The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1914-12-24
BY DANE COOLIDC

|
killed Del Rey. BY jove. Bud. WASH
that pulling II q little strong? Captain
Of the rurales. you know-the Who'll,
Mexican government 10 behind him
and Aragon wants you for kidnapi 7
What's thatr demanded Gracia, a,
she heard her own name spoken.
Bud looked at Phil, Who for ono,
was at a loss for words, and then hs
answered slowly.
Your father Is down ut the station. .
he said, looking for-you."
We'll. he can't have mel" cried Ora.
cia defiantly. I'm across the line
now! I'm free! can do what I
pleased"
But there's the immigration Office"
interposed Phil Practically. you will
have to go there-and your father has
claimed you were kidnapped"
"Ha! Kidnapped" laughed Gracia.
who had suddenly. recovered her
spirits. And by whomY"
"Well-by Bud here" answered De
Lancey hesitatingly.
Gracia turned as he spoke and sur
veyed Hooker with q hooking smile
Then she laughed again.
Never mind" she said, ''rli fix that
Ill tell them that kidnapped him!"
mo. but seriously!" protested De
Lancey. as Bud chuckled hoarsely.
You can't cross the line without being
passed by the inspectors, and-well.
your father Is there to get you back"
But will not gol" iuns, back Ora
cha.
oh, my dear girl" cried De Ian
cey. frowning In his perpiexity. you
don't understand, and you make II aw-
tul hard for me. You know they're
very strict now-so many low women
coming across the line. for-well. the
fact is. unless you are married you
can't come In at AM"
But I'm I'M" protested Grac.a
flushing hotly. Tim"
They'll deport you." said De Ian
cey. stepping forward TO give her sup
port
Il know it's hard. dear" he went
on, as Bud moved hastily away. but
I've got 1t all arranged Why should
We wait? You came to marry me.
didn't you? Well. you must do It now
right away! I've got the license and
the priest all waiting-come on before
the rurales get back to town and re.
port that you've crossed the line We
can ride around to the north and come
in at the other side OF town Then
we
oh. no. no." cried Gracia. pushing
him impulsively aside. Il am not
ready now. And"
She paused and glanced at Bud.
MIR. Hooker" she began, walking
gently toward him. what win you do
nowe-
Il don't know" answered Hooker
huskily.
viii you come with us-vill you
No. said Bud. shaking his head
slowly.
Then / must say good-by?"
She waited. but he did not answsr
You have been so good to me" she
went on. so brave. and-haye I been
brave. too?" she broke in pleadingty.
Hooker nodded his head, but he did
not meet her eyes.
"Ah. yes" she sighed. "You have
heard what Phil has said. | wish now
that my mother were here, but--would
you mind? Before go want 1s-give
you a kissi"
She reached cat her hands impul
sively ana Hooker started back His
eyes. which had been downcast. blazed
suddenly as he gazed at her. and then
they fitted to Phil.
mo- he said. and his voice was life
less and choked.
You will not?" she asked. after q
pause.
moi" he said again. and she shrank
away before his glance.
Then good-by," she murmured, turn
Ing away like one in a dream, and Bud
heard the crunch Of her steps as she
went toward the horses with Phil.
Then. as the tears welled TO his eyes,
he beard resounding slap and a rush
of approaching feet.
MOI" came the voice OF Gracla
vibrant with indignation. Il say no."
The spat Of her hand rang out again
and then, with a piteous sobbing. she
came running back TO Bud, hating
, with the stiffness OF her long ride.
IL haze you!" she screamed. as Phil
came after her. "Oh, hate youl No
you shall never have the kissl What
II Bud here has refused 1t, viii I give
] kiss to you? An. you poor. miserable
creature!" she cried. wheeling upon
him in a sudden fit of passion. where
we're you when | was In dangeri
J Where were you when there was nc
one to save me? And did you think
then, to steal kiss. when my hear
was sore for Bud? All, coward! You
are no 1T pardner! No, will nevel
marry you-never! Well. go then
And hurry Oh. how ! hate you-tt
try TO steal me from Bud"
She turned and threw her ARM
about Hooker's neck and drew hi
rough face down to her
you do love me. don't you. BudY'
oh onhhaH Nh Won arn m rood