The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-09-24
THIRTEENTH lNSTALLMENT
TONGUES OF FLAME.
CHAPTER XVIII.

From the shadows of the trees on
the farther side of the river, Craig
with strained eyes watched Quests
struggle. He saw him reach Lenora,
watched him struggle to the bank |
with her, waited until he had lifted |
her on to his horse. Then he turned |
slowly around and faced the one coun- |
try in the world where freedom was |
still possible for him. He looked into |
the wall of darkness, penetrated only |
at one spot by a little blaze of light.
Slowly, with his arm through the
bride of his horse, he limped towards
1t AS he drew nearer and discovered
its source, he hesitated The light
came through the uncurtained win
dows of saloon, three long, yellow
shafts Illuminating the stunted
shrubs and sandy places. Craig kept
In the shadow between them and
drew little nearer. From inside he
could hear the humping of a worn
piano, the twanging of a guitar, the
rattle of glasses, the uproarious shout
ing of men, the shrill laughter of
women. The tired men and the lame
horse stole reluctantly little nearer.
Craig listened once more YEARLY. Tt
was home he longed for so much
and rest. The very thought of the
place sickened him. Even when he
reached the door, he hesitated and in
stead of entering stood back amongst
the shadows. If only he could find
any other sort of shelter!
Inside, the scene was ordinary
enough. There was long bar, against
which were lounging half a dozen
typical Mexican cowpunchers. There
was small space cleared for dancing,
at the farther end of which two per-
formers were making weird but We
hement music. Three girls we're dane
ing with cowboys, not ungracefully
considering the state of the floor and
the frequent discords in the music
One of them-the prettiest-stopped
abruptly and pushed her partner away
from her.
"You have drunk too much, JOSEF!
she exclaimed. "You cannot dance.
You tread on my feet and you lean
against me l do not like it. will
dance with you another night when
you are sober Go away, please"
Her cavalier swayed for moment
on his feet Then he looked down
upon her with an evil glitter in his
eyes. He was tall and thin, with a
black mustache and yellow, unpleas-
ant looking teeth.
so you will not dance any longer
with JOSEF" he muttered. Very well
you shall drink with him, then We
will sit together at one of those little
tables. Listen, you shall drink wine
81 do not want to drink wine with
you. All that l wish is to be left
alone,' the girl insisted, CURLY. &C
and play cards, If you want to- There
Is Pietro over there. and Diego. Per
haps you may win some money. they
saw that drunkards have all the luck
Jose leered at her.
presently l will play cards" ht
said. Presently I will win all theil
money and will buy jewelry for you
Marta-stones that look like diamond
and will sparkle in your neck ana II
your hair.
She turned disdainfully away.
81 do not want your jewelry, Jose,
she declared.
He caught her suddenly by tn
wrist.
perhaps this is what you want,
he cried, as he stopped down to kis
her.
she swung her right hand roun
and struck him on the face. He stas
vered back for a moment There wa
red flush which showed through IN
tan of his cheek. Then he drew a Ii
tie nearer to her, and before she coul
escape had passed his long arr
around her body. He drew her to tn
chair placed by the side of the wal
His left hand played with the knit
at his belt. ;.
Marta, little sweetheart" he san
mockingly. you must pay for ths
blow. Don't be afraid" he went OF
as he drew the knife across his leatl
or breeches. "a little scratch acros
your cheek, so. 1t is but the bran
Of your master love token frol
lose. Steady, now, little Maverick
The girl struggled violently, b'
lose was strong, rich brawls wei