The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1914-07-18
tCopynghi. 1914. By Frank A. Muns.yJ
tContlnucd from Yesterday

aud Elackencd their slashlng pace. Tho
time for parting was near. and part
ings are always sad.
But ten miles across the plain lay
lGadsden and Phil-Phil to whom Ora
cia was promised. There had been no
thoughts OF him from the time they
sat together under the horso.blankots
waiting fer the rain 10 pass until now
that the dangers were virtually over.
and but a short time more would place
them beyond the reach of either ru-
ralcs or rebels Bud thought OF the
duty he owed his pardner. even though
that pardncr had played him false.
Great as was his longing for Gracia.
no could not forget hat duty. Their
c-ompanionship had beon buf a thing
10 forget II he could. or at best no
could only remember the sweetness
Of Il. and must forget the dreams no
had dreamed as he watched beside
GrRcia In the hills. lie was taking her
to Phil. and all else must be sacrificed
for duty.
Bud looked far out across tho valley
20 where a train pulled In from the
south, and the sight OF II made him un.
easy. lie watched stili as II lay al the
station and. after q prolonged stare In
the direction of Aqua Negrn. he refined
sharply 10 the north.
what is it7" asked Gracia. coming
out of her reverie.
"Oh, nothing" answered Bud. slump
ing down Ia his saddle. Il see the rail.
road Is open again-they might be
somebody up there looking for us."
You mean"
swell. say n bunch Of rurales."
Ho turned stu farther to The north
as he spoke and spurred his faded
horse on. Graoia kept her roam be-
side him. but he took no notice. ex.
cept as he scanned the limo with his
bloodshot eyes. lie was a handbook.
ing man now. with a rough stubble of
beard on his face and a sullcn set TO
HIS Jaw. AS two horsemen rode out
from distant Aqua Negra he turned
and glanced at Gracia.
Seems like We been on the run
ever since wa lett Fortuna" he said
with a ruoul smile. Are you good
for Just M moro?'
What Is u now" she inquired
pulling herself together with an effort.
"Arc those two men coming out to
meet US? DO you think they'd stop
usg"
That's about our luck" returned
Hooker. 'But when We dip out OF sight
in this swale here well turn north and
hit for the line"
FAN WfuNF HH aHng wwwaaN ga. -.
81 tired. but I'll DO whatever you say.
bud"
She tried to catch his eyes at this.
but he seemed lost in contemplation OF
the hOrsemen.
"Thsm's ruraIea." he said a. last.
-and heading straight for us-hut
we've come too far TO get caught now.
Come on" he added brusdy, aud went
g~alloping up tho swale.
For two miles they rode up the
wash, their heads below the level Of the
plain, but as Bud emerged at tho mouth
OF he gulch and looked wRrily over
the cut bank he suddenly reached for
his rifle aud measured the distance 10
the line.
They was too foxy for me-" he NUT
tered. as GraclR looked over at tho
approaching uralos. But l can stand
em on" he added. 80 YOU go ahead 4"
mo-" she cried, coming out In open
rebellion. We'll. ! won't leave YOU
that's all" rho declared. as no turned
go command her. "Oh, come along.
Bud" She laid an impulsive hand
on his arm and be thrust hts gun back
into the sling with a thud.
"All right" DO said. Cant stop 20
talk about t. Go ahead--and FAY the
hide on Of that roani"
They were less han a mile from the
line, but the rurales had forosoon their
mso 10 dropping into tho gulch and
had turned at the same time 70 inter
copt them They were pushing their
fresh horses 10 The utmost now across
the open prairie, and as the roam
Jagged and ALTERED IN his stride nud
could see that he race was lost
Head for that monument he
called to Gracia, pointing toward one
Of the international markers as hs
faced their p%ursuers. you'll make il
they won't shoot a woman"
lie reached Tor his gun a. ho spoke
"NO. no." she cried. Don't you
stoDi II you do ] VIM Come on
sno e~ntreated, checking her horse q
wait for him. You ride behind me-
They won't dare shoot az us them"
bud laughed shortly and wheeled n
behind her. returning his gun 10 IL
sling.
IAN right" ne ssid. wei ride Il ou'
ktneether them"
lie laid the auirt 10 the roam. In the
whlrl of racing bushes a white monu
mont flashed up suddenly before them
The ruralos were within pistoi-shOl
ana uhippins iiks mad to head them
Anothar figure cams biG alonx th'