Natchitoches populist., 1898-03-25

ceeQlngly important social event, OW.
ing to the prominence of both bride
and groom, the former being the sec,
ond daughter of the Earl of AlwyI
and the latter the prospective heir oI
his uncle, Lord Walforth, of Walfortl
House, Surrey. Captain Charteris will
shortly return from the American
Southwest, where his long stay has
completely restored his health" The
paper was still firmly grasped in heI
stiffening fingers. She did not change
her position; the brown face turned
sallower shade, and the eyes had j
glowing flerceness. She neither cried
nor spoke, but mechanically refolded
the paper and replaced it in the bag.
Night came again; the moon came
back to the Old portel, and with the
wind played sweet duo in the accus-
toned way. But there was no appre-
ciatiye grace in the heart of the small
creature who sat here. With wind
burned face and raging heart she
looked out over the broad stretch of
prairies where only last night all had
seemed vision of beauty. Suddenly
she leaned back her head and called,
sharply, Augusta Victoria!"
A slb-like Missouri girl,th domes-
tic pivot of the ranch, appeared in
response.
"Well, Miss Jack?"
The black head lowered, and the tan
heel struck the floor several times be-
fore the question came:
What was Jose up here for this af-
ternoon, and why did he stink away
around the corral, Or" quickly lifting
her head and looking into Augusta
Victoria's eyes, "is he still here?"
No, he amt here now; but you
know Jose and me are keepin' COM
pany; SO why shouldn't he be here?"
mo reason; only he seemed to act
queer, and I am sure | heard him men,
tion-mention Captain Charteriss s
name"
'"Well, yes, he might 'av," uneasily
shifting her lank weight from one fat
foot to the other.
Jack arose, went over to Augusta
Victoria, and grasped her firmly by
the shoulder.
You know have never trusted
Jose, and now know there is some
thing wrong. Tell me-tell me, or
well, you know what l can do"
"Oh, dear Miss Jack, save HIM
save Jose! save us ALL"
Hurriedly, disconnectedly, she told
the trembling little woman before her
the story. Charteris had had quar-
rel with Mexicans on the lower Pecos;
that in saving his own life he had shot
his assailant; that the dead man was a
cousin to Jose, who, with his broth
ers were all left to right the wrong.
That they were to meet at Ortegas,
and were going to Farringden's ranch.
where Charters was alone; that the
settlement would be short, and that
oh, dear, oh!-they had already
started
Without word Jack rushed, hat
less, for the corral Her own little
broncho, Lorita, was soon girthed and
they were off over the mesa, the start
led horse fairly maddened as the heavy
end Of the quirt struck her tender
flanks with repeated blows. Her gen.
tie mistress seemed turned into a de-
mon, as mile after mile they flew
not by the trail, but over the range,
where quicksands lurked, and prairie
dogs holes were traps TO the galloping
horses feet. On they went, the mare
goaded to frenzy by the shrill voice
and raining blows. The Farringden
ranch lights were in sight, and Jack,
her heart a triphammer in her side,
gave final shout to speed Lorita on.
but treacherous hole caught one Of
the horses slender legs, breaking T.,
and throwing the little broncho In an
agony Of pain to the ground, where
her rider lay, unhurt. Without a
glance at her dearly loved horse, Jack
sprang to her feet and rushed like a
coyote over the ground.
The altitude exhausted her feeble |
lungs, and when she stumbled across
the doorway of Farringden's ranch |
speech had almost left her. The cur
tain was up, and Charters sat by the |
table, under swinging lamp, writing.
With one swift movement she pulled |
down the treacherOus shade, threw
herself upon his breast and stretched |
out her arms protecting around him,
as, listening to every wind-breath, shs
gasped:
Come with me-there Is no time 10 |
talk"
Seeing determined negation in his
face, she continued:
There is not moment to lose.
Jose Gonzales and his brothers are be-
hind me. They are fierce with pulQue
and revenge. Come, comet"
Never! I'll face the cowardly
"Harcourt, "a deep wall Of de-
spairing passion in her voice-'T love
you, dearest, with all the life God has
given me, and beg Of you, for the
sake Of your hope and mine in Heaven