The Anderson daily intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson, S.C.) 1914-1915, 1914-08-26

1oou, CuuChieQ f1OOheT, you ulu
fine! Now. don't say another word
because they'll notice woman's voice
and IL we don't run into some more
OF them we'll soon be climbing the
pass"
They had passed through some per-
ilous moments. but Gracia had hardly
realized the danger because of the as-
surance OF Hooker. who was careful
not to frighten her unnecessarily. But
1t was an assurance which he had not
felt himself. and he was not yet GER
tain OF their safety.
The waning moon came out as they
left the wide valley behind them, aud
then 1t disappeared again as they rode
into the gloomy shadows of the cam
yon. For an hour or twoythoy plodded
slowly upward: passing through mar
row defiles and into moonlit epaces.
and tlllsthey did not mount the sum,
NIT. n
In the. east'the dawn began to break
and they spurred on in aimost panic.
The Mexican paisanos count them
selves late II they do not take the trail
Mt sunup-what II they should meet
some struggling party before they
reached the pass?
bud jumped Copper Bottom up a
series OF cat steps1 Gracias roam came
scrambling behind: and then. Just aa
the boxed walls ended and they gained
n level spot. they suddenly found them
selves in the midst OF camp Of Mex
:cans-men, saddles, packs and rifles,
all scattered at their feet.
"Buenos dias!" saluted Bud. as the
blinking men rose up from their
blankets. Excuse me, amigos, l I'm
in hurry!"
"A donde va? A donde va?" chil-
lenged q bearded man a5 he sprang UP
from his brush shelter.
ITO the pass, senor." answered Hook
er. still politely. but motioning for
Gracia to ride en- ahead. "Adios!"
WHO ia that man." beloved the
bearded leader, turning furiously upon
his followers. Where is my senti-
mel? Stop him!"
But 1t was too late to stop him. Bud
laid his luirt across the rump Of the
roam and spurred forward in dash for
cover. They whisked around the point
Of hill as the htst scattered shots
rang out; and. as a'frighteaed sentinel
jumped up In their path Bud rode him
down. The man dropped his gun to
escape the fury of the charge and In
o mad clatter they flung themselves
at rock-slide and scrambled to the
bench above. The path was rocky,
but they pressed forward at a gallop
until. as the sun came up, they beheld
the summit OF the pass.
I'VE win!" cried Bud, as he spurred
up the last incline.
AS he looked over the top he ex-
ploded In an oath and jerked Copper
Bottom Jack on his launches. The
7 leader of long line OF horsemen was
Just coming up the other side-there
was no escape-and then back at the
frightened girl. 4
Keep behind me-" he commanded,
"and don't shoot. I'm going to, hold
'em up!'
He jumped his horse out to one side
and landed squarely on the rim of the
ridge. Gracia drew her horse In be.
bind him and reached for the pistol in
her holster; then both together they
drew their guns and Bud threw down
on the first man.
go on!" he ordered, motioning him
forward with his head; "pr-r-ronto!"
He jerked out his rife with his left
hand and laid 1T across his lap.
Hurry up now. he ragged, as the
startled Mexican halted. Go on and
keep going. and the first man that
makes break I'll shoot him full of
holes!"
He sat like statue on his shining
horse, his six-shooter balanced to ehoot,
and something in his very presence
the bulk of his body, the forward
thrust OF his head. and the burning
hate OF his eyes-quelled the spirits
OF the rebels. They were q rag-tag
army. mounted on horsos and donkeys
and mules and with arms Of every
known make. 3
1t was Just such an army as was
overrunning alt northern Mexico. suo:a.
nm army as had been levying tribute
on the land for a century. They, spread
terror throughout all that great coun.
try south OF the American border. ..
The fiery glances OF the American
made them .cringe as they had always
ortnged before theirI.aasters; and his
curses turned their blood to water. He
lowered above thera ikea giant. pour
Ing forth q torrent OF oathsl and beck.
oning them on their wey, and the lead.
or was the first to yield. ~, :,
With hand halfraised and Jaw on
bis breast he struck spurs xo HIS fright.
'ened raula and went dnshing over the
ridge A !
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