OCR Text |
Show THE RICH COUNTY REAPER. RANDOLPH. UTAH I love to hunt, returned the don. And nothing I like better than the hunters supper out in the open, like this. In fact, I confess it was envy that turned me up this way when I saw the fire and the party, though I was far from being in hunters rig myself. Where, asked Bowie, did you learn so much English? I have a sister married to a BosI had two ton man, a years at Georgetown University. I had one year Georgetown! there myself, said Bowie. May I ask your name? Francisco Estradillo; and yours, senor? Henry Bowie. Im a long way from Texas. This is Ben Pardaloe, and this is Simmie. Francisco nodded. My uncle, Don Ramon Estrada, lives not far from here about ten miles. I am visiting him. You are on his rancho. You tell me you are hunting. Day after tomorrow we are to have a hunt at the rancho. You should join us. Come! Why sleep out tonight? Come with me to Don Ramons. The Estrada rancho, a royal grant, embraced a tract eleven y leagues by eleven leagues. The ranch house crowned the brow of a gentle rise in the fertile Santa Clara Valley and looked toward the distant heights of Santa Ysabel. To the north of the ranch house a group of buildings sheltered the Indian servants and the vaqueros. Don Francisco did not escape a wetting. It was raining hard when he rode with his three Texans up to the ranch house and, first of all, despite the downpour, looked up quarters for his guests. Pardaloe and ship-owne- r. rH' By FRANK H. SPEARMAN Franc H. Spearman WNU Service there is a Swiss and I hear him well spoken of. Don Alfredo, wealthy, Spanish owner of a The following day Bowie traded Southern California rancho, refuses to heed in the travel-wor-n horses of the several warnings of a raid by a band of outlaws, Sierra Indians. One day after he long trail for fresh stock. In the has finally decided to seek the protection afternoon, with his two scouts, Parof the nearby mission for his wife and famdaloe and Simmie, Bowie headed ily, the Indians strike. Don Alfredo is killed and his two young daughters are torn from north for Sutters place up the rivthe arms of the family's faithful maid, er. They traveled light, meaning to Monica, and are carried away to the hills. Padre Pasqual, missionary friend of the depend on their rifles for food in a family, arrives at the ruins of the ranch and country rich in game. learns the story of the raid from Monica. They camped early in the evening After a trying and difficult trip across the on a hillside near a clump of live plains and mountains from Texas to California, youthful Henry Bowie, a Texas adoaks, and while Pardaloe skinned a Ben Pardaloe SYNOPSIS , venturer, with his friends, and Simmie, an Indian scout, sight the party of Indians who have carried off the two little girls. The three Texans attack the war party of fifty-od- d Indians and through a clever ruse scatter the savages to the hills. The girls are saved. The group makes its way out of the hills and meets the distraught Monica, the children's maid. The girls are left with Monica and the friendly Padre at a mission, and the Texans proceed to Monterey. Here Bowie completes his business for Gen. Sam Houston of Texas, who has commissioned him to deliver an important message. Bowie decides to have a look at the. wild untamed country that California was in the middle Nineteenth century. CHAPTER V Continued 61 Why did Houston send you out here as ambassador? Are you in the generals cabinet? asked the doctor. Bowie was nettled. Far from it. He needed an ambassador, as you call it, who could cut through half a dozen Indian tribes athirst for ambassadors scalps; who could negotiate a thousand miles of hells deserts and climb half a dozen Sierra ranges and swim forty or fifty rivers with a mule, just for exercise; who could get fat on lizards, frogs, bugs and leather belts, and drink blue sky for water. Dr. Doane listened without betraying all he felt at Bowies impatient outburst. Youve seen service, blurted out Doane one day. He was examining some scars on his patients torso. For a boy of nineteen youve been busy. Where did you do your fighting, son? Well, weve had several little brushes with the greasers. Youve heard of our troubles along the Rio Grande." Santa Ana kept us on the run a while. But for every Texan he slaughtered at the Alamo, and for every Texan murdered at Goliad, weve taken toll. I followed Sam Houston through. He gave me a captains furbelow. But theres no peace down there now, is there? Bowie smiled. Not so you could notice it. Its guerilla fighting a good deal of the time along the bor- der. The greasers are busy in bunches all the time, and our rangers cut up once in a while. But