The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-04-20

cedes showed q slow, wearing strain
Thorne's commission expired the
end Of January, and II he could not
get his discharge Immediately, he
surely could obtain leave Of absence.
Therefore, Gale waited, not without
growing anxiety, and did his best TO
cheer Mercedes. The first of February
came bringing news Of rebel activities
and bandit operations In and around
Casita. but not word from the cav
alryman.
A dozen times Gale declared he
would ride In to Casita and find out
why they did not hear from Thorne |;
however, older and wiser heads pre-
vailed over his impetuosity. Belding
and the rangers and the YaQui held q
consultation. Not only had the Indian
become faithful servant to Gale, but
he was also Of value to Belding.
Yaqui had all the craft Of his class,
and superior intelligence. His knowl-
edge Of Mexicans was second only to
his hate Of them. And Yaqui, who
had been scouting on all the trails.
gave information that made Belding
decide to wait some days before send
Ing anyone to Casita.
1t was upon Gales coming from this
conference that he encountered Nell
Since the interrupted siesta episode
she had been more than ordinarily
elusive, and about all he had received
from her was a tantalizing smile from
N OF TA 81 fh. utx...
now, however, that she had awaited
him. When he drew close to her he
was certain Of It, and he experienced
more than surprise.
"Dick," she began, hurriedly. "Mer
cedes is dying by inches. Can't you
see what ails her? It's more than
love or fear. It's uncertainty-sus-
pense. oh, can't we find out for herr
Nell, / feel as badly as you about
her. l wanted to ride to Casita. Bel
ding shut me up quick, the last time"
Nell came close to Gale, clasped his
arm. There was no color In aer face
Her eyes held a dark, eager excite
ment.
"Dlck, will you slip Off without
Dads consent7 Risk I'll Go to Ca
sta and find out what's happened to
Thorne-at least II he ever started
for Forlorn RiverT
"No, Nell, I won't do that"
She drew away from him with pas
sionate suddennesA
"Are you afraidY'
This certainly was not the Nell Bur
ton that Gale knew.
sNo. I'm not afraid Gale replied,
a little nettled.
"Will you go-for my sake9' Like
lightning her mood changed and she
was close to him again, hands on his
her face white, her whole presence
sweetly slluring.
Nell, won't disobey Belding," pro
tested Gale. II won't break my
word"
"DlcS, It'll not be SO bad as that.
But--what II 1t Is7 Go, Dick,
II not for poor Mercedes sake, then
for mine-to please me. I1l-Ill :.
you won't lose anything by going.
think know how Mercedes feels. Just
word from Thorne or about him
would save her. Take Blanco Sol and
go, Dick. What rebel outfit could ever
ride you down on that horse2 Why,
Dick. If was up on Sol wouldn't
be afraid Of the whole rebel army"
Gale could only stare at this trans
formed girl.
"Dick, listeni II you go
IL you fetch some word of Thorne to
comfort Mercedes, you-well, you will
have your reward. Dick. will you CO."
"No-no" cried Gale, in violence,
struggling with himself. "Nell Bur.
Ton, I'll tell you this To have the
reward / want would mean pretty
near heaven for me. But not even
for that will I. break my word to your
father" Ats
She seemed, the incarnation Of girl
ish scorn and willful passion.
"Graclas, senor," she replied, mock
ingly. "Adlos." Then, she flashed out
OF his sight.
Gale went to his room at once, dis
turbed and thrilling, and did not soon
recover from that encounter.
The following morning at the break.
fast table Nell was not present. "She's
In one Of her tantrums lately" said
Beldlng. Wouldn't speak to me this
morning. Let her alone, mother.
She's spoiled enough, without running
after her. She's always hungry. She'll
be on hand presently, don't mistake
me-"
Notwithstanding Belongs convic-
tion, which Gale shared, Nell did not
appear at all during the hour. Per.
haps half an hour afterward, AZ Gale
was leaving his room, he saw the
Yaqui running up the path from the
fields. Gale wondered what was the
matter. Yaqui ran straight to Bel
ding. who was at work at his bench
under the wagon shed In less than
moment Belding was believing for
his rangers. Gale got to him first,
but Ladd and Lash were mot far be-
hind.