The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-01-02

Zollern-papers which were e n DC
me from Little Rock, with Instructions
to give them to you as 20 as you
reached ME. They will pretty nearly
clinch the case, so far as Esteral is
concerned, as they contain notice to
Baron Zollern that 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. / can't even send a
cavalry escort across the river with
you-Esteral would take to the high
grass If he saw a solitary trooper ap-
preaching. You will have 70 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 hat leads to Rancho Nogal. Both
DOlS COulu nut ldlIlJ well, luOuSu
neither could lay claim to the skill OF
a cowboy, and the thoughtful old col.
onel had provided them with mounts.
IF you q stick on your horses"
said he, lit will shorten the distance
to the Rancho, and may also carry you
cut of danger if anybody stops you on
the way" Well-provided with direc-
lions, and with heavy cavalry revol.
vers buckled at their hips, the mes.
& set out on the last stage of
their journey in royal spirits. Six
troopers saw them safe acros 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.
mer faded into spectres and then
blended with the night; dark stretch.
es of shsdowy chaparral advanced tts
gloom in contest with the bright rays
oil the moon-and the boys, bearing
m~issives 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 loomed 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.
II don't like the looks Of that Eel.
low" whispered Brockett as they
neared 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 Is
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 n retreat-five more Of
the silent horsemen were slowly walk
ing their mounts from the direction OF
the river. For M moment the mel.
sengers halted. i~rresoiute, and then
moved forward towards the watchers
at the summit Of the hill. Perhaps 200
feet further on. they came upon Q
cross-road-a mere thread OF a trail
breaking forth from dense under
growth and midnight jungle. Instant
ly Brockett wheeled and plunged into
the new-found trail, while Solano fol-
lowed. They drove their horses to .
gailop, and as they started on tho
dash for safety the silent horsemen.
both before and behind the fugitives.
| came charging after. They gave no
cry. they voiced no shout or threat.
but the clatter Of the hoofs and the
changing of accouternients made wild
discord on the evening air. Down the
t~hread-like trail. straining every nerve
to increase their horses speed. ned
the messengers and. fast closing up
the distance, the nine pursuing r4asss
sped along behind.
frO nm nnsryNryE