The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1915-06-16
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Copyright 1915. by Otis F. WOODY

common and those or the company
who noticed at all, merely laughed at
the girls futile struggles. Jose's arm
was already raised with the knife in
his hand, when sudden blow brought
yell of pain to his lips. The knife
fell Gathering 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
of him, man with long, pale face,
dark eyes, travelstained, 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
vened. The girl screamed.
1T was JOse's fault" she cried.
Jose was mad. He would have killed
mel"
Craig faced them all with sudden
courage
las I came in," he explained,
that man had his knife raised to stab
the girl. You don't allow that sort
of thing, do you, here?"
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 can't carve a girl
up in company"
The girl clutched at Craig's arm
"Sit down here, please" she begged.
Wait"
She disappeared for a moment and
came back with a glass full OF wine,
which she set down On the table.
Drink this" she invited. And
thank you for saving me-"
Craig emptied the glass eagerly.
Il 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-
c1ared. Jose took me by surprise,
though, or { would have killed him.
But who are you, and where did you
come from?"
Il have just crossed the border" he
replied.
She nodded Understandings
Were they after your
"Yes, with a warrant for my ar.
rest!"
She patted his hand.
you are safe now" she whispered.
1--WE care that much for a United
States warrant" and she snapped her
slim fingers. You shall stay with US
for time. We will take care of you"
He sighed YEARLY.
Back in the camp, spirit of devilry
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 a 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 football
was heard close at hand. Presently
Quest appeared out of the shadows,
carrying Lenora in his arms. Laura
rushed forward
'Lenora!" she cried. us she hurt?
Quest laid her tenderly upon the
ground.
I'VE had spill at the bridge" he
explained, quickly. Il don't know
whether Craig loosened the supports.
He got over all right, but it went down
under Lenora, who was following, and
l had to get her out of the river.
Where's the professor"
The professor came ambling from
the tent where he had been lying. He
stopped at once over Lenora's still un-
conscious form.
Dear mel" he exclaimed. Dear
me! Come, comet"
He passed his hand over her side
and made brief examination.
-Four ribs broken" he pronounced.
1T will be week, at any rate, before
we are able to move her. Nothing
more serious, so far as | can see, Mr..
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 hOyS can d0uhla IN any,
where, or bunk on the ground That's
right, amt 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.
Sag