no other man in California knows that much about me. So forget, it please., CHAPTER VI rabbit, one of a brace he had brought in for the evening meal, Simmie cut up the other and Bowie built a fire. A stones throw below where they had camped, a trail wound around the brow of the hill, and while they broiled their meat, impaled over the fire on pointed sticks, two horsemen appeared on the trail below. In the dusk of the evening these men saw the glow of the small fire and, turning their horses, walked them up the hill toward the Texans. From the appearance and apparel of the two, Bowie judged them to be master and servant, the servant riding somewhat behind. Buenas noches, amigos, said the leading horseman in salute. Bowie held up his hand deprecating- well-mark- ed two-stor- ly-- he exhabla espanol, claimed, rising and realizing at once that he had a gentleman to deal with. Ah! Rusos? asked the Californian pleasantly. Bowie understood that much. He the horseman Then Yanquis? Again Bowie comprehended but denied more vigorously. asked the puzzled Que mas? stranger, though still politely. Still shaking his head, Bowie tried to explain. Sorry, but I cant speak again. Neighbors, senor. But for ans, bad neighbors. Tex- Both were beautiful. Simmie he lodged with the vaqueros. Bowie he took with him to his own room in the ranch house. You must have dry clothing, Francisco insisted despite Bowies protests. You are my guest. I am now what you call the boss; you must let me be your servant. My clothes are not big enough. But my uncle, he is a big one,' like you. The visitor shrugged his shoulders. Have it as you will, amigo. Wait. An Indian boy was dispatched with A Mexican, of course, might tell a message to Don Ramon. He was another story. But you are, besides soon back, bringing a coat, two and travelers Texans, evidently preshirts, trousers, stockings and boots paring to spend the night al fresco. for Bowie. This gives me some concern beIn vain the Texan protested. Don cause it is certain to rain before Francisco had a persuasive way he will find morning, and rain you much exposed. And when it rains here it laughed away one objection after is likely to rain what do they say another with so much banter that Bowie found himself clad in Texas? pitchforks. in Californian accouterments of the While the Californian spoke he sat head of the house, walking into the his horse with the ease of one searoom where he met the soned to the d Spanish big living saddle. His trappings were elabo- Estradas. Don Francisco introduced his new rate ; the eyes of the two scouts were to his uncle and to acquaintance on Saddle them. and bridle glued his aunt, Dona Maria. were richly chased in silver. But the uncle, Don Ramon, and Bowie, without overlooking these the Dona, his wife, called for particof atcloser interest, things paid attention at the hands of their ular tention to the horseman himself. He was young and dandified it was just guest. Except for the youthful nephhis unaffected good nature that ew, Don Ramon Estrada was the first real Spanish gentleman that the checked in the Bowie any feeling of resentment at Texan had met. While there was nothing of haughhis highly particular rig. His hat, with its low crown and tiness in Don Ramon, there was severe, brim, something that called for considerabroad, straight, seemed in keeping with the dignity tion and respect. His mere presof the wearer. His aspect was dark, ence made itself felt, presenting as it did a certain graciousness of manbut his mustachios, the most comtempered by dignity and remanding of his rather small fea- ner serve that put his guest at ease of were tures, contrasting lighter color and lent something agreeable With a mute assurance of welcome. When Bowie had met his host and to the frank, open expression of his eyes. His voice, as he chatted, was hostess he felt already at ease, so exquisite was the kindly welcome pleasant. The youth wore a short dark bo- expressed in their manner. But not lero jacket heavily embroidered in until he was presented by Don Francisco, with due formality, to a young silver and knee breeches edged belady who now entered the room was low with lver lace. His soft buckthe gaunt Texan conscious of a feelskin leggings were highly but pleasing of his own awkwardness and ingly stamped with the fanciful deapparel. She was Senorita vices of a Mexican artisan. From head to foot he presented a picture Carmen, of the rancho, cousin to Don Francisco. of distinction and detail, yet he was The young Spaniard did the inin manner. quite simple I see, said the Californian pres- terpreting and much of the talking' Host and hostess extended repeated ently. You are hunters. Thats