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

AOu nSdu JOu VIII kcdfC Ao ACAS to go on alone?'
 "Yes, senor; eet is best. They win not stop me; they will not know. Un- less meet Senor Laud there is no danger; perhaps even he will not sus- pect. or interfere. There are horses there, and I ride often-sometimes even up onto the mesa; no one WIlI care"
 "You are sure you can passF'
 q am sure will pass" she said firmly. T ride for hees life, senor."
 It was the better plan, nor could Shelby deny the probability of its sue cess. No one, unless possibly It might be Laud, or Hanley, had any reason to suspect her now. It was a long journey to Gerlasche, too long to be made on foot, and if the girl went with them up the trail, every effort at rescue would be delayed.
 You are right, Pancha," he admit ted. "We'll get him up there some way. But you better go now, before the fog rises"
 "Yes, senor."
 She came over and knelt beside Macklin, who was moaning slightly, his head resting on pillow made by Shelby's coat. As she bent over him his eyes partially opened, but with no light of intelligence in them; they were dull, lusterless.
 "Senor, senor," she sobbed, pressing his hand between both her own. ~I am going to ride for you"
 Some angel of mercy must have put the words on his lips, for certainly he knew her not, yet faint, ftfuL there came from his lips the cry:
 "Pancha want you, Pancha ["
 She must have understood, known. and yet the comfort of that call was hers.
 She looked at him dry-eyed, notion less; then bent and kissed his lips. Slowly, regretfully she arose to her feet. and faced them, her cheeks white.
 "'Tis all." she said simply, "now I go"
 She vanished without a sound. gid ing through the fringe of bushes and down the steep bank to the protection of the creek. They were alone but with their own work to do. Shelby went at his with quiet efficiency. Se- lecting two stout limbs, similar in size and length. he ran these through the arms of his strong corduroy jacket. binding them into position by two cross-pieces, hastily prepared. and dashed firmly with strips torn from his neckerchief. Macklin, now once again silent, and motionless, his eyes closed. was lifted gently onto the outspread coat, his limbs upheld by one of the cross-bars, and then the jacket but toned securely about him, forming a swinging cradle finely adapted for the purpose. Shelby straightened up, quite himself again.
 ~There. that will answer nicely" he said confidently. Tt is bound to be a hard climb, but we'll take our time to 1t and rest when we are tired. No one can see us from below after we once pass the point yonder."
 'Is the trail up hill all the wayT asked the girl, her eyes searching the steep face of the bluff.
 eyes, pretty sharp at times, but ws1I manage. It follows a deep cleft through the rocks, and once found can- not be lost. I'll take this end; that will give me the most of the weight and you lead the way; take 1t slowly and you'i be all right"
 They picked the litter up between them, Olga relieved to discover how lightly, thus distributed. her share of the burden rested upon her. She was able to advance easily and pick her way among the rocks without experi- encing great discomfort. The weight of the mans body came far heavier upon Shelby, but the rest and change had largely restored his strength and he felt no doubt of his ability to sus- tain this end of the burden. Unable to see just where he was placing bis feet in the stony path, he stumbled occasionally, causing the wounded man to groan in some sudden spasm of pain; yet 1t was evident he did not suffer greatly. The trail they followed had so impressed itself on his memory that he recalled every turn clearly and could call out directions to her in a low voice.
 'sTurn sharply to the right there; we will have to hold the litter higher to get by that rock; here is the only point exposed; once in the shadow of. those trees the way Is completely cov- cred. Yes, we can move rapidly around this point; from now on there are rocks on both sides. Take 1t easy, and If you need to rest, say SO"