Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-09-20

met and checked by this man Stewart.
who was laundering up on his fleet
horse; and as he neared her, so that
she could see the dark CLEAN of face
and eyes, she had strange feeling Of
trust in her dependence upon him.
The big black was so close to Made
line and her friends that when Stew
art pulled him the dust and sand
kicked up by his pounding hoofs few
In their faces
"Oh, Stewart, what is it?' cried
Madeline.
Guess scared you, Miss Ham,
mond,' he replied. But I'm pressed
for time. There's gang Of bandits
hiding on the ranch, most likely in q
deserted hut. They held up a train
near Aqua Prieta. Pat Have is with
the posse that's trailing them, and you
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"
II fancy not" said Madeline, con-
siderably relieved. "WeIl hurry back
to the house."
They exchanged no more speech at
the moment, and Madeline's guests
were silent. Perhaps Stewards ac-
lions and looks belied his calm words.
His piercing eyes roved round the rim
Of the mesa, and his face was as hard
and stern as chiseled bronze.
Monty and Nick came galloping up,
each 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 the other cowboys had disap-
peared.
One sharp word from Stewart
| Gained 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.
beg pardon, but I'm pressed for
time" said Stewart, coolly, as with
iron arm he forced Dorothy's horse
almost to its knees. Dorothy, who
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-
sented, and made startled motions to
readjust her riding habit. 1t was no
time to laugh, though Madeline felt as
If she wanted to. Besides, it 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 it was from necessity. When,
presently, he led the horse back to
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 loose trail The weathered
slopes seemed to slide under the feet
Of the horses. Dust-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. It 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 level. Soon she was down, and
Stewart also
cowboys was not reassuring. AS they
resumed the ride it was noticeable
that Nels and Nick were far in adj
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 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 few
minutes the party was in the yard,
ready and willing to dismount.
Stillwell appeared, ostensibly cheer
full. too cheerful to deceive Madeline.
She noted also that a number Of
armed cowboys were walking with
their horses just below the house.
wal, you-all had nice little rum"
Stillwell said, speaking generally. II
reckon there wasn't much need Of it.
Pat Have thinks he's got some out
laws corralled on the ranch. Nothin'