The Lamar register., 1923-05-16

house, where the party halted to spend
the night, was picturesquely located.
small and cozy. camplke in the ar
rangement. aud altogether agreeable.
to Madeline.
The days long ride and the exciting
events had wearied her. She rested
while Florence and the two men g"i
supper. During the meal II was not
lost upon Madeline that Florence APP
peared unusually quiet and thoughtful.
Madeline wondered little at the
cause. She remembered that Stewart
had wanted to come with ii. IN. or de
tail few cowboys to accompany them.
but Alfred had laughed at the Idea
and would have none of IL.
After supper Alfred monopolized the
conversation by describing what he
wanted to do to improve his home be-
fore he and Florence were married.
Then at an early hour they all re-
tired
Madelines deep slumbers were dis
turbed by pounding upon the wall.
and then by Florence's crying out In
answer to call.
Get upl Throw some clothes on
and come out !"
1t was Alfreds voice.
whats the matter7 asked Flor
ence, as she slipped out Of bed
Alfred, is there anything wrong7"
added Madeline. sitting up.
The room was dark as pitch, but
faint glow seemed to mark the posi-
tion of the window.
'Oh, nothing much" replied Alfred.
"Only Don Carlos rancho going up in
smoke"
''FIrel" cried Florence. sharply.
you'll think so when you see it.
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 gpeatly per
turbed.
al. I'm lookin' fer that ammunition
to blow up" he said. There was
enough OF 1t to blow the roof on the
rancho"
"Blll. surely the cowboys would get
that stun out the first thing" replied
Alfred. anxlously.
81 reckon SO. But all the same. I'm
worryln'. Mebbe there wasn't time.
Supposin' thet powder went OF as the
boys was goin' fer It or carryin' 1t out
Wen know soon. II the explosion
doesn't come quick now we can ngger
the boys got the boxes out"
For the next few moments there was
Il silence of sustained and painful sus-
pense. Florence gripped Madeline's
arm. Madeline felt a fullness in her
throat and rapid beating of her
heart. Presently she was relieved with
the others when Stillwell declared the
danger OF an explosion needed to be
Feared no longer.
''Sure you can gamble on Gene Stew
art" he added. "Therel She's smoI-
derin' down now. Reckon we-all might
jest as well turn in again. It's only
three o'clock"
Madeline awakened early, but not so |
early as the others, who were up and |
had breakfast ready when she went |
into the dining room. Stlllwell was
not in an amiable frame OF mind. The /
burrows Of worry lined his broad brow
and he continually glanced at his |
watch. and growled because the cow
boys were so late in riding over with
the news. He gulped his breakfast,
and while Madeline and the others ate
theirs he tramped up and down the
porch. Madeline noted that Alfred
grew nervous and restless. Presently !,
he left the table to join Stillvell out
side.
They'll slope OF to Don Carlos
rancho and leave us to ride home
alone" observed Florence.
DO you mindf" questioned Made
line.
NO. don't exactly mind; we've got
the fastest horses in this country; but
I've no hankering for situation Gene
Stewart thinks"
Florence began disconnectedly. and