The Lamar register., 1917-07-25
CHAPTER H.

What Happened at the Water Hole.
The newcomers exchanged a word
or two in Spanish, then the second
rider flung himsslf from his saddle and
made for the water. He was lying
prone and drinking deeply when out Of
nowhere came sharp command.
"Oiag Hands up, both of your
The first arrival jumped as If a rat
tlesnaEu hud buzzed at his back, the
drop your gun companero"
Both Mezicuus cried, as II at a cue,
''Who speaksf'
"A Ranger"
The follow Law had addressed let
fall hls rifle; two pairs of dark hands
rose slowly. Then the Ranger went on
In Spanish:
"Autu. lower your left hand and un-
buckle your belt Anto did as he
was told, his revolver and cartridge
belt dropped to the ground. And you,
compddre. do the same. Mind you,
the left hand! Now face about and
walk 10 the charco, both Of you.
Goodn"
Law stepped into view, his Winches-
ter In the crook OF his arm. He emptied
the three Discarded weapons, then.
walklng to Antp's horse, he removed
the second curbiue from beneath the
suddle-ilap and elected its shells into
his palm,
This done, he addressed the stranger.
"Now, friend who are you, and why
are Won riding with this fellowf'
"Aly name is Pannlo Sanchez, senior.
Before God have done nothing" The
speaker was tremendously excited. In
the midst of his iucoherent protestu-
tions Mrs Austin appeared.
"He is telling you the truth. Mr..
Law" she said, quietly. He is one Of
my men"
Both Mcxicans looked blank Al
sight Of the speaker their mouths fell
open, and Pauhio ceased his Eesticula-
tlon.
Mrs. Austin went on: "He is my
hursc-hrcakor's cousin. He couldn't
have had any part in that murder In
Jim Wells county, for he was at Las
Palmns when left"
pandlo recovered from his amaze.
ment, removed his sombrcro, and
blessed his employer eNiravagantly ;
then he turned triumphantly upon his
cuptor. behold % cried he There
you have the truth. Pam an excellent,
Woodworking man and as honest as
God"
surely you don't want him." Alaire
appealed tu LAW. "He was probably
helping his countryman to escape-but
they all do that. you know"
"All right IL he's your man, that's
enough" Dave told her. Now then.
boys, it will soon be dark and Wen
need some supper before Ce start. II
won't hurt Anto's horse to rest a bit.
either. You are under arrest" he add
ed. addressing the latter. Il won't tie
you unless"
No, scuorl1 Anto understood per-
fectly. and was grateful.
"Wel. then, build a fire, and you,
Pauhlo, lend a hand. The sonora will
need a cup of tea, for we three have
Il long ride ahead Of us"
No time was lost. Both Medcans
fell to with a will, and Ga Il surprising
ly short time water was boiling. When
It came Laws turn To eur, Alalre, who
was eager to be gone, directed her en-
ployee to fetch the rangers horse. Pan
flo acquiesced readily and buclled on
his cartridge belt and six-shooter. He
was about TO pick mp his rifle, too, but
finding Laws eyes ilQuiringly fixed up
on him, he turned with a shrug and
disappeared down the arroyo. 1t was
plain that he considered his friendly
relations well established and resented
the rangers suspicion.
How long has that fellow been
working for youF" Law jer5ed his head
in the direction Pauhlo had taken.
Not long. don't know much
about him. AIaire confessed. Then,
as if In answer to his unspoken ques-
ton, "But I'm sure he's all right"
''Is he looking III. range for your"
I