t C4 b Kwk. lot y r or two I floundmi trWu, swept him backward against his men. faintly pealed, There were other crowd. aorta ol branda ot tobaen WmI k ,U fol Then Gale's body, swiftly heavy sounds too remote, to recognize. Then "Lord, no; you mustn't Dick th right on and anttlnl iurt. my frienda aak tor a pipWol 1 kail lowing with the momentum of that scattering shots rattled out. you'll be knifed !" cried Thome. pooch and ttey r "tfiiwrtuW I'll take a chance. Maybe I can rush, struck the little group of rebels. "Dick, the rebels are fighting some sad jr and table the with down As I wriu, t pipeful of Ifemrt a went and Greaser bunch They slow out that Thorne burst body," surprise excitedly. I u.l up la amok, and for that The little federal garrison still holc get away before they know what's chairs In a sliding crash. nora ainaiy lowaraa my taila am ' Wit boat wiabaa, I aa, Gale, carried by his plunge, went its stand. happened, . . . You be ready Perhaps it is attacked Youra tUowtly, j watching at the window. When the with them. Like a cat he landed on again. Anyway, there's something do- (Sicad)A.J.CiIV j row starts those fellows out there In top. As he rose his powerful hands Ityj over the line. Maybe the crazy Aa you tee, it isn't w ntnH the plaza will run Into the saloon. fastened on Rojas. He Jerked the Greasers are firing on our camp. another smoker has txud tint I, Tnen you slip out, go straight through little bandit off the tangled pile of We've feared it In the dark. . . . worth jtataisL the plaza down the street. It's a dark struggling, yelling men, and, swinging And here I am, away without leave tastt at Ski street, I remember. I'll catch up with him with terrific force, let go his hold. practically a deserter!" this Teton x Itojas slid along the floor, knocking you before you get far." ."Go hack ! Go hack, before you're cutiniitttmr Thome gasped,, but did not soy a over tables and chairs. Gale bounded too late!" cried Mercedes. out in Vila I. him him. leaned Mercedes back, up, word. handling dragged Rojns against make tracks. Thome," Better should potty her white hands now at her breast, as if he were a limp sack. duties to hi k idded Gale. "It can't help our preA shot rang out above the yells. ber great eyes watching Gale as he hit funilT.n!. dicament for you to be arrested. Ill Gale heard the jingle of breaking take care of Mercedes. H went out. private afiiiati downiBdnai In the corridor Gale stopped long glass. The room darkened percep"No, no, no," replied Thorne. "I notteftK enough to pull on a pair of heavy tibly. He flashed a glance backward. can get away avoid arrest." .uon. two were him to his disarmuss between and The hair, cowboys gloves, Mercedes embraced her lover, range his collar. Then he stepped and the crowd of frantic rebels. One begged him to go. Thome wavered. letter uiir Into the restaurant went through, and cowboy held two guns low down, level etfe I'm up against It," be said. "Dick, Stood baited In the door leading Into the In front of him. The other had his "Tou're tin: If only I can run back right. saloon. No one appeared to notice gun raised and aimed. On the Instant In time. li ipired I But, oh, hate to leave her! write ft. hlra. Gale's roving glance soon fixed it spouted red and white. With the Old I her saved I al- fellow, you've very milk' upon the man he took to be Rojas. crack came the crashing of glass, anowe us grateful letter! from Eil The Mexican's face was turned aside. other darkening shade over the room ready out you everlasting gratitude. of Caslta, Dick. The U. S. amokere uncalled for, nafc-anHe was In earnest, excited colloquy With a cry Gale slung the bleeding Keep side might be safe, but I'm afraid to unexpected. with a dozen or more comrades, most Rojas from hlra. The bandit struck forsfe trust it at night. Go out in the desPerhaps it ia too muchimoka of whom were sitting round a table. a table, toppled over It, fell, and lay i lievs that Edgworth in the mountains. In some safe up. ert, up They were listening, talking, drinking. prone. whols are generous, come to me In camp. Then place. "My darling! For God's sake don't The fact that wore cartridge belts Another shot made the room full of lows who never misi ta oppjj faint don't go to pieces I We'd be crossed over they breasts satisfied moving shadows, with light only back We'll plan. I'll have to confide In