Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1922-11-10
SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS -
PRoLoGUE:-seeklng gold in the des-
ert, Cameron. solitary prospector,
forms a partnership with, an unknown
man whom he later learns is Jonas War
ren, father of a girl whom Cameron
wronged, but later married back in Illi-
nois. 'Cameron's explanations appease
Warren, and the two proceed together.
Taking refuge from sandstorm in a
cave, Cameron discovers geld, but too
late; both men are dying. Cameron leaves
evidence, in the cave, of their discovery
Of gold, ard personal documents.
CHAPTER I-Richard Gale adven-
turer, in Casita. Mexican, border town.
meets George Thorne, lieutenant in the
Ninth cavalry, old college friend. Thorne
tells Gale he. is there to save mercedes
Castaneda. Spanish girl, - his affianced
wife. from Rojas, MeXicansbahdit
CHAPTER II.-Gale ''roughhouses"
Rojas and his gang, with the help Of
two American COW bays. and ne, Mercedes
the fort orders Thorne to Ms regiment
He leaves Mercedes under Gales pro-
lection.
, -"GGle-Dlck Gale Is my naIse," he
began, swiftly. 81 dropped into ,Casita
tonight hardly knowing where I was.
A boy took me to that hotel. There l
met an old friend whom / had not
seen for years. He belongs to the
cavalry stationed here. He had be-
friended a Spanish girl-fallen in love
with her. ROjas had killed this girls
father-tried to abduct her. .
You know what took place at the no.
tel. Gentlemen, If it's. ever possible,
I'll show you how I appreciate what
you did for ME there. l 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 bugle calls,
shots, and he was away without leave.
That left the girl with me. 1 don't
know what to do. ThOrne swearS Ca
sta IS no place for Mercedes at
night"
"The girl amt no peOn, no common
GreaSer?" interrupted Ladd.
"No. Her name is Castaneda. She
belongs to an old Spanish family, once
rich and influential"
"ReCkonCd as much" replied the
cowboy. There's more than Roias'
wantin' to kidnap pretty girl. Shore
he does that every day or so. Must
be somethin' political or feelin'
against class. Well Casita, amt no
place for your friends girl at night
or day, or any time. Shore, there's
Americans who'd take her in an fight
for her, if necessary. But it amt wise
to risk that Lash, what do you Say?"
ITS been Scttin' hotter round this
Greaser corral for some weeks" re
piled the Other cowboy. IF that
two-bit of a garrison surreuders,
there's no tellin' whatn happen, az
bein' across the U. S. line few
inches or SO don't make no HI Of a
difference. My advice is, don't let
Miss Castaneda ever set foot In Casita
again." .r q
Looks like you've shore spoke
sense" said Ladd. az reckon, Gale,
you an the girl ought to come with US.
We know people who'll take care of
the ssnorita till your friend can come
for her." g.
Dick warmly spoke his gratefu.ness,
and, ineXpressibly relieved and happy
for Mercedes, he went toward the
clump Of cactus where be had left
her. She stood erect, waiting, and,
dark as it was, he could tell she had
lost the terror which had so shaken
her
He led her into the road up to the
cowboys, who SOw stood barehcaded
In the starlight. They seemed shy,
and Lash was silent while Ladd made
embarrassed, unintcliigibleS reply to
Mercedes thanks.
There were five hOrses-two Saddled,
two packed and the repaining one
carried only a blanket. Ladd short