Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-07-29
FREE YET CAPTIVE
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.

5i1iAll MI Il j!
1t had been miserable dinner-the
fricassee had been overpeppered, the
sweet potatoes had been burned in the
baking and the dessert had been a
grotesque assemblage of half-stewed
fruits.
Mr.. Amory pushed aside his plate
in disgust and touched his lips to
the coffee.
Mud" he muttered, tragically.
Il am afraid that Marta Is obsessed
by the general uneasness," fluttered
his gentle little wife. when Pedro
company of rebels was on the way
to attack the mines, and the woman
is terrified
"As we all are" frankly admitted
their niece, Barbara Dare. Haven't
we been sleeping with one eye open
at least | have-and when | heard
that Villas army was on the way to
San Vados. my heart actually turned
completely over!"
Mr.. Amory laughed.
"Fie Bobs! And I've been count
ing on you as my right-hand man II
they attack the mine"
Barbara colored beautifully and her
eyes flashed.
"Oh, Uncle Dan, Of course If 1t came
down to actual defense of our lives,
every bit of fear would leave me at
once"
We'll, for my part, I'd rather take
good advice and leave San Vados
while there is time to do it grace
fully. Mr., Ritch says when the crit
ical moment comes we must drop
everything and fly in the motor that
he will send from town. How / hate
this Mexico," Mrs Amory arose and
clumsy-foot Marta came In to re-
move the cloth.
In the veranda of the adobe house
the three sat and watched the stars
They were very silent; perhaps each
one was Weighing the gravity Of the
situation that confronted them after
many months of false alarms.
Suddenly out of the silence there
came the distant purr OF a motor
coming over the Ledro bridge,
Amory tossed his cigar over the
railing and rose to his tall height.
Il rather think that's Ritch's auto
mobile" he said.
you won't go, Uncle DAM asked
Barbara eagerly.
"Of course, we will go, Bobs,' in
terrupted her aunt's voice sharply.
You should be thankful that Mr..
Ritch has provided a means for us
to reach the coast and take ship to
San Diego. I'm going to get my
things-Ive had them packed for
three weeks-and you had better get
together anything you especially
treasure We shall never see Mexico
again, if have my way"
"Are you really going, Uncle Ean?"
urged Barbara. "Of course. | know
that you've had everything closed up
at the mines and-oh, here he
comes" she sighed impatiently. Ills
lights are out, too
Something black loomed out of the
darkness of the drive and a large
motor car halted at the steps. A man
alighted and came onto the veranda.
"Mr. AmOry?" he asked in a crisp,
authoritative tone.
Yes"
"Mr. Ritch asked me to take your
people to the coast. The Ritchs have
barely escaped with their lives and
Mr.. Ritch is slightly wounded. They're
halfway to the coast now. I think
we can oyertake them If we hurry"
I'VE had about decided to stay and
fight it out" hesitated Mr.. Amory
Fight it out with what?" demand
ed the other. '1ow many men can
you depend on? Ritch thought he
could depend on 200 and every blamed
greaser Joined the rebel forces and
chased him off his own plantation. l
believe in going while the going's
gocd!"
That's excellent advice Mr.. -.
BY Joye, | ought to know you, your
voice is familiar" apologized Amory.
"My name is Campbell. You may
remember me as your nearest neigh
Dor on the south-owner of the Cac-
tus mine-and sort Of fee. suppose"
he laughed ruefully.
anpbell-Campbell, of the Gao
tus mine-why we can't be under OBJ
legations to you!" chortled Amory
with his customary hot temper.
"Ycu dent mean to say that you'd
let the mere matter Of a lost lawsuit
stand between you and the lives Of
your family?" asked the other in
credulously.
perhaps Mr.. Amory's family would
prefer to lose their lives than to hold
them under obligation to Mr.. Gordon
Campbell." interpolated Barbara
warmly. 81 would rather remain here,
Uncle Dan," she said firmly.
Mrs. Amory fluttered onto the veran-
da her arms full of bundles. I'm just
in time" she gasped. "Oh, is 1t Mr..
Ritchs chauffeur-no?" AS the young
man took the bags from her grasp.
at is Mr. Gordon Campbell, of the
Cactus mine" said Amory grimly. HE
has come to convey us to the coast.
my dear. Bobs and prefer to re.
main here. How about you, Sally?"
Mrs. Amory, recollecting the bit
terness that had followed Campbelrs
winning CT the long contested law
suit, stified her fears and leaned
against her husbands protecting arm,
"Of course my place Is by your side,
Daniel" she whimpered.
Campbell broke the silence that
followed Mrs AInolY's words