their to boost their fellow bsv fe. '' Colonel Weede. Maybe he'll help us. lost I We've got a chance. We'll Gale that these were the rebels. isn't. He of the bar. A whlte-clnit figure rushed Hide her from the rebels think of something. Be strong! became conscious of an that's all." At any rate, If you vaml, Inward fire at Gale. He tripped the man, but had He wrung Dick's hand, clasped MerFight!" worth amoker, we want to pit n that threatened to overrun his cool- to kick hard to disengage himself cedes tightly In his arms, kissed her, It was plain to Gale that Thome ness. Other emotions harried his a position to qualify aiow.l l. from grasping hands. Another figure like and to send you was distracted. murmured low He scarcely knew over reher, then It seemed as it sight of the closed In on Gale. This one was dark, ou helpings of both Eajewtra.. what he was saying. Pale and shak man liberated or created a devil in swift. A blade glinted described a leased her to rush off Into the darkSlice and Ready-Rubbeing, he clasped Mercedes to him. Gale. And at the bottom of his feel circle aloft. Simultaneously with a ness. He disappeared In the gloom. Just jot your nuni sal She cried out in Spanish, beseech Ings there seemed to be a wonder at The sound of his dull footfalls graduclose, red flash the knife wavered ; the down on a postal andatwiB B lng him; and as he shook his head, himself, a strange satisfaction for the man wielding it stumbled backward. ally died away. samples Immediately. Gale she changed t 'Sngllsh! and realized that name he was between had the come include to him. men pandemonium broke loose. The something that "Senor. my lover, I will be strong tobacco dealersjWlWfj He stepped out of the doorway din became a roar. Gale heard shots the edge of an unknown desert and the edge of a hostile town. He had r will fuht I will obey. But swear down the couple of steps to the floor that sounded like dull your courtesy. spats in the to choose the Edworthiswldfavww of the saloon, and he staggered a distance. The big desett. because, though lamp behind the he had no suit the needs andmna j doubt that lu Caslta there little, simulating drunkenness. He fell bar seemingly split. then sputtered were chasers. Both Edgeword over the pool tables. Jostled Mexicans and went out, leaving the room In friend many Americans who might be and Edgeworth Retdy-him, he could not chance the at the bay, laughed like a maudlin darkness. in small, P.1 packed fool, and, with his bat slouched down Gale leaped toward the restaurant risks of seeking them at night. In handsome tin humidon, He felt a crowded here and there. Presently door, which was outlined various handy --brtw "J. touch on his arm. by felt It move slight faintly his eye caught sight of the group of tne yeuow For th fret ssnptoMQi down, felt Mercedes silo a light within. Right and ft Brother Company, cownoys whom he had before noticed left he pushed the men who trembling cold little hand Into hla. groping Dick looked at her. If the Street, Richmond, Vl. with such Interest Jostled with him. He vaulted a pool loneliness, To Retail Tobacco M5, They were still In a corner some tanie, sent tables and chairs flvlne the silence, the desert, the unknown Jobber your wnnt isolated. With fertile mind and gulned the door, to be the first dangers of the night affected hlra, what must they be to this hunted. working. Gale lurched over to them of a wedglug mob to suueeze If he were to get any hetp from these une sweep of Ida arm knocked through. driven girl? OMe's heart swelled, ne the res was alone silent aloof rangers It must be. by taurant with her. He had no weaplamp from Its stand; and he ReadRubbed foftbilF' striking fire from them In one swift ran out. leaving darkness behind him. on, no money, no food, no drink, no would pay the joddw. stroke. Planting himself squarely he A Tew bounds took him his two Doming except into the tnr. lore the two tall cowtxiys who were lor. It was desertPil Th..i-nhands. He did not know where to UV II till ...... Cndl llW ntid the railroad, or anv road o? trail. standing, he looked straight Into gotten away with Mercedes! wtf ends book their leun, bronzed fnce. He spared or Because whether or not there were towns It was then (Jnle slowed up. For t a full moment for that keen, cool the a have or wetg-hiar. it was a critical, desspace of perhaps sixty seconds