Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-03-09
CHAPTER Ill.
What Happened at the Water Hole.

What Happened at the Water Hole.
The newcomers exchanged a word
Or two in Spanish, then the second
rider flung himself from his saddle and
made for the water. He was lying
prone and drinking deeply when out OF
nowhere came a sharp command.
"Oiga! Hands up, both Of you'll"
The first arrival jumped as if rat
slesnake had buzzed at his back, the
second leaped to his feet with an oath.
drop your gun, companero"
Both Mexicans cried, as if at a cue,
who speaks?'
"a Ranger
The fellow Law had addressed let
fall his rifle; two pairs of dark hands
rose slowly. Then the Ranger went on
n Spanish:
"AntO, lower your left hand and I'M
buckle your belt" AntO did as he
was told, his revolver and cartridge
belt dropped to the ground. "And you,
cOmpadre. do the same. Mind you,
the left hand! Now face about and
walk to the charcO, both of you.
Good !"
Law stepped into view, his Winches-
ter in the crook of his arm. He emptied
the three discarded weapons, then,
walking to AntO'S horse, he removed
the second carbine from beneath the
saddle-f1ap and elected it's shells into
his palm.
This done, he addressed the stranger
Now, friend, who are you, and why
are you riding with this fellow"
my name is Panfilo Sanchez, senior.
Before God, I have done nothing" The
speaker was tremendously excited. In
the midst of his incOherent prOtesta-
tons Mrs. Austin appeared.
HE is telling you the truth, Mr.
Law" she said, quietly. "He is one OF
my men,"
Both Mexicans looked blank. Al
sight of the speaker their mouths fell
open, and PantilO ceased his gesticula.
ton.
Mrs Austin went on: "He is my
horse-breaker's cousin. He couldn't
have had any part in that murder in
Jim Wells county, for he was at Las
Palmas when / left"
PanfilO recovered from his amaze
ment, removed his sOmbrerO, anG
blessed his employer eXtravagantly;
then he turned triumphantly upon his
captOr. "BehOldr' cried he. "There
you have the truth. | am an excellent
Woodworking man and as honest as
God"
Surely you don't want him." Alaire
appealed to Law. "He was probably
helping his cOuntryman to escape-but
they all do that, you know"
"AlI right! If he's your man, that's
enough" Dave told her. "Now then
boys, it will soon be dark and We'll
need some supper before we start. II
won't hurt Anto's horse to rest bit
either You are under arrest" he add
ed addressing the latter. Il won't tie
you unless"
mo, senorw AntO understood per
fectly, and was grateful.
"Well, then, build q fire, and you
PantiIO, lend a hand. The sonora will
need a cup of tea, for we three have
long ride ahead Of us
No time was lost Both MeXicans
fell to with Il will, and in Il surprising
ly short time water was boiling. When
1t came Laws turn TO eat, Alaire, who
was eager to be gone, directed her EN-.
plOyee to fetch the rangers horse. Pan.
flo acquiesCed readily and buckled on
l,
was about to pick up his rifle, too, but
finding Laws eyes inQuiringly fixed up
on him, he turned with q Shrlg and
disappeared down the arroyo. 1t was
plain that he considered his friendly
relations well established and resented
the rangers suspicion.
'HoW long has that fellow beer
working for you?" Law jerked his head
in the direction PanfiIo had taken.
"NOt long. don't know much
about him" Alaire confessed. Then,
as if i'll answer to his unspoken ques-
lion, But I'm sure he's all right"
"Is he looking up range for you?"
"N-nO! 1 left him at the ranch.
don't know how he came to be here,
unless 1t is rather stranger
Dave shot a swift, interrogatOry
glance at PanflO's travelling compan-
ION, but Anto's face was stony, his
black eyes were fixed upon the fire.
With an abrupt gesture Law flung
aside the contents of his cup and strobe
to Panfilos horse, which stood defect.
eddy with reins hanging.
"Where are you-going?" Alaire rose
nervously.
1t was nearly dark now: only the