The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1914-12-10
A Stirring Story of the
Mexican Revolution
,copvrish,. MA B, Franz A. MunseyJ
way down 10 the traa.

way down 70 the trail.
The first fires we're far ahead, but
they proceeded at a walk, their horses
feet falling silently upon the solder
ground. Not word was spoken and
they halted often to listen, for others
too. might be abroad. The distant
fires were dying now. except a few
where men rose to feed them.
The braying Of burros came in from
the flats TO the right and as the fugi
lives drew near the first encampment
, they could hear the voices OF the night
guards as they rode about the horse
herd. Then. as they waited impatient.
ly, the watch-flres died down, the
guards no longer sang their high fal
setto, and even the burros we're still.
This was their opportunity. II they
were to get through that line OF sleep
Ing men 1t must be done by stealth.
Should they be discovered II would
mean one man against an army to
protect the woman. and the odds, great
as they were. must be taken II need
be.
II was approaching the hour OF mid
night. and as their horses twitched res
lively at the bits they gave them the
rein and rode ahead at venture.
At their left the last embers OF the
fires revealed the sleeping forms OF
men; to their right, somewhere in the
darkness, was the night herd and the
herders. They lay low on their horses
necks, not to cast a silhouette against
the sky, and let Copper Bottom pick
the trail.
With ears that pricked and swiveled,
and delicate nostrils spuffing the Mex
lean faint he plodded along through
the greasewood. divining by some in
stinct his masters need OF care. The
camp was almost behind them. and
Bud had Strengthened up in the sad
die. when suddenly the watchful Cop
per Bottom jumped and a man rose up
from the ground.
who goes there" he mumbled,
swaying sleepily above his gun. and
Hooker refined his horse away before
he gave him an answer.
None OF your business" he growled
impatiently. Il am going to the pass"
And as the sentry stared stupidity after
him he rode on through the bushes.
neither hurrying nor hating until he
gained the trail
Good luck!" he observed to Gracia,
when the camp was far behind. He
took me for an officer and never saw
you at ALL"
No. fiattened myself on my pony"
answered Gracia with a laugh. He
thought you were leading pack
horse"
Good" chuckled Hooker; you did
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 well soon be climbing the
pass"
They had passed through some per
ilous moments, but Gracia had hardly
the danger because OF the as
surance of Hooker. who was careful
not to Brighten her unnecessarily But
II 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. and
then 1t disappeared again as they rode
into the gloomy shadows OF the can.
yon. For an hour or two they plodded
slowly upward, passing through mar
row defles and into moonlit spaces,
and still they did not mount the sum.
NIT
In the east the dawn began to break
and they spurred on in almost panic |
The Mexican paisanos count them
selves late IL they do not take the trail
At sunup-what II they should meet
some struggling party before they |
reached the pass.
Bud jumped Copper Bottom up a
'eries OF cat steps; Gracia's roam came
behind; and then. Just as
he boxed walls ended and they gained |
! level spot. they suddenly found them
ielves in the midst Of camp OF Mex
saddles. packs. and rifles.
III scattered at their feet.
"Buenos dias!" saluted Bud, as the
men rose up from their
blankets. Excuse me, amigos. I am
n a burry!"
"A donde va? A donde va?" chal
enged bearded man as he sprang up
rom his brush shelter.
ITO the pass, senor," answered Hook.
n, still politely. but motioning for
iracia to ride on ahead. "Adiosi"
Who is that man?" beloved the
,earded leader. turning turiously upon
lis followers. Where is my senti
lel? Stop him!"
But II was too late to stop him. Bud
aid his quirt across the rump OF the
oan and spurred forward In a dash for
over. They whisked around the point
Il a hill as the first scattered shots
ang out; and, as a frightened sentinel
umped up in their path Bud rode him
Town. The man dropped his gun to
.scape the fury OF the charge and In
! mad clatter they flung themselves
It a rock-slide and scrambled TO the
bench above The path was rocky.
,ut they pressed forward at a gallop
NTH. as the sun came up, they beheld
he summit OF the pass.