Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1915-08-27

o-l6HCe lOlIOW6Q. lneH Cdne d
c!at;er of shoes on the stones. Who
is that?" asked Amory sharply while
the women held breath
"Adios, senor!" shrilled Martas
voice, and they knew that she was
fleeing with the faithful Pedro
Barbara had joined her uncle and
aunt and the three stood in little
group at the edge of the veranda. A
dim light from the hall showed them
stanling in stiff opposition to the bur-
ly young mine owner who had been
their enemy.
Suddenly something flashed in the
lamplight and the Amorys WINGED to
find themselves staring into a pair
of long, blue-nosed guns held in the
muscular hands of Mr. Gordon Camp
bell.
Hands up" he ordered sharply,
land, believe me, mean every word
of it," he snapped When they had
obeyed dazedly, Amory nylttering
threats of vengeance, Campbell con-
tinued: Mrs. Amory and Miss Dare,
you will please walk down and get
into the car. You, Mr.. Amory, will
hand over any guns you may have
thanks. Now, Amory, just hustle
those bundles into the tonneau and
take your seat beside me. Got any
cats and dogs you want along-no?
Well here's hoping you come back
again some day" The machine trem-
bled and then shot forward into the
night Daniel Amory grumbling at the
bonds Campbell had knotted about his
wrists.
AS they swept into the highway
there came a rush of hoofs from the
east and the moonshine glittered on
the meager accouterments of the at,
| lacking cavalry. There was a roar of
anger from the Mexicans as the ma.
chine and its occupants disappeared
around bend in the road, and there
followed a clatter of hoofs and rat.
Ting volleys of musketry.
Just in time" admitted Daniel Am.
DRY sheepishly.
Campbell said nothing
Barbara, holding her frightened
aunt in her strong, young arms, fel,
that she hated Gordon Campbell for
the high-handed manner in which he
had saved their lives.
Campbell stopped the car and got
out and lighted the big searchlight al
the front. Then in broad, triangular
path of white light they went dowr
the hill
There they could see the bridge still
stretching it's wooden spans across
the black gorge.
Thank Cod" Campbell muttered
and his three captives, knowing thai
a grave danger had been averted. fell
a sudden revulsion of feeling toward
Gordon Campbell. AS they rounded
the shoulder of hill glare of ligh
from above showed them that theil
home was in flames and their depart
ture had been none too soon.
Across the bridge that swayed un
der the weight Of the heavy car ant
then on to solid ground again, they
turned west and mile after mile
curled from under the tires until a
last they could smell the salt savol
of the Pacific.
Just as dawn was breaking behint
them Campbell turned in his seat anC
with flash of his penknife severed
Amorys bonds.
I'm sorry that it was necessary
Amory," he said brusquely. "Now
perhaps the ladies would like refresh
ments; you will find food in the luncl
hamper on the left side-and hot AM
cold drinks in the thermos bottles.
AmOry opened the lunch hampe
and supplied the wants of his wife ant
niece. He passed several sandwiche
and a cup of coffee to his captor, bu
took nothing himself He was feelinl
nightly ashamed of himself and tn,
part he had played
When they reached a rise of grounC
that showed the blue ocean sparkling
in the sunshine, while the whit,
walls Of peaceful town slumbereC
at its edge, Gordon turned his gra!
eyes on Daniel Amory.
Below us is little town of SAINT;
Ana. You will see three ships in thu
harbor flying the Star and Stripes
We will be safe aboard in half al
hour"
you are going, too?"
Campbell shook his head I'm go
ing back for a few days to finish III
my affairs" He threw in the clutcl
and the car started on its final lap o
the journey.
At last came the moment to sa!
farewell to Campbell The TIVE
Amorys were loud in their gratitude
II am ashamed" murmured Bar
bara Dare. looking adorable in he
humility. "If you can ever forgive
our stupidity, l hope you will com,
and see us and let us thank yol
again"
you are very good. said Camp
bell gravely. I'll come with pleas
ure. There's something | shall asl
of you, Miss Dare"
Barbara hung her head under tht
masterful look in his eyes and hel
heart was beating tumultuously She
knew very well when that time ar
rived she would go forth with hin
the happiest and most docile captive
IN the world.
Copyright 1slS, by the. Mcclure Nswspa,