The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-11-14

papers WulCu were Seut u
me from Little Rock, with instructions
to give them to you as soon as you
reached me. They will pretty nearly
clinch the case, so far as Esteral is
concerned, as they contain notice to
Baron Zollern hat he will be appoint.
ed governor of a Brazilian province
when everything has been properly
adjusted. Rather foolish of the
kaiser, don't you think? However
that may be-, here's the documents.
Add them to whatever you already
have in stock for Gomez Esteral, and
start for Rancho Nogal whenever you
feel so disposed. l can't even send q
cavalry escort across the river with
you-Esteral would take to the high
grass II he saw a solitary trooper ap-
preaching. You will have to look out
for yourselves and for the safety Of
your letters"
Under the rich light of the Mexican
moon, two. young horsemen rode the
trail that leads to Rancho Nogal. Both
boys could ride fairly well, though
neither could lay claim to the skill of
a cowboy, and the thoughtful old col.
onel had provided them with mounts.
IF you can stick on your horses"
said he, 1T will shorten the distance
to the Rancho, and may also carry you
out of danger II anybody stops you on
the way" Well-provided with direc-
lions, and with heavy cavalry revol-
vert buckled at their hips, the mes
sengers set out on the last stage of
their journey in royal spirits. Six
troopers saw them safe across the Rio
Grande, and dismissed them with wav.
ing of hats and urgent requests to be
back in time for the deciding ball
game. The group Of friendly horse
men faded into spectres and then
blended with the night; dark stretch.
es of shadowy chaparral advanced its
gloom in contest with the bright rays
of the moon-and the boys, bearing
missives whose vast Importance they
had never known till that same day,
rode onward through the dusk.
Perhaps ten miles from the river,
they encountered a slight rise in the
road, and walked their horses slowly
up the grade. Suddenly, as the moon
rays fell upon the summit of the in.
cline, a solitary horseman doomed up,
huge and menacing in the shadows.
Silent, grim and somber, he sat his
horse five hundred feet beyond. and
seemed to patiently await their com
ing.
Il don't like the looks Of that fei.
low" whispered Brockett as they
the silent figure.
He doesn't look specially good to
me, either" replied solano. "still.
there are two Of US, and there's only
one of him-no, I'm mistaken. He 10
distinctly plural"
Three other mounted figures ranged
up beside the first one, all equally
grim and menacing in the moonlight.
Brockett half turned his horses head.
Too late for a retreat-fve more Of
the silent horsemen were slowly walk
Ing their mounts from the direction Of
the river. For n moment the mes
sengers halted, %irresolute, and then
moved forward towards the watchers
at the summit Of the hill. Perhaps 200
reet further on, they came upon .
crossroads mere thread Of q trail
breaking forth from dense under
and midnight Jungle. Instant
Brockett wheeled and plunged into
the new.found trail, while Solano fol.
lowed. They drove their horses to .
and as they started on the
lash for safety the silent horsemen.
both before and behind the fug1tives,
came charging after. They gave no
Try, they voiced NO shout or threat,
but the clatter Of the hoofs and the
,lanEing Of accouterments made wild
on the evening air. Down the
trail. straining every nerve
increase their horses speed. ned
he messengers and, fast closing up
he distance, the nine pursuing riders
ped along behind.
CTo BE Co1sT1NUED.)