The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-11-14

Hne, but the rurales had foreseen their
ruse in dropping into the gulch and
had turned at the same time to inter
cept them They were pushing their
fresh horses to the utmost now across
the open prairie, and as the roam
Jagged and faltered in his stride Bud
could see that the race was lost
Head for that monument" he
called to Gracia, pointing toward one
OF the international markers as he
faced their pursuers. You'll make it
they won't shoot a woman!"
He reached for his gun as he spoke.
No. MOI" she cried. Don't you
stopi If you do Will Come on!"
she entreated, checking her horse to
wait for him. You ride behind me
they won't dare shoot at Us them"
Bud laughed shortly and wheeled in
behind her, returning his gun to its
sling.
'An right" he said, wen ride 1t out
together them"
He laid the quirt to the roam. In the
whirl Of racing bushes a white monu-
ment flashed up suddenly before them.
The rurales were within pistoI-shot
and whipping like mad to head them.
Another figure came flying along the
line, a horseman, waving his hands
and mOtioning. Then, riding side by
side. they broke across the boundary
with the baf1ed rurales yelling savage
ly at their heels.
Keep a going!" prompted Hooker,
as Gracia leaned back to check her
horse; down into the gulch there
them rurales are liable to shoot yeti"
The final dash brought them to
cover. but as Bud Ieaped down and
took Gracia in his arms the roam
spread his feet, trembled. and dropped
heavily to the ground.
He'll be all right" soothed Bud, as
Gracia still chung to his arm Then,
as he saw her gaze fixed beyond him.
he turned and beheld Philip De Ian
cey.
1t was the same Phil, the same man
Bud had called pardner, and yet
when Hooker saw him there he stiff
fened and his face grew hard.
"WeI?" he said, slowly detaching
Gracia's fingers and putting her hand
away.
AS Phil ran forward to greet them
he stepped sullenly of to one side.
What they said he did not know, for
his mind was suddenly a blank; but
when Phil rushed over and wrung his
hand he came back to earth with a
start.
Bud" cried De Lancey ecstaticaL
Iy, how can 1 ever thank you enough!
You brought her back to me, didn't
you, old man? Thank God you're safe
I've been watching for you with
glasses ever since 1 heard you had
started! 1 knew you would do it,
pardner; you're the best friend a man
ever had! But-say, come over here a
minute want to speak to you
He led Hooker OF to one side, while
Gracia watched them with Jealous
eyes, and lowered his voice as he
| spoke.
1T was awful good of you. Bud" he
whispered, but I'm afraid you've got
in bad! The whole town is crazy about
it. Old Aragon came up on the first
train. and now they've wired that you
killed Del Rey. By jove, Bud, WASH
that pulling it little strong? Captain
of the rurales, you know-the whole
Mexican government is behind him
and Aragon wants you for kidnapping"
whats that?" demanded Gracia, as
she heard her own name spoken
Bud looked at Phil, who for once
was at a loss for words, and then he
answered slowly.
Your father is down at the station,
he said, looking for-you."
well. he can't have mel" cried Ora
cia deiantly. I'm across the line
now! I'm free! / can do what
pleased"
But there's the immigration office,
| interposed Phil Practically. You viii
have to go there-and your father has
! claimed you were kidnapped"
"Ha! Kidnapped" laughed Gracia-
who had suddenly recovered hel
spirits And by whom?"
'WeIl-by Bud here" answered De
Lancey hesitatingly.
Gracia turned as he spoke and sur