The Pulaskian., 1921-02-10

versation had in no way improved his position. To be sure he had escaped an immediate meeting with Hanley, but the fact that the latter had entire iy failed to mention his probable ar- rival must have left an unpleasant suspicion in Laud's mind. The fellow said nothing. however, and apparent ly took no precautions, but Shelby was nevertheless fully aware that the other watched him cautiously, and would be quick to detect the slightest movement They rode at a walk through a darkness so profound that he could not be sure they were even following a trail. The sound of boisterous voices rang out occasion ally, but they bore off steadily toward the left away from the noise, and he noticed the Mexican had grasped the bridle of the buckskin, and was firm ly guiding the animal.
 "H-lP said Laud suddenly, "l forgot all about the Kid Wanter see him, Churchll?"
 Not specially ternight." Shelby ad- mitted hastily, "mornin' will be soon enough"
 "All right, then; faint much. far ther, enyhow. There's the high rock, Juan; the light'll show round the next turn"
 It did shining out like a star, and they drove up in front of log shack, an odd-shaped, rambling affair, built close in against wall of rock. The door opened In response to the sound of the horses hoofs, and a young woman appeared in the entrance. peer ing forth.
 ''That you, JuanT she asked in Spanish.
 "Si; there are three of us, Pancha," replied the Mexican, land we would eat quickly. Is the senor here?"
 Mot since noon, Juan. He said little when he rode away, yet there has that occurred would talk with you about"
 "'Tis we'll. little one-after we eat there will be time."
 Laud swung heavily down from his horse, holding up his rein to Juan. who remained in the saddle He moved like one whose limbs were stiff fened by being long in one position.
 "Holy Smoke I can hardly walk" he muttered. T will go along with you to the corral to teach my legs how to behave. And as for you, Church ill.," his voice deepening on the word, "go on into the cabin, and wait there till we come"
 There was nothing for Shelby to do ] but obey. Suspicion caused him to feel thrill of apprehension from h. dian Joe's curt manner, yet there was nothing in the words to resent, and N his only chance of safety lay in an < outward appearance of satisfaction. The girl drew aside. and he stepped * forward into the room. An instant she fingered. as he glanced hastily about at the plainly furnished Inter- $ for, then closed the door, and began busying herself in arranging the ta- ble. She was young, not over six teen. he judged, with dark hair and eyes, decidedly pretty. and with a < quick movement, like the flight of binfe Twice she passed him on her journeys to the fire place, without even glancing In his direction; then sudden iy their eyes met, and she laughed out 6 right.
 You verra dull, Americana not see man like you before," she de- clared positively. You not care talk with mel"
 Sure do,' and he strengthened up. ,,, x,lao x,o,, language"
 "Oh, that eet; you not speak Span ish, senor?''
 "Well, hardly. I kin make out in way what anybody says, but when it 2 comes to talking the lingo, Pm bit rusty
 "Where you learnY"
 When I was in the army, in Ari- zona"
 ''I in Arizona once-Tucson you there? Good. You not soldier now?" "Oh. no; that was quite while < ago; that is why have forgotten my Spanish. There aren't many of your people up here" E She shook her head, resting back x against the table, and gazing at him &frankly with her dark eyes. Juan and I all alone here" she confessed "Eet Is not nice-no; like not these Americanos You do { not look like the senor-vat vas ze funny name he call you?'' Churchill" "Shirchil-bah I not say eet verra good. Maybe you hav' some other name can say better? You tell mel" My given name, you mean; that is Tom"
 She laughed, struggling her shoul- ders.
 From! Oh, know that I call you ]. Tom. then I am Pancha Villemonte.