The Green Forest tribune., 1915-07-02
Copyright. 1915, by Otis D. Wood0

who noticed at all, merely laughed at the girls futile struggles. loses arm was already raised with the knife in hls hand, when sudden blow brought yell of pain to his lips. The knife Tell clattering to the floor. He sprang up, his eyes red with fury. A man had entered the door from behind and was standing within a few feet or him, man with long, pale face, dark eyes, travel-stained. and with the air of fugitive. A flood of incoherent abuse streamed from Jose's lips. He stopped for the knife. Marta threw herself upon him. The two cowboys who had been dancing suddenly inter- yened The girl screamed.
 Tt was loses fault" she cried. Jose was mad. He would have killed mel"
 Craig faced them all with sudden courage.
 AS l came in," he explained, that man had his knife raised to stab the girl. You don't allow that sort VI ehiuS, uo yOu, u6Ie!
 The two cowboys linked their arms through Jose's and led him off toward the door.
 The strangers right, Jose" one of them insisted. You cant carve a girl up in company"
 The girl clutched at Craig's arm.
 Sit down here please she begged. "Wait."
 She disappeared for moment and came back with a glass full of wine, which she set down on the table.
 Drink this,1 she invited. And thank you for saving me"
 Craig emptied the glass eagerly
 T just happened to be the first to see him. he said. They aren't quite wild enough to allow that here, are they?"
 "Quien sabe? The girls do not like me! The men do not care," she de- clared. "Jose took me by surprise, though, or { would have killed him. But who are you, and where did you come from?'
 q have just crossed the border, he replied.
 She nodded understandingly.
 Were they after you?"
 "Yes! with warrant for my ar rest!"
 She patted his hand
 You are safe noW," she whispered. We care that much for 8 United States warrant" and she snapped her slim fingers. You shall stay with us for a time. We will take care of you. "
 He sighed wearily.
 +
 Back in the camp, spirit of devllry had entered into Long Jim and his mates. A tactless remark on the part of one of the deputies had set alight the smoldering fire of resentment which the cowboys had all the time felt against them. At word from Long Jim they were taken by surprise and tied to the wagon.
 The deputies spluttered with rage and fear Shot rained about them and the canvas of the wagon was riddled.
 Suddenly they all paused to listen. The sound of a horses slow footfall was heard close at hand. Presently Quest appeared out of the shadows, carrying Lenora in his arms. Laura rushed forward
 "Ienora!" she cried 'Ts she hurt?,
 Quest laid her tenderly upon the ground.
 "We had a spill at the bridge he explained, quickly. T don't know whether Craig loosened the supports. He got over all right, but it went down under Lenora, who was following, and I had to get her out Of the rlVer' Where's the professor?'
 The professor came ambling from the tent where he had been lying. lie stooped at once over Lenora's still un- conscious form.
 Dear mel" he exclaimed. Dear me! Come, come!"
 He passed his hand over her side and made a brief examination
 -Four ribs broken" he pronounced. Tt will be a week, at any rate, before we are able to move her. Nothing more serious, so far as l can see, MT. Quest, but she'll need rest and all the comfort we can give her"
 Say, that's too bad!" Long Jim de- clared. If you've got to stay around for time, though, you can have the tents. We boys can double up any where, or bunk on the ground. That's right, aint it?" he added, turning around to the cowboys.
 There was little grunt of acquies- cence. They carried Lenora to the largest of the tents and made her as comfortable as possible.
 CHAPTER xxx.