The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1922-11-30
gotten away with MercedesI

gotten away with MercedesI
1t was then Gale slowed up. For
the space Of perhaps sixty seconds
ne had been moving with startling
velocity. He peered cautiously out
into the plaza. Under street damp
at the far end Of the path he thought
he saw two dark figures. He ran
faster, and soon reached the street
The uproar back In the hotel began
to diminish, or else he was getting out
OF hearing. The few people he saw
close at hand were all coming his
way, and only the foremost showed
any excitement. Gale walked swiftly
peering ahead for two figures. Pres.
emily he saw them-one tall, wearing
a cape; the other slight; mantled.
Gale drew sharp breath Of relief.
Thorne and Mercedes were not far
ahead.
He began to overhaul them; and
soon, when the last lamp had been
passed and the street was dark, he
ventured a whistle. ThOrne heard
1t, for he turned, whistled low reply,
and went on. Not for some distance
beyond, where the street d1fded in
open country, did they halt to wait.
Then he came up with the fugltives.
"Dick! Are you-all rIght% painted
Thorne, grasping Gale. ~,
"rm-out Of breath-but-O.' K.,"
replied Gale.
GOOD. Good" choked Thorne. II
was scared-helpless. Dick,
It worked splendidly. We had no
trouble. What on earth did you do?"
II made the row, all right" said
Dick. "Whlle I was rushing Rojas
couple Of cowboys shot out the
lamplights. A Mexican who pulled a
knife on me got hurt, I guess. Then
think there was some shooting from
the rebels after the room was dark"
Mercedes pressed close to him,
touched his hands, looked up into his
face with wonderful eyes. He thought
ne would not soon forget their beauty
the shadow of pain that had been,
the hope dawning so fugitlvely.
Dear lady," said Gale, with voice
not wholly steady, "Rojas himself
will hound you no more tonight, nor
for many nights
She seemed to shake, to thrill, to
rise with the intelligence She pressed
his hand close over her heaylng breast,
Gale felt the quick throb Of her heart.
"Senor! Senior Dick" she cried.
Then her voice failed But her
hands flew up; quick as a flash she
raised her face-kisSed him. Then
she turned and with a sob fell into
Thornes arms.
There ensued silence broken only
by Mercedes sobbing. Gale walked
some PAGES away. If he were not
stunned, he certainly was agitated.
The strange, sweet fire of that girls
lips remained with him. On the spur
Of the moment he imagined he had a
jealousy of Thorne. But presently
this passed. What remained with him
was the splendid glow of gladness
that he had been Of service to Thorne.
"Dick, Dick, come here" called.
Thorne softly. LETS pull ourselves
together now. We've got a problem
yet. What to do? Where to go? How
to get any place? We're on good old
U. s. ground this minute, but we're
not out Of danger"
As he paused, evidently hoping for
a suggestion from Gale, the silence
was broken by the clear, ringing peal
Of a bugle. Thorne gave violent
start.
ITS call, Dick It's a CALL" he
cried.
Gale had no answer to make. Mer.
cedes stood as If stricken. The bugIe |
call ended. From distance another |
family pealed. There were other |
sounds too remote to recognize. Then |
scattering shots ratified out.
"Dick, the rebels are fighting some |
body" burst out Thorne excitedly. |
1.-THE little federal garrison still holds
its stand. Perhaps 1t Is attacked |
again. Anyway, there's something do
ing over the line. Maybe the crazy
Greasers are firing on our camp.
We've feared tin the dark, !
And here I am, away without leave
practically a deserter!"
go back! Go back, before you're
too late" cried Mercedes.
Better make tracks, Thorne,"
added Gale. 1T can't help our pre-.
dicament for you to be arrested. I'll
take care Of Mercedes"
mo, no, no." replied Thorne. 81
can get aWay-0yOid arrest"