The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-12-22

slit Slftht.
Don't novel" she began. "Stay
right where you arel"
But, Manuel was not prepared for
such reception, and ii ANNOYED him
Immensely. He had come on very
serious mission this time, and to have
his wife stick gun under his nose
before he had time to explain, was
indeed Irritating.
II have come to offer you freedom.
ne began as he started towards her.
what's the price?' she inquired.
Il cannot talk to you If you are 60
Ing TO Keep that ugly-looking gun
pointed at me all the time" said Man
uel.
1T is too bad that you are the type
of man that has to be treated like
that" remarked Liberty.
Just then something outside the win
dow attracted Liberty's attention. and
she lowered her arm. 1t was only for
an instant, but long enough to give
the shrewd Manuel an opportunity to
snatch the gun out of her hand and
throw it out of the window.
"Now then, I'm going to prove to
you | am not as cruel as you think
am he remarked as he stood in front
of her.
Nothing could convince me of that
but a message from heaven" replied
Liberty.
Now, listen to me-" began Manuel.
You cannot play with me any longer.
You are my wife. Whether you think
so, or not, 1t doesn't make any differ
ence In the eyes of the law. | know
you hate me. but, you hate me be-
cause am Mexican. You do not like
them; you never did, even when you
were little girl. l hate them myself
Yes, l know you are wondering why
| say that. / will tell you. | lived
most of my younger days across the
border; over there in that land, some
people call Gods country. was
summed by the American boys, when
my father sent me there to school.
They called me greaser, and said
there wasn't any decent Mexicans;
that we were all bad.
Il was a good boy then, and it hurt
me to have my people spoken of in
such a way. Later, when l entered col
lege / found my seat at the rear of
the classroom. l was seldom invited
to any of the social functions, and,
though l qualified for the track teams
and other athletics, they never let me
in. My college life was made miser-
able because of these things. which
caused me great embarrassment and
made me gradually learn to hate not
only America, but my own country,
too"
THAT is a poor excuse for becom-
ing an outlaw" interrupted Liberty
who had been listening attentiyely TO
every word.
1T has never occurred to you" re-
turned Manuel. IF it did, you might
feel different about it. There are
many people who think that every
Mexican is bad and not to be trusted.
They think he lives on chile con carne
and steals all he gets. Well, If he has
that kind of reputation, the best
thlng for him to do is live up to 1t.
| am not a bandit, nor bad man.
Lopez gave me an opportunity to join
his forces, and, If 1 refused l was to
De taken out and shot. Life, under
any conditions, is much pleasanter
than death. That is why l decided to
become his lieutenant. But, now | am
through, and If you will come with me
L Will help you to escape. We will
cross the border and go up north,
where we will be safe from these fell
lows"
You do not love me, Manuel" re-
piled Liberty. Love does not ap-
prove of the things you have done.
Love guards and protects. You do not
Know what real love is, and l cannot
permit you to speak of it to me: es-
specially in a place like this. If you
loved me you would not hold a condi-
ton over my head. You would free me
even II it requested your life."
IF l did that l would never see
you again." argued Manuel. 81 have
aided in keeping you a prisoner be-
cause wanted you near me. l wanted
to see you, even if l could not be per-
to have you for my own" And
he moved slowly towards her, his gaze
riyeted on her countenance. She
seemed to look more beautiful TO him
tonight. Liberty had listened to his
words, which interested her. Had she
not known him so well she might have
believed what he said, but she was
dlstrustful. Manuel Leon was not the
sort OF man that women love; Meth |
er was he capable of loving any wom-
an. lie was cruel and selfish. His |
every movement showed this, and his |
eyes revealed it.
She stood with her back against the |
wall OF the hut, staring into the face |
Of the man whom she had married. |
The rays of the moon shone through |
The little window and fell across his |
face; a face that was sensuous and |
revealed the evil in his
soul.
For moment he stood, silently star