Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-02-22

toward a corner OF the room where she saw
something that seemed to please her.
Then she opened the door.
BY this time the hilarious horde had
drawn rein in front of the house, and the
foremost was throwing jibes at the banner
that tioated grandly in the winds
Mabel faced the band with smile on
her face.
In an instant arose the demand, accom-.
| panied by harsh words for the lowering of
the flag.
is that your misson?" answered Mabel.
do you think for moment that Brew
| ster will haul down the flag of Washing
ton? | hoisted it with these hands, and
| they will never lower it to anyone"
The senorlta must not insult MeXicans."
came the flashing response.
And Mexicans,~if they are gentlemen,
blem of sister republic"
| A loud, derisive laugh greeted these
words and told Mabel that she had wasted
her effort on deaf ears.
Bring it down, senorita and we will tic
| it at our horses heels and
You will do nothing of the kind" inter-
rupted the girl. That flag floats to-day in
honor OF the great man who gave it as his
| legacy to this country"
Down. down. down." screamed the
half-drunken mob as they urged their horses
nearer TO the doorstep.
Suddenly Mabel disappeared, but for a
moment only.
In another instant her graceful figure re-
appeared in the doorway and the Mexicans
saw that her white hands gripped the stock
of Winchester
There was brighter, almost fierce, light
in the young girls eyes as she stood de-
family in the doorway, looking calmly at
the group before her.
"senorita no shoot" laughed the be-
sashed leader of the greaser mob.
"A hand laid on the fag-rope will an
swer that question: was the instant re-
joinder. II thought better of you, Capt.
| BuStemente."
The Mexican, whom Mabel knew by sight,
grlnned under his sombrero, and then
| glanced at his companions, who seemed TO
wonder if he would let an American girl
COW him.
All at once Capt. Bustemente sprang from
the saddle and took a step toward the flag
| pole.
The vile liquor of the frontier had fired
his blood, and he was more than half fend
as the cries of his set urged him on
Haiti! rang out clear and sharp as the
Winchester struck Mabel Brewster's Shout
der and instantly covered the Mexican chief.
The hands that raised the flag of Wash.
ington will defend it to the bitter end!"
Capt. Bustemente bit his lips, but did
not stop; he seemed bent on his own de-
struction. Suddenly, like a lion, he sprang
at the fagpole, and, as his hand went up,
the weapon spoke. Shot through the shout.
der-for Mabel, an adept with the Winches.
ter, did not want the worthless greaser's
llfe-he reeled and staggered back to his
men, who at once set up cries of vengeance
Take your leader away and leave the
flag where it isl" sternly commanded Ma
bel. The next man who approaches it viii
forfeit his life!"
The very mien of the beautiful young
girl checked the mob. They looked from
her at one another, and strong arms drew
Capt. Bustemente up into his saddle.
For a moment, while Mabel faced them,
they looked into her face, then with half
cheer for her courage they gave their steeds
the cruel spur and she saw them vanish.
Only little of Benito Bustmentes blood
mother, but the flag of Washington still
kisses the breezes!" said Mabel, as she
turned back into the house. This has
been the most exciting Twenty second we
have ever had
"And Jack will be prouder of you than
ever! was the answer, and Mrs. Brewster
folding her daughter to her heart, thanked
God that the blood of her ancestors had not
run out.