The Nevada County picayune., 1923-03-01
CHAPTER XII
Chances at ForIorn River.


 The first of March saw the federal occupation of the garrison at Gasita. After Il short, decisive engagement the rebels were dispersed into small bands and driven eastward along the boundary line toward Noeales.
 1t was destiny of Forlorn River, however, never 10 return to the slo~, sleepy tenor of it's former existence. Beldng's predictions came true That struggling line of home-seekers was but il forerunner of the real invasion of Altar valley. Refugees from Mex leo and from Gasita spread the word that water and wood and grass and land were to he had at Forlorn River; and as if ny magic the white tents and red adobe houses sprang up 10 slisten in the sun
 Bedding was happier than he had been for long time He believed that evil days for Forlorn River, along with the apathy and lack of enterprise. were in the past. He hired a couple of trustworthy MeXieans to ride the boundary line and he settled down to think of ranchine and irriga- ton and mining projects Every morn ing he expected to receive some word from Sonoyta or Yuma, telling him that Yaqui had guided his party safe ly across the desert.
 Among the many changes coming to pass in Forlorn River were the install ing of post office service and the building of mescal drinking house Bedding had worked hard for the pGst office. but he did not like the idea of saloon for Forlorn River Still, that was an inevitable evil. The Mex jeans would have mescal. A good many Americans drifted into F0rlorn River-mlners, cowboys, prospectors, outlaws and others of nondeseript character; and these men, of course, made the saloon, which was also an inn, their headquarters. Bedding, with Carter and other old residents, saw the need of sheriff for Forlorn River.
 One morning early in this spring month, while Bedding was on his way from the house to the corrals, he saw Nell running Blanco Jose down the road at a gait that amazed him. She did not take the turn of the road to come in by the gate. She put Jose at a ftur-foot wire fence, and came clattering Into the yard.
 II did not take more than half an eye for Bedding to see that she was furious
 Nell what's come off now2" asked Bedding.
 I'm not going to tell you she re- piled, and started away leading Jose toward the corral.
 Bedding leisurely followed. She went into the corral. removed loses hrldle and led him to the watering trough. Bedding came up. and wi.h- out saying anything began to unbuckle loses saddle girthS. But he ventured n look at Nell. The red had gone from her face, and he was surprised to <. Q her eyes brimming with tears Most asSuredly this was not one of Nell's tantrums. While taking off loses saddle and hanging IL in the shed Bedding pondered in his slow way. When he came back to the corral Nell had her face against the bars and she was crying He slipped big arm around her and waited.
 Dad, I don't want you to think me a-a baby any more," she said Eve been insulted."
 With n specific fact to make clear thought in Beldlng's mind he was never slow.
 "I knew something unusual had come off. guess you'd better tell me"
 Dad. will, if you promise"
 "What?"
 "Not to mention 1t to mother, not to pack gun down there, and never, never tell Dick"
 Bedding was silent. Seldom did he make promises readily.
 If you don't promise I'll never tell, that's all" she declared. firmly.
 Bedding dellberated little longer. He knew the girl.
 Well, l promise not to tell moth- er." he said, presently and seeing you're here safe and well. guess I won't go packing a gun down there, wherever that Is. But I won't promise to keep anything from Dick that per haps he ought to know"