Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-05-04


They are afraid would bring the
rurales II they freed me"
How did you get here?"
"The senior saw where the water
flows into the mountain? At shutdown
when they we're not watching. let my
self into the river. and was carried
through to the other side. had seen
the boys do II in play.
1T was very dark, and the current
is swift Sometimes struck upon the
rocks. but the dear Virgin protected
me. and ! came into the blessed air
again. After one passes through the
mountain there il a secret path. much
shorter than the horse must take. to
the Three Spears So was in time
TO warn the senior"
Holcomb seized the girls hands inn
pulsively In his own. You did that for
me?" he asked wonderingly. but you
were hurt-you must have been In.
jured on the cruel rocks"
NO" she replied. "a few bruises.
They are nothing. And did II for my
self. too. senior. wanted to be free
again."
The cowboy.prospector burst into
English: You're sure plucky little
kid! I'll get you back TO civilization.
or bust laig." Texas Holcomb may
have been a pretty tough citizen. but
he amt an ongrateful one. How do we
get out OF here? Them Injuns may
come surgin' down any time. An
Amt goin' { take chances-with you
along"
The girl smiled and colored at the
look in his brown eyes. "The four
horses are hidden Just below" she re-
piled. also In English and without ac-
cent. 1--WE must take them and 20
north. II you do not come soon into
their valley. they will creep back and
find our footsteps. II we leave the
horses they will follow"
Good; we'll take the horses then.
Lead on: I'll follow. What may call
you. ma'am?"
my name is Isabella de la Barro.
but father called me 'Chiqulta.'"
"'Chiquita means little one
Chiquita II u.s."
They found the hidden animals with
out trouble. The pack animals were
laden with food. and with water in
skins. This, explained Chiquta. was
because the two Yaquis were going on
search for poorly-guarded cattle after
Holcomb had been disposed of and his
belongings appropriated.
The girl swung into the saddle OF
one OF the horses. and they were off
BY shutdown they had put several
miles between themselves and the dan
gerous Three Spears" Chiquita
cooked supper on the fire which Hol-
comb built. and never had the pros.
pector tasted meal more delicious
Holcomb treated her as he would
have his sister treated under similar
circumstances. At night she slept the
sleep OF innocence and honest. fatigue
in his one blanket. while he shivered
and dozed. since It grew chill when
the sun went down.
BY day they plodded northward at
good pace. Holcomb. with his head on
his shoulder" for there was danger OF
pursuit. But the Yaquis. evidently dis.
couraged because OF the start which
the fugitives had obtained. and the
number of fresh horses at their com.
mand. did no; follow them
Chiquita was an ideal travelling com.
panion. She was always bright and
gay. delighted with what the moment
brought. and taking no thought of the
morrow. She was quick TO see the
changing beauties OF the vast country
and point them ont to Holcomb. Some
times. with childish impulsiveness. she
tngged at his sleeve or clasped his
Drowned wrist. and he thrilled at her
touch as the strings OF the harp re.
spond 10 the hand Of the player.
After two weeks they came at last
10 the sight OF town nesting in
hollow below the ridge OF hills on
which they stood. II was mid fore.
noon. The clear air etched the hamlet
with wonderful distinctness They
could see the toy men and women in
the streets
There's Ascension. Chlquita." said
Holcomb: faint you glad?"
Yes" replied the girl listlessly.
The adorable sparkle had died out OF
her piquant face.
so am l." went on the prospector.
do you know why. little one?"
She turned grave eyes upon him.
"Why. my friend?"
Because there's priest there. Tn
less" he added humbly. after a
pause. you don't want me. know
! amt good enough"
The girl. rosy with happiness. flung
herself into his arms "why. dearest
one" she said. In her liquid Spanish.
II have loved thee always"