Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-05-31


evening he had kept messengers close
to the camp of Colonel Dalton. watch
ing every movement and waiting for
the signal that would inform him the
troops were preparing to cross the Dor
der.
Late that night, as Lopez paced
back and forth impatiently, he heard
the beating of horses hoofs outside,
which came nearer and nearer, until
they came to q halt at his door. He
pulled his gun as a means of precau-
ton and waited to learn the Identity
of the rider. The door was thrown
open and Lopez dropped his hand as
he recognized one of his messengers.
"a fresh horse" said the man ex-
citedly, then see that this word gets
to my compatriots: The gringos are
coming. Be prepared to strike for a
United Mexicor"
Although the Major had urged Man.
uel to join the rangers when they left,
the latter refused. All he was think
ing of was Liberty. He had won a
tremendous victory. 1t was more sat
isfying to him than if he had killed
Rutledge that day in the canyon. She
was now his wife and nobody could
take her from him.
These were some of the thoughts
that ran through the mind of Manuel
as he sat in his room, some hours
after the ceremony. Then he sudden
ly recalled that he had not seen his
bride since the wedding.
Accordingly he made his way
through the house until he reached the
hall outside her door. He listened.
There was no sound within, Then he
raped.
'Who is it?" inquired Liberty.
cit is me, dear" replied Manuel. 81
would like to speak to you mo-
ment."
I'm awfully sorry, but I'm too
tired to see anyone tonight" returned
Liberty.
But 1 must see youl" shouted Man
uel.
you can't see me-" persisted Lib
| erty.
UNLESS you open, I'll break the door
down." he threatened angrily.
81 refuse to open it," she answered.
every WELL" he said, and with this
he began pounding his weight against
| the door.
AS Liberty heard him she ran tt
| her dresser and, opening one of the
| drawers, took from it a long, sharp
pointed knife and placed 1t in hel
| bodice. Then she waited.
1t was an old-fashioned door, made
| of wood and dry with age, with thu
result that it didn't require much la
| Dor on ManuePs part to force it open
Her obstinacy aroused his quick Mex
| lean temper and as the door flew opeI
he rushed in, trembling with rage.
| "What do you mean by playing sucl
/ a trick on me?" he shouted as h,
| glared at her.
| 1T was no trick" replied Liberty
calmly. ST wish you to understand
that, although / bear your name, an
| your wife in name only. 1 only mar
ried you to protect the honor of a maj
1 love as did my own father"
whats that?" cried Manuel. ''Yo1
dare to. tell me you are not miner"
81 will never be yours" answered
Liberty as she stepped away from him
"Your father threatened the Major,
heard it and in order to defeat hi
plans 1 decided to marry you. In tn
eyes of the law 1 belong to you, blu
there is a higher law which has dc
creed that shall never be yours
| mo matter Wnat you married m
for, you are miner exclaimed Mar
uel. "What belongs to me 1 take !
And with that he moved toward her a
though he would clasp her in hi
arms.
With that, she drew the knife frOr
her bodice and, pressing the poin
against her breast, cried:
You lay one hand on me and you
have a corpse instead of a bride!'
(END OF FIFTH EPISODE.)