Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-07-12

and take his place behind some shelter.
When they opened fire on the rang
ers, every one of Rutledge's men was
ready and the attack was valiantly
repealed. Finally Lopez ordered Man.
ueI TO cease from firing and to starve
out the rangers
That night while the insurrectos
were asleep a courier arrived with IN
structions from Alvira.
Liberty, who was sheltered in the
tent next to the chiefs. was awakened
by voices, and putting her ear against
its side she listened.
II am commanded by Alvira to in
form you that your troops are to as
semble at the pass of FL Diablo." said
the courier. I'VE are going to attack
the Americans tonight"
Then she called to Pedro, who was
in the next tent. He did not answer.
She called again. but still no reply.
Finally. realizing that he must be
sleeping. Liberty cautiously slipped
outside The sentry was some distance
away She crept into Pedro's tent and
found him fast asleep. Going to his
side she shook him and he jumped up
rubbing his eyes.
Quick, Pedro J" she exclaimed. I'VE
must warn the Major. They are going
to attack"
In an instant Pedro was wide awake.
He listened as his mistress gave him
instructions to get one of the horses
and ride hard towards the troops. Then
she left him and returned to her own
tent to make preparations to escape.
Pedro pulled back the flap of his
tent and hid in the dark shadows, just
inside, as he waited for the sentry to
pass by.
He. had not long to wait. For pres
emily the Mexican, his gun on his
shoulder, came strolling lazily along.
When he reached the opening he hest
tated a moment and looked inside. AS
he did so Pedro leaped on him and
bore him to the ground.
Then the slave proceeded to strip
off the sentry's clothes, which he put
on himself, and taking his gun, he
stepped to the opening and peered out.
The Mexicans were already beginning
to gather at the lower end of the
camp. Pulling his hat down over his
eyes, and shouldering his gun he step
ped out and began pacing up and
down, and. when nobody was looking.
he slipped into Liberty'S tent.
He was surprised to find his mistress
already dressed as sentry. and stand
ing at attention" An unconscious
Mexican, sprawled out on the ground,
in one corner. explained where she had
got the clothes.
There is horse right in the rear
of these Tents whispered Liberty.
''Take it and ride for your life to the
rangers"
You must not stay here" returned
Pedro. who was anxious about the
safety of his mistress.
81 will follow you," she added. Now
then, hurry"
With that Pedro stepped outside,
and following the shadows, made his
way slowly and silently to the rear of
Liberty's tent, where he found the
promised horse. He leaped into the
saddle, and, an instant later was rid
ing through the canyon. with the camp
gradually being left behind him.
When he had gone, Liberty took up
the duty of sentry and paced back and
forth in front of her tent. Presently
she saw another sentry coming down
the line. She hesitated as she watched
him approach. Stepping in the dark
ness. beside here tent, she waited for
him, and when he was just about to
pass she raised her gun and brought
it down on his head. He fell to the
ground with moan. Dragging his
body off The road, she left him and ran
to a horse, belonging to one of the
MeXicans, which was tied in the
thiclSet, and jumped into the saddle.
Then she started off in the direction
of the desert.
Meantime Lopez went to ManueIs
tent and ordered him to muster his
men. AS he was returning he noticed
the tent where Pedro had been impris-
oned was apparently deserted, and go
ing over he glanced in. All that he
found was a sentry, half-dressed, seat
ed on the ground rubbing his head
where's your prisoner J" he shouted
to the man.
Gone" replied the Mexican, as he
tried to get up.
Escaped en-" grunted Lopez. You
sure you didn't let him get away,'
HE hit me over the head with a
gum" mumbled the man.
He left the sentry moaning with
pain and hurried to Liberty's tent.
Here he was greeted with a similar
rushed about in wild rage.
II believe that dog, Manuel. had
something to do with this" he re-
marked to one of his aides. 81 want
him watched. and the first suspicious
move he makes we will show him how
Lopez treats a traitor