The Lamar register., 1923-04-11

Madeline did not uuoer~' fuH tie l.-.
guage. The cowboy uull g rft u l.,.,
gun and brHndished "a in the rf.-''
face. Then lie lowered u. am ra-;'-
to point It at the priests fec, T!ae
was a red flash, and then a tIugdr~-
ing report thar stunned Mudrl'1s The
room filled with smoke and The -.n"Il
OF powder when she could seq I'~-
tincty through the smoke sh, evua-
rieIAed a sensation IF linn ,a.'ru lc
relief that the coWhny had not shot
the padre. But he WAS stiIl waving
the gun, and now appeared Ia be dag
ging his victim toward her. What
possibly could be the drunken FOOLS
intentionl This must be, this surely
was cowboy trick. Madeline no
sooner thought Of it than she made
certain her brother was Introducing
her to Wild West amusement. She
could scarcely believe IT, yet It must
he true. Probably he stood just out
side the door or window laughing at
her embarrassment.
Anger checked her panic. She
Strengthened up with what compOsure
this surprise had left her and started
for the door. But the cowboy barred
her passage -grasped her arms. Then
Madeline OWNED that her brother
could not have any knowledge OF this
indignity. II was no trick Poise,
dignity, culture - all the acquired
habits of characterized before the
instinct TO fight. She was athletic.
She fought. She struggled desperately.
But he forced her back with hands
Of iron. She had never known man
could be 80 strong.
"What-ds you-mean3" she painted.
"Dearie, ease up little on the
bridle," he replied. gaily.
Madeline thought she must be
dreaming. She could not think clearly.
She not only saw this man. but also
felt his powerful presence. And the
shaking priest. the haze Of blue smoke.
the smell Of powder-these were not
unreal
Then close before her eyes burst
another binding red flash. and close
at her ears beloved another report.
Unable TO stand, Madeline slipped
down onto the bench. Her drifting
iFlhSth u
what transpired during the next few
moments: presently, however. as her
mind steadied somewhat. she heard
though as in a dream. the voice Of the
padre hurrying over strange words
II ceased, and then the cowboys voice
stirred her.
Lady, say si-si. Say it-quicki
Say it-sil"
From sheer suggestion, force ire
sistible at this moment when her win
was clamped by panic. she spoke the
word.
And now, lady-so We can finish
this properly-what's your namef'
Still obeying mechanically. she told
him.
He stared for while, as II the
name had awakened associations In Il
mind somewhat befogged. He leaned
back unsteaiily
what manner" he demanded.
Madeline Hammond. 1 am Alfred
Hammond's sister"
He put his hand up and brushed at
an Imaginary something before his
eyes. You're nOt-Msjesty Ham
mondf'
How strange-stranger than any
thing that had ever happened to her
before-was II to hear that name on
tue lips Of this cowboy II was Il
name by which she was famillarly
known, though only those nearest and
dearest to her had the privilege Of
using II. And now It revived her
dulled faculties, and by an effort she
regHined control OF herself.
you are Majesty Hammond" and
this time he affirmed wonderlngly
rather than questioned.
Madeline rose and faced him.
Yes, | am"
He slammed his gun back into Its
holster.
well. I reckon we won't go on with
It, then"
with what, slr7 And why did you
force me to say 81 to this prlesty"
II reckon that was way l took
to show him you'd be willing TO gel
Continued on Page Five)