Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1916-01-14

language, changed to the miserable
patois Of the district Hallett picked
out 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 IL 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
sRerez raved. He guessed that he was
t0 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
looked down on we'll titled fields 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?
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 gray man.
tie over the valley. Stars pricked out
in the deep blue of the sky and there
h. toto ~
the little river, the murmuring discon-
tent of the neglected cattle and the
shrill cry of night bird.
After Hallett had eaten sparingly he
went hastily in search of spring, for
the peppery food had augmented his
thirst. He followed a we'll 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 esq" asked girls voice
! sharp with fear.
amigo" returned Ned Hallett quick
~, for weapon in the hands Of a wo-
man always inspired him with respect
"A friend!' she gasped. Il wonder
If it is true?"
"You speak English?" he asked ca
gerly. "Perhaps you are not Mexi-
canY'
''Of course l am an American" re-
turned the girl, peering down at him.
And you-you do not speak like ma
tive"
II am an Amerfcan-OWner of the Ell
Monte mine-captured by rowing
band of insurrectos. l am earning my
release by fulfilling mission for Cap
tain Perez Off,
Perez? The little snake! Can l
trust you?" she asked in an anguished
tone.
"As you would YOURSELF" returned
Ned sincerely.
II am all alone here" she announced
Captain Perez and his band of scoun-
drels kidnapped me from my fathers
plantation and brought me here, where
ne lett me In charge OF some women
who are related to him. have i'm
prisoned three Of the women In cellar
Of the house, and the fourth one has
Just eluded me and know has gone to
report my characterization to Perez: l
dare not go alone into this unfriendly
country. So far have protected my
self and won N.Y. way. with my guns.
am a dead shot at long range, and the
women were towards. Tell me, amigo"
she cried piteously, what am to do?"
Hallett took her trembling hand in
his, and she did not withdraw it. but
with feminine inconsistency she still
held the revolver against his temple.
'Cheer up said Ned practically.
I'VE will take horses and get away
from here at once. Pack up some food,
enough for couple of days. and 1 will
get the horses ready