The Elk Mountain pilot., 1922-11-23
CHAPTER II
Mercedes castaneda

mercedes Castancda.
The dark face vanished. Dick Gale
heard footsteps and the tinkle of
spurs. He strobe to the window, and
, was in time to see Mexican swag-
ger into the front door of the saloon.
There were men passing in the street,
also several Mexicans lounging
against the hitching rail at the curb.
did you see him? Where did he
go?" whispered Thorne, as he Joined
Gale. "Those Greasers out there with
the cartridge belts crossed over their
breasts-they are rebels. I'm afraid
RoJas has the house spotted"
"If we could only be sure"
"Im sure, Dick. Let's cross the
hall; want to see how 1t looks from
the other side of the house."
Gale followed Thorne out of the res
taurant into the high-ceiled corrido-
which evidently divided the hotel,
opening into the street and running
back to a patio. A few dim, yellow
lamps flickered. Thorne entered
huge chamber which was even more
poorly lighted than the hail. 1t con-
tained a table Uttered with papers,
few high-backed chairs. a couple of
couches, and was evidently a parlor.
Mercedes has been meeting me
here" said Thorne. "At this hour she
comes every moment or so to the head
of the stairs there. and If I am here
she comes down. Mostly there are
people in this room little later. We
go out into the plaza. 1t faces the
dark side of the house. and that's the
place / must slip out with her II
there's any chance at all to get away"
They peered out Of the opel win
dow. In moment, however, Gale
made out a slow-pacing dark form on
the path. Farther down there was
another. No particular keenness was
required to see in these forms SEN
tinel-like stealthiness.
Gripping Gales arm, Thorne pulled
back from the window.
"You saw them,' he whispered. "It's
just as feared. Rojas has the place
surrounded. should have taken Mer-
cedes away. But l had no time-no
chancel I'm boundl There's
Mercedes now! My Cd
Dick, think. think-think If there's
way to get her out of this trapI"
Gale turned as his friend went down
the room. In the dim light at the head
of the stairs stood the slim, muffied
figure of a woman. When she saw
Thorne she few noiselessly down the
stairway to him. He caught her in
his arms. Then she spoke softly, bro
kenly, in low, swift voice. 1t was a
mingling of incoherent Spanish and
English but to Gale it was mellow.
deep. unutterably tender. voice full
of joy, fear, passion. hope and love.
Upon Gale 1t had an unaccountable
effect. He found himself thrilling.
wondering.
Thorne led the girl to the center Of
the room, under the light where Gale
stood.
"Mercedes-Dick Gale an old friend
the best friend ever had"
She swept the mantilla back over
her head, disclosing lovely face,
strange and striking to Gale in its
pride and fire. its intensity.
"Senor Gale-ahl / cannot speak
my happiness His friend!"
"Yes. Mercedes; my friend and
yours" said Thorne, speaking rapidly.
"Well have need of him. Dear,
there's bad news and no time to break
1t gently. The priest did not come.
He must have been detained. And
listen-be brave. dear Mercedes
Rojas Ia herel"
She uttered an tnarticulate cry. the
poignant terror of which shook Gales
nerve, and swayed as If she would
faint. Thorne caught her and In
husky voice importuned her to bear
up.
MY darlingI For Gods sake don't
faint-don't go to pieces We'd be
lostl We've got chance. Well
think Of something. Be strong !
Fight"
1t was plain to Gale that Thorne
was distracted. He scarcely knew
what he was saying. Pale and shak-
ing. he clasped Mercedes to him.
She cried out In Spanish, beseech-
ing him. and as he shook his head.
she changed to English -