The St. Johns herald., 1921-08-04

high banks, on either side. Pancha seemingly knew every inch of 1t, for she advanced confidently, selecting the easier path. So they came to the end of the cleft. where it terminated at the bank of the creek.
 The light from the slowly graying sky overhead scarcely penetrated the depths of the ravine, and to the bur den of carrying the heavy body of Macklin was added the weariness of the frequent stumbling over the stones with which the path was strewn. Olga, fighting off the deadly faintness which threatened every moment to overcome her, bore her share of the burden with courage that moved her husband strongly, inasmuch as he felt he was nearing the end of his strength and realized what the strain must be on her.
 The events of the next hour re- mained in Shelby's mind more like some terrible dream than a remem- brance. He was conscious of being excessively worn, hungry, tired. His mind did not function. yet he clung doggedly to his task, with teeth clinched, and every muscle aching from the effort. Macklin moaned once or twice, but without regaining con sciousness, and twice Shelby felt com pelled to lay the wounded man on the ground, while he regained sufficient strength to proceed. Once they en- deavored to shift the burden, Olga in- sisting on helping him to bear the man. But this proved impracticable, and again Shelby shouldered the body and staggered blindly up stream.
 The sky was gray, a heavy mist shrouding the valley below, when they finally attained the opening into the trail sought. Nothing could be seen of their enemies, and, convinced that. as yet, there was no pursuit, the three crept breathlessly into the shadow of the bushes, dragging the unconscious Macklin with them. For some min utes Shelby lay motionless, struggling for breath, feeling that all strength had deserted him. He scarcely real ized that Olga had lifted his head into her lap, and was wiping the beads of precipitation from his face. At last, however, his eyes opened, and he saw her bending over him. The mans lips broke into an effort to smile.
 Some soft, ain't I, little girlT' he muttered. 'but geel That was a pull. and I was about all in. Where's Pan- cha?"
 "Baek there, where she can look out Is it much farther?"
 ''To the cave, you mean7 Yes. 1t is a hard climb yet, but we will have it easier. I'll be all right presently; we'll cut some stakes, and make a litter.
 'I don't know what is the matter with me-" he apologized, ashamed of his weakness, hungry, and over strained, guess. Maybe ought to have left the fellow there"
 "Oh, no, Toml We couldn't do that. The poor thing is nearly crazed."
 "Pancha? Yes. I know; but she'd be a heap sight better of with the guy dead"
 "But she will not believe that. She thinks it is all her fault, and-and she is such a wild, passionate little thing. I would do anything to save him for her."
 'There is about one chance in a thousand Still he's just about ornary enough to make 1t. We sure don't owe him anything"
 q am not so certain of that" she said softly. T wonder when I would have known my husband, but for himP doubt if you half believe all I con- fessed to you now"
 q can scarcely realize it is true, but belief is not absent"
 The motionless girl at the end of the rock suddenly turned her head, and glanced back at them with her piercing black eyes,
 "Senor, is 1t true that you love her your wifeT
 'True; of course. Pancha. told you so even before I told her."
 "An' she love youT
 q am Senor Shelby's wife, Pan- cha," spoke up Olga quickly, a flash burning red on her cheeks. T have no other ambition"
 "Bw the moneyl You rich, he say that, Senor Macklin. You not even care for that?"
 ''Not very much-no. I know noth- ing about 1t, and am perfectly con- tent if it never comes. You must know what I mean-you have loved"
 "Yes, senora; have loved, and would still love; money Is nothing.