The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1920-11-06
And at night 2"

curely bound, his plight will not even
be discovered until Lacy arrives. By
that time, with any good fortune, we
will be beyond pursuit, lost in the des-
ert. Do you think of anything bet
ter?'
That he did not was evidenced by
the vacant look in his eyes, and she
waited for no answer.
Here" she said, thrusting the re-
vOlver into his hand, take this and
guard Mendez until / return. 1t will
only be moment. Don't take your
eyes off him; there must be no alarm"
She moved forward through the
gloomy shadows toward the light
showing at the mouth Of the cave and
was able to gain comprehensive view
OF the entire scene beyond. Within
the cave itself there was no move
ment, no evidence Of life. Quite clear
ly no guard had been posted here, and
no precautions taken, although doubt
less the only entrance to the deep val
ley was carefully watched.
The two cabins were directly before
the entrance, the smaller closely IN
against the cliff, the larger slightly adj
yaDced. Neither exhibited any sign
of life. Her study of the situation
concentrated on the small cabin lmme-
diately in front. 1t was built OF logs,
well mortised together and plastered
between with clay. There were no
windows on the end toward the cllff,
or along the one side which she could
see from where she lay. The single
door must open from the front, and
apparently the house had been erected
with the thought that it might some
time be used for purposes of defense,
As il had almost the appearance of a
fort. Confident there could be no bet
ter time for the venture, Stella sig
nailed with her hand for the others to
join her.
"The way is clear" she said, land,
listen to my warning, senior. we are
going straight along the north side. OF
your cabin there, until we reach the
door. For about twenty feet we shall
be exposed to view from that other
cabin. if any of your men are there. II
YOU dare utter a sound, or make mo-
ton, this man will shoot you dead in
YOUR tracks-do you understand"
His look was ugly enough, although
he compelled the thin lips to smile.
"Quite clearly-yes; but pardon me
II doubt. You might kill me; think
that. vet how would it serve you? One
shot fired would bring here dozen
men-then what?'
~ thank you, senior there will be nc
shot fired. Give me the revolver, Mr.
Cavendish; now take this knife. AS
we advance walk one step behind Men
deg. You will know what to do. Now
senior, If you wish to try an expert
ment-we go now"
There was not sound, not word
Not unlike three shadows they crossed
the open space, and found shelter be
hind the walls Of the hut. The girl
never removed her eyes from the other
cabin, and Cavendish, a step behind
his prisoner, poised for quick blow
the steel blade glittering in uplifted
hand, saw nothing but the back of the
man before him. The latter shrugged
his shoulders and marched forward
his eyes alone evidencing the passion
raging within.
Without pausing they reached the
door, which stood slightly ajar. Stells
pushed 1t open, took one swift glance
within and stepped aside. The other
two entered, and she instantly fol
lowed, closing the door, and securing
II with a stout wooden bar. Her fact
was white, marked by nervous emo
ton, her eyes bright and fearless. Will
one swift glance she visiOned the In
terror; there were two rooms, bOtf
small. divided by solid log partition
pierced by q narrow doorway.
Her heart beat faster as she turned
away, satisfied with the success Of hel
plan. Nothing remained now but t.
secure Mendez, to make it impossible
for him to raise an alarm. II he cOul(
be bound. and locked into that real
room. She looked at the two men
the Mexican had slouched down into 4
chair, apparently having abandoned al
hope of escape, his chin lowered on hi!
breast, his eyes hidden beneath thu
wide brim of his hat. Feeling no trepi
dalton, she crossed toward the Othel
room, noting as she passed that Men
! deg lifted his head to observe hel
movements. She paused at the door
turning suspiciously, but the man hat
already seemingly lost interest, ant
his head again dropped. She stepped
within.
!. was dingy dark once she hat
crossed the threshold, yet enough O.
light flickered in through the doorwa.
to enable her to perceive the few ar
ticles of. furniture. The room itsel
was small one, but contained {
roughly constructed wooden bed, tw'
stools, and a square table of unplanet
boards. Against the wall in corne
leaned short-barreled gun, canvas
bag draped over its muzzle.
She had no opportunity to ,observ
more. To her ears there came tn
sound of blow in the room she hal
lust left, groan, the dull thud Of
body striking the floor, accompanied
by Spanish oath, and shutting o
feet. She sprang back into the Opel
doorway, startled, certain only of som