The Tomahawk., 1919-07-03
/ Dice of Desti1ly4
By JACKSON GREGORY E.

= y 49, 1
I Shortly before midnight they had
come upon three men, ragged, ugly
looking Mexicans, sleeping about Z
camp fire which was fast dying. The
men knew nothing or professed al
ignorance, Stanway could not tell
which.
After that nothing. although they
had pushed many miles into the Mexi.
can country until they realized the ut.
ter uselessness Of riding farther.
I'VE may as well go back, Gaucho."
Stanway said at last. "They will want
ransom. I suppose. When they speak
well know what to do" III
/ And reluctantly, his face black with
the wrath upon him, Gaucho Morales
called to his men to turn back.
The sunlight lay bright and warm
upon the oranges and their blossoms
when they rode back to the rancho.
Stairway threw himself from the
saddle, bit stiff from long hours Of
hard riding. a@. -< @#.
Then, walking slowly now, loath to
greet Teresa de IL Guerra with news
of their failure, he came into the patio.
She was there waiting for him.
"Nothing," he blurted out. I'VE
have found nothing" :E.a*..
II know" she said quietly. She
came toward him. putting out her
hands. 'eYou have been good to Us,
Senor Billy" .%5.ss, w.. Il.
He laughed bit awkwardly.s
II don't know how" he ret0rted. II
have done nothing. You have not been
molested here?" a #
She hesitated. He saw quick
frown gather her brows. Then.
speaking lightly. she replied, saying:
mo. But come; you must be hun
cry and tired out. Coffee is ready"
he went with her to the broad-open
doors. -. s,.. g. -. .s s.e.-.- -. L.. - .
"Torre is here7" he. asked, his eyes
intent upon her face. a...z1
The frown came again, and wal
gone quickly. But he had seen It.
HE is here, yes. Asleep, I think
He was wounded. You know3
"He is not badly hurt?"
Her tired eyes, into which sleep had
not come during the long night, grew
brightly contemptuous. #8
1T is only his beauty which Il
harmed" she said swiftly.
"Good morning. prima mia!" called
deep, laughing voice. "Ah, still with
us, Senior Stanway" ~&
Tore, debonair in the dark, youth
full beauty Of him, greeted them at thu
doorway.
Certainly Senior stanway is still
with u.s." said Teresa coolly. HE IL
my guest, my grandfather's friend
Senior Torre!"
Tore laughed and lifted his shoul'
ders. Ill.,. -
"Enter." he said with q graciousness
which was In some strange way vague
| " insulting; It was as though he vert
the master here, and becauaG Of hk'
generosity not only Stairway but tn,
girl as well were allowed upon ths
premises.
Now It was Teresa who flushed
~Come. Senior Billy" she said qui
etly. are going to have coffet
together" T.. ~ =.
For the fraction of second the
two men stood fronting each other.
their level eyes filled with challenge
with mistrust which was little lest
than hatred. j. ...>t ..s
Then the Spaniard, bowing again
turned away, with slight smile play.
ing under the small. pointed mustache,
and Stanway followed his hostess.
Pedro himself superintended the
serving Of the simple breakfast.
"Senorita," Stairway said at last,
pushing back his chair, Il should like
to 20 back to the drawing room. There
might be something there to give "a
q hint that will help Us"
ISL" she said, II had thought OF
that. I looked last night carefully
after you had gone" S
'You found nothing?"
.Nothing that I could understand.
she answered quietly. Something J
could not"
BE looked up at her quickly. hia
eyes full Of question.
"This," she answered, not waiting
for him to speak.
She placed . folded paper before
him. He glanced at It, frowned
looked again, and turned once mort
to her.
1T IL his will. Dated last night
But why has he made . new oneT
'.Read It." as quietly % before
though her eyes were Frightening with
some surge Of emotion he could MOI
guess.