The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1922-12-20

Gale jumped up in 10y What luck
The speakers were none other than
the two cowboys whom he had accost-
ed in the Mexican hotel.
Hold on, fellows" be called, end
strobe into the road.
The horses norted and STAMPED.
Then followed swift, rustlins sounds
a clinkins OF spurs. then silence. The
figures doomed clearer In the gloom.
Gale saw Ave or siY horses two with
riders. and one other, at least. carry.
Ing pack. When Gale got within
fifteen feet of the group the foremo.
horseman said:
Il reckon that's close enough
stranger"
Something In the cowboys hand
glinted darkly bright in the starlight.
You'd recognize me. II Il wasn't 20
dark" replied Gale. haiting. II spoke
to you a little while ago-in the %.
loon back there"
Come over an let's Sc you." said
the cowboy. curtly.
Gale advanced tiil he was ciose to
the horse. The cowboy leaned over
the saddle and peered into Gales
face. Then. without word. he
sheathed the gun and held ont his
hand Gale met grip of steel that
warmed his blood. The other row.
boy got or his nervous. spirited horse
and threw the bride He, too, peered
closely into Gale's face.
MY names Ladd." he said Reckon
I'm some glad to meet you again"
Gale felt another grip as hard and
strong as the other had been. He
realized he had found friends who
belonged to q class of men whom he
had despaired OF ever knowing.
"Gale-Dick Gale il my name" he
began, swiftly. II dropped into Casita
tonight hardly knowing where was.
A boy took me to that hotel. There !
met an old friend whom I had not
seen for years. He belongs to the
cavalry stationed here. He had be-
rriented a Spanish gIrl-falien 10 love
with her. Rojas had killed this girl's
father-tried to sbduct her.
You know what took place ut the no
tel. Gentlemen, II It's ever possible.
IN show you how ! appreciate what
you did for me there. got away.
found my friend with the Girl. We
hurried out here beyond the edge OF
town. Then Thorne had to make a
break for camp We heard buxls calls.
shots. ana he was away without leave.
That left the girl with me. don't
know what to do. ThOrne swears Ca
sta Is no place for Mercedes at
night"
The girl ain't no peon. no common
Greasert' interrupted Ladd.
NO Her name II Casfanesfa. She
belongs to an old Spanish family. once
rich and influential"
"Reckored as much" replied the
cowboy. There's more than Rojss.
wantln' 10 tidnap a pretty girl Shore
he fons THAT every day or %. Must
be somethin political or ureeiip'
against class. Well Casita. = amt no
plnce r"r your friends girl At night
or day. or any time Shore. there.s
Americans who'd take her In an nxht
f0f her, II necessary. But II sinr wise
to riEf Tins Lash, what do ycu .syy.
Its heen gettin' hotter round this
uresser corral for some weeks" re-
q "'ii|E CONVOY. III thAt
tN"-G' 10 garrison surrenders.
there's n" teiiIn' whRi1i happen, an
BEN across the u 8. line Q few
inches or 50 don't make no h--i Of Q
dlherence. My advice Is. don't let
Miss Castaneda ever set foot in Casita
again.
Looks Ike you've shore spoks
sense said Ladd II reckon Gale.
you an the girl ought to come with US.
We know people WHOM take care Of
The senorits till your friend can coms
for her"
Dick warmly spoke his grstefuiness,
ana lnexpressioiy relieved and happy
Tor Mercedes. he went toward the
clump OF cactus where he had lefr
her. She stood erect. waiting. and.
DARK as II was. he could tell she had
lost the terror which had 20 shakes
her
He led her into the road I'D to the
cowboys, who now stood bareheaded
10 The starlight They seemed shy.
and Lash was silent while Ladd made
embarrassed, unintelllgibis reply -
Mercedes thanks.
CONTINUED next week,