The Lamar register., 1920-06-16


mind death was far preferable to any
surrender to that infuriated Mexican;
she expected death, but one hope yet
buoyed her up-Westcott. He would
come; she had faith in that-and he
would find she had fought to the end.
even If he came too late. She buried
her face In her hands. sitting sob
that shook her body. yet when she lift
ed her head again there was no glim-
mer of tears In her eyes and her
cheeks were crimson. She waited mo-
tionless, scarcely seeming to breathe
the statue OF woman at bay.
All this was but for a moment, mo-
ment of swift thought of equally swift
decision. The next Cavendish stood
beside her. grasping the shotgun, no
longer II victim of weakness, his eyes
meeting hers eagerly.
II could only find twelve cartridges"
he exclaimed. but know how to use
those"
his hand.
Forgive me. Miss Donovan" he
pleaded. Really | do not know what
makes me like that, but you would
make ii man out of anybody"
Her firm, slim fingers met his eager
ly. her eyes instantly glowing in ap-
probation.
"Of course | forgive you" she ex-
claimed. Your fear is no greater
than my own. | am woman and
dread this sort of thing. All that gives
e. 81 loo. ha
death is preferable to dishonor," her
voice lost its firmness. ''and-and my
faith In a man"
"You mean In possible rescuef'
Her eyes lifted TO his face.
"Yes, Mr. Cavendlsh. II may prove
all Imagination. yet there is one
real man. | am sure-who must know
OF my plight before this. II he does.
and lives. he viii come to me. II We
can only defend ourselves long enough
there will be rescue"
A blow struck the outer door. and
was repeated, evidently dealt by the
tatt of gun; then the two, standing
silent and almost breathless within.
heard Mendez' voice.
"Senorita, and you also, Senior Cav
endish." he called. his words intended
to be conciliatory. 1T Is OF no use that
you resist. We are many and armed.
II you surrender and not fight pledge
you protection"
The girl glanced at Cavendish. -
"Yos answer him."
what shall sayT' he whispered
"The man lies; he will keep co
promise once we are In his power. Be
sides they have not yet found Cateras.
When they do there will be no thought
OF mercy"
''Then we will fight II out?''
Il shall; | will never give myself
into the hands OF that creature"
'Senor." and Cayendish stepped
aside to the protection Of the logs, I'VE
will not surrender. That is our an
swer."
"Foolsi' he called back. his voice
rising harsh above the growing OF
others. ave viii show you. Silva,
Felipe. quick now do what told you.
We will teach these Americana dogs d
lesson. No. stand back Walt until
speak the word"
faint glimmer OF light through
one OF the log creyices caught Cayen-
dish's attention and he bent down. his
eye TO the crack. one hand grasping the
barrel of his gun. Stella watched him
motIonless and silent, her face again
pale from strain.
Il can count about a dozen out
there" he said finally. his words bare
~ audible, and his eye still at the
slight opening "All Mexican except
two-they look American. Most of
them are armed. Ahi Waitl The
fellows have searched the cells and
discovered Cateras. Do you hear that
yell? II will be fight to u finish
now. Here come two men with u log
that's their game. then; they mean
to smash In the door"
He strnightened up. casting a swift
glance about the apartment. All hest
fancy. doubt. had left him now that
the supreme test had come. He was
again capable OF thinking clearly and
acting.
Miss Donovan" he burst out. I'VE
can never hope TO hold back those men
herein this room. We shall be In
bright light as soon as the door is
battered down and then. II they crush
In the window also, we shall surely be
attacked from two sides"
what will be betterf' she asked