Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1923-08-17

When they rounded the head of the
mesa, bringing into view the ranch
house and the valley, Madeline saw
dust or smoke lowering over hut
/ upon the outskirts of the Mexican
| quarters. AS the sun had set and the
| light was fading, she could not distin-
| guish which 1t was. Then Stewart set
fast pace for the house In few
minutes the party was in the yard,
ready and willing to dismount.
Stillwell appeared, ostensibly cheer
full, too cheerful to deceive Madeline.
| She noted also that a number of
armed cowboys were walking with
their horses just below the house.
J "Wal, you-all had a nice little rum"
Stillwell said, speaking generally. II
reckon there wasn't much need Of 1t.
Pat Have thinks he's got some out
laws corralled on the ranch Nothir'
at all to be fused up about Stew
arts that particular he won't have yor
meetin' with any rowdies."
Many and fervent were the expires
sions of relief from Madeline's femi
nine guests as they dismounted and
went into the house. Madeline lin
gered behind to speak with Stillwell
and Stewart.
"Now, StillwelL out with It," she
said, briefly.
oval, Miss Majesty, there's goin' to
be a fight somewhere, an Stewart
wanted to get you-all in before 1t come
off. He says the valleys overrun by
vaqueros an guerrillas an robbers, an
Lord knows what else"
He stamped off the porch, his huge
spurs rattling, and started down the
path toward the waiting men,
Stewart stood in his familiar atten-
tive position, erect silent, with q
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 dan
ger?"
"Im not sure. But 1 want to be on
the safe SIDE"
She hesitated. 1t was no longer easy
for her to talk to him, and she did not
know why.
May / 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 Of
them must be On guard near you day
and night-never to be out of hearing
of your voice."
II thought as much. Stewart, you
still think Don Carlos tried to make
off with me-may try it againY"
II don't think. / 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-
tinue%
"That's hard to say. Till the revo-
luton is over, anyhow"
She mused a moment, looking away
to the west, where the great void was
filing with red haze. She believed i'm.
plicitly In him, and the menace hover
ing near her fell like shadow upon
her present happiness.
"What must do?" she asked
II 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.
eff I do not take your advice 1t will
be the first time since have come to
look to you for so much" she went on.
Cannot you suggest something else?
My friends, are having such splendid
visit Helen is getting we'll Oh, I
should be sorry to see them go before
they want to-"
"We might take them up into the
mountains and camp out for a while"
he said, presently. "I know a wild
place up among the crags It's hard
climb, but worth the work. l never
saw q more beautiful spot. Fine wa
ter, and it will be cool. Pretty soon
It'll 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
swell, 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 hard climb up to this
placer
'It 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
+ Stewart, isn't there something
more you could tell newly you
think, why you know my own personal
liberty Is in peril?"
Eyes. But do not ask me what 1t is.
If hadn't been rebel soldier would
never have known"
"If you had not been rebel soldier,
where would Madeline Hammond be
now?" she asked. earnestly.