The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-09-08
MURA; A STORY OF NEW YORK AND TEXAS
BY q. l. RANsDELL


her. but if she had any choice anon 2
them, no one knew it.
She frequently accompanied the Grid
erS' IN their chase after the Indians or
outlaws and always rode at the head with
Harry StrathmoIe, not because she pre-
ferreo his company, but she wanted to be
at the front in the wild ride. Her horse
having arrived she sprang into the sad
die and was soon galIoping over the broad
praries, followed by Chico, q Mexican
lad. who always accompanied her in her
wanderings.
After a ride of two or three miles Mura
disnounted to pick some wild flowers,
leaving her horse stand as she had often
done before. The animal feeling some-
what playful, kicked up his heels and
trotted off out of reach. Chico immedi-
ately started in pursuit. The horse would
wait until he was almost in reach then
he would whesl:and gallop off again. This
was repeated until the horse becoming
tired OF his pranks, started for home, fol-
lowed by Chico, thus leaving Mura alone
She was in no way alarmed, for she was
used to the plains and could easily find
her way home. She was busy picking
choice bouquet and had failed to see a
black cloud that was rapidly rising in the
distance. So intent was shesthat she had
failed to notice its approach until she was
startled by loud peal Of thunder.
Quickly springing up she essayec to
start forshome instantly, but the sight
tn at met her gaze almost chilled her.
For there. bearing directly toward her.
was dark cloud of SWIFTLY moving 90.
jects with loud rumbling noise like an
ocean OF rushing torrents. Too well she
knew that it was a stampede of the
herd.
They we're coming like the wind and to
run would be useless. She felt growing
weakness, her limbs failed to support her
and she sank to the ground. expecting
every second to feel the awful rush of
that sea of steers.
Suddenly there wasJa shout and raising
her head she saw horseman coming like
tornado. his magnificent steed strain
ing everywhere in the fearful race.
ray of hope flashed before her, but
suddenly chilled, for what would lone
hoseman do in the face of such tremen-
dous odds as a solid wall of flying cattle?
Yet on he came like flash. riding at
right angles to the herd. WheE on a d.
rect line with their course no swerved to
the right and rode directly toward them
bringing his Winch ester to position and
firing SC. rapidly that the reports were al
most simultaneous, and q continual
flame of fire .leaped from the muxzle of
the gun.
Several of the foremost steers fell dead
and others falling over them made an
effectual blockade for a few seconds, i'm
mediately in front OF the knesling girl.
Riding at full Speed he wheeled his
well-trained herse as ON pivot directl'
over Mura, and leaning from the sad d lie
he snatched her from under the very feet
of therushing herd ana dashed off with
out Stacking his speed, and was soon out
of danger.
When they werc out of reach of the fly
ing cattle he bent over her and pressed
kiss upon her lips as he would child.
han fFaf h ora oh a
What for" blushing furiously, ''for
kissing your"
mo, for saving my life at terrible
risk of your own. l had given up all
hope when | heard you shout and heard
failed me. for l supposed we would both
be lost. l didn't see how you could res
cIe me when the steers were so.close.
Your wild charge was simply grand.
1t was magnificent, and as l watched you
coming like cyclore, riding as it seemed
to certain death, l forgot my own danger
for an instant and was ohlivious to
everything save your reckless daring.
"Don't be SO enthusiastic In your
praises, Miss Mura; 1t was nothing. l
would have been willing 20 let the steers
run over me if necessary in order to save
you, but thanks to the speed of nv noble
horse it was not necessary"
L L
could never repay you for what you have
DONE"
Don't let that worry you" he said
quickly. / will be fully repaid if you will
call me Harry"
II certainly will, Harry, if.it will please
you," and she knew from the expression
of his facs that it would.
On arriving at the ranch, everything
was in confusion, for Chico had said that
the stampeded cattle had gone in the d.
rctIon OF Mura. But when they saw that
she was safe, and Mura had told her
story. there went up'a mighty shou. from
the cowboys, for the captain of the
riders"
Mura's frightful experience did not
tend to keep her az home, for she made
little excursions just as before, acco III
panied by Chico, but she took good care
that her horse did not get away again.
She often went ont with the riders"
after outlaws or Indians who were led by
a white man. whose raids were becoming
ture this renegade and give him taste of
fronier justice.
One day Mura and Chico had
gone for rifle practice. as was her custom
two or three times week. Chico would
take basket Of glass balls and riding az
full gallop, throwing them in the air in
rapid succession and she would break
them.
After she had finished her practice, she
saw a horseman coming in the direction
of the ranch. whom she at once recog-
nized as Vincent King, a young man
! who had for some time paid occasional
visits to the Fa nsworth ranch. and there
| was no doubt that Mura was the magnet
| which drew him.
He seemed to have no particular call
ing, and people knew very little of him.
| yet he always had plenty of money and
| dressed we'll He was on pleasant terms
with Harry Strathmore and often joined
| them IN their rides, and offered his ad
vice freely as to the capture of the out
| laws and renegades, often debating as to
the probable course for pursuit.
Mura had a secret dislike for King.
There was something about him she
couldn't understand, though she tolerat.
ed him, for he was company. and com.
pany was scarce on the border.
He had proposed to her once, an6
though she had firmly but quietly refus
ed him, they still continued to be friends
'Good morning, senorlta," said Vim
cent. lifting his hat, "Deen shooting
some. / see."
"Mr. King. why will you persist il
calling me senorita? There's not droI
of Mexican blood In my veins"
perhaps not" said King laughing
"but to look at your fancifui attire on
would think that you were a real, liv
senorita; but why are you practicing s,
much of late? Going to the shooting
tournament ON the Fourth"
mo, l hadn't thought of going, but
might run across this renegade and !
would be necessary to shoot close to tn
center.'
Cad, I wouldn't like to be he if yo1
draw bead on him in earnest" smiling