Charlevoix county herald., 1920-06-04

"a Pleasant Day, senor," He Said Ora
ciously.
faces Of the two men, and then dwell
ing with interest on the woman. "Ah,
your pardon, senOrita; your presence
Is more than welcome here" He
rested one hand on the wagon box,
the expression Of his face hardening.
'Yet an explanation might not be out
of place-the Senior Mendez may not
be pleased"
1--WE came under orders from Lacy"
replied Moore confidently. "You have
seen us both before"
''True, but not the lady; you will
tell me about herr"
Skies climbed down over the wheel.
"It is like this, senor," he began.
"Lacy did not know your party was
here; he thought you were all south
for another month yet. He would keep
this girl quiet, out Of the way for
time. She is from New York, and
knows too much"
"FrOm New York 2" The quick eyes
of the Mexican again sought her face.
"She Is to be held prisonerT
"Yes, senor."
"Then will ride with you to Men,
dez; tits well to have the matter
promptly over with
The wagon rnmbled on, Moore urg-
ing the wearied team with whip and
voice to little result. Skies remained
on foot, glad Of the change, striding
along in front, while the Mexican rode
beside the wheel, his equipment jim
Cling, the sunlight flashing over his
bright attire. He made rather gal
liant figure, Of which he was fully con-
scious, glancing frequently aside into
the shadow beneath the canvas top to
gain glimpse Of its occupant. At last
their eyes met, and he could no long.
er forbear speech, his English express
sion a bit precise.
Pardon, senorita, / would be held
your friend" h9 murmured, leaning
closer. "You know Senior Mendezr
She shook her head negatively.
otis strange! Yet I forget you
come from New York. They know
him here on this border. II you ask
these men they will tell you. Even
Senior Lacy takes his orders from
Pascual Mendez. He care not who he
kill, who he fight-some day It come
his turn, and then ne liberate Mexico
sect The day Is not yet, but II will
come"
"But you, senorT
81 am his lieutenant-Juan Cateras,"
and he bowed low, "and I ride now to
tell him Of his guest"
She watched him as he spurred for
ward, proud Of his horsemanship, and
making every effort to attract her At
tention. Moore turned in his seat, and
grinned.
"Some tin soldier" he said sneer-
ingly, that's Teller always wanted
ter kick, an some day I'm q goin' ter
do It."
The wagon lurched down q steep
bank, splashed its way across the mar
row stream and up the other side, the
horses straining In their harness to
the sharp snap Of the drivers whip. A
towering precipice Of rock confronted
them. and at Its very foot stood two
cabins Of log construction, so closely
resembling their stone background as
to be almost imperceptible at the dis
lance Of few yards. Skies leaned on
his rifle waiting, and as Moore halted
the painting team and leaped over the
wheel to the ground Cateras came
forth from one Of the open doors and
crossed the intervening space on foot.
He was smoking cigarette. the blue
wreath Of smoke circling above his
head In the still air.
The lady is to be placed In my
care" he said almost insolently.
your hand, senorita."
Miss Donovan hesitated. Moore
broke the silence with a protest.
In your care, senorf The girl IL
here as prisoner to Bill Lacy"
$50 told Mendez," he said indiffer-
emily. But he is In iii humor this
morning and took small interest In the
affair. II was only when promised to
take full charge that he consented to
your remaining at ALL"
IF there is evil done, the debt will
be paid"
Cateras laughed, one hand at his In