The state herald., 1917-09-07
copwsshs by Herpsr q Brothers

GERS In Romero didn't frame It up."
"No7 Who dIdi"
"Tad Lewis"
Jones started. "What makes you
think thatf"
"Listenl Tad was afraid to let Ur-
bina come to trial. Ricardo's dead and
the other witness is gone. Now draw
your own conclusions"
Jones was amazed. "Say, Dave" he
cried, shat means your case has blown
up. eh?"
Absolutely. Lewis has been selling
wet stock to the federals, and he
probably arranged with some Of them
to murder Ricardo"
Blaze cursed eloquently. "Td like to
hang 1t onto Tad; I'd sure clean house
down his way II was positive"
II sent man over to Romero" Dave
explained further. "He tells me Ricar-
do Is dead. all right. There's a new
grave in the little cemetery above the
town, but there hasn't been a death in
Romero lately" The speaker watched
his friend closely. "If we had Rlcar-
dos body on this side 1t would put
IN end to all the lies. and perhaps
force Colonel Blanco to make known
the real facts. 1t might even mean
case against Tad Lewis"
"What d'you say we go over there
and get RIcardof"
Dave smiled. "That's what I've been
leading up to. VIII you take n
chanceT
| "Yes,"
II knew you would. All we need is
a pair Of Mexlcans to-do the work.
I liked Ricardo; / owe him something"
Suppose we're caught?"
'In that case wen have to run for
It. and-I presume I'll be discharged
from the Ranger service"
II amt very good at runnin'-not
from Mexlcans." Blaze's eyes were
bright and hard at the thought. ats
moren possible that, II they discover
us, We can start nice little war
of our own"
That evening Dave managed to get
his Ranger captain by long-distance
telephone, and for some time The two
talked gunrdedly. When Dave rang
Off they had come to thorough un-
derstandIng.
|
II had been an easy matter for Jose
Sanchez to secure a leave Of absence
from Benito. but Alaire knew nothing
whatever about the matter until Jose
himself asked permission to see her
on matter Of importance.
The man had ridden hard most Of
the previous night, and his excitement
was patent. Even before he spoke.
Alaire realized that Panfilo's fate was
known to him. and she decided swiftly
that there must be no further conceal
ment.
"Senorai A terrible thingw jose
burst forth. ut is strange, unbeliev.
able! Ny head whirlsj"
Alaire Quieted him. saying In Span.
ish. "Cnlm yourself. Jose, and tell me
everything from the beginning"
"But how can be cnlmi Panfilo
is completely dead. But-you known
Alaire nodded. "I-suspected."
Jose's dark eyes blazed; he bent for
ward eagerly. "what did you suspect,
md whyf Tell me ALL"
II was with a peculiar, apprehensive
futter In her breast that Alaire real
ized the crisis had come. Heretofore
she had blamed Law, but now, oddly
enough. she found herself interested In
defending him. As calmly Us she
could. she related all that had led
up to the trngedy. while Jose listened
with eyes wide and mouth open.
"You see. had no suspicion Of the
truth" she concluded. ut was a ter
rible thing and Mr.. Law regrets 1t
deeply. He would have made report
to the authorities, only-he feared 1t
might embarrnss me-"
Jose was torn with rnge. yet plainly
a prey TO indccision; he rolled his eyes
and cursed under his breath. "These
Rnngers!" he muttered. ''That Is the
kind Of men they are. They murder
honest people,"
''This wns not n MURDER" Alnlrc
cried sharply "Panflo was aiding n
felon to escape. The courts will not
punish Mr.. Law"
Bah! Who cares for the courtsi !
This man IL gringo. and these are
gringo laws. But I am a Mexican.
and PanGlo was my cousin. We shnll
see."
Don't be rash. Jose," she exclaimed,
warnlngiy.
Jose continued TO glover. Then.
turning away. he snid. without meet
Ing his employers eyes, IL would like
to draw my money"
"very well. I am sorry TO have you
leave Las Pnlmns. for have regarded
you as one Of my Ecntc." Jose's face
remained stony. "what do you intend
TO dof Whore arc you goInRf"
The fellow shrugged. "Quicn snbc !
Perhaps shnll go to my General Lon
gorio."
Alairc smiled family. "You will be