The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1916-01-07

"Shes gone agaiu--alone." said Mrs'
Hardin. "she would go. She's so rest
less she couldn't sit still
Neal smiled. lie was not worried
He got n saddle horse and started
of In the direction taken by Annette
Back in the deserted furnished
house. Hernandez still looked about
him.
I'VE can hide here till doomsdaE'
he laughed. running water too LOOK
here. Everything but food-eNory'
thing. Look-yonder on the mahtei-
even pen and ink. This place was
meant for US" He bowed low an
my charming friend Sonorita llihS'
ton" he said TO Annette who had re-
covered consciousness and was star
ing about her in astonishment you
have had long sleep-and pleasant
dreams hope" :,
lie drew down the shades ana
switched on the light.
See" he added. you have slept
till eyeuing-rretty sluggard. And
how is your good health. No bones
broken. That Is we'll.
Annette did not answer Sutdenil
she lcarci to her feet
Joe. she cried, Joe Welcher-you
herce"
Yes. returned Hernandez again
bowing Joe Is here-he has always
been here with Us. Joe IS oai good
friend We owe him much-mnch.
Re turned sneerins smile ON Wei
cher. Annette uttered an exclamation.
Joe-Ioc." she cried. ia it-true
Joe turned away-his chcs; heaying'
his eyes upon the Goor. "Aw' ] N no
good" he muttered.
Never mind. Joe. fair one saiu
Hernandez. taking from his pocket
legal document already carefully pre-
narcd. we have business at hand.
This document-you should really
know what 10 contains. IL Is IN proper
shane. assure you a bit soiled per-
haps. from long disuse in my breast
rocket-bui well Norded. look-it Is
complete. Il Is even acknowledged
before a United states consul In Cen
trail Amerila-acknowlcdged by you.
fair one"
1t is not. snapped Annette.
Fair lnez here went on Herman
dcz. signed &, Annette llins;on-the
consul was quite satisfied that she
was you. But have erased her sig
nature - she lacks the cleyerncss
called forgery. And your signature
may be on record somewhere-who
knows Comparisons are od!ous. Let
Us therefore b. complete. Take in
hand a pen. my pretty. Sign your
Lamc. over this erasure-oppOsite this
seal
IN never sign" returned Annette.
You will sign" Eaid Hernandez
evenly. "aud you will hand over TO US
all the evidence you have upon your
person. Sign"
NO" said Annette.
Well and good" went on Herman
dez In honeyed accents. Beast
hold her frm. Disobey and the lash
for yours" Hernandez took from his
coat pocket a piece Of cord lie tied
the ends together
Despite her struggles he fitted this
noose'like cord over Annette's head
and thrust into IL a piece OF wood.
Then he began to twist.
Tell me when you've had enough
he said.
b Like a stone from a catapult Joe
Welcher hurled himself across the
room and was upon Hernandez In a
flash Under the assault Hernandez
retreated violently 10 the wall. strik-
ing his head against the mantel.
Are you crazy, you-worm!" cried
Hernandez with a snarl.
'I'Ve--turned." snaTled Joe in re-
turn.
Without waiting for breath he flung
himself once more at Hernandez
Help" cried Hernandez. "Inez-
tackle this mosquito"
Inez was a valuable ally. She al.
tackled Joe from the rear. and her as
sault was efectual. Her onslaught
was so severe that II caused Joe to re-
treat. He did retreat until he faced
them both.
'Now." said Hernandez. And both
descended upon him. Joe was ready
FOR them. lie seized chair and
whirled II about his head-frenzy lend
ing him violence and strength.