Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1902-08-30
CHAPTER XIV.

Lois arose at daylight, with a night
formed determination in her mind. She
believed that ere he turned his face to
the south Weston would come once more
within view of the rancho, If only to look
afar upon the building where they had
met. She dressed hurriedly, called one
of the poems even then astir and ordered
her horse saddled. Long before Allyn
had taught her to ride and one of the
numerous gentle ponies about the place
had been designated as her animal. Not
waiting for so much as a cup of coffee,
she mounted from the platform built for
that purpose and started toward the riv-
er. She recognized even then that she
was on wild-goose chase, but it was
some relief to her to be decreasing the
distance between them by ever so little.
There was no dew-there seldom is ON
the Ric Grande-and the flinty soil of
the prairie rang under the rapid hoof-
beats of the quick little steed In many
places the constant winds had blown the
ground bare of all heritage and tiny dust
circles rose and whirled away. There
was life in the cool, crisp, dry air, and
the blood mounted to her cheeks i'll the
swift gaiiop. Her tawny hair, loosened
her shoulders, her wide sombrero tilted
backward, her 1.-THE, graceful figure sway
ing 10 each leap of the horse, one small
boot fitted neatly into the stirrup, one
gauntleted hand held low with the reins,
sitting easily and carelessly, she seemed
some divinity of that far, wild country
as she swept along.
Reaching the American bank Of the
river and pausing at the beginning of
the ford, she placed her right hand to
her eyes land under it explored the oppo-
site bank, just then beginning TO show
the gold of the sun which had risen be-
hind her. She looked long and fruitless-
~. Once she thought that she saw a
movement in the chaparral, but gazing
more intently all was still. Once she
thought she heard a movement in the
underground behind her, but deeming it
only the rustic of some small animal. did
not turn her head. On either side Of the
path by which she had come the cactus
and catelaw grew to the waters edge.
Indeed it was within five feet of her on
either hand as she sat in the saddle.
Realizing at last that any hope of seeing
her lover was vain, she slipped lightly
down, unwound the stake rope from the
horn of the saddle and permitted the
pony to walk into the water for his morn
ing drink. Standing thus and idly swing
ing the rope to and fro, her thoughts far
away with the lonely man riding toward
the interior of that unknown country,
she heard again the rustic behind her and
wheeled instantly.
Still holding to the rope and startled
but not frightened, she confronted
small, dark man, dressed in the extrem-
ity of the gaudy Mexican fashion. At the
same instant on either side of the trail
a dozen of his companions rose. In 81
lence each of them lifted his sombrero
and bowed gravely, each Of them said in
concert, "Buenas dias, Sonora each of
them replaced his hat, each of them pla
eddy blocked the path.
The small man spoke in fair English,
but slowly:
"Senor Vavara, at the senora's SER
vice. We have watched the sonora for
several days. Her wanderings have TAX
en- her toward the river. The river be-
longs as much to the true people as to
the AmericanoS The senora's husband
IS responsible for a recent attack on us.
He caused the death of our lieutenant.
the brave Weston, and of one, Juan
CARA, a man of mine. No harm will
come to the sonora; l beg her to believe
that; l. Ramon Navara, have said it"
lie pointed to his breast dramatically.
But the sonora will come with US in ali
honor Surely the senior, her husband,
will pay ransom for her"
For whom do you take meY' The
girls voice was thick and her face
dead white, but her hearing undaunted.
Yavara smiled, showing brilliantly
white teeth, and bowed again even more
subsequently than before.
For la Sonora Glynn. 1t is so unqueS-
tionably."
1T is not so. Ny name is English
Lois English-the Senorita English"
Navara's knowledge of the language
was limited. but he saw a chance for
Jest. He smiled even more broadly ana
said:
The sonora is English; that is so with
out doubt; but she must come with US:
patriots must live as well as other men.
Besides the brave Senior Weston and the
brave CARA must be paid for
But l tell YOU"
He waved his hand deprecatingly AM
She paused.
The sonora will have much time for
talk hereafter. Time presses
lie turned to his men with slight nod.
Instantly four of them closed round her.
scarf was slipped over her eyes and
knotted behind her head. She remained
passive, knowing the uselessness of re-
siStance. To struggle or scream would
nave been fruitless. She saw the error
mat had been made and retained control
Oh herself sufficiently to know that it
would be cleared up shortly. She felt
uerself lifted TO her saddle. A moment
"'erward Vavara mounted upon a black
s'eed brought to him from the chaparral
1ear by and seized her bride rein. She
Neafd him give a command and then the
SP4ashing Of the water under the hoofs
VI her horse. She gathered from the
sounds that the mounted leader led the
gay' while his men waded beside her, the
.''er to their middles. The scarf was
.ieu tightly and brought down below her
tSos'flS so that she was visiOnless and
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