Sioux County pioneer., 1922-12-21

| DEATH"
She became quiet, and slowly recov-
cred control of herself. She wheeled
to face Gale with proud dark eyes,
tragic sweetness Of appeal, an exqui.
site grace.
"Senor, you are an American. You
cannot know the Spanish blood-the
peon bandits hate and cruelty.
wish to die before Rojas' hand touches
me. If he takes me alive, then the
hour, the little day that my life lasts
afterward will be torture torture Of
hell. If live two days his brutal men
will have me. If live three, the dogs
OF his camp SenOr, have you
sister whom you lover Help Senior
Thorne to save me. He Is a soldier.
He Is bound. He must not betray his
honor, his duty, for me. Now,
let me waste no more precious time.
I am ready. will be brave"
She came close to Gale, holding out
her white hands, woman all fire and
soul and passion. To Gale she was
wonderful. His heart leaped. AS he
bent over her hands ana kissed them
he seemed to feel himself renewed;
remade.
"Senorita," he said, II am happy to
be your servant. l can conceive of no
greater pleasure than giving the serv-
ice you require"
"And what Is that7" inquired
Thorne hurriedly.
"That Of incapacitating Senior Rojas
for tonight, and perhaps several
nights to come" replied Gale. "I'll
make row in that saloon. I'll start
something. I'll rush Rojas and his
crowd. I'll"
Lord, no; you, mustn't, Dick
you'll be knifed!" cried Thorne.
"1'll take chance. Maybe can
surprise that slow Greaser bunch and
get away before they know. what's
happened. You be ready
watching at the window. When the
row starts those fellows out there in
the plaza will run into the saloon.
Then you slip out, go straight through
the plaza down the street. It's dark
street, remember. I'll catch up with
you before you get far"
Thorne gasped, but did not say
word. Mercedes leaned against him,
her white hands now at her breast,
her great eyes watching Gale as he
went out.
In the corridor Gale stopped long
enough to pull on pair of heavy
gloves, to muss his hair, and disar-
range his collar. Then he stepped
into the restaurant, went through, and
halted In the door leading into the
saloon. No one appeared to notice
him. Gales rowing glance soon fixed
upon the man he took to be Rojas.
The Mexican's face was turned aside.
He was in earnest, excited colloquy
with dozen or more comrades, most
Of whom were sitting round table.
They were listening, talking, drinking.
The fact that they wore cartridge belts
crossed over their breasts satisfied
Gale that these were the rebels. He
became conscious Of an inward fire
that threatened to overrun his cool
ness. Other emotions harried his self
control. 1t seemed as IT sight of the
man liberated or created devil in
Gale. And at the bottom Of his feel
fngs there seemed to be wonder at
himself, strange satisfaction for the
something that had come to him.
He stepped out of the doorway.
down the couple of steps to the floor
of the saloon, and he staggered a
little. Stimulating drunkenness. He fell
over the pool tables, jostled Mexicans
at the bar, laughed like maudlin
fool, and, with his hat slouched down.
crowded here and there. Presently
his eye caught sight Of the group of
cowboys whom he had before noticed
with such interest.
They were still in corner some
what isolated. With fertile mind
working, Gale lurched over to them.
If he were to get any help from these
silent aloof rangers it must be by
striking fire from them in one swift
stroke. Planting himself squarely be-
fore the two tall cowboys who were
standing, he looked straight into
their lean, bronzed faces. He spared
a full moment for that keen, cool
gaze before he spoke.
"I'm not drunk. Tn throwing a
bluff, and mean to start a rough
house. I'm going to rush that id
bandit Rojas. It's to save q girl-to
give her lover, who Is my friend, a
chance to escape with her. She's in
the house. Rojas Is here to get her.
When / start row my friend will try
to slip out with her. Every door and
window Is watched. I've got to raise
hi to draw the guards In. .. !.
Well, you're my countrymeE. We're
in Mexico. A beautiful girls honor
and life are at stake. Now, gentle
men, watch me!r III .$
One cowboys eyes narrowed, blink
ing little, and his lean jaw dropped !;
the others hard face rippled with a
fleeting smile. .S@ Il
| Gale backed away, and his pulse
leaped when he saw the two cowboys,
as II with one purpose, slowly stride
after him. Then Gale swerved, stag.