The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-11-14
CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.
How Harding Fulfilled his Pledge.
At dusk Jocosa had slipped from the
sHear door of the jacal and, throwing
herself face down on the ground, had
vrgxled like snake into the under
brush So silent and swift were her
1ovements that Lois, watching her
through q crevice in the side OF the
nttle building. could not have told
how or when she disappeared. Then
fhe lonely woman turned for consola-
ttoa to her knowledge of the charac-
'taFs Of the two men upon whom she
depended for aid. Again and again
through the long night hours she
started from her chair in the belief
that she heard the roll of hoofs only
10 realize that it was the sound Of the
wind In the huisaches and to sink
YEARLY back again. A more dreadful
visH It would be difficult to imagine,
for her terror was for another much
-dearer to her than herself.
She vas standing in the door Of the
jaoal with her ear bent in keen listen
ing when the stars began to grow pale
I'm the east and the first faint bars of
the coming light showed in the sky.
She knew than that the time of trial
vas near at hand and that every mo-
ment was rs precious as though mint
ed from diamonds. Still there was no
sound save the slight murmuring Of
the breeze in the branches. Gradual
~. N the light grew, the camp began
To STIR. A woman appeared and went
down to the stream for water. Then
q man came out and went the rounds
OF few huts, knocking at the door Of
each. In response armed smugglers
appeared and fell into line with some
-semblance of military precision. These
were the sentries or the morning.
Zach OF them took his post and the
relieved men came in, pale and yawn-
ing Smoke began to rise from the
dirt chimneys and by broad daylight
every one apparently was awake. If
Lois had known the Mexican charac-
ter better she would have known that
she had more time, for whether GRIM
tnai. or law abiding, 1t is a people that
never does anything promptly. In
deed, the first red rays of the sun had
shot Tar up the heavens before break
fast was ready. Her own was not
brought to her, Vavara believing that
1t would be prepared by Jocosa. That
gallant and sanguinary chieftain made
his appearance only when called He
came at last from little hut at the
Tar end of the colony, dressed in his
'bravest- Lois had gathered that he
was to play the welcome part of
butcher and she noted s4ckeningly that
In the crimson sash about his waist
was stuck glittering revolver with
an ivory handle. He moved slowly
and seemed in no hurry to expedite
matters He took his breakfast leis-
ureiy, squatting upon the grass under
6 spreading pecan and keeping two Of
his attendants busy waiting upon him
and trOtting for fresh food. Then four
OF til, smugglers came bearing a tray
upon which eatables were placed. They
entered the hut in which the prisoner
was confined and closed the door after
them. Evidently he was not to be sent
to his death hungry.
1t occurred to the girl, even in her
agony, That she should spare no effort
to delay the execution as much as pos
sible 50, waiting until Vavara had fin
fshed. brushed the crumbs from his
tight velvet trousers and rolled a
cigarito, she beckoned a passing wom-
an and in broken dialect begged her
to tell her overload that the Sonora
Glynn" wished to speak to him. He
came at once, all politeness and atten-
ton She stood in the doorway to
prevent him entering and said:
1T is time, think, Senior vavara,
that deception should cease. l am
willing to say to you now that 1 am
the Sonora Glynn and I wish to ask
whether you have as yet commune
Gated with my husband and fixed nv
ransom"
Every white tooth in his dark face
dashed as he bowed and said:
Il was sure that the Sonora would
see the propriety of admitting her
identity. I~have not as yet communi-
Gated with the Senior because of other
matters which have claimed my time
The matter shall be attended to today
As Tor the ransom, $4,000 would he
q small price to pay for so great a
seazty and SO fond spouse. Surely
Ct 3 90. nor
She waved the compliment aside and
A1lDeA:
What Is to be done with the Senior
tWeoboa!'
T1s answer was savage and instant:
To traftor is to be shot directly,
Z ~ whose hand!"
BY mine" i
B1t surely you will listen to me. Il
No sanDra Glynn, tell you that the
s1eaoF Weston was shot. by one Of the
Eng hmen ut the secret ford, was
slsulf 70 the rancho almost IN a dy>
- ssaditioa, was nurseu back to life
- nl1ds hfs escape IN the night time
,snlyA Eew d.ys ago. The information
- - TIA was gtyen by Jran Cara