gaze before he spoke. n smooth tables an he hnd been moving with perate situation. He thought first of startling "I'm not drunk. In, throwing a velocity. a pair m0""l?!k me ented and groaned In snlrit nror.rf He peered cautiously out that gin, bluff, and I mean to start a rouuh Into the SJ It would be held together given him to save platrt. Under a street lamp booki house. I'm going to rush that d d at the far end of the path he thought her. When he remembered himself It them against bandit Itojas. It's to save a girl to he saw two was with the dark figures. stunning consciousness He ran give her lover, who Is my friend, a faster, and soon There Is alwayi readied the street that i,e cup, conceive of no situation chance to escape with her. She's 1r The CHAPttR II a flaterers iuu f wnich he would 'in back have exchanged for uproar the hotel began the house. ItoJns Is here to get her to one-w- nere at una potP enas. diminish, or else he was fortune bad set biro getting out " Perilous Mercedes Castansda. When I start a row my friend will try "f hearing. The few task of loyalty to a friend, )le HIIW The dark face vanished. Dick Gale to slip out with her. Kvery door and close at n nc band were al. coming his ipies girl. beard footsteps and the tinkle of window s watched I've roi to raise enor. ,ennr! sudden! waj, and only the f,.r ,,t showed whispered h I to draw the spurs. He strode to the window, snd guards In any excitement Gale walked swiftly ''tinging lo him. "Listen! wss In time to see a Mexican swagWell, you're my countrymen. WVr, ornr norses ahead for two figure. ,.r,.,. peering (omlng!" ger Into the front door of the saloon. "But Swear by My Virgin, If Need B In Mexico. A beautiful K,rl's honor ently he saw them-n(all Ther were men pawing tn the street, and life wearing are at , stake Now. tenth-mento 8ave Me From Rojas You Will n Cape; the other slight; mantled also several Mexicans watch nie Kill Mel" lounging Gale drew a nliarp breath "Tom Betdln', he's a f relief One cowhy' eye narrowed, Ulnk against the hitching rail at the curb. o,ntl.. Thorne and Mcr.-edemn, an' he COud ifi. y- -u were not far "Did you see hlmT Where did be by my Virgin, If need be to save me lng a little, and his lean Jaw I dropped; abend. in aif second." the other's hard faer rippled with gor whispered Thome, es he Joined from Rojas you will kill me!" Hot He began to overhaul "Mercedes! Tes, III swear," he re- fleeting smile. Gale. "Those Greasers out there with and then.; soon, when the last lamp Sure' the cartridge belts crossed over their plied, hoarsely. "I know I'd rather be,.,, Gale hacked away, and his pnUe passed and ,he vtreet wna dark he But don't give leaped when he saw the two breasts they are rebels. I'm afraid have you dead than cowt.oya ventured a v,hls,,.. T1,or)1(. up. Rojns can't be sure of you, or as If with one purpose, slowly .frld, Rojas has the house spoiled." BaUne. It. for he turned, whist'ed n A railroad low he wouldn't wait He's In there. lie's after him. Then lnle wcrvi'd. If w could only be sure." -purchasing wen. stay and on. ngent writes N, f(,r mw iik railroad T sure, Dick. Let's cross the got his men there all around us. But gerlng along, brushed against th. beyond, where m lat twot; the Mreet A how want see hesitates. beast I he to It like looks ended from .ball; Roja And It tkc tables, kicked over the empty chair pen country, did they halt to twenty years t doesn't stand Idle for nothing. I tell The hum of the many voles rcv the other side of the house," wnlt .hen he came up u!M ,p Gale followed Thortje out of the res you we've a chance. Dick, here, wll' louder, and when Dick lurched Mes. nufure .'.v, .ire yii- - M right?" Paitited ""nccs theObserve how taurant Into the corridor think 'of something. Well slip away against a table. iierttirn!nt' it ni.. thing" We ,hM, i.mine, Kr.'IKlUII;, (jRlr. . which evidently divided the hotel, Then bell take yon somewhere. Only spilling glnsses Into th. laj, ,,f "I'm- - out i if breath -"""ever, when we fall in .,rnt hot penlng Into the street and running a tree f.,r apeak to him show him you won t eral Mexicans, there arose shrill rr every o- -e tut Tes-- h ieplled Gulp. back to patio. A. few dim, yellow weaken. Mercedes, this la more then He had succeeded in your children tt wiH(:,;, of attracting si "Good! Good?" choked rwiW. Thorne. lng tjie forest . : lamps