The Huttig news., 1917-05-12

l again, I'm going home and change nlv clothes. l haven't had them off for i two nights"
 1.-Two nights.' Dave stared in be. wilderment. Then he lameIy apolo. 1 gized for the trouble he had caused, and tried to thank the women for their kindness.
 He was shaky when, an hour later. he came downstairs for breakfast hut l otherwise he felt better than for many 1 days; and BlaZe's open delight at see ing him did him as much good as the l food he ate.
 Dave spent part of the morning sun- ming himself on the porch, reading the papers with their exciting news. Dur ing his absence Palona had done her best to spoil Montresa, and among eth CT marks of favor had allowed her free run of the yard, where the shade was cool and the grass fine, and where de licious tidbitS were to be had from the kitchen for the mere asking. In con sequence, Dave diG not remain there long until he was discovered. Mont rosa signaled, then trctted toward hin. with ears and tail lifted. Her delight was open and extrayagant; her wei come was as enthusiastic as q horse could make it. Gone were her coquetry and airs; she nosed and aihbled Dave she rubbed and rooted him with the violence of battering-ranl, and per mitted him to hug her and murnur words of leve into her velvet ears. She swapped confidence for confidence, teo; and theE, when he finally walked back toward the house, she followed closely. as if fearful that he might again desert her.
 Phil Strange met the lovers as they turned the corner of the porch, and warmly shook Bave's hand "Teenv- Iay wife-tolG me you was better" he began "sc | beat il out here. I hung around all day yesterday, waiting to see you, but you was batty."
 "I was pretty sick" Dave acknowl edged. Mrs. Strange was mighty kind to ne"
 s.Sfck people get her goat She's 20, Il way with 'em and with animals, too Why, Rajah, the big python with our show, took sick one year, and he'd have died sure only for her Same with lot of the other animals. She knows more'n any vet ever saw"
 Perhaps 1 needed veterinary in stead of doctor" Dave smiled. "1 guess I've got some horse blood in me. h.,1 tH n6 under his arm and was waiting for him to scratch her ears.
 Well, l brought you some mail, Strange fumbled in his pocket for small bundle of letters, explaining: Blaze gave me these for you as l passed the post ofi1ce."
 Dave took the letters with word of thanks, and thrust them carelessly in- to his pocket. What seems to be the trouble?" he inquired.
 You remember our last talk? Well, them Mexicans have got me rattled. I've been trying everywhere to locate you. If you hadn't come home I'd have gone to the prosecuting attorney, or somebody"
 ''Then you've learned something more?"
 Phil nodded, and his sa1low face puckered with apprehension. Rosa Morales has been to see me regular"
 Dave passed an uncertain hand over his forehead. "Tm not in very good shape to tackle new proposition, but what is it?"
 "We've got to get Mrs. Austin away from here.'
 We? Whyw
 If we don't they'll steal her."
 "Steal herr" Dave's amazement was patent. Are you crazy?"
 Sometimes I think I am, but I've pumped that Morales girl dry, and 1 can't figure anything else out of what she tells me. Her and Jose expect to make a lump of quick money, jump to Mexico, get married, and live happy ever after. Take 1t from me, it's Mrs. Austin they aim to cash in on."
 "Why-the ideas ridiculous!'
 Maybe it is and maybe it ain't,' the fOrtune-teler persisted. More than one rich Mexican has been grabbed and held for ransom along this river; yes, and Americans, too, if you can believe the stories. Anything goes in that country over there."
 You think Jose Is planning to kid nap her? Nonsense! One man couldn't do such thing"
 .I didn't say he could" Phil de tended himself, sulkily. Remember, I told you there was somebody back of him."
 "Yes, remember, but you didn't know exactly who"
 Well, I don't exactly know yet. thought maybe you might tell me.
 There was brief silence, during which Dave stood drowning. Then he appeared to shake himself free from Phil's suggestions.
 Its too utterly preposterous. Mrs. Austin has nc enemies; she's q person of importance. If by any chance sse