Roanoke Rapids herald., 1923-11-09

know Pit has no use for us. I'm afraid
1t wouldn't be pleasant for you or your
guests to meet either the posse or the
bandits"
II fancy not" said Madeline, con-
siderably relieved. Wen hurry back
to the house,
They exchanged no more speech at
the moment and Madeline's guests
were silent. Perhaps Stewards ac-
tions and looks belied his calm words.
His piercing eyes roved round the rim
Of the mesa, and his face was as hard
and stern as chlseled bronze.
Monty and Nick came galloping up,
each leading several horses by the
brides. Nels appeared behind them
with ajesty, and he was having trou-
BILE with the roam. Madeline observed
that all the other cowboys had disap-
peared.
One sharp word from Stewart
Gained Madeline's horse; the other
horses, however, were frightened and
not inclined to stand. The men mount
ed without trouble, and likewise Made
line and Florence. But Edith Wayne
and Mrs. Beck, being nervous and al
most helpless were with difficulty got
ten into the saddle.
BEG pardon, but I'm pressed for
time" said Stewart. coolly, as with
iron arm he forced Dorothy's horse
almost to It's knees. Dorothy, who
was active and plucky, climbed
astride: and when Stewart loosed his
hold on bit and name the horse
doubled up and began to buck. Dorothy
screamed as she shot into the air.
Stewart, as quick as the horse, leaped
forward and caught Dorothy in his
arms. She had slipped head down
ward. and, had he not caught her.
would have had serious fall. Stew
art, handling her as If she were a
child, turned her right side up to set
her upon her feet. Dorothy evidently
thought only Of the spectacle she pre-
sented. and made startled motions to
readjust her riding-habit. 1t was no
time to laugh, though Madeline felt as
:
possible to be anything hut sober with
Stewart In violent mood. For he had
| jumped at Dorothys stubborn mount
All cowboys were masters of horses.
| 1t was wonderful to see him conquer
| the vicious animal He was cruel. per-
presently. he led the horse back to
Dorothy she mounted without further
trouble Meanwhile, Nes and Nick
had lifted Helen into her saddle.
"We'll take the side trail" said
Stewart, shortly, as he swung upon the
big black. Then he led the way, and
the other cowboys trotted in the rear.
| 1t was loose trail. Tie weathered
| slopes seemed to slide under the feet
of the horses. Dust-clouds formed
| rocks rolled and ratified down; cactus
| spikes tore at horse and rider. Half
the time Madeline could not distn-
guish those ahead through the yellow
dust 1t was dry and made her cough.
The horses snorted. AT length the
clouds of dust thinned and Madeline
saw the others before her ride out
upon Il level. Soon she was down. and
Stewart also.
The alert, quiet manner of all the
cowboys was not reassuring. AS they
resumed the ride it was noticeable
| that Nels and Nick were far in ad-
vance. Monty stayed far in the rear.
and Stewart rode with the party.
Madeline knew that they were really
being escorted home under armed
guard.
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
quarters. AS the sun had set and the
| light was fading, she could not dstin-
guish which it was. Then Stewart set
a fast pace for the house. In a few
minutes the party vas in the yard,
ready and willing to dismount
Stlllwell 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.
"Wal. you-all had nice little rum"
Stillwell said, speaking generally. IT
reckon there wasn't much need of 1t.
Pat Have thinks he's got some out
laws corralled on the ranch Nothin'
at all to be fused up about. Stew
arts that particular he won't have you
meetin' with any roWdies."
Many and fervent were the express
slons of relief from Madeline's femi-
nine guests as they dismounted and
went into the house. Madeline lin
gered behind to speak with Stlllwell
and Stewart.