The National tribune., 1894-11-15


pected of having helped to "hold up" the
Fort Stanton stage on occasion; more than
one rode horse for which he had never ex-
changed an equivalent.
In the terse vernactlar Of the Southwest,
they were simply bad men"
1t was because this portion had become
too numerous, that the leading citizens de-
cided society must be 'reorganized, and they
went about the task meihodically.
Among these g bad mes," the name of
Domingo Jaurez led all the rest.
Looking back upon' it now, it seems too
bad to have blamed Domingo for all the un-
proved crimes, for without them he had
enough to answer for, Still, it was decided
by those having authority in the matter,
that Jaurez must "go" preparatory to the
establishment of an orderly community.
When Armeda Torteon rode into Mana
lilo that afternoon to exchange goats
fleece for measure of meal, she learned
that matters of grave import were afoot.
There will be trouble here this night"
said the dame Maria Salgado, nodding
wisely: They are not going to have any
more robbing and shooting and killing.
They have said it, and your brave Domingo
had better think twice before he comes here
again and puts bis head into this lions
mouth"
The sun was yet high when Armeda
mounted the patient burro that had stood
waiting her pleasure through all the hot
afternoon, and took her way home across
the desert plain.
1t was good three leagues to the ranch
where Vincentio TorreoB, her father, herded
a few goats and basked in the sun all day,
asking little in life except to be let alone.
The way thther was by trail that
could be seen sometimes, when the sand
was not blown over it; patches OF cactus
and Spanish bayonet marked it here and
there, and an occasional jack rabbit darted
from these and ran from the girls path in
great zig-zag leaps. Venomous insects,
whose touch was death, were stirred from
their enjoyment of the hot sun and hotter
sand by the beasts FOOTBALLS.
Armeda's home was low adobe hut,
brown, like the earth, and beside it was the
Enclosure, fenced by dusty-green cactus
hedge, where the goats were kept at night.
Behind it piece of dense chaparral, and
beyond that the terrible wateriess desert
the very desert o. the desert-the Malpais
the Evil Place.
Old Torreon was bringing the goats
home. He moved at snaii's pace, as if
10th to accomplish even that slight task.
You could see what he was at glance.
The girl unsaddled her burro and pre-
pared the evening meal. The old man
on his heels by the oven and
watched her silently.
The sun went down and the moon came
out and made the world white with its
light. When they had eaten, Torreon and
his daughter sat on the ground before their
hut, their backs against the adobe wall,
their blankets drawn about them.
The night was as still as it was white ex-
cept for the far-yelping of coyote or the
moot of an owl.
After time the sound of distant hoof-
beats was added TO these. A horseman
drew in sight, silhouetted against the clear
background OF the moonlit sky, rode up to
them at an easy lope, and halted in front of
the hut.
you are glad to see me-" said the rider,
as neither the man nor the
girl stirred; 4" it is worth riding far for such
welcome"
We are tired" answered Armeda, indif-
ferently.
"Yes, Domingo, we do something besides
play, We" grunted Torreon.
The horseman flung himself down beside
the girl "Tell me-" he said.
We have lost the new goats"
"The ones you had from the English
man?"
Torreon chuckled a silent assent, remem-
bering how they had gotten them.
Did he come for them?" asked Do
mingo.
"Bab, no. He has not that courage.
They have strayed away, up the arroyo"
They will come back"
Yes, when the wolves have eaten
them"
They were silent for a little. Then the
man said tentatively:
You followed them? 2"
Yes, until / could go no farther"
Domingo rose, and stood looking across
the plain.
1.-The arroyo is a cursed place" he said.
Then he put his hand upon his horse.
Juan is sure of foot. Yes, I could bring
them back. But must be in Manalllo to-
night"
His manner was irresolute and he kept
his face from the girl as he spoke. Armeda
turned her eyes upon him with languid in-
terest.
Don't let our poor goats interfere with
your pleasures" she said; doubtless some-
one will miss you if you are not there"
g The dayil pn Knu kunpv IL 10 not thai