Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-09-19

a score of years. s'The Yaquis are
about, and SO nearly starved they
may happen to have some courage.
Keep strong watch at night Then
he went toward group that stood
in the doorway of the most preten-
tio1s of tie adobes. In their midst
was his daughter, Yeabel, and about
her the women of the household.
Torrez put his arm about the girl.
ST shall come back as soon SO have
seen them safely there" he said.
"There viii not be any danger. Do
mingo will look after you we'll. "
Then he kissed her and turned away,
and the gate of the stockade opened
and he rode out, accompanied by his
men, and by the pack animals that
carried the provisions for the long
journey.
But before the gate closed, of the
two who were nearest Torrez, one
turned and rode back quickly.
Throwing himself suddenly from his
horse he knelt upon the ground be-
fore Ysabel, lifted her hand and
touched it gently with bis lips. Then
he swiftly rejoined his companions.
So skillfully and quietly had this
maneuvre been performed that Tor
req apparently had not observed it.
But the other who rode by him had,
and scowled savagely. As the gal
liant rejoined them the other said be-
meath his breath
"Ah, Macheco; this is your little
day. But, by the saints, my turn
will come"
Macheco laughed and muttered a
reply that made the other scowl still
more. There was sharp exchange
of words, stopped only when Torrez
turned to them and spoke:
WHAT are you two quarreling
about 2" he demanded "let be. We
shall have work enough before us
without that. You, Macheco, ride
ahead. Tell Pedrez to drive quietly.
The cattle will not stand much urg-
ing. Then 60 on and choose the
place to make our stop tonight. 1t
must be where there is taste of
water, or we shall not have beasts
enough left at the end to pay for
our trouble
Macheco was of at the word, put
ting spurs into his mustang as if he
were off on race for life. Torrez
and the other watched him silently,
little curl of scorn about both
mouths. Not until he was well out
of sight, absorbed in the maze ofthe
cattle that crawled on toward the
west, did either speak. Then Tor
rez asked:
"For what did Macheco turn back,
Sancha p
"Does not the patron know y ask
ed Sancha, truculently, in answer.
II did not look, but think it was to
kiss the senorita's hand.'
He stole look from the corner
of his eye as he said this, but had
not the satisfaction of reading any
change in the immobile face of the
older man. It was not until some
time after, and when he seemed to
have forgotten both the question and
reply, that Torrez again asked:
care you going to let Macheco
prove himself the better man? Look,
Sancha You asked me if you might
wed Ysabel. So did Macheco. I
told you it must rest between your
selves and the girl. | know what
girls are. Macheco has the dash.
You left her without word. Ma
i checo rode back and saluted her like
a cavalier. He is always doing
things, the picturesque, the reckless.
l do not think you are less brave,
but you do not prove it to her."
"The opportunity does not come,
patron, Macheco always stumbles on
it,"
"The opportunity. BAIL Men
make opportunities
frha i1,,,. FNI,a ankf1o