The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-08-29

Dice of Destiny
BY JACKSON GREGORY

| Shortly before midnight they had
come upon three men. ragged, ugly
looking Mexicans, sleeping about
camp fire which was fast dying. The
men knew nothing or professed at
ignorance, Stairway could not tell
which.
After that nothing. although they
had pushed many miles into the Mexl.
can country until they realized the ut
ter uselessness Of riding farther.
1--WE may as well go back, Gaucho,"
Stairway said IT last "They win want
ransom, suppose. When they speak
Wen know what to do"
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. a bit stiff from long hours Of
hard riding.
Then, walking slowly now, loath TO
| greet Teresa de la Guerra with news
OF their failure, he came into the patio.
She was there waiting for him.
Nothing" he blurted out. "We
have found nothing"
81 know" she said quietly. She
came toward him, putting out her
hands. "You have been good to us,
Senior Billy"
He laughed bit awkwardly.
/ d
have done nothing. You have not been
molested here7"
She hesltated, He saw a 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.
"Torre is here7" he asked, his eyes
intent upon her face.
The frown came again, and was
gone quickly. But he had seen 1t.
'He Is here, yes. Asleep think.
He was wounded. You known"
"He is not badly hurt?'
Her tired eyes, into which sleep had
not come during the long night, grew
brightly contemptuous.
1T is only his beauty which is
harmed" she said swiftly.
Good morning. prima miai" called
! deep, laughing voice. "Ah, still with
us, Senior Stanway?"
Tore, debonaiF in the dark youth
full beauty of him, greeted them at the
doorway.
Certainly Senior Stairway is still
with us" said Teresa coolly. "He is
my guest, my grandfather's friend,
Senior Torrep
Tore laughed and lifted his shout
tlers.
Enter" he said with graciousness
which was in some strange way vague
ly insulting; ii was as though he were
the master here, and because of his
generosity not only Stairway but the
girl as wen were allowed upon the
premises.
Now II was Teresa who flushed.
"Come. Senior Billy" she said quiz
city. I'VE are going to have coffee
together"
For the fraction of second the
two men stood fronting each other,
their level eyes filled with challenge,
with mistrust which was little less
than hatred.
Then the Spaniard. bowling again,
turned away with a slight smile play
Ing under the small, pointed mustache
and stairway followed his hostess.
Pedro himself superintendent the
serving Of the simple breakfast.
"Senorita," Stairway said at last
pushing back his chair, 81 should like
to go back to the drawing room. There
might be something there to give US
a hint that will help u.s."
ISL" she said, II had thought OF
n that looked last night carefully
y after you had gone"
,, You found nothlng?'
Nothing that could understand.
z she answered quietly. Something
n could not"
l. lie looked up ut her quickly, hi.
e eyes full Of question.
I. This" she answered, not waiting
p for him to speak.
d She placed folded paper before
him. He glanced at 1t. frowned
3. looked again. and turned once mor'
n TO her,
(. ut Is his will. Dated last night
T. But why has he made & new oueT'
20 "Read IT," as quietly as before
though her eyes were Frightening witt
Is some surge OF emotion he could no
guess.