The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-06-27

know Pat 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"
Il fancy not" said Madeline. con-
siderably relieved. We'll hurry back
TO the house"
They exchanged no more speech at
the moment, and Machines guests
were silent. Perhaps Stewards ac-
tions and looks belied his calm words.
His piercing eyes royed round the rim
Of the mesa, and his face was as hard
and stern as chlseled bronze.
Monty and Nick came galloping up.
eaeh 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 tie other cowboys had dlsap-
peared.
One sharp word from Stewart
calmed 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.
Peg pardon. but I'm pressed for
time said Stewart, coolly. as with
iron arm he forced Dorothy's horse
a1Y,,-t - t. laz,e naH,+Br- rrRn
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 a 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-
scented, and made startled motions TO
readjust her riding-habit. 1t was no
time to laugh, though Madeline felt as
If she wanted to. Besides. 1t was i'm
possible to be anything but sober with
Stewart in violent mood. For he had
jumped at DOrothy's stubborn mount.
All cowboys were masters of horses.
1t was wonderful to see him conquer
the vicious animal. He was cruel. per
haps, yet il was from necessity. When,
10 III +IA Iar-a Iaa1r -,
Dorothy she mounted without further
trouble. Meanwhile. Nels 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 a loose trail. Tie weathered
slopes seemed t slide under the feet
of the horses. Dnst-clouds formed
rocks rolled and ratified down; cactus
spikes tore at horse and rider. Half
the time Madeline could not distin-
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 a level. Soon she was down, and
Stewart also.
The alert, quiet manner of all the
cowboys vas not r%eassuring. AS they
resumed the ride ii 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 a hut
upon the outskirts of the Mexican
quarters. As the sun had set and the
light was fading. she could not distin-
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.
stillwell appeared. ostensibly cheer
ful, too cheerful TO deceive Madeline.
She noted also that a number of
armed cowboys were walking with
their horses just below the house.
wal. yuu-all had a nice little run
Stillwell said, speaking generally. Il
reckon there wasn't much need Of Ii.
Pat Have thinks he's got some out
laws corralled on the ranch. Nothin'
at all 10 be fused up about. Stew
arts that particular he wont have you
meetln' with any rowdies."
Many and feryent were the express
sions of relief from Machines feml-
nine guests rs they dismounted and
went into the house. Madeline lin
gered bSslnd TO speak with Stillwell
and Stewart.