flickered. Thorne entered a huge chamber which was even more poorly lighted than the halL It contained a table littered with papers, h d few chairs, a couple of couches, and was evidently a parlor. "Mercedes has been meeting ne here," said Thome. "At this hour she comes every moment or so tout he head of the stairs there, and If I hid here she comes down. Mostly there are people in this room a little later. We go out Into the plaza. It faces the dark side of the house, and that's the place I must slip out with her If there's any chance at all to get away." They peered out of the open win In a moment, however, !nle dow. g dark form on made out a the path. Farther down there was another. No particular keenness was required to see In these forms a stealthlness. Gripping Gale's arm, Thorne pulled hack from the window. You saw them," he whispered. "ItV Just as I feared. Itojas has the place surrounded. I should have taken Mercedes away, But I had no time no chance! I'm bound! . . . There's Mercedes now I My G dl . Dick, think, think think if there's a way to get her out of this trap!" Gale turned as his friend went down the room. In the dim light at the head of the stairs stood the slim, muffled figure of a woman. When she she flew noiselessly down the stairway to him. He caught her In his arms. Then she spoke softly, bro kenly, in a low, swift voice. It was a mingling of incoherent Spanish and English; but to Gale It was mellow, deep, unutterably tender, a voice full of joy, fear, passion, hope and love. Upon Gale It had an unaccountable effect. He found himself thrilling. wondering. Thome led the girl to the center of the room, under the light where Gale stood. "Mercedes Dick Gale, an old friend the best friend 1 ever had." She swept the mantilla back over her head, disclosing a lovely face, strange and striking to Gale In its pride and fire, its Intensity. "Senor Gale ah! I cannot speak my happiness. Ills friend 1" "Yes, Mercedes; my friend and yours," said Thome, speaking rapidly. "We'll bave need of him. Dear, there's bad news and no time to break It gently. The priest did not come. He must have been detained. And listen be brave, dear Mercedes Rojas Is here!" She uttered an Inarticulate cry, the poignant terror of which shook Gale's nerve, and swayed as It she would faint. Thome caught her and In husky voice Importuned her to bear red belple. . . , lock, We hnd no worked splendidly. it trouble. What' n earth did you dor at(F "I made the rw, all - right," was ruling RoJaa " While Dick. a couple of cowboys , shot out the lamplights. A Mexican who pulled guess. J Tbett knlf- got hurt-1 I think there was some shooting from the rebels after the "room was dark. Mercedes pressed close W" him, touched his hands, looked up Into bis face with wonderful eyes. He thought he would not soon forget ,their beauty the shudow of pain that had been, the hope dawning so fugltlvely. "Dear lady," said Gale, with voice not wholly steady. "Rojaa himself will hound you no more tonight, nor s for many nights." She seemed to shake, to thrill, to rise with the Intelligence. She pressed his hand close over her heaving breast. Gale felt the quick throb of her heart. Senor Dick!" she cried. "Senor! Then her voice failed. But ber hands flew up; quick as a flash she raised her face- - kissed him. Then she turned and with a eob fell Into Thome's arms. There ensued a silence broken only by Mercedes'' sobbing. . Gale walked If he were not some paces away. stunned, he certainly was agitated. The strange, sweet fire of that girl's lips remained with him. On the spur of the moment he Imagined he had a jealousy of Thorne. Put presently this passed. What remained with him was the splendid glow of gladness that he had been of service to Thorne. "Dick, Iick, come here!" called Thorne softly. "Let's 'pull ourselves together now. We've got a problem yet. What to do? Where to go? How to get auy place? We re on good old LT. S. ground this minute, but we're not out of danger." ,As lie paused, evidently hoping for a suggestion from Gale, the silence was broken by the cleat, ringing peal of a bugle. Thorne gave a violent start. "It's a call, Dick! It's a call!" he Black-Skinne- yn , d e saw-Thom- 4?.' flnttoit' -- I'll" "nb-huh.- 1' m . "' s - t , bit-ho- d bMmT t d, J; tfdi. .j. R R einiiotfK u t"y' '"r It' Jr ,pe SureR - Mm me . ,, AH 4 '. hlsh-celle- d ner d-- |