The state herald., 1917-09-21

NhoiuieSi Nut Out yOuT usuts.
Both women recognized Tad Lewis as
the speaker.
Alaire had stubbornly refused to
chnrge her husband with my active
share in this evil business. but her
faith In. Ed suddenly vanished when
she heard him say:
''Hushi You're making too much
noise. You'd better scatter out. too,
for there's no telling where they'll
land" Alaire leaned weakly against
the door. "rm going to leave, and let
you-all attend to the rest" he was
saying. But Tad Lewis halted him us
he turned from the group.
"Where are you going, Edf You left
your car back yonder by the road. /
almost ran Into It."
''Eh? What are you talking aboutf
My car is over by Morales house."
"Senor Austin Is In a great hurry"
sneered someone In Spanish. "once
more he leaves all of the fighting to
his friends"
That's Adolfo Urbina." painted Pa
Iona. Il know him." Stung by this
open charge Of cowardice. Austin be-
gan voluble defense. but In the midst
Of II General Longorio addressed him
sharply.
"You will stay here. senior. Nobody
leaves this place."
II told you wouldn't be a party to
the business" Ed declared hotly. 'You
forced me to come In the first place"
"Yesi And now force you to stny."
Longorio's stand appeared to please
Lewis. who chimed In with the words I:
That's right. Ed. You've got to stick.
for once In your life."
"What do you mean. you nearly run
into my car back yonderf' Austin
asked after q moment.
"Ain't that your machine yonder BY
the thIcketf" inquired Lewis. "If It
aIn't, whose Is III" Az no one an.
swercd. he started In the direction he
had indicated; but at thnt moment n
man came running from the river bank,
crying softly:
LOOK out! Iney come.
A man passed swiftly by the crack
Of the half-open door and scarcely ten
feet beyond. He was followed by three
others.
The first Of the newcomers. acting
MS spokesman for his party. stepped
out into the moonlight and cried loud.
~: "Hello, men! Whnt's goin' on
hereT II was an American voice: It
had broad. slow Texas drnwl.
The group Of plottcrs turned: there
was q startled murmur. then Tad
Lewis answered:
"Hcllo! Who are you'll What do
you wnntf"
II reckon we must have got OF the
road" announced the stranger. Then
he peered out across the river. "Say
Amt that skin yonderr' he inquired.
swell, II don't look like q steam.
boat." Lewis laughed dIsagreenbiy.
"we're havin' little party Of our own.
I reckon you fellows had better beat
II. Underestimate
The outposts that hnd been sent 10
cover the bank In both directions were
now coming In. Through the, stiffness
Of the night there sounded tho thump
of onrlocks. Seeing that the stranger
did not seem TO takc his hint, Lewis
raised his voice menncingly:
"Thnt's your road bnck yondcr. It's
right good road. md I'd advise you
TO travel fnst."
But this suggestion wns also ignored;
In fnct. II appeared 10 amusc tho mnn
addressed, for he. too. laughed. Hc
turned. md the women noticed TINT hc
carried n short snddle gun. They saw,
also. that ut lcnst one Of tho rucn nt
his bnck wns similarly armed.
"Nov. what's tho hurryf" Tho
stranger was chuckllnH. Suddenly hc
raised his voice md cnlicd loudly
"iIcllo. Davcl II that you.niir'
Tho answer nontcd promptly back
"iIcllo |api Sure us us."