Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-10-09
Heart Of the Sunset
"""' "' By Rex Beach "- .

her prisoner were on their feet. the woman
shaking in every limb. the Mexican strain.
ing his eyes into the gloom and listening
intcntly.
soon there came q further echo Of dry
earth and gravel dislodged. but whether ny
Laws horse or by that Of Sanchez was un-
certain Perhaps both men had Esined the
mesa.
II had all happened 30 quickly and -
unexpectedly uhat Alaire felt she must be
dreaming. or that there had been some
idiotc mistake She wondered " the RAN
gers sudden charge had not simply fright
ened pRNliio into a pautclSy night ana uhe
tried 10 put her thoughts into words tho
Mexican would understand but his answer
was unlnteiiigible. His black sco~1. how
ever. was eloquent Of uncertainty ana np-
prehension.
Aiaire had bogun 20 feel the strain Of the
situation and was trying 10 decide what
next TO do. when David Law came riding
out OF the twilight He was astrlde the
Beasie Bell. and her saddle was empty.
AIRS. Austin uttered a sharp cry
Law disu,ounted and strode 20 the pris-
oner. His face was black with fury; he
seemed gigantic In his race. Without n
word be raised his right hand and cuhed
the Mexican to his inees Then he leaped
upon him. as dog might pounce upon a
the fellows arms into the small OF his
back. Ante cursed. he struggled. but he
was like child in the Rangers grasp.
Law kneit upon him. and with n jerk OF
his RATA secured the fellows wrists rising.
he set the knot with another heave that
dragged the prisoner TO his knees. Next
he booted Anto to his feet.
by God I've notion to bend gun
over your head" Law growled. Clever
little game. wasn't it?"
where? Did you--kiu him?" the
woman gasped.
Alaire had never beheld such n demonlac
expression as Law turned upon her The
mans face was contorted, his eyes were
blazing insaney his chest was henving.
and for an instant he seemed to include
her In his anger. Ignoring her inquiry. he
went GO his mare and ran his shaking hands
over her as IL In search OF an injury: his
aueSting palms covered every inch OF giis-
tening hide from forelock 20 withers. from
shoulder TO hoof. and under cover of this
task he regained In some degree his self
control
THAT hombre Of yours-didn't look right
20 me- he said, finally. Laying his cheek
against Bessie Bellies neck as n woman
snuggles close to the man OF her choice.
he addressed the mare: Il reckon nobody
is going to steal you. Ell? Not Il know
IT No, sir: that hombre wasn't any good.
Alaire wet her lips. 'rhen you--shot
himP"
Law laughed grimiy, almost mocldnsiy.
Say! He must be n favorlte of yours?"
'N--no hardly knew the fellow. But
did your"
II didn't say / shot hin," he told her.
grufiy, Il warned him FIRST, and he turned
on me-blew smoke In my face. Then he
took TO the brush, afoot. and--I cut down
ON him once more to help him along"
He got away7"
II reckon So"
%oh. Oh 20 Aiaire's tone left no doubt OF
her relief. He was always a good man"
Good? Didn't he steal my horse
Didn't he aim TO get me at the frst chance
and free his compadre? That's why he
wanted his Winchester. Say! reckon he
needs KILN about as much as anybody
l know"
II can't understand It," Aiaire sat down
weakly zone OF my men. too
This fellow behaved himself while was
gone. eh?" Law jerked his head In Anto's
direction. II was afraid he---he'd try some
thing If he had" Such a possibility.
oddly enough, seemed to choke the speaker,
and the fenocity OF bis unfinished threat
caused Mrs. Austin to look up at him
curiously. There was n moment OF silence.
then he said. shortly: well. we've got a
horse apiece now. Let's go"
The stars had thlckened and frightened
rounding the night sky into a glittering
dome. Anto, the murderer. with his ankles
lashed beneath his horses belly, rode first /:
next. In sulien silence. came the Ranger
his chin upon his breast and in the rear
followed Aiaire Austin.
In spite of her release from a trying
predicament, the woman was scarcely more
eager to go home than was the prisoner
for while Anto's trail led to jail hers
led to Las Palnas. and there was little
difference. These last two days in the
open had been like glimpse of freedom !;
fo4 time Alaire had almost lost the taste
OF bitter memories. 1t had required an
effort OF will to drug remembrance but
she had succeeded, and had proved her
ability TO forget. But now-Las Palmas |
IL meant the usual thing. the same endless
hattie between her duty and her desire.
She was tired OF the fight that resulted
nsither In victory nor defeat: she longed
now. more than ever, to give up and let
things take their course. Why could not
women. as well as men. yield 70 their
inelinations---drift with the current instead
OF breasting Il until they were exhausteds
There was David Law. for instance; he
was utterly carefree, duties shackled
hun. He had his horse, his gun and his
blanket. and they were enough. Aiaire
like him. was young. her mind was eager,
her body ripe and her veins full OF FIRE.
Life must be sweet TO those wha were
free and happy.
But the object OF her envy was not 40