Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1923-06-09

OA the WHule AtluI Nduty green WIN
farms.
Meanwhile everybody IN Belongs
household, except the quiet Ladd and
the watchful Yaqui, in the absence Of
disturbance of any kind along the Dor
der, grew freer and more unrestrained,
es If anxiety was slowly fading In the
peace of the present Jim Lash made
a trip to the Sonoyta oasis, and Ladd
patrolled fifty miles Of the line east
ward without incident or sight of raid
ers. Evidently all the border hawks
were in at the picking Of Casita.
The February nights were cold, with
dry, icy, penetrating coldness that
made a warm fire most comfortable.
Belongs household congregated in
the sitting room, where burning mes
quite logs cracked In the open fire
place.
There came a low knock at the door
II may have been an ordinary knock,
for II did not disturb the women; but
to Bedding and his rangers It had
subtle meaning
"Who's that2" asked Bedding. as he
slowly pushed back his chair and
looked at Laid.
'Yaqui" replied the ranger.
"Come in," called Bedding.
The door opened, and the short,
square, powerfully built Indian en-
tered. He carried rifle and strobe
with impressive dignity.
'Yaqui, what do you want7" asked
Bedding, and repeated his question in
Spanish.
"Senor Dick" replied the indian.
Gale jumped up, sitting an excla-
nation, and ne went outdoors with
Yaqui. The Indians presence was al
ways one of gloom, and now his stern
action BODIED catastrophe. Once clear
Of trees he pointed to the level desert
across the river, where a row of camp
fires shone bright out of the dark
ness.
'Raiders ~ calculated Gale.
Then he cautioned Yaqui to keep
sharp lookout, and, hurriedly return
ing to the house, he called the men
out and told them there were rebels or
raiders camping Just across the line.
Ladd did not say a word. Bedding,
with an oath. slammed down his
cigar
81 knew It was too good to last.
Dick, you and Jam stay here while
Laddy and look around"
Dick returned TO the sittlng-room,
The women were nervous and not
to be deceived. So Dick merely said
Yaqui had sighted lights of in the
desert and they probably were
camphres. Bedding did not soon re-
turn, and when he did he was alone,
and, saying he wanted to consult with
the men, he sent Mrs Bedding and'the
girls to their rooms.
"Laddy's gone over TO scout around
and try TO find out who the outfit be-
longs to and how many are In IT, said
Bedding. 81 don't look for an attack
on Forlorn River. I'm afraid It's"
Bedding hesitated and looked with
grim concern at the cavalryman.
"What" queried Thorne.
"Tm afraid it's Rojas."
Thorne turned pale but did not lose
his nerve.
81 thought of that at once. But
Rojas will never get his hands on my
wife. If | can't kill him, I'll kill herl
Bedding. this is tough on YOU
this risk we put upon your family
l iegret-"
"Cut that kind Of talk" replied Bel
ding, bluntly. "Well, If It is Rojas
he's acting d--n queer for raider
That's what worries me. We can't do
anything but wait. With Laddy ana
Yaqui out there we won't be sur
prised."
The women of the house might have
gotten some sleep that night, but 1t
was certain the men did not get any.
Morning broke cold and gray, the 18th
of February. Ladd came in hungry
and cold, and said the Mexlcans were
not breaking camp. He reported a
good sized force of rebels, and was
taciturn as to HIS idea Of forthcoming
events.
About an hour after sunrise Yaqui
ran in with the information. that part
of the rebels were crossing the river.
'SThat can't mean a fight yet" de-
clared Bedding. "But get in the house,
boys, and make ready anyway. I'll
meet him."
"Belding, you're an officer of the
United States. Mexicans are much
impressed by show Of authority. I've
seen that often In camp" said Tborne.
ooh, know the white-livered
Greasers better than any Of you, don't
mistake me-" replied Bedding. He was
pale with rage, but kept command
over himself.
The rangers, with Yaqui and
Thorne, stationed themselves at the
several windows Of the sitting room.
Rifles and smaller arms and boxes Of
shells Uttered the tables and window
seats. No small force Of beslegers
could overcome a resistance such as
l.. Of