The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-07-04
CHAPTER xIll.-continued.

OH. He says the valleys overrun by
vaqueros an guerri las an robbers. an
Lord knows what else"
He stamped off the porch, his huge
spurs rattllng, and started down the
path toward the waiting men,.
Stewart stood in his familiar atten-
tive position. erect, silent, with a
hand on pommel and bride.
Stewart, you are exceedingly
thoughtful of my interests" she said,
wanting to thank him, and not readily
finding words. 81 would not know
what to do without you. Is there dam
ger?"
I'm not sure. But l want to be on
the safe side"
She hesitated. 1t was 40 longer easy
for her to talk to him. and she did not
know why.
May I know the special orders you
gave Nels and Nick and Monty?" she
asked.
"of course I'll tell you If you insist.
My orders were that at least one or
them must be on guard near you day
and nlght-never to be out of hearing
of your voice"
q" thought as much. Stewart. you
still think Don Carlos tried to make
off with me-may try it againT
81 don't think. i know
"And besides all your other duties
you have shared the watch with these
three cowboys?"
Yes"
ut has been going on without my
knowledge? How long is 1t to con-
tinuef"
That's hard to say. Till the revo-
luton is over. anyhow"
She unused a moment, looking away
to the west, where the great void was
filling with red haze. She believed Inn
ing near her fell like a shadow upon
her present happiness.
what must l doT" she asked.
~ think you ought to send your
friends back East-and go with them,
until this guerrilla war is over"
why, Stewart. they would be
broken-hearted. and so would l."
He had no reply for that.
IF I do not take your advice 1t will
be the first time since I have come to
look to you for so much" she went on.
Cannot you suggest something else?
My friends are having such a splendid
visit. Helen is getting well. Oh, l
should De sorry to see them go before
they want to-"
I'VE might take them up into the
mountains and camp out for a WHILE"
he said. presently. 81 know a wild
place up among the crags. It's a hard
climb, but worth the work.. I never
saw a more beautiful spot. Fine wa
ter. and 1t will be cool. Pretty soon
itTl be too hot here for your party to
go out~-of-doors."
you mean to hide me away among
the crags and clouds?" replied Made.
line. with a laugh.
"Well. it'd amount to that. Your
friends need not know. Perhaps in a
few weeks this spell of trouble on the
border will be over till fall"
You say it's a hard climb up to this
placer"
ut surely is. Your friends will get
the real thing If they make that trip"
"That suits me. Helen especially
wants something to happen. Very
well, I am decided. Stewart, of course
you will take charge? I don't believe
I Stewart. isn't there something
more you could tell newly Won
think, why you know my own personal
liberty is in peril"
Yes. But do not ask me what II is
If l hadn't been a rebel soldier I would
never have known"
IF you had not been a rebel soldier.
where would Madeline Hammond be
nowY' she asked. earnestly.
He made no reply.
Stewart" she continued, with warm
impulse, "you nee mentioned a debt
you owed me-" And seeing his dark
face pale, she wavered, then went on.
at Is paid"
mo. no That never can be paid"
Madeline held out her hand.
ut is paid. l tell you" she repeated.
Suddenly he drew back from the
outstretched white hand that seemed
to fascinate him.
I'd kill a man TO touch your hand.
But l won't touch it on the terms you
offer"
HIS unexpected passion disconnected
her.
stewart, no man ever before re-
fused to shake hands with me, for any
reason. lit is scarcely f1attering,"
she said, with a little laugh. "Why
won't you? Because you think l offer
it as mistress to servant-rancher to
cowboy?"
mo"
'Then why? The debt you owed me
is paid. l cancel it. So why not shake
hands upon it, as men doT"
IT won't. That's ALL"
II fear you are ungracious. whatever
your reason" she replied. "Still. l
may offer it again some day. Good
night"
He safe goodnight and turned.
Madeline wonderingly watched hin go
down the path with his hand on the
black horses neck.
She went In to rest a little before
dressing for dinner and, being fatigued
from the days riding and excitement.
she fell asleep. When she awoke 1t
was twilight. She wondered why her
Mexican maid had not come TO her,
and cha rang tha heu The maid did