The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-06-01
CHAPTER XvI.-Continued.

|
ments Dora.
"You wretch" and Dick makes one
spring forward, whereupon Professor
John is seen to sprawl fiat upon the
floor, rolling over and over, to get be-
yond the reach of that iron arm, and
the foot that seems to be propelled
by springs of steel, all the while chat
tering like an excited monkey.
Dora, thus relieved, flies to the side
of her mistress, and clasps an arm
around her in protecting way,
though it would appear that the lady's
maid was more in need of protection
than her mistress.
1--WE wish you good evening, gentle
men. Your little scheme has been
nipped in the bud. Take care how
you follow me. Ladies, this way,
please-pass out ahead, as I wish to
watch these fellows as long as posi-
ble."
The ladies comprehend that 1t is
not love that influences Dick, but
another feeling, and they are careful
not to come between their protector
and those upon whom he keeps HE
eye. Various explosives break upon
the air as the little party thus back
out of the room; it is not natural for
some seven or eight men to find them
selves cowed by single party, and
not feel furious. AS yet it is the
growing of the volcano-when the top
of the cone blows off, look out for
squalls.
Now Dick is in the doorway; the
ladies have passed down the hall
some distance; he gives one last look
around him. waves a hand in hooking
farewell to the baffled conspirators,
of the Morales mansion, and follows
Miss Pauline.
Immediately great confusion en-
sues. Relieved of his presence, Senior
Morales and his guests fly this way
and that, some jumping from the win
dows, with the hope of yet battling
the American by facing him on more
equal terms in the garden, others
shouting themselves hoarse with ex-
element.
1t does not unnerve the American
particle to hear this racket; he has
seen packs of wolves before now;
| where the water roars the loudest 1t
is always the most shallow; barking
dogs seldom bite.
They are at the door now, and with
quick sprint Dick has overtaken the
| two ladies' Together they all pass
out of the house, upon the veranda;
the steps are just beyond, and then
comes the vehicle.
At this moment Dick sees a dark
form darting forward; he is at the
horses, and a knife flashes in his
hand. A quick movement, followed
by others, and the traces are cut in
twain, thus rendering escape by this
means impossible.
Before he can take a shot at the fell
low the other has thrown himself be-
hind the carriage, and no doubt crawls
away in the shadows. This sudden
catastrophe leaves them in a bad fix.
With ladies to look after, what shall
he do? They descend the steps lead
ing from the veranda. Perhaps once
beyond the gates, they may find some
way of getting back to the Hotel
Iturbe.
With this idea in view, Dick springs
to unbar the gate, and swing it open;
but he finds that this is a trick every.
body does not know; the gate obstin-
ately refuses to swing at his dictation,
in spite of his strenuous exertions.
They are shut in the garden Of Mo-
rales, with nearly dozen enemies
around, seeking to do them evil.
Dick now realizes that he is in for
it, and that it may he necessary to do
something before the game is won.
He has not expected such a situation
as this How shall they get beyond
the garden walls and elude their foes?
One thing is certain, he will not de-
sert those who have been left In. his
charge Part of the victory was won
when he took them from the power Of
the scheming Lopez. and he is bound
to finish 1t by landing them in safety
at the hotel.
Miss Pauline, you are not AFRAID
he cries.
mo, no. Let me help you all | can"
comes the cheering answer, while the
din around them grows in volume as
the servants take up the cries.
Thank Heaven for that! Come, we
must endeavor to find an opening back
toward the canal. have an idea
there is door in the wall there. We
will defeat these ravenous hounds
yet: Only trust me, and keep up
brave heart. Pauline"
His words inspire the two women
there is something in the very voice
of the young ranchero, who has seen
SO much of life in the Southwest and
Mexico. to cause a feeling of conf
dence in his ability to accomplish all
he has promised, and more.
Therefore they fall back into the
shadows of the garden. densely over
grown with bushes as II is, and seek
to battle the searching eyes that
would ferret out their position. All
1 II. .