St. Tammany farmer., 1922-12-23

almost a dashing figure. Hotas fi'a.
mounted and seemed to be listening.
Beldtng made gestures, vehementlv
bobbed his big head, appeared to talk
with his body as much as with his
tongue. Then Rojas was seen to reply.
and after that It was clear that the
talk became painful and difficult. II
ended finally In what appeared to be
mutual understanding. Rojas mount
ed and rode away with his men.
while Beldfng came tramping back to
the house.
Az he entered the door his eyes
were shining, his big hands were
c1enched, and he was breathing au-
dfbly.
you can rope me II Tn not To-
coedl" he burst out II went out 10
conciliate red-handed little MUIR
derer, and d-n me If didn't meet
a-a-well, I've no suitable name
handy. I started my bluff and got
along pretty well, but forgot to mem
tl0n that Mercedes was Thorne's wife,
And what do you think7 Rojas swora
he loved Mercedes he'd marry
her right here in Forlorn River
swore he would give up robbing and
killing people, and take her away
from Mexico. He has gold-jewels.
He swore II he didn't get her noth-
Ing mattered. He'd die anyway with
out her. -. And here's the strange
thing. believe himl He was cold
as Ice, and all HI inside. Never saw
a Greaser like him Anyway, without
my asking he said for me to think 1t
over for q day and then we'd talk
again."
"shore we're born luckyl" eJacu-
lated Ladd.
Il reckon Rojas'll be smart enough
to string his outfit across the few
trails out Of Forlorn River" remarked
Jim.
'@That needn't worry us, All we
want is dark to come" replied Bel
ding. "Yaqui will slip through. II
we thank any lucky stars let 1t be for
the Indian. You may go tonYuma In
six days and maybe in six weeks. You
may have big fight. Laddy, take
the .4O5. Dick will pack his Remlng.
ton. All Of you 60 gunned heavy. But
the main thing Is pack thatu be
light enough for swift travel, yet one
that'll keep you from starving on the
desert"
The rest Of that day passed swiftly.
The sun set, twilight fell, then night
closed down, fortunately a night
slightly overcast. Gale saw the white
horses pass his door like silent
ghosts. Even Blanco Diablo made no
sound, and that fact was Indeed q
tribute to the Yaqui. Gale went out
to put his saddle on Blanco Sol. The
horse rubbed a soft nose against his
shoulder. Then Gale returned to the
sitting room. There was nothing moro
to do but walt and say good-by. Mer-
cedes came nlad In leather chaps and
coat, slim stripping Of cowboy, her
dark eyes flashing. Her beauty could
not be hidden, and now hope and
courage had fred her blood.
Gale drew Nell into his arms.
Dearest. Tn going -.
And maybe I'll never
"Dick, do-don't say 1t" sobbed'
Nell, with her head on his breast.
II might never come back" he went
on, steadily. II love you've loved
you ever since the first moment I saw
you. Do you love meY'
Eyes, yes. oh, love you sol I,
never knew it till now. I love you SO.
Dick, I'll be safe and I'll wait and
hope and pray for your return"
"If I come back-no when come
back, win you marry met"
'I-1-oh yesl' she whispered, and
returned his kiss
Belding was in the room speaking
softly. =
.Nell darling, must go" said
Dick.
.Tm selfish little coward" cried
Nell. "lt's 10 splendid Of you all. I
ought to glory In 1t, but can't. -.
Fight II you must, Dick. Fight for
that lovely persecuted girl. I'll love
you-the more. oh! Good
byl Goodbyl''
With wrench that shook him, Cali
let her 80. He heard Belongs soft
voice.
"Yaqui says the early hours the
best. Trust him, Laddy. Remember
what say-Yaqui's godsend.'
Then they were all outside In the
pale gloom under the trees. Yaqui
mounted Blanco Diablo; Mercedes
was lifted upon White Woman !;
Thorne climbed astride Queen; Jim
Lash was already upon his horse,
which was as white rs the others but
bore no name; Ladd mounted the stall
lion Blanco Torres, and gathered up
the long halters Of the two pack
horses; Gale came last with Blanco
Sol.
AS he toed the stirrup, hand on
mane and pommel, Gale took one mora
look In at the door. Nell stood In
the CLEAN Of light, her hair shining,
face like ashes, her eyes dark, her
lips parted, her arms outstretched,
That sweet and tragic picture etched
its cruel outlines into Gales heart. He
waved his hand and then fercely
leaped into the saddle.
Blanco Sol stepped out.
Before Gale stretched line OF mov.t
ing horses, white ageinst dark shad.s