The Monticellonian., 1917-05-03
A twilight Proposal
By Virginia Lee

i truStful, with cherished glowing ideal at soul so blessed as Madge Will lis And amid 1t all she was wait ing for present-n0 gewgaw Orna- ment or passing token of remem- branee but royal lifetime gift-a husband
 She stood in the doorway of the cabin set just back from the river on the Texan border. Her father, sturdy old Reuben Willis, had been a land speculator in the district for over twen- ty years. As the saying went. he had made his pile and was about to return to his former home in the North. Madge expected his return from Pax ton, where he had gone to close up some business affairs. He was to bring Walter Rayburn back with him.
 T won't bring you stick-pin or a new hat, Jewel" her father had said. "The present I'm going to give you is Walter Rayburn. Glad? So is he. and he's going North with us, and we'll be happy all the way round"
 For, although Madge and Walter had been engaged for over two years, MT. Willis had insisted that time must de- velop the worthiness and steadfastness of the ardent lover Only twice a year had Walter come down to the old ranch on the Rio Grande. And now there was to be quiet wedding at the little town of Pittsville, ten miles away, and flight to a less-iso- lnt tnA i,& tt1 AE. was born.
 Its like the opening of some beau tiful dream" murmured Madge, as she stood in the doorway of the rude but comfortable old cabin, gazing at the reddening sunset. "Tm glad we are going to leave, for the Mexican raids are coming closer and more frequent"
 She went into the house to glance at the clock. According to all calcu- lation, her father and Walter must soon put in an appearance. A chatter outside of horses hoofs and strange voices sent a sharp thrill through her frame. Madge went to the door, It was to shrink back in sudden terror
 Ten men on horseback had driven up and now surrounded the house. Two others drove light wagon. At a glance Madge recognized them as Mexicans. She noted, too, their semi military garb.
 She had acquired very fair smat- tering of the Spanish language, and only q few overheard sentences were necessary to apprise Madge of the fact that the long-dreaded raid was a reality.
 The leader of the group was a handsome, courtly young fellow He gave sharp, definite orders. All of the men, except two, deployed, sur rounding the building. The leader ad- vanced and swept his hat to the ground in respectful bow.
 "Senorita. brief domiciliary visit of necessity, order by superiors," he observed in a suave. still knocking tone. "No harm will be done to you, but there must be no outcry or at tempt to escape. You are alone7"
 Yes" she retorted, and her fash ing eyes dashed the audacious fellow with their sheer contempt and defi- ance.
 We counted on that" remarked the leader. Petro-Sanchez-th box. We know it is here"
 Madge chilled. She comprehended to what they referred-the little safe in her fathers bedroom. It had often held heavy collections and important documents. These ruffians had learned of it. Their presence might mean beg gary to her father, it might destroy all their fond plans for the future!
 Steadily she faced the leader. She saw that resistance or pleading were alike futile. Madge paled slightly as the two men who had entered the house returned. It required alt their strength to carry the little safe to the wagon.
 "It is locked" spoke one of them.
 "The chief will know how to open '" ehuekled the leader. "All ahead. l will drive. At your pleasure, senor- ita."
 Madge was compelled to mount the wagon seat The eavalcade in the lead. the leader took up the lines.
 You must not be left behind to start an alarm" he remarked smoothly. Tt remains with the chief as to your per manent detention"
 Madge turned her face away from the speaker. She refused to exchange de ,,sfth l,f Ja nl1 to trail and the horse went slowly, al- though the horsemen had spurred up and were quite q distance ahead There was a spell of silence. Madge crowded to the extreme end of the seat as her polite but insistent captor resumed his observations.
 "The eXigencies of warfare are cruel, senerita," he continued with spe- ciouS blandness. For instance, Chief Avarro has little conscience. Listen, you are beautiful--so much so that l. loyal as l have been, will forget my commander and my country if you will become my bride. You will not speak :? I appear eontemptible to you? Not so, I am only in earnest. I can save you , I can save the precious safe One word from you and I can turn from the road. l know an obliging priest. I will be true and loving. Think it over"
 Madge's heart sank. She knew that his reference to his bandit chief bore tinge of truth. She shuddered. Then suddenly she shrank back. It had grown dusk, but the moon was just rising. It cast sudden shadow across the front of the vehicle. Then a hand shot from horseman who hnd S,,dAn.,l,- nrnnnr,l H. snin4..l 4l, A