Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1905-12-13
CHATTER xvi.
"euerra a cuchilIoIe

Although Smithers words are star
Ting enough to alarm the bravest,
Travers does not show much indica-
tion of such feeling, as, following
the extended finger of his agent, he,
too, readily discovers the moving ag-
ures.
They appear to come out of the
woods in couples or little squads. At
that distance, and with only the fire
light to guide him, Jack can see that
they are rough-looking men, some of
them negroes, carrying guns and ma
chetes; but that is as far as his OBJ
servation goes.
How his companion is enabled to
determine their identity as gnerrlllas.
and not the patriots fighting under the
banner of Gomez, Is a puzzle too deep
for Jack.
1t is a time for prompt action. They
will have to retreat to their rude fort
ress and meet the expected assault
bravely
Where Il the guard asked smitns.
ers.
And ALI Sin?s echoes Jack
Both have, indeed, vanished tempo
rarily. Nor do they appear to be in
side the fire lines.
I'VE will have to leave them out.
There is hardly room for all inside, at
any rate. Come, sir. let us enter"
At the door they meet the senior.
What is wrong gentlemen" he
asks. quick to catch the scent of dan
ger in the air.
THE guerrilleros have come, senior.
| am afraid we will have war to the
knife, remarks Smithers; and Ro-
BLADE, thrusting out his head, beholds
the rough men already gathering about
the fire that is down the incline.
He utters a favorite ejaculation.
Seniors, it looks as though we are
in for it. | trust you will not forget
your promise to assist in the defense
of the ladies'" the old Spaniard says,
hoarsely.
Several EXPLANATIONS in feminine
voices from the dark interior announce
that both Juanita and her step-sister
have heard what manner of danger
menaces them.
you can depend upon us, senior"
is the quiet response Jack makes.
The two men enter the compart-
ment, and the door is barricaded. All
Sin and the guard will have to look
out for themselves when the storm
cloud bursts.
It has hardly needed the words OF
Smithers to warn Travers of the des-
.perate business ahead Of them, and
the only fear he experiences. is for the
safety Of Jessie.
There is a peculiar satisfaction in
being so close to this woman who has
entered in and taken possession Of his
heart, although he is under: bond not
to betray his identity. Jack rather en-
joys the situation, or at least he would
if it were not for the deadly peril
which hoyers over the one he loves.
AT any rate, he is deeply grateful for
the peculiar conditions that allow him
the privilege Of standing up in her de-
fence
Little is said within the car; the time
for words has gone by, and action
must take their place.
SO far as they can see, the newoom-
ers have not as vet fully grasped the
true inwardnoss of the situation. At
tracted by the light Of the fires they
have arrived at The railroad, to find a
carriage standing there; but what that
vehicle Of transportation actually con
talns Is as yet but surmise with
them.
Jack does not fancy their looks al
all.
He has been thrown in contact with
crowds OF rough men during his life
ON Texan plains and In Colorado
mountains but never IN all hts ex1er