Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-12-09
CHAPTER X.
Face to Face.

If had expected TO see some signs
OF the coward in Miguel Casserta, |
was disappointed. As | leaped from my
Bleriot to the frm, smooth sand and
advanced toward him, he stood await
irg me, his arms folded, a sneer Of
contempt upon his curling lips, and
not the slightest sign of weakness in
his eyes.
Behind him stood by little girl. the
picture of uncertainty and despair.
knew that he had been speaking
TO her in quick, sharp sentences; even
as | advanced upon him he half
turned his head and flung another
word at her and she seemed to culver.
From her, at least, thought that |
should receive look of real joy-of
approval il not actual encourage
mtnt.
But the hazel eyes flashed me no
sch message Instead, she seemed to
cover behind the Mexican as thouoh
she sought protection there, and she
regarded me with gaze OF lnlESleu
uncertainty and fear.
When | saw that this was SO,
stopped short in my tracks. Casserta's
cutting voice was the first to break
the tension.
1T is unfortunate he said, that
Senorita Provan became nervous-up
there Otherwise the senior would have
avoided the unpleasant duty he now,
faces.
what do you mean?" | demand
ed.
He shrugged.
my aim was perfect before | felt
her move" he said 1T disconnected
me and so | missed my mark. Other
wise" and again he shrugged.
II see" ! answered in a voice that
was intended to be equally sarcastic.
"And the second time Miss Provan
disconnected you even more, didn't
she? She did not seem to desire to
avoid this meeting. Possibly she is
oven glad that | have overtaken you
and that | have you here now where
you cannot get away"
He stepped aside with deep and
exaggerated bow.
III Senior Carfigan DESIRES" he
said, "he may ascertain Senorita Pro
vans views without difficulty"
We both stood there looking at her
It may have been because | so ardent
ly desired to see sign favorable to
me that ! fanced the faintest shrink
ing Of her whole body as though she
were being compelled to do loath-
some deed.
But, whether it was fancy on my
part or not, it lasted but an instant,
and | knew, as her calm eyes met
mine, that my little girl had turrsa
against me.
what | did up there" she said, in
her rich, even tones, was done be.
cause otherwise, YOU would have ial
len upon US and endangered u.s."
| started and stared at her in unbe.
lief. Casserta smiled--a leering, trl
umphant flash Of a smile that stabbed
me like knife.
WAS wa. that - the only rea
SOM" | stammered.
She arched her brows. what
other reason could there have been"
she asked evenly,
Again stammered and glanced
from one to the other. Finally found
my tongue.
IL thought" | said, striving hard
for self.control--"I thought, perhaps,
you did not want me killed in cold
blood, as Llnderman has Just been
killed"
Has" She almost betrayed her.
self into a start Of horror, but 4 quick
flashing glance from Casserta. which
| only half saw, seemed to put her In
command OF herself again
"Senor Linderman?' Cassertas
tone sounded genuinely sympathetic
Surely you do not mean that my
good friend Senior Linderman has had
fatal accident"
stared at him, fascinated by The
colossal assurance Of the man, by his
wonderful mastery of expression. nv