why we are heading for Spanish greetings to Bowie which The the hills, to Don Francisco translated. explained Bowie, silent, save bring in some game and, he added 'young lady was wholly jokingly, among other things, to that when spoken to by her cousin she responded clearly and buy some salt. good-natur- Bowie disappeared from California as silently as he had come to it; but he did not forget the Irish doctor. In fact, eight years later Bowie appeared once more at the door of Doanes office with as little ceremony as if he had left it the day before. There was laughing and greeting; then something close to a fight. Bowie, about to take his leave after a happy hour of talk, threw a bag of coin on the table. The doctors ear was alert to the clink. Whats this, son? Souvenirs of the Rio Grande, Doctor. Hold on. Keep your souvenirs, son. They are to cicatrize that old Indian wound, Doctor. That old wound is outlawed. So is the fee. I never want to hear of either again. I mean it. So do I mean it, Doctor. The words grew warm. Both were inflexible. It was finally agreed to leave the Spanish doubloons in the doctors safe in suspense, and after a bottle of wine and a lunch at Da Guerres the old cordiality which had never really been impaired reasserted itself. So youve come back, mused Glad you had that the doctor. much sense. Henry, this is the garden spot of the world. What are you going to do? I dont know yet. Ive heard talk of a man up the river who built a little fort up there and is dealing in furs. Ive got the same scouts with me. Theyre trappers and want to look file thing over. The man up ed high-peake- - rough-and-rea- Don Ramon, as the beef, mutton and fowl in bewildering abundance were served in formal turn, asked many questions of his stranger guest questions about Texas; about the differences of the Americans with the Mexican government; then as to what brought Bowie to California. This drew only vague generalizations from the Texan. The Don switched next to what lay immediately ahead; what Bowie had in mind to do. , As to that, senor, responded Bowie frankly, I hardly have any plans. I find myself here on the coast with two soout companions. Soon we are going up the river, to Sutters Fort. Our principal occupation in the interval must be to find something to eat. Don Ramon laughed. Truly important. So we are heading upcountry after game to sell in Monterey. There is a good demand, I am told, from the ships for venison and elk. But with the thousands of head of cattle everywhere available to furnish a beef supply? objected the Don. Bowie smiled as this was transThe beef of the range catlated. no is tle competition for the meat of the deer and the elk, certainly not with the officers, nor even with the Said the office boy: Boy, if I was boss and I asked me for a raise! Would I give myself one! Ammunition Supply Mother Bobbie, you seem very fond of the druggist's little boy. Why is it? Bobbie He can get all the pills he wants for our new air guns. WHAT AGAIN? Did I ever bring back your ladder that you lent me a week ago? No, you certainly did not. Im sorry, for I just stopped in to borrow it again. His Choice . hungry sailors. And what is your equipment for the undertaking? Our rifles, senor. The amiable Don was astonished. Nothing seems to appall you your undertaking would, of a certainty, give me pause. And you need noth- One thing we do Don Ramon lifted his eyebrows as if pleased at last he had found a weak spot in the Texans armor. What is it? he exclaimed. Salt, returned Bowie simply. Then allow me to be your debtor you shall leave here with salt for yourselves and for your game. But as you are, senor, I can lighten your labors a good bit if you will allow me a further pleasure. You are most kind, Don Ramon. I realize that we are strangers and your advice might save us much. The Don shook his head. Not advice. I doubt if you need it. But what I know you do need is plenty of horseflesh. It will save you much time and some hardship if you will accept a caponera from us and leave here in the saddle with your salt, he added, smiling in your mochilas. significantly, Bowie sat perplexed. Caponera? He looked inquiringly at Don Francisco. Horses, explained Francisco. My uncle means twenty horses, or twenty-fivBowie, despite his poise, regarded Don Ramon incredulously. Much talk and much translating followed. But it was for Bowie at last to say, as he was best able, that he and his scouts were grateful but could not think of so great a draft on this magnificent hospitality. In the living room, while the rain poured furiously outside, Don Ramon smoked tranquilly and listened to Bowie and his nephew. The ladies talked about the