Western Kansas world., 1917-05-17

though the wiry devil made thrust
after thrust. Finally Rutledge with one
strong blow sent the knife of his op-
ponent flying to the dust. at the same
time almost taking the Mexican off
his feet.
Manuel was now at the mercy of
the Captain. The latter walked over
to where his adversary stood cringing
and trembling with fear. and was
about to run his knife into him. when
spirit Of fair play took possession
of him. He threw his knife away
and went after him with his fists
During the encounter Rutledge
stumbled over a stone and went tum-
bling to the ground. The Mexican.
with fiendisb grin. fell on top OF
him and grabbed him by the throat
With quick jerk. Rutledge managed
to throw him off. and. locked together.
they both went rolling to the edge
of the cliff. For a moment 1t looked
as II both would go tumbling into
the canyon below, but Manuel finally
managed to free himself and endenv-
ored TO force Rutledge over the edge.
But. the Captain grabbed Manuel and
hung suspended in ,nid-air as he en-
deavored to fight his way to the top
again.
At this moment Liberty. who with
Pedro, had made her way to the camp
of the rangers, after eluding Lopez
and his men. saw the two men fight
ing, and. with a shrek Of terror
rushed toward them. closely followed
by the old slave.
As she reached the spot, Rutledge
regained his foothold. Manuel. how
ever was exhausted. The Captain.
realizing this. fought on until he had
the Mexican at his mercy. and then,
picking him mp he lifted him high
above his head and was about to
throw him over the cliff into space
when n shrill cry attracted his at
tentfon.
Bob! Bobi" She ran up to him
and grabbing his arm pleaded for the
fellows life.
"He belongs down there with the
rest of those yellow dogs" said Rut-
ledge, meaning Lopez and his band.
"But. you don't want his blood on
your hands, Bob" she begged. "If he
is what you say. he isn't worth It,"
''We1l. he can thank you for saving
his life" remarked the captain as he
flung the fellow to the ground.
Just then a terrific explosion oc-
Cured. and the little party turned
just in time to see the rock which
had blocked the trail, go flying up
wards into thousands of pieces.
'sWhere is Lopez and his gang?".
saked Rutledge as he turned again to
Liberty who was greeting the Major.
Lopez and Alvira have organized
big band of insurrectos and they are
going to march into Discovery to-
night and kill every man. woman and
child |" she cried excitedly.
"My Godr' exclaimed the Major.
'And. there's only handful of cfti-
zens to resist Them"
"Isn't there something we can do
to help them?" pleaded Liberty.
They're probably well on their way
by this time" said Rutledge.
''Nostinos is fifteen miles from
here" said Liberty. There Is
Cabrera camp there. They are in
telegraphic communication with Dis
covery and if we ride hard we may
be able to warn Colonel Dalton to
be prepared"
1--WE will start for that place." said
the Major. But, he did not see one
of Lopez's men, who had been hiding
in the bushes, listening to every word.
ana crepI quietly away 10 lnIOrm MS
leader of the intended warning.
AS the band, with Lopez riding at
their head, left the trail, and turned
into the main road the messenger over
took them. Leaping from his horse he
rushed up to the leader.
"Rutledge and his men are going
to Nostinos to inform Colonel Dalton
of our plans" he said.
"Ah, ha." grinned the Mexican.
well, we show them." And he i'm
mediately ordered his men to dis
mount and they made for the bushes.
pulling their horses behind them, to
lie in wait for the little company of
rangers, which at that moment was
just starting down the trail.
The Major headed the little column
and was followed by his men. Then
came Rutledge riding beside Liberty.
with Pedro riding bareback.
Upon reaching the end of the trail
they were greeted by the report of
o rifle and one of the rangers went
the Major gave the command to fire
| in the direction of the bushes.
Then the fighting began in earnest.
While the bullets were raining all
about them Liberty. who had taken
| up her position beside Rutledge and
| aided him In emptying his cartridge
belt. ran over to the Major.
Il am no good here" she said Let
me ride to Nostinos."
4