The National tribune., 1894-11-15

Armeda. But there will be some good play
tonight"
ooh, very well. shall 60 for the goats
| again, when have rested"
"What? Up the arroyo? Tonight ?
That is nonsence. See here-1 will 60 If
y0u will promise -
81 viii not promise. If you cannot do
this for me -
"I but jested," he said quickly; ST shall
go and find your goats"
He turned and rode away. And Armeda
stood and watched until he was well out
of sight and hearing. Then she went into
the bit of chaparral and returned, driving
before her dozen fine Angora goats. whose
long silken coats showed even in the moon
light, the purity of their breeding.
If he rides till he finds them he will
not be in Manalillo this night" she said
contentedly to herself, as she fastened the
flock securely in the inclosure.
"IIe will be wicked when he finds out
how you have cheated him." said old Tor
reon.
Domingo had ridden but little way be-
fore he began to slacken his pace and ride
as man undecided in his course.
Bother the WITCH" be muttered. 81
shall lose half LIES fun by this. / can
win more money in Manalillo tonight at
the cards than these goats and their in
crease will be worth in hundred years"
81 will tell her." he said, finally turning
his horse resolusely about, that | found
the goats-but that the wolves had found
them first"
1t wanted yet two hours of dawn when
Armeda, lying awake with some uniformed
fear upon her heart, heard again the sound
OF approaching hoofs. She arose, drew a
blanket hastily about her, and went out
side the hut. In an instant Domingo was
by her side, and leaned from his saddle and
whispered:
''Get me pistols, quick. The regulators
are behind, and have but one"
Not pausing TO question, she went inside,
put on some clothing, swiftly came out,
and ran to the corral where she saddled
and mounted her fathers horse. Then she
wheeled to the side of Domingo, handed
him pistol, and placed two in her own
belt. Domingo laid his hand on her arm.
Have you thought? ," he asked.
eyes," was the firm reply.
If you 60 with me now you cannot re-
turn"
Il know"
st will be race for life"
Yes, yes" she said, impatiently; let US
be gone"
Just then the goats, reused by the un-
usual stir ut SO early an hour, began to
move restlessly. This seemed to remind
Domingo of something. He spoke hesitst-
ingly:
"Armeda, I did not go after the goats"
IL know. 1t does not matter. They
were not lost. You have been to Mana
lilo. / tried to keep you away"
They were not lost? Good. We are
quits, then"
With this the outlaw bent toward his
and drew her toward him aud
kissed her on the lips. Then they settled
well in their saddles, laid the
reins loosely on the necks of their horses,
and rode toward the coming dawn.
For long time they rode silently, neck
and neck. When the red streaks of the
approaching day began to show across the
bare, brown plain the girl looked about her
and shuddered. Domingo saw and spoke:
" 1t is the only chance. They dare not
follow here"
1T is the Malpais; the evil place." she
said.
Then they rode forward steadily and
calmly into the black horror.
Less than an hour after Domingo and
Armeda had left the hut group of deter
mined riders came up to it. They had lost
the trail once, else they had not been so far
behind.
They routed old Torreon out and asked
him few hurried questions, which he
he could not answer. Then they
forced their way inside.
" He was sweet on the girl" said one !;
' it was on her account they quarreled, be-
cause the Englishman said Torreon had
stolen his goats. We will see if she has
him hidden here"
Hes not here" said another, coming
out; and the girls gone, too. He's dare