Connecticut western news., 1906-07-19

their strength they will not trample US"
 But Carruthers had slipped from the saddle.
 ."It Is sure death to try to ride with them," he answered. "Dismount and do as I tell you"
 The stern masterfulness of his tone startled her. He had never spoken like that to her; no one had.
 "Hold the horses" he ordered She | obeyed, watching him in .breathless si- lence. The brown cloud on the prairie was becoming more and more dis tinct. There was heavy, low rumble In the air like far off thunder. Car ruthers drew cigarette case from his pocket, and after hunting carefully he produced one match.
 That is the only one I have," he said. Pray. that 1t doesn't go out" ! He struck 1t on the box. The faint flame wavered In the southeasterfy l breeze, caught the end of the cigarette | and lit 1t. Before the match went out | Carruthers smelled 1t and set fire to the grass. It was dry and yellow from the sun and caught the blaze with a snap. The wind famed It. and a way ering line of thin smoke slid like a snake along the roots for several feet The horses reared and kicked at the l first whiff, and Carruthers seized the brides from the girl.
 "Take the cigarette" he said, hand ing 1t to her. Keep 1t alight and set fire to the grass as far as you can reach In a straight line facing the north. The wind Is from the southeast and will blow the fire toward the herd. 1t may turn them" Holding the plunging, trembling horses, he watched her. There was no fear, no sign of weakness. She was alert and sure h her touch as she knelt here and there in the grass and fired 1t AS the cigarette failed she tore bunch of grass, tied 1t with an- other wisp and set 1t blazing like a torch. Tn another minute a wall of smoke and smoldering flame closed them In from the rushing herd line.
 Come back" called Carruthers. The herd were not quarter of a mile from them. He could see the leaders, heads down, and behind them line after line of tossing horns.
 "Wil they reach us?" whispered Rita as sbe stood close beside him, her face lifted to his.
 God knows; don't" said Carruth- CTS desperately. Tt Is all we can do."
 "Jack, listen to me-" There was a new light In her dark eyes, a new softened tone to her voice. Ramon has done this. The herd has never stampeded before. He has done 1t for revenge upon you and me. Last night I told him no. I know about him and the claim he holds over the Fortuna and my father, but would rather lose 1t all than
 Than what?' Carruthers let the brides trail on the ground and held her close in his arms. The tremble of hundreds of hoofs shook the ground, the thunder grew louder. now and then there came a low; threatening below the oarush.
 Than lose you" Rita whispered as she closed her eyes to meet what might come.
 The herd was on them. but as the leaders caught the first sickening whin of smoke they hesitated and wavered. Low leaping tongues of flame flashed up before them and rolls of smoke curled upward.
 The leaders swerved westward. After them plunged the frightened herd, mad dened and scared at the smell of the fire. The two horses, loosened, Joined them in the frantic gallop, and in less than three minutes the danger had passed, and on the blacsened bit of land stood Carruthers and Rita alone.
 ''The river will stop them," said Rita. ''Ramon-I know he has done this to harm you. You must leave the ranch. No one can say what he may do next"
 Carruthers bent to pick up something from the ground It was the stub of cigarette. He placed'it tenderly and carefully in his case before he spoke.
 'I know what Ramon will do next, sweetheart. He will cross the border into his own land tonight or else land in the hands of the sheriff. I mean to stay in Texas, and there Is not room for both of us"
 "On the Fortuna?'
 "On our ranch" he said. T bought the Fortuna yesterday to make sure of Ramon and of my senorita."