The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-02-24

one Of them a man from New York.
who has business with me-"
Her clear, thoughtful eyes turned
inquiringly toward Cavendish, but the
survey brought with 1t no encourage
ment. The man meant well, no doubt
and would fight valiantly on Occasion
ne was no coward, no weakling-equal-
~ clear his was not the stun from
which leaders are made. There was
uncertainty in his eyes, lack of force
In MS face which told the story. What
ever was decided upon, or accom-
piished, 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 II we got away
now, we would be pursued and over.
taken, for the desert offers few
chances for concealment. II we can
reach that smaller cabin unseen we
ought to be safe enough there for
hours. Cateras viii not bother, and
with Mendez captive his men will not
learn what has occurred. Is not this
our best plan, Mr. Cavendish2"
And at night?
I'VE must work some scheme to get
horses and depart before those others
reach here. II we leave this man SO:
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-
srt. Do you think Of anything bet.
teri"
That he did not was evidenced BY
the vacant look in his eyes, and she
waited for no answer.
Here" she said, thrusting the re-
volver into his hand, take this and
guard Mendez until return. 1t will
only be a moment. Don't take your
eyes Off him; there must be no alarm"
She moved forward through the
gloomy shadows toward the light
showing at the mouth Of the cave and
was able to gain comprehensive view
of the entire scene beyond. Within
the cave itself there was no move
ment, no evidence Of life. Quite clear
ly no guard had been posted here, and
no precautions taken, although doubt
less the only entrance to the deep val
ley was carefully watched.
The two cabins were directly before
the entrance, the smaller closely in
against the cliff, the larger slightly ad-
Vanced. Neither exhibited any sign
of life. Her study of the situation
concentrated on the small cabin imme-
4 h,1il Nf lDo
well mortised together and plastered
between with clay. There were no
windows on the end toward the cliff,
or along the one side which she could
see from where she lay. The single
door must open from the front, and
apparently the house had been erected
with the thought that 1t might some
time be used for purposes of defense,
as it had almost the appearance of q
fort. Confident there could be no bet
ter time for the venture, Stella sig
nailed 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 of
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. If
you dare utter q sound, or make mo-
tion, 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
II doubt. You might kill me think
that, yet how would it serve your One
shot fred would bring here a dozen
men-then what?"
II thank you, senior; there will be no
shot fired. Give me the revolver, Mr..
Cavendish; now take this knife. AS
we advance walk one step behind Men
deZ. You will know what to do. Now.