Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-09-13

estate" she rep1ed.
Pretty brave fellow, to fight a duel
with a bandit having such a reputa-
ton as Lopez" suggested the other.
But he was killed. too" Liberty in
formed him.
TOO bad" Then the general stu
died his papers for q moment. Sud-
denly he turned towards her. Il pre-
sumo you knew of the reward the
United States government had offered
for the capture of lopez?
Eyes," she answered.
II will have to send a squad to the
hacienda in order that we may have
an official corroboration of this" he
continued as he handed the message
to one of his aides, with instructions
to see that 1T was sent Immediately.
While these scenes were being en-
acted near the border, Rutledge and
the Major were far from idle in Wash
ington. Immediately upon his arrival
the Major had gone to the Jail, where
it did not take him long to effect the
release of Bob. Then they went to
the hotel where both cleaned them
selves up, after which they donned
their best uniforms and started for the
White House.
The Major had previously been to
the war department, where, after a
session with the secretary, during
which he explained matters so salts
factorily that he was given back his
commission, an appointment had been
arranged with the nations chief exc
cutive.
So, when the Major and Bob reached
the White House they were shown into
the executive office, where they found
the president seated at his desk writ
ing.
Bob was not the least bit nervous,
for he looked upon the man before him
as one who had simply been a little
more lucky than he had been. The
Major was truly a remarkable figure
in his blue uniform, with its gold lace,
and despite his years, he carried him
self with the same assurance which
had always characterized him as dis
tinguiShed parsonage. But, under
meath that uniform he carried seven
teen bullet wounds, which he had re-
ceived in the service of his country.
81 want to commend you, Captain
Rutledge, for the excellent reports
which have come to the war depart
ment of your work along the border"
said the president as he grasped the
hand Of the ranger. :
Thank you," replied Bob as he
smiled.
'And you, Major Winston" con-
tinued the president. There is hardly
anything I can add to the praises
which you have been receiving for so
many years. You seem to be the same
old fighter. There are few who can
boast a record such as yours"
Then Bob at once related his adj
ventures in Mekico and explained the
important part Liberty had played in
the efforts of the Major and himself
to exterminate Lopez and his band.
The president listened attentively and
was very much interested in the story
of Liberty and the great perils she
had risked in the hands of the Mexi-
cans.
81 have never heard of a girl as
brave as Miss Horton he remarked.
land 1 will ask congress for the power
to send an efficient force into Mexico
for the purpose of rescuing her, and
within the next 4S hours the men
should be on their way"
At that moment the presidents pri-
vate secretary entered the room and
handed a telegram to Major Winston,
who hastily opened 1t. 1t was Liber-
tvs message informing him of the
death of Lopez and the escape of her
self and Pedro.
With a sigh of relief the Major then
read the message aloud to the presi-
| dent and Bob. and both waxed jubi-
liant as they congratulated each other.
This viii save the government
much expense in addition to a great
many lives" said the president. at
| might be well to have Miss Horton
come to Washington In order that the
government may properly reward her."
The Major and Bob were elated at
| the suggestion and the former imme-
| diately wrote a message to Liberty re
questing Ter to come to Washington
at once. While he was writing this
| the secretary came In with another
message which he handed to the presi-
| dent. 1t was from General Latham
stating that Lopez had been properly
| identified end that Liberty and Pedro
were undoubtedly entitled to the re-
ward. BE informed the Major and
Bob of its contents and then the two
passed out, after promising that be
fore many hours had passed the girl
who had endured such remarkable ex-
perience would stand before him.
| Two days later little party, con-
sisting of the Major, Bob and a cou-
pie of army aides went to the station
| to meet Liberty and Pedro who had