The Nevada County picayune. (Prescott, Ark.) 190?-current, 1922-11-23
CHAPTER II
Mercedes Castaneda.

spurs. He strobe TO the window, and
was in time to see a Mexican swag-
yer into the front door of the saloon.
There We're men passing In the street.
also several Mexicans lounging
against the hitching rail Mt the curb.
did you see him? Where did he
yoT whispered Thorne as he joined
Gale. "Those Greasers out there with
the cartridge belts crossed over their
breuSts-they are rebels. I'm afraid
Rojas has the house spotted
If we could only be sure"
I'm 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-ceied corridor
which evidently divided the hotel
opening into the street and running
back to patio. A few dim. yellow
lamps fiickered Thorne entered n
huge chamber which was even more
poorly lighted than the hall. II con
tanned a table Uttered With papers, Il
few high-backed chairs. n couple Of
couches and was evidently Il 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 | am here
she comes down. Mostly there are
people in this room a 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 il
there's any chance at all 10 get away
They peered out of the open win
dow. In Il 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 Il sen.
tInel-like Stealthiness.
Gripping Gales arm. Thorne pulled
back from the window.
You saw them" he whispered. IT'S
just as l feared. Rojas has the place
surrounded. | should have taken Mer-
cedes away. But l had no time-no
chance I'm bound! There's
Mercedes now, My Cd!
Dick. think, think-think if there's 4
way 10 get her out OF this trap -
Gale turned as his friend went down
the room. In the dim light at the head
of the stairs stood the slim. mutfied
figure of woman When she saw
Thorne she flew noiselessly down the
stairway To him He caught her in
his arms. Then she spoke softly. bro
keniy, In n low. swift voice Ii was
mingling of incoherent Spanish and
English; but TO Gale IL was mellow.
deep, unutterably tender. a voice fun
of JOY, fear passion hope and love.
Upon Gale il had an unaccountable
effect. lie found himself thrilling.
wondering.
Thorne led the girl to the center AZ
the room, under the light where Gale
stood
"Mereedes-Dick Gale, an old friend
the best friend ever had"
She swept the mantila back over
her head, disclosing a lovely face,
strange and striking t. Gale in It's
pride and fire its intensity.
"Senor Gale-ah! | cannot speak
my happiness. His friend"
ayes, Mercedes; my friend and
yours said Thorne, speaking rapidly.
We'll have need of him. Dear.
there's bad news and no time to break
II gently The priest did not come.
He must have been detained And
listen-be brave, dear Mercedes
Rotas is here!'
She uttered nm inartleulatc 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 darling For Gods sake don't
faint-don't go to pieces We'd be
lost We've got chance Wen
think of something. Be strong
Fight"
II was plain 10 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.
"Senor, my lover, viii be strong
will fght-I will obey But swear