The daily Alaskan., 1920-07-20

of life. Her study of the situation concentrated on the small cabin imme- dlately in front. It was built of logs well mortlSed together and plastered between with clay. There were no windows on the end toward the clin' or along the one side which she could see from where she lay. The single door must open from the front ana anparently the house had been erected with the thought that 1t might some time be used for purposes of defense, as 1t had almost the appearance of a fort Confident there could be no bet- ter time for the venture, Stella sig naled with her hand for the others to join her.
 .The way Is clear" she said, and, listen to my warning, senor. We are going straight along the north side oi 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 sound, or make a mo tton. 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 if doubt. You might kill me; l think that, vet how would 1t serve you? One shot fired would bring here q dozen men-then what?"
 "I thank you, scnOr; there will be no shot fired. Give mo the revolver, &r. Cavendish; now take this knife. As We advance walk one step behind Men dez. You will know what to do. Now, senor, if you wish to try an eXpert- ment-we % now
 There was not a 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 rabin. and CayendSh, sep behind his prisoner, poised for a quick blow, the steel blade glIttcriug in uplifted hand, saw nothing but the back of the man before him. The latter shrugged his shoulders and marched forward, his eyes alone evidenclng the passion raging within.
 Without pausing they reached the door, which stood slightly ajar. Stella pushed it open. took one swift glance within and stepped aside. The other two entered. and she instantly fol- lowed. closing the door, and securing It with a stout wooden bar. Her face was white, marked by nervous emo ton, her eyes bright and fearless. With one swift glance she visioned the in- terior; there were two rooms, both small, divided by a solid log partition, pierced by a narrow doorway.
 Her heart beat faster as she turned away, satisfied with the success of her plan. Nothing remained now but to secure Mendez. to make 1t impossible for him to raise an alarm. If he could be bound. and locked into that rear room. She looked 0t the two men the Mexican had slouched down into chair, apparently having abandoned all hope of escape. his chin lowered on his breast. his eyes hidden beneath the wide brim of his hat. Feeling no trepi- datiOn, she crossed toward the other room. noting as she passed that Men dez lifted his head to observe her movements. She paused at the door, turning suspiciousIy, but the man hud already seemingly lost interest, and his head again dropped. She stepped within.
 It was dlngy dark once she had crossed the threshold, yet enough of light fickered in through the doorway to enable her to perceive the few ar- tlcles of furniture. The room itself was a small one, but contained a roughly constructed wooden bed two stools, and a square table of unplaned boards. Against the wall in corner leaned a shOrt-barreled gun, a canvas bag draped over Its muzzle.
 She had no opportunity to observe more. To her ears there came the sound of a blow in the room she had just left, a groan, the dull thud of a body striking the floor, accompanied by a Spanish oath. and a Shuflling of feet. She sprans back into the open doorway, startled, certain only of some catastrophe, her fingers gripping hard on the revolver.
 Cavendish lay writ6ing,On the floor, the chair overturned beside him, and the Mexican, with one swift leap for ward, cleared the body, and reached the window Even as she caught this movement, too dazed for the Instant to act, the injured man struggled up on one elbow, and, with all the force he possessed. hurled the knife straight at the fleeing figure. It flashed through the air, a savage gleam of steel, barely missing Mendez' shoulder, and buried itself in a log, quivering from the force of impact. With yell Cf derlsion, his hands gtin bound, the desperate fugi-