Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-02-08

There ensued a silence broken only
by Mercedes sobbing. Gale walked
some PAGES away. If he were not
stunned. he certainly was agitated.
The strange, sweet fire of that girls
lips remained with him. On the spur
of the moment he imagined he had a
jealousy Of Thorne But presently
this passed What remained with him
was the splendid glow os gladness
that he had been of service to Thorne.
Dick, Dick, come here" called
Thorne softly. Lets pull ourselves
together now. We've got problem
yet. What to do? Where to go? How
to get any place? We're on good old
U. S. ground this minute, but we're
not out of danger"
AS he paused, evidently hoping for
a suggestion from Gale, the silence
was broken by the clear, ringing peal
of a bugle. Thorne gave a violent
start
"It's a call. Dick! It's callr' he
cried.
Gale had no answer to make Mer-
cedes stood. as if stricken. The bugle
call ended From a distance another
family pealed There were other
sounds too remote to recognize. Then
scattering shots ratified out.
"Dick, the rebels are fighting some
body burst out Thorne excitedly
"The little federal garrison still holds
its stand. Perhaps it is attacked
again. Anyway, there's something do
ing over the line. Maybe the crazy
Greasers are firing on our camp.
We've feared It'll the dark. :.
And here | am, away without leave
practically a deserter!"
go back! Go back, berore you're
too later cried Mercedes
Better make tracks, Thorne,"
added Gale. 1T can't help our pre-
dicament for you to be arrested. I'll
take care of Mercedes"
"No, no, no" replied Thorne. ''I
can get away-avoid arrest"
Mercedes embraced her lover,
begged him to go. Thorne wavered.
"Dick, I'm up against it," he said.
you're right. If only / can run back
in time. But, oh, I hate to leave heri
Old fellow, you've saved her! I al
ready owe you everlasting gratitude.
Keep out of Casita, Dick. The U. S.
side might be safe, but I'm afraid to
trust it at night. Go out in the des-
ert, up in the mountains, in some safe
place. Then come to me in camp.
Wen plan I'll have to confide in
Colonel Weede. Maybe he'll help us.
Hide her from the rebels-that's all"
He wrung Dicks hand, clasped Mer-
cedes tightly in his arms, Kissed her,
and murmured low over her, then re
leased her to rush off into the dark
ness. He disappeared in the gloom.
The sound Of his dull footballs gradu-
ally died away.
Gale realized that he was between
the edge of an unknown desert and
the edge of hostile town. He had
to choose the desert, because, though
he had no doubt that ill Casita there
were many Americans who might be-
friend him, he could not chance the
risks of seeking them at night.
He felt Slight touch on his arm,
felt it move down, felt Mercedes slip a
trembling cold little hand into his.
Dick. looked at her. If the loneliness,
the silence, the DESERT the unknown
dangers of the night affected him,
what must they be to this hunted,
driven girl? Gales heart swelled. He
was alone with her He had no weap-
on, no money, no food, no drink, no
covering, nothing except his two
hands. He did not know where to
find the railroad or any road or trail,
or whether or not there were towns
near or far 1t was critical, des-
perate situation. He thought first Of
the girl and groaned in spirit, prayed
that it would be given him to save
her. When he remembered himself it
was with the stunning consciousness
that he could conceive of no situation
which he would have exchanged for
this one-where fortune had set MIN
perilous task of loyalty to friend,
to a helpless girl.
"Senor, senor!" suddenly whispered
Mercedes. clinging to him. Listen
hear horses coming!"