The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1920-11-11

she expected death, but II 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 a sob
that shook her body, yet when she lift
ed her head again there "a NJ glim-
mer Of tears in her eyes n her
cheeks were crimson. She waited mo-
t~ionless, scarcely seeming to breathe
the statue Of a woman at bay.
All this was but for a moment, a mo-
ment of swift thought, Of equally swift
decision. The next Cavendish stood
beside her, grasping the shotgun, no
longer a victim Of weakness, his eyes
meeting hers eagerly.
81 could only find twelve cartridges"
he exclaimed, "but I know how to use
those"
He took a step forward and held out
his hand.
Forgive me, Miss Donovan" he
pleaded. Really I do not know what
makes M like that, but you would
uldht q LudU Out VI duyDOuy.
Her firm, slim fingers met his eager
ly, her eyes instantly glowing In ap-
probation.
"Of course I forgive you" she x
claimed. "Your fear is no greater
than my own. l am a woman and
dread this sort of thing. All that gives
me courage Is the knowledge that
death is preferable to d%ishonor," her
voice lost its firmness, "and-and my
faith in a man."
you mean in possible rescue?"
Her eyes lifted to his face.
"Yes, Mr.. Cavendish. 1t may prove
all imagination, yet there is One-a
real man, | am Sure-who must know
Of my plight before this. II he does,
and lives, he will come to me. If we
can only defend ourselves long enough
there will be rescue"
A blow struck the outer door, and
was repeated, evidently dealt by the
butt of a gun; her 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.
If you surrender and not fight l pledge
you protection"
The girl glanced at Cavendish.
"YOu answer him."
what shall l say?" he whispered.
1.-THE man lies; he will keep no
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 it out?"
81 shall; l will never give myself
into the hands of that creature"
"Senor." and Cavendish stepped
aside to the protection of the logs, two
will not surrender. That Is our an
swer."
"Foolsw he called back, ms voice
rising harsh above the growing of
others. 1--WE will show you. Silva,
Felipe, quick now do what l told you.
We will teach these Americana dogs a
lesson. No, stand back! Wait until ]
speak the word
A faint glimmer of light through
one of the log creviceS caught Caven-
dish's attention and he bent down, his
eye to the crack, one hand graSping the
barrel of his gun. Stella watched him
m%otionless and silent, her face again
pale from strain.
az non cpnpt ohput q dnznD ont
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
hem are armed. All! Wait! The
fellows have searched the cells and
discovered Cateras. Do you hear that
yell? 1t will be a fight to a finish
now. Here come two men with a log
that's their game, then; they mean
to smash in the door,"
He Strengthened up, casting a swift
glance about the apartment. All hest.
fancy, doubt, had left him now that
the supreme test had ONE He was
again capable Of thinking clearly and
acting.
miss Donovan" he burst out, 1--WE
can never hope to hold back those men
herein this room. We shall be In
bright light as soon as the door IL
battered down and then, If they crush
in the window also, we shall surely be
attacked from two Sides"
"What will be better?' she asked.
"The back room 1t Is dark, with nc
windows, and there are strips nailed
between the logs. We can force that
heavy wooden bed across the door and
hide behind 1t. We ought to hold them
there as long as u cartridges last
unless they set the cabin afire. Coco
God! They have begun already
Three more blows like that and the
door goes down. Come; it's our only
chance"
1t was the work of a moment; 1t hat
to be. The inner room was SO darI
they had to feel their way about