The Jasper news., 1919-07-24

thSth iuuBeT lHHH tHey Itu dHliCiputcu,
but they made up their minds that
once started they would burn up the
country In making up lost time. At
last their wireless outfit was ready,
and loading everything into their ma
chimes they set out at full speed.
Two days later they started across
the desert In two touring cars, one
carrying q machine gun and equipped
with wireless. They met with but one
adventure, when they fought Off n
tand of Mexican guerrillas, one Of
whose bullets punctured q gasoline
tank. A wireless call was picked up
by United States training camp for
aTiators on the edge Of the desert, and
shortly an airplane arrived with. q
supply of gasoline, enabling them 20
continue on to San Rafael.
Scarface and his men negotiated
the trail toward the ranch of Juan
Diaz without adventure, save where
mile from their destination, they
ran up blind trail, from which they
| backed out, finally reaching the cabin
| and corral Of Juan Diaz, the seventh
holder of the Rlven Flag. Diaz at
first did not. recognize Scarface, but
finally recalled him and the incidents
OF the expedition, saying:
You saved my life, Senor Bender.
l ana all that l have are yours"
With crafty wink at his compan-
ions, Scarface introduced the Kid:
10 fofY n'. IN
want your piece of the flag, then We'll
find out where the treasure is and go
Rnd get it and Ransome, here, will do
the. right thing by you"
Whereupon Scarface told him long
story of their adventures in collect
ing the pieces of flag which they had,
and how they had been continually
followed and harassed by a gang of
outlaws who also had been in pursuit
of the hidden wealth. He described
Dick and his party as band Of hard
ened ruffians who had tried their best
to kill them, and told Diaz that upon
several occasions they had barely es-
capped with their lives. Scarface de-
scribed Polly as beautiful but wicked
woman who had been the chief con-
spirator Of the gang headed by Dick,
but said he believed his enemies had
perished In a railroad wreck and would
not be seen any more. He, however,
warned Diaz that should they appear
they were not to be trusted and that
he must ever keep his eyes open for
signs of them.
Diaz was much impressed by the
story of Scarface and became very
indignant at the recital of the latter's
injuries at the hands Of the merciless
desperadoes headed by Dick and the
girl. He lost no time In telling Scar
face that he would keep his eyes open
for the others, and If he should run
across them he would do all In his
power to thwart them: So cunningly
did Scarface play his hand that the
old Mexican took a great liking to
him.
"Now," said Scarface after he had
completely won the MeXican's conf
dence. you had better give me that
piece of flag that yoo have so that
l can match 1t up with the other pieces
and then we will begin figuring out the
combination. Besides, 1t will be safer
In my keeping than In yours, and of
course you will 60 along with us and
share with us in everything"
Diaz was easily fooled and gave up
his piece of flag and, later, when Dick
and his party were seen approaching
believed when told they were enc
mics of Ransome and agreed to lure
them to their death He met the auto
cavalcade and told a story of being
beaten by gang Dick recognized as
Scarface's, and when Dick demanded
to know where the outlaws were. re-
piled that they were at his ranch.
Dick was delighted when he received
this bit of information.
81 have got an Idea who are In that
gang, and as we have few old scores
we will be glad to go along with you
and even things up with them," he
told Diaz. "And If you will stick along
with. us we will make 1t worth you
while. After we have cleaned then
out or made them our prisoners l viii
have little something to tell you
which will make your eyes stick out
You know this country and we wan
you to go along with us on our expe
dltion."
"If you will only help me get re
venge on those scoundrcls who strucl
me down and beat me half to deatf
/ will follow wherever you wish t.
lead me. Never. Dios, no never be
:, fore did meet such a crew of vii