Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1915-09-22

patois of the district. Hallett picked
out a familiar word here and there
and cleaned enough to understand that
he was to be followed to the hiding
place of the Red Flower and if he failed
to bring the desired blossom to Perez
he was to be assassinated in cold blood.
He smiled bitterly as he awaited the
completion Of their plans. Unarmed
he would stand little chance of coming
out alive after gaining possession of
the mysterious Red Flower of which
Perez raved. He guessed that he was
to be lured to some lonely spot and
murdered.
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Quien sabe?' he muttered as the
two men appeared to start him on his
journey.
A package Of food was thrust into
! his hands, and he was started on his
way by prick from machete which
was afterward tossed toward him.
''Take it, Senior Americana" called
one of his tormentors. 'You will need
it to cut the Red Flower!"
Rude laughter followed his going
He had picked up the machete because
he knew that he would need it to cut
his way through the underground.
Perez had pointed out the way to the
valley of the Zamora-it lay to the
south and followed the muddy little
river fringed with willows.
By nightfall Ned Hallett had reach
ed the entrance TO the tiny valley. He
1SnlxoI al of
cane and cotton, on red rooted adobe
houses and barns and all the homely
| sights and sounds Of farm life.
What place was this to which Perez
had sent him in quest Of the mysteri-
Gus Red Flower? -.:sa :;t:. a;*s:,
He looked again and noted that the
houses were closely shattered, the cat
| tie fingered disconsolately about the
closed barns, the chickens had wander
! ed unchecked among the fields and
were devastating the crops, the place
looked deserted.
He decided to wait until night had
! fallen before he investigated further
In this valley Of the Red Flower. He
would sleep there and pluck the flower
by daylight.
| The night fell softly like a gray man
tie over the valley. Stars pricked out
in the deep blue of the sky and there
was no sound save the distant flow Of
the little river, the murmuring discon-
tent of the neglected cattle and the
shrill cry. of q night bird.
! After Hal1ett had eaten sparingly he
went hastily in search of a spring, for
the peppery food had augmented his
thirst. He followed a well defined
trail down to the valley and presently
found himself standing outside the
principal door of the largest house. AT
his approach the denizens of the barn
yard broke into clamOr Of greeting.
While he hesitated on the doorstep
the door was flung open, and the cold
muzzle Of a revolver was pressed
against his temple.
"Quien esp asked a girls voice
sharp with fear.
"Amigo," returned Ned Hallett quick
ly, for a weapon in the hands Of a wo
man always inspired him with respect
ga friend!' she gasped. 81 wonder
if it is true?'
you speak English?" he asked ca
gerly. perhaps you are not MeXi
camp
''Of course I am an American" re
turned the girl, peering down at him
and you-you do not speak like a ma
tive"
81 am an American-owner of the E
Monte mine-captured by a rowing
band of insurrectos. l am earning my
release by fulfilling mission for Cap
tain Perez off,
Perez? The little snake! Can
trust you?' she asked in an anguishet
tone.
LAS you would yourself" returned
Ned sincerely.
Il am all alone here" she announced
Captain Perez and his band of scoun
drels kidnapped me from my father
plantation and brought me here, Wher
he left me in charge of some womel
who are related to him. l have i'm
prisOned three Of the women in a celia
of the house, and the fourth one ha
just eluded me and l know has gone t.
report my INSTRUMENTATION to Perez.
dare not go alone into this unfriendl.
country. SO far 1 have protected my
self and won my way with my guns.
am dead shot at long range, and tn
women were towards. Tell me, amigo,
she cried piteously, what am to do?
Hallett took her trembling hand il
his, and she did not withdraw it, blu
with feminine inconsistency she sti]
held the revolver against his temple.
Cheer up said Ned practically
1--WE will take horses and get ava
from here at once. Pack up some fooG
enough for a couple of days, and I wi
get the horses ready"
THANK God for your help!'' cried th
girl brokenly, as she lowered tn
weapon and turned away. "But Nj
HaIlett, how about your mission fo