The Bemidji daily pioneer., 1922-11-21
fContinued from last issus)

"SenOr Dick" replied the Indian.
Gale jumped up. sitting an excla-
nation, and he went outdoors with
Yaqul. The Indians presence was al
ways one Of gloom. and now his stern
action boded catastrophe. Once clear
Of trees he pointed to the level desert
across the river, where row Of camp
fires shone bright out Of the dark
ness.
."Raiders!" calculated Gale.
Then he cautioned Yaqui to keep
sharp lookout. and. hurriedly return
ing to the house, he called the men
out and told them there were rebels or
raiders camping just across the line
IJadd did not say word. Bedding.
with an oath, slammed down his
cigar.
IT knew 1t was too good to last.
Dick, you and Jam stay here while
Laddy and 1 look around"
o.. Dick returned to the sitting-room,
The women were nervous and not
to be deceived. So Dick merely said
Yaqui had sighted lights off in the
desert. and they probably we're
campflres. Belding did not soon re-
turn and when he did he was alone,
>and, saying he wanted to consult with
the men, he sent Mrs. Bedding and the
girls to their rooms.
'Laddy's gone over to scout around
and try to find out who the outfit be-
$S h11r iY, ~ ~ III
Belding. Il don't look for an attack
on Forlorn River. I'm afraid It's
Belding flesitated and looked with
grim concern at the cavalryman.
'':What?' querded Thorne.
I'm afraid it's Rojas."
Thorne turned pale but did not lose
his nerve.
II thought Of that at once. But
Rojas will never get his hands on my
wife. If l can't kill him, I'll kill her
Belding, this is tough on you-
this risk we put upon your family.
I regret"
"Cut that kind Of talk" replied Bel
ding, blunuy. swell, if it is Rojas
he's, acting d-n queer for raider.
That's what worries me. We can't do
anything but wait. With Laddy and
YaQui out there we won't be sur
prised."
The women Of the house might have
gotten some sleep that night. but It
was certain the men did not get any.
Morning broke cold and gray, the 10th
Of February. Ladd came In hungry
and cold, and said the Mexicans were
not breaking camp. He reported a
good-sized force of rebels, and was
taciturn as to his idea of Forthcoming
events. Il
About an hour after sunrise YaQui
ran inawitht the information that part
Of the rebels were crossing the river.
'cThat can't mean a fight yet," de-
clared Bedding. But get in the house,
boys, and make ready anyway. I'll
meet him."
'Belding, you're an officer of the
United States. Mexicans are much
Impressed by show of authority I've
seen that often in camp" said Thorne
"Oh, I know the white-livered
Greasers better than any Of you, don't
mistake me-" replied Bedding. He was
pale with rage, but kept command
over himself
The rangers, with Yaqui and
Thorne, stationed themselves at the
several windows of the sitting room.
Rifles and smaller arms and boxes Of
shells Uttered the tables and window
seats. No small force Of besiegers
could overcome a resistance such as
Belding and his men were capable Of
making.
The horsemen halted at the corrals.
They were orderly and showed no evil
dence Of hostility. They were, how
ever, fully armed. Bedding stalked
out ITO meet them. Apparently leader
wanted to parley with him, but Bel
ding would hear nothing. He shook
his head, waved his arms, stamped to
and fro, and his loud, angry voice
could be heard clear back at the house.
Whereupon the detachment Of rebels
retired to the bank Of the river, be.
yond the white post that marked the
I boundary line, and there they once
more drew rein. Bedding remained by
the corrals watching them, evidently
still in threatening mood. Presently
single rider left the troop and .trot-
ted his horse back down the road.
when he reached the corral he was
seen to halt fand pass something to
4 Belding. Then he galloped away to
\ Join his comrades.
Belding looked at whatever 1t was
he held in his hand, shook his burly
head, and started swiftly for the
house. He came striding into the
room holding piece Of soiled paper.
Cant read it now and don't know
as I want to-" he said, savagely.
Not one Of the men was able to
translate the garbled scrawl.
""Shore Mercedes can read it," said
Thorne opened a door and called
her. She came into the room followed
by Nell and Mrs. Belding. -.
H' o. .