The Nevada County picayune., 1923-02-01

persistent unsettled condition of the border. and Ladd grew only the cooler and more silent as possibilities of trouble multiplied.
 Gale fetched the padre, a little Weazened, timid man who was old and without interest or penetration. Alp parently he married Mercedes and Thorne as he told his beads or num- bled prayer. IL was Mrs. Bedding who kept the occasion from being merry one, and she insisted on not exciting Thorne. Gale marked her unusual pallor and the singular depth and sweetness of her voice.
 Thorne could not be kept in bed, and all in a day, 1t seemed, he grew so well and so hungry that his friends were delighted, and Mercedes was radiant. In a few days his weakness disappeared and he was going the round of the fields and looking over the ground marked out in Gales plan of water development. Thorne was highly enthusiastic, and at once staked out his claim for one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining that of Bedding and the rangers. These five tracts took in all the ground necessary for their operations, but in case of the success of the Irrigation project the idea was to increase their squatter holding by purchase of more land down the valley. A hundred families lot "a more were coming all the time; and Bedding vowed he could see a vision of the whole Altar valley green with farms.
 Meanwhile everybody In Beldmg's household, except the quiet IAdd and the watchful Yaqui, in the absence of disturbance of any kind along the bor- der, grew freer and more unreStrained, as if anxiety was slowly fading in the peace of the present. Jim Lash made a trip to the Sonoyta oasis, and Ladd patrolled fifty miles of the line east ward without incident or sight of raid CTS. Evidently all the border hawks were fin at the picking of Casita.
 The February nights were cold, with dry, icy, penetrating coldness that made a warm fire most comfortable Beldings household congregated Tn the sitting room, where burning mes quite logs cracked in the open fire place.
 There came a low knock at the door. It may have been an ordinary knock. for 1t did not disturb the women: but to Bedding and his rangers It had a subtle meaning.
 "Who's thatT' asked Bedding, as he slowly pushed back his chair and looked at Ladd.
 'Yaqui," replied the ranger.
 Come in," called Bedding.
 The door opened, and the short, square, powerfully built Indian en- tered He carried rifle and strode with impressive dignity.
 "Yaqui, what do you want?" asked Bedding, and repeated his question in Spanish.
 "Senor Dick" replied the Indian.
 Gale jumped up. stihing an excla- nation. and he went outdoors with Yaqui The Indians presence was al- ways one of gloom and now his stern action hoded catastrophe. Once clear of trees he pointed to the level desert across the river, where a row of camp fires shone bright out of the dark ness
 "Raiders!" calculated Gale.
 Then he cautioned Yaqui to keep sharp lookout. and. hurrledly return Ing to the house, he called the men out and told them there were rebels or raiders camping just across the line.
 Ladd did not say a word. Bedding, with an oath, slammed down his cigar.
 "l knew 1t was too good to last. Dick, you and Jam stay here while Laddy and look around"
 Dick returned to the sittlng-room. The women were nervous and not to he deceived So Dick merely said Yaqu had sighted lights off in the desert, and they probably were campfres, Bedding 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- longs to and how many are in it," said Bedding. Il don't look for an attack