The Lamar register., 1920-06-09

If Southern race. senorita, and we
IL not caIculate-we feel. Why, then,
should conceal my eagerness? 1t is
love which causes me to thus defy all
and offer you freedom"
"Lovei" she laughed why. that is
impossible. Surely you only jest,
senor."
The smile deserted his lips. and
with a quick. unexpected movement
lie grasped her hand.
"Jestl You would call 1t a Jest. You
will not think so for long. Why, what
can you do? No; stop shrinking back
from me. 1t will be well that you lis
ten. come TO you with a chance of
escape; ] Will take the risk and pledge
you my aid. | alone can save you;
there is no other to whom you can
turn. In return / but ask my re-
ward"
She hesitated, her eyes lifting to his
face.
"You promise me your assistanceT
"within the hour"
"How? What plan have your"
"That will not tell you must trust
Mendez," touch of pride In his voice
"And my word alone will open the
way. You VIII comer
"Wait; I must know more. You sny
1t Is love which prompts your offer,
senior cannot understand; and even
II this Is true. | must be frank and
honest in my answer do not return
your love-
BAH That is nothing. l know
women; they learn love quickly when
the way opens. 1 am not so Ill TO look
at. senorita. A kiss now will seal the
bargain! Will wait the rest
you ask no pledge. then, Of met"
"Only your consent to accompany
me, and the kiss. Beyond that | take
the gamblers chance. Only you must
say yes or no; for 1t will require time
for me to clear the road"
at must be ronightr
1.-THE sooner the better: they tell me
Lacy will be here himself soon. and
after he comes the one chance is over
with. You will give the kiss?'
DO not ask it, senorl
"Oh. but l wlll-aye, more, ri take
ii. dozen Will do no harm, and no
scream from those lips will be heard.
You may as well be nice. my beauty"
She was against the wall, helpless.
and the grip OF his hands was like
steel. His breath was on her cheek;
his eyes burning with lust gazing
straight into her own. Slowly. remorse-
lessly. he bent her head backward un-
4 r.. y
Into her terror-stricken mind ieaped
the sudden conclusion that resistance
with this beast was futile; she must
outwit him with her brains. Suddenly
relaxing herself. she slipped to the
granite floor on her knees.
please. please she begged. Il
give in, senior. | give in
But as she spoke her right hand
closed about u square Jagged bit Of
rock.
$50. my pretty" sneered Caterns.
you have learned that Juan Cateras
Is not a man to trifie with. IL Is well"
And. releasing his grip upon her. he
allowed the girl to rise.
As she stood there in the half light.
her gray eyes flashing. her young
bosom rising and falling. she was n
vaguely defined but alluring figure. So
Junn Cateras thought. and he took a
step nearer. his thick. red lips curling
with lust. eager TO claim their rich re-
ward. AS they came closer Stella
Donovan stiffened.
Look. senor." she whispered-"be-
hind youl"
The Mexican In his engcrness was
OF his guard. He turned to look. and
at that instant the girl drew back her
sturdy army and Ihen brought II for
ward again with all her vigor. Cluk
She heard the rock sound against her
oppressor's head. heard low moan
escape his lips. and saw him sink slow
ly to the floor ut her feet.
The next instant she was beside liin.
in terror lest she had killed him; but
| a hurried glance. supplemented by her
fingers which reached for his pulse.
assured her that she had only stunned
her assallant. With deft hands that
worked speedily In the darkness she
unstrapped from around his waist the
belt with Its thlrty-six cartridges and
revolver, then pulled from his pocket
the keys. not only to her cell. but. she
| judged, to others.
The feel of their bronze coldness In
har hot hands brought a 0uiCk message