Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-09-06
nineteenth EPISODE
The Avenging Angel.

Upon arriving in Washington, Rut-
ledge went at once, to the Office of
the secretary of war, which is located
in the state, war and navy building,
across from the street from the White
House.
1t was not difficult to discover that
Bob was a stranger in these parts, for
his clothes, while of fairly good ma
ferial, were not quite up to the stand
ard of those worn in the eastern part
of the country. In fact, they differed
so much from the styles of the capital
that occasionally people turned and
smiled as they scrutlnized his outfit,
which seemed to be immensely rural,
from his heavy-soled shoes to his
Nvide-brimmed sombrero. which rested
well over his brown locks and stamped
him as a thorough westerner.
A guard at the entrance to the build
ing interrupted his progress with a
question as to whom he wanted to see.
Bob accepted the inquisition good-na-
turedly, and took the big fellow into
his confidence to the extent of explain
ing somewhat the nature of his busi-
ness. The guard listened, with appar-
ent interest, as Bob related some Of
Inc DOTueT ITOuDlcS, duQ Wncu he lldo
finished the fellow accompanied him
TO the door, far down the corridor,
which bore the words, Secretary of
War" Then he left Rutledge.
Bob hesitated a moment, and then
opened the door and entered a large
room which was occupied by several
large easy chairs. two clerks who were
bending over their desks, and a wall
full of maps He paused just inside the
door and took off his hat. One of the
clerks looked up, and then rose and
came over to him.
rs the secretary in?" asked the
ranger as he stepped up to the rail
which separated him from the rest
of the room.
Your name, please?" inquired the
clerk, with somewhat supercilious
air.
Robert Rutledge. captain of the
Texas Rangers" replied Bob, as he
pulled himself up proudly.
''What do you want to see the secre-
tary about?" continued the other very
sternly.
I'll tell him that" answered Bob,
who was not favOrably impressed with
his interrOgatOr's manner.
"He can't see you," the other in
formed him as he started to walk
away.
.'How do you know. unless you ask
him?" inquired Bob, who was getting
peeved.
Before 1 ask him 1 must know the
nature of your business" said the
clerk
Il want to see him about an Ameri-
can girl who has been captured by a
band of Mexican bandits" the ranger
Informed him somewhat abruptly.
Rutledge was fast becoming irritated
by the fellows attitude.
Just n moment" said the clerk as
he started towards big door, at the
other end of the room, which evidently
led to the private office of the secre-
tary of war.
Before he reached there, however,
an officer came through the doorway,
closing the door softly behind him
The subordinate turned to him, and
with sarcastic gesture toward Bob,
said: This rube expects the govern
ment to send an army, / guess, into
Mexico to get his girl
Rutledge overheard the remark and
1eaping over the rail- he walked up to
the fellow and fioored him with a we'll
directed blow on the jaw. The off,
Ger started for him, but Bob stood
grimly facing him.
"Now. then, you stand back. or you'll
get the same I" he said as he waited fol
him to raise his hand. But the officer
needed not the warning of Rutledge
and the next instant the two were
struggling together. While they were
graphing, two other men entered the
office and overpowered Bob, who was
no match for so many.
Arrest him." commanded the off
Ger to the men who were holding Bob
Although he attempted an explana
ton. the officer was firm and refused
to listen with the result that Bob was
led to jail. Before being locked up
ne requested permission to send a tel
egram- This was granted him. and hs