The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-03-05
THE SPUR OF COURAGE


was when dubbed four niggers who was firm from
ali four corners of joint.
The doctor glanced up adrniringly. and the sheriff
launched into description of the handed quarrel
AS the wagon pulled up before the jail ranger dashed
in on a 1athered pony.
Murderer from Fresno got in here freight last
night" he painted. Hes trying get to Mexico. I've
got to put these posters up the Territory, He
killed and her brother The State of Cali
fornia offers FIVE thousand dollars reward" He un-
rolled of the posters and threw it to the sheriff
Like to you get him. Bob.
The sheriff read the poster by his fash. IF he's
tryin to get Mexico he's bout down at the Tules by
now. He'll probable camp there tonight The Tule
Laguna is fourteen miles. crow-hyln Yes ne bout MT
for that
When the crowd had thinned, Julio said suddenly:
Bob, you stay here and keep on the town to-
night. I'm going down to the Iues. If get the man
we split the money"
The sheriff gave him a keen look @T didn't appoint
you fight. needed somebody who could sdbe Span
ish that's how you to be deputy"
Julio WINGED. TITS time I made good"
ssWefl YOU can come with me to the Lagoon.
goin' to take somebody else. Be here in two hours
Julio turned on his heel The sheriff called him back
At seen the young 'un ride around the corner just
then. You'd better ride out home with her..
Julio ran back to the corral for his pony He caught
up with Marie the foot of the sopng hill that swept
up orchards. She had dropped her rens the
saddle horn, and her pony trudged along, nunching
some greenery he had snatched from low-hanging
branch Swayng lightly the rhythmic movement of
ponys stride the girl rode lax in her saddle.
Julio caught his breath with ecstasy at the proud
of her bearing the supple beauty of the long, free lines
of her body She drew her pony to the side that
the approaching rider might pass her. Julio rode close
her and caught the reins drawing the horses back
into the road. Marie looked up at him, startled He
bending her. his face her that she
could feel his quick breath against her cheek She
drew back and gathered up the reins swiftly.
@No," he said sharp1y-"no." He caught her hands.
1--WE will to- night. You must listen to
I've tried to tell for two years, but you've always
run from me"
Il have not run away from YOU" she said, with
startled coquetry.
He did not hear her. Marie he said-and there
was something the way he said her that sent
the blood dizzily to her head-Iarie, you care-you
scareI know that you more for than you
know" He forced her meet his eyes, and she stared
him, fascinated. Her poutng red lips parted
and her breath quickly, brokenly. "And you've
got to tell mcknight. You cannot lie to me again
you've lied to me long enough.
The COOL moist sweetness of the orange-howers
about them To Julio the turnut of the world seemed
very distant and unmeanng The life at Yuma, all the
long of his existence, seemed suddenly but
fantastic caprice of his imagination, some trivial dream
The girl snatched her hands from his grasp and draw
ing the two horses standstill slipped down from
her saddle As she stood looking up at Julio she was
smiling slightly her head thrown back and the
light like silver her face and white rounded throat
Julio flung himself to the ground beside her. YOU'RE
scruel-cruel," he whspered-"you love to hurt me-"
But when she would have answered him he silenced
His face pale and his eyes burned like pools
of flame. He put his hands her shoulders. Say
i-say IT, Marie" he pleaded
"Say what7" she whispered with pitifhl attempt
at raillery.
"Say you-you love met" he commanded brokenly.
Her eyes fell
ST don't care if you love me-if you hate me" he
cred-"1 don't care" He seized her in his and
pressed her against him. For glorious second he
knew that he god of the world; then he put her
away quickly I'm fooI-a fooit' he muttered. IT
wouldn't have you-lke that. I wouldn't force you to
s kiss me-"
She buried her face in her hands.
"Don't cry dear, he whispered, humbly. Tim
sorry-but the thought of the Tules-of leaving you
She put out CROPPING hand. He took it wonder
ing1y
1T may mean death down there tonight" he said,
steadily. "And had to know before-that's AFT"
She raised frightened, tearstained face sDeathf 2"
she whispered.
He laughed unsteadiy. "No, don't want to buy you
with pity either. Whether it death or nothing
does not count in this"
She crept to him. her frightened eyes searching his
face. you 60" she commanded.
"Why not7"
Because" she whispered, I'll" She stopped and
from her face, and there was a wistfulness in the
wavering smile that tremb1e dabout mouth visit
fu1ness that made him feel strangely helpless
ST can't bear it, DEAR" she said and, unasked, put
her hands either side of his face and drew him
down to her.
care you sure-sure you love ne?" he asked
az sure" she answered, softly. 1T want you to
kiss me-
And he took her in his arms and kissed her mouth
and tear-wet face.
"But you must let go the TILES" he said. 81
want be worth you"