San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-21

John Harmon. wealthy ranch own
er, his blind wife, Belle, and their
beautiful daughter, Val, live happily
together in lannon's wonderful ranch
home. Paradise. kedstar, the king of
the Red Brood of horses owned by the
master of the ranch, has disappeared
from Paradise.
Father Hillairc. in charge of the
Mission. is friendly with Vclantrie
from the Border and introduces his
friend to Val. To the priests con-
sternation a warm friendship arises
between the two young people.
John Harmon leaves home on a
mysterious journey and during his abb
Sence BOyce Clendcnning. suitor for
the hand Of Val. calls at Paradise. lie
pledges himself to help in the capture
Of rustlers who may have stolen Red
star. Val asks to be allowed to ride
with the party.
Go on With the Story.
I'm with you. too" she said bit
terly. heart and soul. If the ranch
crs ride on the rustlcrs' trail | want
to go along. I'D like to kill the man
that took the RedStar."
Its coming, sooner or later. that
ride answered Clcndenn.ng. 1t
must come. or we lay down our hands.
beaten. I've been talking to the At
tison boys and Quinlan and they ali
favor organization and short Shrift for
the victims we may catch with the
goods. 1t looks like the work of the
Black RuStler. that clever litter whom
none meet ard but few have ever
glimpsed-the smooth, silent chap who
works like a machine. with GcatneSS
and precision. and rides the fastest
horse ever seen in these parts. There
are some wonderful stories aflOat
about that hOrse-a great bay horse.
tall and high-withcred, seventeen
hands they say. and so fast that tho5"
who have caught a far glimpse of him
say it runs like supPr-horsc."
As lie talked Val lannon's eyes
became wide, dark pools OF retro
SpCctiOn.
My land" SIZE said softly, Il be
leiyc Eve seen that hors2-fyOm the !
top of Mesa Grande one day at sun
down. | had ridden the Reds;ar up |
and was sitting on the rim, looking |
across the ranges. when band of |
men came out of the north up San,a |
Leandra way. and one did ride
wonderful horse long red horse |
world like EcdStar himself, And the !
rider rose in his Stirrups and waved |
his hat to me-"
Did he wear black mask
asked Clcndenning. quickly.
WHY. | couldn't say. lie WAS far
and away too far off for me to see
his face. | only got the general out
line and color and that mighty |
seeming Of speed"
1T might have been. There is a |
whisper about that he has been in
Santa LcGndra screral times. but no
body cares TO question the Black
Rusticr."
An hour later he took his leave
and the two women sped him from
the patio where the sweet spring
talked in the stiffness.
val" said Belle Harmon. quietly.
" I'm with your dad. | favor BoyCc
He is honest. straight |
and of fixed purpose. If he sets out
to catch the Black Rustlcr. nell get
him sooner or later. If he promises
TO love. cherish and project wom-
an. he'll do SO till he dies"
And she did not know with what
utter prophecy she spoke.
Val laughed, ringing peal. and
shook her shoulder painfully.
John Harmon had better be get
ting back" She said lightly. "or his
wifc'll he falling in love with his best
friend"
The riders wcrc coming in with
rattle Of spur and bit chain. the rcd |
wells were beginning to sift down !
from tn" blue infinitudc above. and I
the long twilight would soon be fall
ing over Paradise.
Val standing alone in the patio
after Belle had gone indoors. looked
down across the empty fields. for the
Red Brood grazcd no more without
a guard. and sigh lifted her slim
breast.