The Little River news., 1920-06-19


 power of the damnedest villain that ever went unhung. l mean Blackwell. Let him chew on that proposition a while and see what he makes of It."
 She nodded, white to the lips. Let us go at once. please" She called across to the corral: Manuel. saddle the pinto for me. Hurry!"
 They rode together through the wind-swept sunlit land. From time to time his lazy glance embraced her, a supple, graceful creature, at perfect ease in the saddle. What was it about her sEat drew the eye so irresistibly: Prettier girls he had often seen. Her featu4eS were Irregular mouth and nose too large, face 2 little thin Her contour lacked the softness, the allure that in some women was an uncon. scious invitation to cuddle. Tough as whipcosi .,as might be, but in heI there flowed life vital and strong dWelt spirit brave and uncOnquer ah}@. She seemed to him as little subtle as any woman he had ever met. This directness came no doubt from living so far from feminine influences. But he had feeling that if man once Wakened her love. the instinct of sex would spring full-grown into being.
 
 Luck lay stretched full length on q bunk, his face to the roof, wreath of nl-a h .,ir al e,I, ly toward the ceiling into tlmy blue cloud which hung above him. He looked the personitication of vigorous full-blooded manhood at ease.
 By the table, facing him squarely, sat Jose Dominguez, neatly built Mexican with snapping black eyes. a manner of pleasant suavity and an ever-ready smile that displayed a dou- ble row of shining white teeth. That smile did not for an instant deceive Luck He knew that Jose had no grudge against him. that he was a very respectable citizen, and that he would respectfully shoot him full of holes if occasion called for so drastic a ter BlinatiOn to their acquaintance. For Dominguez had third interest in the C. F. ranch and he was the last man in the world to sacrifice his business for sentiment. Having put the savings of lifetime into the sheep business, he did pot propose to let anybody deprive him of his profits. either legally or illegally.
 The tinkle of hoofs from the river bed. in the gulch below rose through the clear air. The Mexican moved swiftly to the door and presently waved handkerchief.
 What gent are you wig-wagging to now?" Luck asked from the bed. '"Thought knew all you bold bad ban dlts by this time. Or is it Cass back again?"
 "Yes, it's Cass. There's some one with him, too. It Is a wOman." the Mexican discovered in apparent sur prise.
 "A womanl" Luck took the cigar from his mouth in vague unease. What is he doing here with a wom- anr'
 The Mexican smiled behind his open hand. Your question anticipates mine, senor too ask the same"
 The sight of his daughter in the doorway went through the cattleman with chilling shock. She ran for ward and with pathetic cry of joy threw herself upon him where he stood. His hands were tied behind him. Only by the turn of his head could lac answer her caresses There WIS look of ineffable tenderness on his face, for he loved her more than anything else on earth.
 MT Fendrlck brought me-" she ex- plained when articulate expression was possible.
 He brought you, did he?" Luck looked across her shoulder at his en- emy, and his eyes grew hard as jade.
 "of my own free will" she added. "I promised you better argument