The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1923-07-19


der no conditions could she be Of the
slightest service. her terror Of her
stepson was the real cause Of her
nervous breakdown.
No, there was absolutely no one %
rely upon but herself. And what
could she dor The girl stood up In
the darkness. her hands gripped. her
eyes on the opening through the
chaparral leading toward the house
the trail along which Bob Meager had
disappeared. She must follow him I;
there was nowhere else for her to go.
She must face this thing alone. with
all the desperate courage she could
muster. II the worst came she must
act. swiftly, acknowledgement to kill
Ing the monster There was no other
choice left. no other possibility Of
escape. But where could she procure
weapon7 She possessed none Of her
own; had never dreamed OF owning
such a thing. yet they were plentiful
enough about the ranch. Surely one
could easily be secured.
ImpeIIed by this thought OF self
defense, realizing clearly that she
could turn nowhere else with any hope
Of escaping this defilement; that she
could neither flee the place nor find
assistance, Deborah, the color high in
her cheeks. her lips firmly pressed in
determination. advanced resoIutely
through the darkness toward the
house She would defend herself at
all hazards: before she would submit
70 that brute she would shoot to kill.
The men Of the home ranch were
evidently at supper. the big dining
hall being lighted. and. as she slipped
past the unshaded windows. she had
glimpse OF the fellows within and
heard their voices conversing loudly
In Spanish. They were motley
bunch. scarcely face down the long
table that was not vicious and de-
prnyed-the scum of Mexico. the ma
jorlty exhibiting Indian blood. They
were a precious gang OF ruffians. in
deed, worthy OF their master, and the
girl crept away. glad 10 escape the
sound OF their voices There was
single dim light burning In the bunk
house. but no sign Of any occupant.
Undoubtedly every hand on the place
was at supper. and no better oppor-
tunlty could be found. In which to
seek for and appropriate some forgot
ten weapon. She advanced cautiously.
listening intently for any sound. eager
to accomplish her object Once armed,
she would feel more confident; the
very touch OF weapon in her hand
would bring her renewed courage.
The clubhouse was long building
OF adobe, the hunks lining the walls.
open at both ends, the only light a
lantern swung from center beam.
The glass OF this was blackened with
smoke. and only dim radiance made
the interior barely visible. However
there were no occupants. Without
hesitation, but with heart beating
wildly. she slipped silently within. her
eager eyes swiftly searching the va
cant hunks and the wooden pegs
above. on which dangled n misceila- |
neous collection OF garments. She nd |
yanced gngeriy. satisfied that II ans |
occupant had left his belt behni II |
would be found In one OF the hunks. |
She had gone entirely down one
side. and moved across to the other
before she found what she sought. her |
heart leaping exultantly as she per
ceived the CLEAN OF steel barrel in |
the dim light. II lay fully exposed ON
top of dirty blanket. wicked look
Ing ~ In well-worn holster. with a
belt containing haifdozen cartridges.
She grasped these In her hands. con-
scious. even as she did so. OF the /
sound OF voices outside. The men
were already returning: scarcely
moment remained before some OF them
would enter the upper door. The mo-
ment was sufficient to permit the
frightened girl TO dash out OF the
ower entrance into the darkness be-
yond. and crouch there. the prize still
securely in her hands. waiting oppor-
unity To steal away toward the pro
lection Of the ranchhouse None OF
lie fellows chose that entrance. but
'urged In through the other without
, care In the world.
The two who had entered first
stretched themselves out In hunks OPP
,oslte each other. putting vigorously
N their cigarettes. and conyersed In
English. evidently proud OF the nc
one she recognized as
Iuan Sanchez. who had accompanied
Bob Meaccr on his return. and had
incs been made foreman. a swsrthy.
'vil-eyed half-brecd. with long mus
ache and a livid scar on one cheek.
rhe other was an Indian. mere boy.
'ut with cruel mouth. and face hid
'ous from pockmarks. Sanchez called
I'm Pedro. yet talked to him as he
night TO dog Il was the boy who
Questioned eagerly:
Vat he say. senor-the manf I
lear est not all. the fools they make
o mucha noise. We have nestar'
Sanehez blew cloud of smoke into
he polluted air. dipping the ash Of his
cigarette onto the floor.
Plenty drink. Pedro he said indo-