The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1915-05-29
TONGUES OF FLAME
CHAPTER XVIII,

CHAPTER XVIII.
From tho a.adows 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 ks horse Then he
turned slowly around and ta~Sd the country
in the world where freedom still possible for
him. He looked into the wall OF darkness pene-
trated only at one spot by little blaze of light
Slowly, with his arm through the bride OF his
horse he limped towards it. AS he drew
sd discovered its source he hesitated. The light
through the uncurtaired windows of sa-
bon. three long, yellow skafts illuminating the
stlnted shrubs and sandy places. Craig kept in
tho shadow between them and drew little nearer.
From inside he could hear the humping of worn
piano. the twanging OF guitar. the rattle OF
glasses, the uproarious shouting Of men, the shrl
laughter of women. The tired men and the lame
horse stole reluctantly little nearer. Craig lis
tened once more YEARLY. 1t was home he longed
for so much-and rest. The very thought of the
place sckened him. Even when he reached the
door, he hesitated and instead Of entering stood
back amongst the shadows. II only he could find
any other sort OF shelter!
Inside, the ordinary enough. There
was long bar against which lounging half
dozen typical Mexican cowpunchers. There was
q small space cleared for dancing at the farther
end Of which two performers making weird
but vehement music. Three girls were dancing
with cowboys, not ungracefully considering the
state OF the floor and the frequent discords in the
music One Of them-the prettiest-stopped
You have drunk too much, JOSEF" she ex
cleaned. You cannot dance. You tread on my
feet and you lean against do not like it.
will dance with you another night when you are
sober. Go away, please
Her cavalier swayed for moment his feet.
Then he looked down upon her with evil glitter
in his eyes He tall and thin with black
mustache and yellow, unpeasant-looking teeth.
80 you will not dance any longer with JOSEF"
ne muttered very WE'LL you shall drink with
him, then. We will sit together at one OF those
little tables Listen you shall drink wine"
Il do not want to drink wine with you All that
wish is to be left alone, the girl insisted, CURLY
go and play cards, II you want to. There is
Pietro there and Diego. Perhaps you may
win some money. They say that drunkards have
all tho luck
Jose leered at her
Presently will play cards." he said. present
ly will win all their money and will buy jewelry
for you Marta-stones that look like diamonds
and will sparkle in your neck and in your hair
She turned disdainfuy away.
II do not want your jewelry, Jose." she de-
c.ared.
He caught her suddenly by the wrist.
Perhaps this is what you want" he cried, as
he stopped down to kiss her.
She swung her right hand round and struck him
on the face. He staggered back for a moment.
There red flush which showed through the
tan OF his check Then he drew little to
her and before she could escape had passed his
long arm around her body. He drew her to the
chair placed by the side OF the wall. His left hand
played with the knife his belt
Marta little sweetheart he aaid mockingly,
you must pay for that blow. Don't be afraid"
he went on he drew the knife his leather
breechcs. "A little scratch across your cheek, so!
1t is but the brand of your master love token
from Jose. Steady now little Maverick"
The girl struggled violently, but Jose
strong: such brawls common and those Of
the company who noticed at ALL merely laughed at
the girls futile struggles Joses 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. had entered the door from
behind and standing within few feet OF him,
a with long. pale face, dark eyes, travel
stained, and with the air of fugitive A flood of
incoherent abuse streamed from Joses lips. He
stopped for the knife. Marta threw herself upon
him. The two cowboys who had been dancing
suddenly interviewed. The girl screamed
1T Jose's fault" she cried Jose mad.
He would have killed me!'
Craig faced them all with sudden courage.
las came in" he explained that man had his
knifo raised to stab the girl. You don't allow that
eort 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 In.
sisted. You cant girl up in company"
The girl clut .hed at Craig's
sit down here. please" she begged. Wait"
She disappeared for u moment and back
with glass full Of wine. which she set down on
the table
Drink this" she invited. Ard thank you for
saving me-"
Craig empticd the glass eagerly.
Il Just happened to be the first to him." he
said They aren't quito wild enough to allow
that here, nrc they"
"Quien sahc: The girls do not like me! Tho
men do not care" she declared Jose took
by surprise though, or I would have killed him.
But who arc you AID where did gov come from?"