Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-04


not friendly The Rather disregarded her
tcne. and proceeded to STOP cold water over
her foot.
1T may hold back the inflammation till
you git some place. he said tersely.
I'D like to know how I'm to get some
place or any place since you've shot ms
burro'
There was a half tremulous quaver under
the anger and the Rather looked at her
with sudden interest. The little burro kicked
feebly.
Reckon he ought to be eased. don't
your" asked the Rather, reaching for his
revolver. HE amt no more good"
You let him alone. Marie Louise sat
up, and there was the light of battle in her
dark eyes as they flashed up at the tan
figure beside her IF you dare to do any
mere shooting around me. shall
What" asked the Rather as she
paused.
Marie Louise flushed. but her lips We're
set and the hand at her side suddenly
lifted. Uncle iris had taken no chances
on wild animals stray Indians where
his women folks were concerned. Esteban
was one precaution. Lightweight, short
barreled six-shooters were another. me
Rather looked down into the barrel leveled
at him. and his lips partd in a broad grin.
We'll I'll be ID" he laughed. Amt
that cute. for surei
''Don't you touch my burro.' said Marie
Louise, steadily. His leg is only hurt, ana
uncle will attend to him."
Two miles out of Grismer'
His eyes narrowed Slightly. Grismer was
not point of pleasant memories so far as
he was concerned. His glance wandered to
the chestnut.
Gould you find your way aloneg' he
asked.
II don't know half a mile of the way"
she retorted. Would you mind explaining
to me Just what object you had in view
when you tried to shoot the guide and
me?''
His face deepened in color under the scorn
in her voice. and he grinned more doubt
fully like boy caught in mischief.
II didn't mean to hurt you. l tried TO
nip the greasers ear for fun. His remarks
were too personal to be sighted"
There was minute of silence. The ankle
was increa sing in pain momentarily, and
the senorita's face looked very white. AS
he looked down her the grin left the
Rattler's face. and his eyes grew refiec-
tive.
IT'S over six miles to Grismer. Where's
your camp? This side the river?
Eyes. l don't know what you call It, but
there's a ravine, or canon, or something
after you cross the river
THE arroyo?'
THAT Is what Esteban called it. Any
way, Uncle TTistram had them pitch the
tents at the lower end of It where the
waterfall Is.
II know the place. It's mighty pretty
for camp" There was an odd look in the
Rattler's eyes. Did they tell you about 1t
NO. Uncle found IT," She hesitated.
But Esteban had told her the Rather was
interested in copper, and ne would prob
ably understand. My uncle il Tristram
Knight"
"Ohr' The Rattler's tone was enigmatt-
cal and non-committal. rs he looking for
any particular groupg"
II understand that he is Interested In
some special properties" The senorita's
foot was hurting her badly, and her man
ner became suddenly aloof. viii you
please either send for help or let me have
your horse and try to find my way alone?"
The Rather hesitated, and-lost Very
easily the form of the senorita sank back
in a faint that admitted of no argument
He cut two Sits in the wet sombrero, and
slipped the burro's ears through them, so
that II had a cool covering for Its head
The senorita looked quiet and peaceful, so
he took time to cut couple OF small
spiints; then he bound up the wound in the
foreleg as best he could. The red silk
bandage was decidedly becoming to the
gray hide of the little burro when he fin
ished.
Then the Rather stood sim and waited
patiently for the girl to recover conscious
ness. Wounded burros he had met with
before. fainting girl here and there, also
but not one like this. They generally
kicked like the burro and went into
MYSTERIES rush of cold water. or
sudden Jolt, were equally efficacious as
remedies. he had found. Neither one APP
psared adapted Tor THIS particular case, SO
he waited and watched her. II was a
Thoroughbred face. the features small and
finely modelled, with the full-lipped, firmly
curved Greek mouth, mouth OF decision
and temper, as well as iovableness. Her
linen cap had fallen to the ground. and
two long braids of brown hair hung from
her head to her shoulders as she lay upon
the ground They had circled her head. he
remembered, like an aureole.
When Marie Louise opened her eyes there
was no one near her. A few yards away
the Rather was busy trying to At the side
saddle from the burro onto the chestnut.