The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1917-08-16
what was going OF from the people ~
the next ranch. But I expected to find
him horo tooO

what was going on from the people NJ
the next ranch. But I expected to find
him here, too"
SLOW did you manage to get here?"
Il hardly know. I just wouldn't let
'em stop me. This lieutenant wouldn't
let me in until 1 told him I was from
Monterey with important news. I don't
remember all I did tell him. I tried to
get here last night, but l had trouble.
They caught me, and I had to buy my
way through. I've bribed and bullied
and lied clear from Romero. I reckon
they couldn't imagine I'd risk being
here If I wasn't a friend"
1t was more Dawes tone than his
words that reused Alaire to an apprc-
citation of what he said.
"Are you alone?" she asked, in vague
dismay. "Then what are we going
to dol"
Il don't know yet. My plans ended
here"
"Dave! You rode in just to find me!
Just to be with me?"
Eyes. And to get him." Alaire saw
his face twitch, and realized that it
was very haggard, very old and tired.
"They lifted my guns-a bunch of fell
lows at the Rio Negro crossing. Some
of them were drunk and wouldn't be-
lieve I was an amigo. So I finally had
to ride for it."
Cant you take me away?" she
asked, family. "What will you do
when-he comes?"
II reckon I'll manage him somehow
His grip upon her frightened painfully,
and she could feel him tremble. II
was afraid I wouldn't find you. l.
0 God, Aluire" He buried his face
in her hair.
Il had ut terrible scene with him last
night. He insists upon marrying ME.
IL was hoping you'd come"
"How could I, when nobody knew
where you wereY"
Didn't you know? wrote you" He
shook his head. "Then how did you
learn?"
"From Jose. I caught him within an
hour of the murder, and made him tell
me everything"
Alaire's eyes dilated; she held her.
self away, saying, breathlessly: "Mur-
der! Is that what 1t was? He-Lon-
gorio-told me something quite differ
ent."
Naturally. It was he who hired Jose
, to do the shooting"
!, "Oh-h" Alaire hid her face in her
, hands. She looked up again quickly,
, however, and her cheeks were white.
"Then he won't spare you, Dave" She
choked for an instant. I'VE must get
away before he comes. There must be
some way Of escape. Think"
: SIN pretty tired to think. I'm pretty
near played out" he confessed.
They're watching me, but they'd
let you 60"
}, snow that I'm here I'm going to stay
= until"
! She Interrupted, crying his name
loudly, "Dave!"
Eyes. What is itT"
"Wait! Let me think" She closed
her eyes; her brows drew together al
If in the labor of concentration. Wher
she lifted her lids her eyes were alight
her voice was eager. II know how.
see it. He won't dare But you must
do what 1 tell YOU"
"Of course"
mo questions. Understand"
When he nodded impatiently she raj
to the door and, flinging it open, calico
down the hall:
"Father! Father O'Malley! Quickv
Then she summoned Dolores.
The priest answered.; he hurried
from his room and, with a dazed lack
of comprehension, acknowledged his
! swift introduction to Dave. Alaire was
keenly alive and vibrant with purpose
now. Dolores, too, came running, anC
while the men were exchanging greet
ings her mistress murmured something
in her ear, then fastened her depar
ture with a quick push. Turning upon
the others, Alaire explained:
"I've sent for some Of the women
and they'll be here in a minute. Fa'
ther, this man has come for me. He
loves me. Will you marry us before
Longorio a~rrives?"
"Alaire !" Dave exclaimed.
She stilled him with a gesture
"Quick! Will you"
. Father O'Malley was bewildered. Il
r don't understand" he expostulated.
!, (TO BE CONT1NUED.)