Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-08-30
A Romance
By Zane Grey
Copyright by Harper and Brothers

I'll have the United States cavalry
here in six hours, and you can gamble
they'll get what my cowboys leave of
you"
Don Carlos was either capital ac-
tor and gratefully relieved at Stew
arts leniency or else he was thorough
~ cowed by references to the troops.
Isl, Senior Gracias, .Senorl" he ex-
claimed; and then, turning away, he
called to his men. They hurried after
him, while the fallen vaquero got to
his feet with Stewards help and stag
gered across the courtyard. In mo-
ment they were gone, leaving Have
and his several comrades behind.
Have was spitefully ejecting wad
Of tobacco from his mouth and swear
ing in an undertone about "white-liv-
cred Greasers." He cooked his red
eye speculatively at Stewart.
"Wal, reckon as you're so hell-bent
on dom it up brown thet you'll try to
fire me off'n the range, too?"
IF ever do. Pat, you'll need to be
carried off," replied Stewart. "Just
now I'm politely inviting you and your
deputy sheriffs to leave"
well go; but we're comm back
one of these days, an when we do
we'll put you In irons"
"Hawe, if you've got 1t in that bad
for me, come over here in the corral
and let's fight it out. You've got it in
for me, man to man. Speak up now
and prove you're not the cowardly
skunk I've always thought you. I've
called your hand"
Muttering, cursing, pallid Of face,
HAVE elinabed astride his horse. His
comrades followed suit. Certain 1t ap-
peared that the sheriff was contend
ing with more than fear and wrath.
Savagely he spurred his horse, and as
it snorted and leaped he turned in his
saddle, shaking his fist. His comrades
led the way, with their horses clatter-
ing into canter. They disappeared
through the gate.
When, later in the day, Madeline and
Stillwell, left Don Carlos ranch it was
not any too soon for Madeline. The
inside of the Mexican's home was
more unprepossessing and uncomfort-
able than the outside. The halls were
dark, the rooms huge, empty, and
musty; and there was an air Of silence
and secrecy and mystery about them
most fitting to the character Florence
had bestowed upon the place.
On the other hand. Alfred's ranch
house, where the party halted to spend
the night, was picturesquely located,
small and coy, camplike in the ar
rangement, and altogether agreeable
to Madeline.
The days long ride and the exciting
events had wearied her. She rested
while Florence and the two men got
supper. During the meal it was not
lost upon Madeline that Florence ap-
peared unusually quiet and thoughtful.
Madeline wondered a little at the
cause. She remembered that Stewart
had wanted to come with tEam, or de-
tail few cowboys to accompany them,
but Alfred had laughed at the idea
and would have none of it.
After supper Alfred monopolized the
conversation by describing what he
wanted to do to improve his homo be-
fore he and Florence were married.
Then at an early hour they all re-
tired.
Madeline's deep slumbers were dis
turbed by pounding upon the wall,
and then by Florence's crying out In
answer to call.
"Get up! Throw some clothes on
and come out"
1t was Alfred's voice.
"What's the matter?" asked Flor
ence, as she slipped out of bed.
alfred, is there anything wrong"
added Madeline, sitting up.
The room was dark as pitch, but q
faint glow seemed to mark the posi-
ton of the window.
f'Oh, nothing much" replied Alfred.
"Only Don Carlos rancho going up in
smoke"
"Fire!'' cried Florence, sharply.
you'll think so when you see 1t.
Hurry out"
Florence helped Madeline to dress.
Then they hurriedly stumbled over
chairs, and, passing through the dining
room, went out upon the porch.
Away to the westward, low down
along the horizon, she saw leaping red
flames and wind-swept columns of
smoke.
Stillwell appeared greatly per-
turbed.
"Al, I'm lookin' fer that ammunition
to blow up" he said. "There was
enough of it to blow the roof off the
rancho"
bill, surely the cowboys would get
that stuff out the first thing" replied
Alfred, anxiously.
II reckon so. But all the same, I'm
worryin'. Mebbe there wasn't time.
Supposin' tibet powder went off as the
hovs was poin' for II or carrvin' n ont