The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1923-07-07

bered Stillwell and all his talk about
fun, and plots, and tricks to amuse her
guests. Then she discOuntenanced the
thought. Stewart might lend himself
to little fun, but he cared too much
for q horse to run him at that speed
unless there was imperious need. That
alone sufficed to answer Madeline's
questioning curiosity. And her alarm
mounted to fear not so much for her.
self as for her guests. But what dan.
ger could there be? She could think
Of nothing except the guerrillas.
Whatever threatened, it would be
met and checked by this man Stewart,
who was laundering up on his fleet
horse; and as he neared her, so that
she could see the dark CLEAN of face
and eyes, she had strange feeling of
trust in her dependence upon him.
The big black was so close to Made
line and her friends that when Stew
art pulled him the dust and sand
kicked up by his pounding hoofs flew
in their faces.
ooh, Stewart, what is 1t?' cried
Madeline.
"Guess I scared you, Miss Ham
mond," he replied. But I'm pressed
for time. There's a gang of bandits
hiding on the ranch, most likely in a
deserted nut. They held up train
near Aqua Prieta. Pat Have is with
the posse that's trailing them, and you
know Pat has no use for us. I'm afraid
it 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. "We'll hurry back
to the house."
They exchanged no more speech al
the moment, and Madelines guests
were silent Perhaps Stewards &C.
tons and looks belied his calm words
His piercing eyes reved round the rim
Of the mesa, and his face was as hard
and stern as chiseled bronze.
Monty and Nick came galloping up
each leading several horses by the
brides. Nels appeared behind them
with Majesty, 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 fol
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, leapeG
forward and caught Dorothy in his
arms. She had slipped head down
ward, and, had he not caught her
would have had a serious fall. Stew
art, handling her as If she were 6
child, turned her right side up to SCI
her upon her feet. Dorothy evidently
thought only Of the spectacle she pre-
sented, and made startled motions tt
readjust her riding-habit. 1t was NJ
time to laugh, though Madeline felt a.
If she wanted to. Besides, it was i'm
possible to be anything but sober will
Stewart in violent mood. For he hat
jumped at Dorothy's stubborn mount
All cowboys were masters Of horses
It was wonderful to see him conquer
the vicious animal. He was cruel, per
haps, yet it was from necessity. When
presently, he led the horse back Il
Dorothy she mounted without further
trouble. Meanwhile. Nels and Mel
had lifted Helen into her saddle.
"We'll take the side TRAIL" sale
Stewart, shortly. as he swung upon thu
big black. Then he led the way, ant