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

In fact there was an unOStenta-
tiOus Teticence in their speech about
the whole affair. She did not know
that every man-jack of them had
been filled with vague dismay over
the incident of the dance hall at
Santa Leandra, nor that they had
listened TO faint whispers concern
ing the armed strangers.
Holy smoke" said Perly the To-
quacious. if that there Neltntr:e
was tn Black Rustler an our Val
saved his rotten hide. her namell be
all over this country an | see where
this bunch'll do Il lot of fightin.'
John Harmon did not return as
soon rs they had expected him. ana
time dragged Il little. Val rode to
the Mission many times. but never
again did she encounter Il tall
stranger in the dry garden. and
though she drew the talk artlesSly
to this stranger n time or two.
Father Hillaire was nOn-cOmmunlca-
tive and she learned no more about
him.
She helped the boys with the
breaking of the new string OF horses.
for John lannon's daughter was
better than lot of men at that, and
her dusky skin burned tawnicr
shade in the sun, while her cheeks
were like roses in the sunset.
The boss had been gone five weeks.
August was blazing on the range
land. The heavens were high and
Lard with heat and the sun shOne
there came out of the south the little
cool wind that whispered along the
levels. and the marvellous colors sift-
ed down from infinitude.
And then one day, Val, riding aim
lessly far down Arroyo PecOs way,
came up from the cool shade OF the
ford on Little Antelope. and face to
face with two men-Nclantrie on n
big white horse ard Il slim dark
Mexican with sullen face.
Instantly Nclantrie's face lighted
with the smile she had not forgotten,
and his broad hat came off with Il |
graceful sweep.
Miss Hannon." he cried. and it |
was well for Father Hillaire's peace
of mind that he could not see the
look of sudden JOY that flashed be-
tween them.
Mr.. Valcntrie!" mimickcd the girl
with a laugh, Its been long since
we met in the padres garden"
Has it," said the man eagerly /
and simply. and Val blrishcd.
Hasn't IL" she asked honestly.
LOrd--ycs, said Nclantrie. softly.
For n moment they were silent.
looking ut each other with the age
Did wonder that comes once in every
life. Then the man thought quickly
1nd sharply of the Church door--and
he woman - and became on the in
slant the Indifferent, smiling
stranger.
Val saw the change and became
grave herself.
Vclnntrie turned TO the rider be-
side him. a slim. good-looking youth.
scarce more than boy, and waved
m eloquent hand.
let me present Senior McsoS Pc
'uento." he said gently. of down
Argucnta way. bound for the Mis-
son to worl; for Father Hillaire and.
for wedlock in the
chapel"
Van Harmon blushcd again, but the
look she flashed Nelantric was clo
Iuent of gratitude and gladness and
for so successful a quest.
They spoke for few moments
more, but the spontanicty was gone
from their meeting. and presently |
the strangers rode into the Antelope
10 emerge TO the sight of the distant
Mission cleaning palcly in the light.
while Val Hannon touhced Redcloud |
and went on toward the south
Neantrie. strong on the bit of his
OWN desires, went straight TO his
destination.
II think, padre" he said. THAT |
shall come but little more TO this
country. Perhaps no more"
The old man looked at him keenly.
why" he asked simply.
because it is not well that |
Father Hillairc sighed.
No." he said sadly, "it is not
WE'LL"
This whites good horse" We
antric said. "but | miss The Comet
laid up with sprained tendon"
He rode straight bacl; the way be
had come and he was deep in
thought rs he nparcd the fringes of
he Little Antelope. Thought that
Val Harmon. Nelantric
had known many women. but none J