wedding in Monterey. In the morning it was still raining hard the rancho seemed afloat. The Texan had no choice but to accept Don Ramons hospitality, and the day went in stories told before the big log fire Stories of Texans and the country of the Staked Plain; the story of Santa Ana and the Alamo, which was told without any effort to water down the cruel butchery by the Mexicans. And interspersed were stories of this new California, to which the plainsman listened with hungry interest. Don Francisco had already taken a fancy to Bowie. That evening he questioned the Texan with a purpose. Bowie, quite alert to all that went on, noticed the glances that Francisco cast at times toward Carmen, who was in animated talk with Dona Maria. Even the Texans attention wandered at moments from Franciscos explanation to the two women as they chatted. Both were beautiful, of a type the roughhewn Texan had never yet seen. They were beautiful in artless animation. The bronzed son of the desert was almost stunned by the atmosphere of charm. The Dona at forty had losl none of her youth; the years had tempered without engrossing the portrait of her maidenhood. The vivacity of youth was still hers, enriched now by the dignity of matronly charm. Yet Bowies eyes were drawn to her daughter Carmen, just old enough to realize the presence of a stranger and protecting her attractiveness by the slight re pression of girlhood. Sergeant (instructing class) Man can serve but one master. Draftee Well, in that case, sergeant, Ill cast my lot with the paymaster. . No Cobweb! Look here, Sarah said the master of the house, how many more times have I to tell you about these cobwebs? Ive just had to sweep one off the bed-ra-il and throw it in the fire myself Good gracious, sir, exclaimed the maid. Thats the missus fancy dress for tonights dance! Turning Tables John, dear, would you like to read the newspaper to me while I knit? Mm . . . why not knit to me while I read the newspaper? self-relia-nt Spanish. Ho! Americanos! good-naturedl- y. Plain No! Do you think your father would object to my marrying you? I dont know. If hes anything like me he would! her inspection. need. shook his head. No? Questioned suggested of ing? Bowie smiled. No Texans!" exclaimed Bowie with emphasis. Not Yankees. Ah, I understand! You speak English? A little, senor. I have heard of your Texans. Brave fellows even though they do not get on with their Mexican brothers. Again Bowie dissented vigorousNot brothers, senor! ly. The don was not to be ruffled. Neighbors, then, if you like, he Dona Dinner was announced. husbands her at was seated Maria right hand, and Bowie was given the to place of honor on. his left. Next behim sat Don Francisco; seated low Dona Maria was Senorita Carmen. As she sat opposite the Texan she made good use of her eyes, yet so skillfully that he was never aware dy ng , e. (TO BE CONTINUED) Carmen of the Rancho A INDIGESTION may affect the Heart Gas tripped In tbs stomach or ullt mar act like a on the bear! At the flrat ticn o C distress mart Den and wooen depend on Bell-an- a Tableta ta eat faa free. No laxative bat nude of the leetoat-actl- nf Dedldnee known (or acid indlfsitlon. If the FIBST DOSC doesn't are Bell --ana better, return beta to id and recoin SOCBUB Manor Beck, fit. hitr-trlfi- Rise to Fall As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay. Sallust. fJASflL 7SSS IRRITATION H MEMBRANES eM IMENTHD1IATUM1 Youth Through Spirit If spirit wills, the heart need not grow old; we live by thought and feeling, not by days. L. Mitchell Hodges. a just PASH IN 1 WNU W T" ry 641 Exaggerated Delays Every delay is too long to one who is in a hurry. Seneca. many years of worl wide use, surely mu be accepted as eviden of satisfactory ut And favorable pub! opinion supports th of the able physicia who test the value Doans under exactii laboratory condition physicians, too, approve every wo Ton read, the objective .vrUs,I?r u only to recommend Doans Pi f0??Jdlure,tlc treatment for disord kidney function and for relief Ue pain and worry it causes. If more people were aware of how t kidneys must constantly remove wai "ot in the Wood without i jury to health, there would be better t demanding of why the whole body sufft when kidneys lag, and diuretic medic tion would be more often employed. Burning, scanty or too frequent urlt toon sometimes warn of disturbed kidn function. You may suffer nagging ba ape, persistent headache, attacks of d finess, setting up swelling, pu ness under the eyesnights, feel weak, nervot all played out. Use DoanV Pills. is better a medicine that has Itwon world-wid-toe rely claim than on something less favoral known. Ask your nsighborl ?S 3 ty i |