Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-08-02


The SIexicans finally returned to their
saddles. and the entire party were de
scending the opposite side of the hill
when one of the horses in front SHE'D
at some object lying beside the road
1t was a man. He was lying face
downward, and to all appearances
was unconscious. His clothes We're
covered with mud and dirt. He had
probably been thrown from horse. or
had been robbed and killed by one of
the prowling bands of bandits which
infested the Chihuahua mountains. Iy-
ing in wait for Mexicans en- route
across the border with their belts filed
with gold.
The Mexicans pulled up their horses
anc several of them slouched over to
the poor fellow. They spoke to him.
but he did not answer. Then one of
them stopped and turned him over. AS
he did so. Liberty, who had been
watching them, Immediately uttered a
cry 1t was Pedrol An ugly wound
on his forehead, from which trickled
a tiny stream of blood. explained why
he was unconscious. He had probably
been thrown from spirited horse
while on his way to Major Winston's
camp.
While the Mexicans stood gazing at
the motionless figure Liberty spoke to
the leader.
Let me help him." she urged.
you, nurse?" he inquired grin
ningly.
I'm sure can help him." insisted
the girl.
"All right" replied the Mexican;
Eve See" Then he instructed the
others to unbind Liberty, who, when
she found herself free leaped from the
saddle and ran to the side of her slave,
| while the others stood, lazily looking
on.
| She raised Pedro's head and rested
it gently in her lap as she studied the
wound. 1t was not bad injury. He
had probably hit his head on n stone,
as he fell from his horse, and been
knocked unconscious. Liberty handed
her handkerchief to one of the Mexi-
cans and directed him to go and wet it
| in stream. When he returned she
bathed the wound. carefully and ten
Derby The cool water refreshed Pc
dro- He moved about restlessly for
moment, and then gradually opened
his eyes. AS he saw his mistress he
rallied quickly. 1.-The Major-is he"
but Liberty hastily put her hand over
his mouth, as she bandaged his wound.
"Sh-, be careful, they will hear you,"
she whispered.
The leader, who had been standing
| n few feet away, saw her movement
and Shuffed over to the pair. He
stood for Il moment looking down into
the face of Pedro, who was now being
helped 10 his feet, with the aid of Lib
erty.
$50, you wanted to nurse him, eh 2.
he began. as he stared angrily at the
girl. Now 1 understan'. He is Pc
| dro."
We'll, what of it?" inquired Liberty
as the slave stood up.
"He, your slave" replied the Mexi-
can, 1.-The black dog"
Pedro. as weak as he was, made a
rush for the fellow, but Liberty pulled
him back.
| Il break you in twoi" yelled Pedro,
anxious to get at the burly brute.
Don't, Pedro whispered Liberty.
IF you do anything now you will spoil
it all. These Mexicans are taking me
to Chihuahua prison. 1 will need
your help later"
The poor slave listened to her, and
Immediately his whole attitude
changed into one of submissiveness
Here, you, senorlta, get back on the
horse" commanded the Mexican as he
motioned to his men to put her back
| in the saddle. After Liberty had
| Obeyed him, and the MeXicans had tied
| her hands again, he turned to Pedro.
Il think we take you along" he said.
You are better with us than alone L
know you. you are not to be trusted
del, and, with the aid Of two of his
men, he tied the slaves hands securely
| together and made the other fast to
his saddle. you can walk he
sneered as he leaped onto his horse
If the Mexican thought he was pun
ishing Pedro taking him along to
chihuahua, he was badly mistaken.
The old slave was always happy when
he was near his mistress, for, as long
as he was near her. he felt certain he
could protect Ter from any great HARM
He was somewhat dazed and, as he
walked along he tried to recall just
what had happened. After he escaped
from the insurrectos he had taken
one of the best horses he could find in
| the camp, and rode away in a mad cf-
| fort to reach Major Winston and in
form him of the proposed attack. The
horse, glad to feel the cool night
| breeze in his noStrils, had dashed
away madly, and it looked as though
he would reach the American troops