The daily Alaskan., 1920-07-17

behind"
 He did so, and Cavendish strapped the stout belt about them, winding 1t in and out until he had sure pur- chase. He drew 1t so tightly the fel- low winCed.
 Tt hurts, senor," she said, satis- fled. "Well, to hurt you little is bet ter than what you planned for me. Now lead on. No, listen first. I know who you are and your power here. That is why we took this chance of making you prisoner. We are. des- perate; 1t Is either your life, or ours, senor. You are an outlaw, with price on your head, and you realize what chances one will take to escape. Now, there is just one opportunity given you to live"
 "What, senOrltaT
 "That you accompany us down this passage into the valley as hostage. You will compel your men, if we en- counter any, to furnish us horses"
 But the men may not obey. can. not promise; Senor Cateras-"
 "Senor Cateras will not be there" she interrupted sharply. We have already seen to Senor Cateras. The others will obey youi"
 "They may; I cannot promise"
 "Then 1t will be your own loss; for if there be a shot fired, you will get either a bullet or a knife thrust. l would try no sharp tricks, Senpr Mcndez. Now we go on." .r
 Mendez smiled grimly in the dark, his mind busy. q am to go firstT and his voice assumed polite defer ence.
 Beside Mir CavendIsh," she replied, land I will be behind"
 "ThiS gentleman, you meanT
 "Yes; and there Is no need for any more acting This Is the revolver pressing against your back, senor. l could scarcely miss you at that dis tance."
 They advanced in silence, through the faint gleam of light which H. lumined the passage through the stone slits over the cell doors.
 The darkness swallowed them again, but the way was clear, and, once around the sharp turn, gllm- mer of distant daylight made advance easier. There was no sign of any guard visible, nor any movement per ceptible in the open vista beyond the save entrance. The girl touched Mendez' arm.
 You expect Lacy"
 "I have sent for him; It was yester- day"
 "And he could be here now?"
 "Not before night; 1t Is a hard ride; why ask all this?"
 "I have reasons. Now another thing; where are your menY
 His eyes wandered to the gleam of daylight.
 There will be one or two in the bunk-hOuse likely; the others are with the cattle up the valley" But none In your cabInT
 He shook his head.
 And you say Lacy cannot get here before dark? How late?"
 "Well, senorita, l may as we'll tell you, suppose. It Is the rule not to enter this valley after dark. I expect the AmerIcanOs to arrive about ten o'clock"
 "The AmericanOs?"
 "Si, there will be three in the party, one of them man from New York, who has business with me"
 Her clear, thoughtful eyes turned lnquiriugly toward Cavendlsh, but the survey brought with 1t no encourage ment. The man meant well, no doubt, and would fight valIantly on occasion {; he was no coward, no weaklIng-eQual- ly clear his was not the stuff from which leaders are made. There was uncertainty In his eyes, a lack of force in his face which told the story. What ever was decided upon, or accom- pllShed, must be by her volItIon; she could trust him to obey, but that was all.
 "Then we will make no attempt to leave the valley until after dark" she said slowly. Even If We got away now, We would be pursued and over. taken, for the desert offers few chances for cOnCealment. If we can reach that smaller cabin unseen we ought to be safe enough there for hours. Cateras will not bother, and with Mendez captive his men will not learn what has occurred. Is not this our best plan, Mir. Cavendlsh?"
 And at night?"
 eve must work some scheme to get horses and depart before those others reach here. If we leave this man se- 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 ter2"
 That he did not was evidenced by the vacant look in his eyes, and she waited for no answer.
 "Hpre" she said. thrusting the re-