The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-12-09


form OF nm officer I'm the United
States Army. Looking at him Steve
thought he had never seen a finer
figure Of man.
From tho other end OF tho line
there rose a shout:
viva GonzaleAl Viva Gonzales'"
For once tho general was In full
uniform. lie had evidently Just
passed thru the hands OF n barber.
lie was smiling broadly as he
bowed 10 the plaudits OF his men.
Then he turned and Steve
caught sight OF the bride. AZ they
moved closer he made out that she
was trembling violently.
Behind them walked Culvera and
the other officers OF the army.
They. too. were dressed as for an
occasion.
From out OF the line along which
tho procession passed man
stepped. II was Adam Holcomb.
He stood directly in front Of Con
zaies and his bride.
This wedding doesn't go on I'M
al I hear from the girl that she
Is willing" he announced TO Con
zalsH.
Ruth tried TO run forward to
him, but the Mexican's grip tight
ened on her wrist.
Save mel" abe cried.
Il will"
Arrest that man" cried the gen
erai sharply. at the same moment
reaching for his revolver and push
Ing Ruth from him into the crowd.
Here's where 40 on a long
Journey" cried the Texan. with the
whoop OF his cattle-days.
lie dragged out an army -. At
the same instant he and Gonzales
fired. The Mexican clutched at his
heart and swayed down into the
crowd. Holcomb staggered. but re-
covered himself. lie folded his
arm and looked toward the othes
officers.
Ramon was the first 10 fire. The
others. too. crowded forward and
poured bullets into the straight.
erect figure. The Texan gave a
sobbing sigh and fell dead.
Tho suddenness OF the tragedy,
it's unerpectedness. held the crowd
with suspended breath. What was
to follow? Was this the beginning
OF a MASSACRE Each man looked
al his neighbor. Another moment
might bring forth anything.
Ramon Culyefa swung TO the sad
die OF horse standing near so that
he could be seen by everybody.
Brothers OF the legionl Let none
become excited. | have killed the
traitor who shot our beloved leader.
Gabriel Gonzales IL dead, but our
country lives. viva MexIeo!"
VIVA Mexico, Viva Culveral"
Calverta took instant command.
lie auelled the excitement OF the
soldiers by giving them something
10 DO. The body OF the dead gen.
erai was carried TO his house. whore
the doctors were hurried at once.
Tho Americans were thrown back
into prison and largo guard set
over them.
Tho other officers accepted the
leadership OF Culvera without ques-
ton. He was more popular than
Gonzales. II had been his object TO
make friends against the possibility
OF just such an emergency.
Al the instigation OF Ramon. o
council was held within the hour.
at which he was duly elected gen
erai.in-chief Of the Northern Legion.
Meanwhile the prisoners had an
anxious time OF It. They feared
the worst. Even Yeager could find
little hope in the situation.
Nobody came near them until
afternoon. About two O'Clock a
sergeant with a file Of soldiers
came for them.
Where are you taking u.s."
asked Farrar.
ITO tho general" answered the
noncom. brusquely.
Culvera received them. He
bowed politely to each one In turn.
He hoped the wounded leg OF
Senior Yeager was not troubling
him greatly. Each OF them was
urged 10 take a seat.
Watching him closely. Yeager
wondered what this unexpected at
tention implied.
Are you ready to take q long
| journey. gentlemen" the new gen
erai asked. smiling hlandly.
What Journey The same one
that Holcomb took" asked the
range-rider hluntly.
Culvera showed a face OF panied
surprise.
mo. indeed, Am barbarian?
Do you think me another Gonzales.
gentlemen"
Where. them"
Across the line--to Los Robes
or Arixico--whereve you choose. I"
Il expect my friends would like
to 20 fine" replied Yeager dryly.
What are the terms?"
There are none"
Still Steve doubted.
Lets understand this. general.
Are my friends free to walk out of
that door and keep going till they
get homer"
Ramon waved his hand in a
large, inclusive gesture.
Free as the air, Not only they.
but you, too. Yet ! hoped for the
pleasure of dining with you before
you CO.
we can all three go--now--any
time we like?" Farrar asked.
"All four. you mean. Frank"
Yeager looked very steadily at
Culvera. His eyes were like
swords. but he spoke quite gently
The Mexican bowed.