Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1914-10-22
CHAPTER xxv-continued.

Sure do" responded Hooker jovi.
ally. He's the best friend / got in
MeXicol
''Kai, Amlgolv he hailed as the
Yaqui came quartering down the hill,
and. apparently oblivious OF the on
coming pursuers, he rode out Of the
trail TO meet him. They shook hands
and Amigo flashed his familiar smile.
glancing shyly over the horses back
at tho daughter OF the Aragons.
Il knew tho horse" he explained.
with a gentle caress for Copper Bot
tom My people-up there-kIli Mex
LcaDsl Where you gof'
',Nortb--to the line" answered Bud.
pointing up the pass.
"Muy malo!" froEned the Yaqui.
sglancing once more at the woman be-
hind. 'Muchos revoItosos!"
''Where?" asked Bud.
"Everywhere!" replied Amigo with
a comprehensive wave OF the hand
But no matter" he added simply. Il
will 60 with you. Who are these
hor5emen behind?"
''Ruralesl" responded Hooker, and
tho Ynqui's black eyes dilated.
YES" nodded Bud as no read the
swift question in their glance. He is
there, too-Del Rey!"
Que bueno," exclaimed the Indian,
76xing his eagle glance upon the riders.
He showed his white teeth in a smile.
In an instant he saw his opportunity.
he saw his enemy riding into a trap,
ard turned his face TO the pass
What Amigo had waited for, the op-
portunity he had watched for, was
at hand. Del Rey should pay the
prico Of that scar the Yaqui carried.
Not again would the bullet go astray.
and his people should have one less
Mexican to fight after that day. The
hatred of generations lay behind the
Thoughts of the Indian. He cared
nothing for the grievance of the girl.
and he would not kill Del Rey for
Shat- but for his own reasons.
Comet" he said. laying hold of
Batigo strap. and as Hooker loped on
Ills stirrup. In his right hand he still
carried the heavy Mauser, but his
sandaled feet bore him forward with
tireless strides and only the heaving
of his mighty chest told the story of
the pace.
Let me take your gun suggested
Hooker, as they set OF on their race,
bat Amigo in hts warriors pride only
shook his head and motioned him on
and on. So at last they gained the
rugged summit. where the granite ribs
OF the mountain crop up through the
sands Of the wash and the valley
slopes away to the north To the south
was Del Rey. sim riding after them.
but Amigo beckoned bud beyond the
reef and looked out TO the north
-ReVoltososi" he exclaimed, point
Ing a sun-blackened hand at distant
Sfdge "Revoltosos!" he said again.
waving his hand to the east Here"
waving toward the west, mo-"
do you know that country" in
~uufred Hooker, noddinE at the great
plain with it's chains OF parallel Sier-
ras, but the Indian shook his head
No." he said; but the best way is
straight for that pass
He pointed at a distant wedge cut
down between the blue OF two ridges,
and scanned the eastern hills intentIy.
Mem" he cried. suddenly indicat-
5ng the skyline OF the topmost ridge.
81 think they are revoitosos." he added
graveiy. They viii soon cross your
trail"
No difference" answered Bud with
u smile 4 am not sfraid-not with
you here. Amigo"
Z mo, but the woman" suggested
Amigo. who read no Jest in his words.
IT Is better that you sboah ride on
and leave me here"
He smiled encouragingIy, but a Wild
Hight was creeping into his eyes and
hooker knew what he meant He de-
aired to be left alone. TO deal with
Del Reg after the sure manner of the
TaquiA- And yet. why not? Hooker
gEIed thoughtfully at the oncoming
xurnles and walked swiftly back TO
Gracia-
This Indian is a friend OF mine,
ho said. and l can trust him. He
SaJs it will be better for us to ride
-cn-and he viii take care Of the
Eurales-"
Take carer questioned Gracia,
turning pale at n peculiar matter-of
fact tone in his voice
Sure" said Hooker; "he says there
are revoltosos ahead. Ii will be bet
tter for you. he says, to ride on"
"madre de Dios!" breathed Gracia
'eiutching at her saddle; and then she
nodded her head weakly.
lyon better get down fnr a Yniputa .
fsuggested Hooker. helping her quick
iy TO the ground. Here, drink some
vater-you're kinder faint. I'll be
fright back-jest want to say good-by. >
He STROBE over 10 where Amigo had
boosted himself behind a rock and laiC
a hand on his arm.
"Adios, Amigo!" he szid, but the
rYanni nnlu diamond ~ lii. .-.rn...al..