Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-07-19


Just then something outside me W.
dow attracted Liberty's attention. and
she lowered her arm It was only for
an instant. but long enough to give
the shrewd Manuel an opportunity to
snatch the gun out of her hand and
throw it out of the window.
"Now then. I'm going to prove to
you am not as cruel as you think /
am" he remarked as he stood in front
of her.
Nothing could convince me of that
but a message from heaven" replied
Liberty.
Now, listen to me-" began Manuel.
you cannot play with me any longer.
You are my wife. Whether you think
so, or not, it doesn't make any differ
ence in the eyes of the law. I know
You hate me. but, you hate me be-
cause I am Mexican. You do not like
them; you never did, even when you
were a little girl. / hate them myself!
Yes, know you are wondering why
I say that. I will tell you. I lived
most of my younger days across the
border; over there in that land, some
people call Gods country. / was
Stunned by the American boys, when
my father sent me there to school.
They called me a greaser, and said
there wasn't any decent Mexicans;
that we were all bad.
Il was a good boy then, and it hurt
me to have my people spoken of in
such way. Later, when entered col
lege l found my seat at the rear OF
the classroom. / was seldom invited
to any of the social functions, and,
though / qualified for the track teams
and other athletics. they never let me
in My college life was made miser-
able because of these things, which
caused me great embarrassment, and
made me gradually learn to hate not
only America. but my own country,
too,'
THAT is a poor excuse for becom-
ing an outlaw" interrupted Liberty,
who had been listening attentively to
every word.
1T has never occurred to you," re-
turned Manuel. IF it did, you might
feel different about it. There are
many people who think that every
Mexican is bad and not to be trusted.
They think he lives on chile con carne
and steals all he gets Well, if he has
that kind of a reputation, the best
thing for him to do is live up to it.
/ am not a bandit, nor a bad man.
Lopez gave me an opportunity to join
his forces, and, if I refused / was to
be taken out and shot. Life, under
any conditions, Is much pleasanter
than death. That is why I decided to
become his lieutenant. But, now 1 am
through, and If you will come with me
will help you to escape. We will
cross the border and go up north,
where we will be safe from these fell
lows"
"You do not love me, Manuel" re-
piled Liberty. Love. does not ap-
prove of the things you have done.
Love guards and protects. You do not
know what real love is, and cannot
permit you to speak of it to me; es-
specially in a place like this. If you
loved me you would not hold a condi-
ton over my head. You would free me
even if it requested your life"
IF I did that I would never see
you again." argued Manuel. II have
aided in keeping you prisoner be-
cause wanted you near me. / wanted
to see you, even if / could not be per-
mitted to have you for my own" And
he moved slowly towards her, his gaze
riveted on her countenance. She
seemed to look more beautiful to him
tonight. Liberty had listened to his
words, which interested her. Had she
not known him so well she might have
believed what he said, but she was
distrustful. Manuel Leon was not the
sort of a man that women love; Meth
er was he capable of loving any wom-
an. He was cruel and selfish. His
every movement showed this, and his
eyes revealed it.
She stood with her back against the
wall of the hut, staring into the face
of the man whom she had married.
The rays of the moon shone through
the little window and fell across his
face; a face that was sensuous and
continually revealed the evil in his
soul.
For a moment he stood, silently star
ing at her, then, with a quick move
ment he rushed forward and was just
about to clasp her in his arms, when
q shot rang through the air The next
instant he doubled up and fell lifeless
at her feet
Instantly the door was pushed open
and dark figure of a woman, bundled
up in a Mexican blanket stepped In
side She paused as she gazed at the
man on the floor. Then, she rushed to
his side, knelt down and kissed him,
and before Liberty could prevent her
she reached under her blanket drew
100 =. rovo1ror an1 r,lao;nr f<, har