The Elbert County tribune., 1914-11-06
CHAPTER xviii.


were behind them now and the rolling
plains OF Aqua Negra we're at their
feet. To the northeast the smoke ban
ners of the Gadsden smelters lay like
ribbons across the sky. and the line
was not far away.
Yet, as they came down from the
mountains, Bud and Gracia fell silent
and slackened their slashing pace. The
time for parting was near. and part
ings are always sad.
But ten miles across the plain lay
Gadsden and Phil-Phil to whom Gre-
ella was promised. There had been no
thoughts of him from the time they
sat together under the horse-blankets
waiting for the rain to pass until now
that the dangers were virtually over,
and but short time more would place
them beyond the reach OF either ru-
rales or rebels. Bud thought of the
duty he owed his pardner, even though
that pardner had played him false.
Great as was his longing for Gracia,
he could not forget that duty. Their
companionship had been but a thing
to forget II he could. or at best he
could only remember the sweetness
of 1t, and must forget the dreams he
had dreamed as he watched beside
Gracia in the hills. He was taking her
to Phil, and all else must be sacrificed
for duty.
Bud looked far out across the valley
to where a train puffed in from the
south, and the sight of it made him un-
easy. He watched still as it lay at the
station and. after prolonged stare in
the direction of Aqua Negra. he reined
sharply to the north.
What is it?" asked Gracia. coming
out of her reverie.
"Oh, nothing" answered Bud. slump
ing down in his saddle. II see the rail-
road is open again-they might be
somebody up there looking for u.s."
You near"
well, say bunch of rurales."
He turned still farther to the north
as he spoke and spurred his jaded
horse on. Gracia kept her roam be-
side him. but he took no notice. ex-
cept as he scanned the line with his
bloodshot eyes. He was a handbook
ing man now, with rough stubble of
beard on his face and sullen 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 we left Fortuna" he said
| with rueful smile. Are you good
for just one more?"
What is it now?" she inquired
pulling herself together with an effort.
Are those two men coming out to
meet US? Do you think they'd stop
us?"
That's about our luck" returned
Hooker. But when, we dip out of sight
in this swale here we'll turn north and
hit for the line"
IAN right" she agreed. MY horse
is 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.
"Them's rurales." he said at last,
land heading straight for us-but
We've come too far to get caught now
Come onl" he added bruskly. and went
galloping up the swale.
For two miles they rode up the
wash, their heads below the level OF the
plain. but as Bud emerged at the mouth
OF the gulch and looked warily over
the cut bank he suddenly reached for
his rifle and measured the distance to
the line.
They was too foxy for me-" he NUT
tered. as Gracia looked over at the
approaching rurales. But can stand
'em or" he added. $50 you go ahead
mol" she cried, coming out in open
rebellion. We'll. won't leave you
that's ALL" she declared. as he turned
to command her. "Oh. come along.