The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-31
CHAPTER " Tho Man Paws

CarriI was riding at the steady pace of one who intends TO use his horse hour after hour. Billy did not over take him within the first mile, but he overlook him within the first hour.
 Carri1 did not speak after briefly greeting his companion. And for a time Billy was content 10 ride quietly, regaining his mental balance and equfnimity. When he recovered his desire to chat he made a. discovery that kept him silent awhile longer that was a change m his friend that somewhat awed him. There was an absolute quietness about Carril that Billy gradually recognized was not of repose, but of something nearer desperation. Why :? What was the life o- death of the de- serting soldier to Lucian Carri1 to blanch him to this pale-bronze immo- bflity?
 However, they were going to save the man. Why did the excitement of action, the stir of the race against death, the swing and stride of their horses through the dazzling sun and air of Mexico leave the famous young officer stone-cold, stone-fnute?
 When 1engthening shadows signal ed the arrival of afternoon Billy broke the silence.
 "Carril, when do we eat? he in quired cheerfully.
 'fWe do not.'' said Carri1.
 Billy opened his mouth and shut it again.
 Well, I had a. good breakfast" he resigned himself. ''But the horses aren't goin' to stand this for ever; they've been doin. miles an miles without restin'.''
 I've will find fresh ones at a cav airy post ahead"
 Look here. why couldn't we have saved trouble by comin' part way by train?"
 Because the rebels control the railroad to CuernaSaca" The novice subsided. A few miles farther on Carril turned to LOOK at his companion. refining his horse. 'Graeme, we are gong into a dan- gerous district" he said quietly. My uniform will make me a target for | any lurking rebel. If I fall and you | escape, you must keep on to the camp | of Colonel Zuniga and do my errand It will be safer for yoA in any case than turning back alone. Let the | animals drink at this brook while show you the map.'' They were within the edge of g | forest now. Down a rough hillside leaped and chimed a si1ver-toned silver-clear brook. As the eager horses plunged their noses into the water a brilliant bird whfrred past | the Americans head. and he saw the back of mottled snake slipping S>va, | through the underbrush. They were | riding deeper and deeper into the south, and descending from the cool safe altitude into the genuine tropics
 Here is the roure." Carri1 indi. cated, drawing a pencil along tn; map. we are at this point here Before dawn we should ride into the camp If I am not with you, stor | when the first sentry challenges vol and ask to be taken to Colonel Zu. nigga"
 | EAn' what am I godn' to tell tn, colone1?"
 Carril lifted his steady gray eve to the other mans: Tell him that Lucran CarriI saif that the story of the man, Torres i ftrue; that the man - not a deserter but obeyed the orders gwen him. Ant tell him why I do not bring the mes sage myself.
 Billy put the map into his pocket sorely disconcerted by this turn or ar fairs.
 'Au right-if I ever get there, Ru
 see here, CarrM, you aren't expecHin to be killed?"
 'No such luck" returned Carri
 bitterly, and sent his horse forward | Billy spurred after him. speeches.
 The road grew wilder, and wilder
 They were avaoiding villages an, travelled highways, plunging reckless
 1y and at the highest speed practice b1e into the most direct and danger , ous route. Billy Graeme considere,
 himself an experienced rider for Lefty man, but already he ached wifi, | fatigue.
 Just at sunset. when they pausa, at the top of a long climb to let in,
 horses breathe. Carrrl. with the sns
 picion of a smile. tossed a IittI packet to his companion. There is your dinner, Graeme...
 'what7"
 EChocolate."
 r Billy :, accepted Ir rueru1Iy, os, iiaughfng as he looked around hin,
 s@Than]xs awful1y. I'd ratheq hay.