The Elbert County tribune., 1914-10-30
: CHAPTER xxv-contInusd.


ally. He's the best friend got In
Mexicoi
''Kai. Amigo!!' 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,
Elancing shyiy over the horses back
at the daughter of the Aragons.
II knew the horse" he explaineA,
with gentle caress for Copper Bot
tom. my people-up there-kill Mex
leans! Where you go?"
'North-to the line" answered Bud.
pointing up the pass.
"Muy malo!" frowned the Yaqui.
glancing once more at the woman be-
hind. "Muchos revoltososl"
"Where7" asked Bud.
"Everywhere!" replied Amigo with
n comprehensive wave OF the hand.
But no matter" he added simply. 'T
will go with you. Who are these
horsemen behind?"
"Rurales!" responded Hooker, and
Tho Yaqui's black eyes dilated.
"Yes," nodded Bud as he read the
swift question In their glance. "He is
there. too-Del Reyi"
"Que bueno!" exclaimed the Indian,
fixing his eagle glance upon the riders.
He showed his white teeth in smile.
In an instant he saw his opportunity.
he saw his enemy riding into trap.
and 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
price 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
that. but for his own reasons.
Gomez" he said. laying hold Of
latigo strap, and as Hooker loped on
up the steady incline he ran along at
Els stirrup.' In his right hand he still
carried the heavy Mauser. but his
sandaled feet bore him forward with
treless 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 on on their race.
but Amigo In his warriors pride only
shook his head and motioned him on
md 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. still riding after them,
but Amigo beckoned bud beyond the
reef and looked out to the north.
-Revoltoscsl" he exclaimed point
ing a sun-b1ackened hand at distant
ridge ''Revoltosos!" he said again.
waving his hand to the east. Here"
waving toward the west. mol"
do you know that country" In
quired Hooker. nodding at the great
plain with its chains of parallel Sier-
xas, but the Indian shook his head
NO" he said: but the best way is
straight for that pass"
He pointed at q distant wedge cut
down between the blue of two ridges.
and scanned the eastern hills intently.
Mem" he cried. suddenly indicat-
ing tho skyline Of the topmost ridge.
Il think they are revoltosos." he added
gravely. They will soon cross your
trail"
mo difference" answered Bud with
smile Il am not afraid-not with
you here. Amigo"
mo. but the woman!" suggested
Amigo. who read no 3ust In his words.
1T is better that yn0 should ride on
and leave me hero
He smiled encourasingly. but wild
Hight was creeping iDts his eyes and
Hooker knew what he meant. He de-
sired to be left alone, to deal with
Del Rey after the sure manner OF the
Yaquis. And yet, why not? Hooker
szxed thoughtfully at the oncoming
rurnles and walked swiftly back to
Gfacia-
This Indian is a friend of mine
no said. "and can trust him. He
snys IT will be better for US to ride
on-and he will take care of the
rurales-~
Take ~sare7" questioned Gracia.
turning pale at peculiar matter-of-
fact tone In his voice.
oure, saiu flooAer' ne Says tNere
are revoltosos ahead. 1t will be bet
ter for you. he says. to ride on"
''Madre de Dios!" breathed Gracia,
clutching at her saddle; and then she
nodded her head weakly.
You better get down for a minute.
suggested Hooker. helping her quick
lU to the ground. Here. drink some
water-you're kinder faint. I'll be
right back-jest want to say good-by.'
He strobe over to where Amigo had
posted himself behind a rock and laid
= hand on his arm.
"Adios, Amigoi" he said, but the