The Huttig news., 1917-03-03
CHAPTER III.
What Happened at the Water Hole.

what Hdppehe0 at the Wa1eF fsoie.
 The newcomers exchanged 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 sharp command.
 "Oiga! Hands up both of you!"
 The first arrival jumped as if rat tlesnake had buzzed at his back, the l second leaped to his feet with an oath. Drop your gun, companero!"
 Both Mexicans cried, as if at cue, ''Who speaks?'
 "A Ranger'
 The fellow Law had addressed let fall his rife; two pairs of dark hands rose slowly. Then the Ranger went on in Spanish:
 "Anto, lower your left hand and un- 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, 1 the left hand! Now face about and walk to the charco, both of you. Good !"
 
 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-fiap and ejected Its shells Into his palm.
 This done, he addressed the stranger. 'Now, friend, who are you, and why ora torr ri1ip wit n tbiS fol1oxpoo
 My name is Panfilo Sanchez, senor. Before God, have done nothing" The speaker was tremendously excited. In the midst of his incoherent protesta- tions Mrs. Austin appeared. ''He is telling you the truth. Mir. Law" she said quietly. ..He Is one of my men,"
 ] Both Mexicans looked blank. At sight of the speaker their mouths fell open, and Panfilo ceased his gesticula- tion.
 Mrs. Austin went on: "He Is my horse-breakers cousin. He. couldn't have had any part in that murder Tn Jim Wells county, for he was Rt Las Plmas when left"
 Panfilo recovered from his amaze ment. removed his sombrero, and blessed his employer extravagantly: then he turned triumphantiy upon his captor. "Behold!' cried he. "There you have the truth. am an excellent. hard-working man and as honest as God"
 "Surely you don't want him." Alnire appealed to Law. He was probably helping his .eeunfryman to escape-but they all do that. you know
 All 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. It won't hurt Antos horse to rest bit, either. You are under arrest" he add- ed addressing the latter. .I won't tie you unless"
 No, senor!" Anto understood per fectly. and was grateful.
 Well, then, build fire, and you, Panfilo, lend hand. The senora will need cup of tea. for we three have Il long ride ahead of us.'
 No time was lost. Both Mexicans fell to with will and in a surprising ly short time water was boiling. When it came Laws turn to eat, Alaire, who was eager to be gone. directed her em- ployee to fetch the rangers horse. Pan flo acquiescetf readily and buckled on his cartridge belt and six-shooter He WAS about to pick up his rife. too, but finding Laws eyes inquiringly fixed up- on him, he turned with shrug and | plain that he considered his friendly relations we'll established and resented the rangers suspicion.
 ''How long has that fellow been working for you?" Law jerked his head in the direction Panfilo had taken.
 Not long. I--don't know much about him." Alaire confessed. Then, as if in answer to his unspoken ques- ton. "But I'm sure he's all right
 'Is he looking up range for you?",
 "N-no! I left him at the ranch. don't know how he came to be here, unless It is rather stranger
 Dave shot a swift, interrogatory glance at Panfilo'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 strode to Panflo's horse, whicl, stood deicct- eGly with reins hanging.
 "Where are you-going?" AIaire rose nervously.
 It was nearly dark now: only the crest of the ridges were plain against the luminous sky; in the brushy bot tom of the arroyo the shadows were deep. Alaire had no wish to be left alQne with the prisoner. -,-.--
 tConunued Next Week.)