The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1923-08-03

KNOW rat lfdS no use IOT us. l. III dITdtu
it 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. wen hurry back
to the house."
They exchanged no more speech at
the moment, and Madeline's guests
were silent. Perhaps Stewards ac-
tions 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-
bic 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
NEST 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 it's knees. Dorothy, who
nj oil
astride; and when Stewart loosed his
hold on hit 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 serious fall. Stew
art, handling her as if she were
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. Tie 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. 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 level. Soon she was down, and
Stewart also.
The alert, quiet manner of all the
cowboys was not reasSuring. AS they
resumed the ride it 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 Mexjran !
quarters. AS the sun had set and the
light was fading, she could not distin- !
guish which it was. Then Stewart set,
q fast pace for the house. In few /,
minutes the party vas in the yard,
ready and willing to dismount.
Stillwell appeared, ostensibly cheer
full, too cheerful to deceive Madeline. |
She noted also that number Of !,
armed cowboys were walking with |
heir horses just below the house.
oval. yOu-all had a nice little rum"
Stillwell said, speaking generally 81 |
'eckOn there wasn't much need of 1t. /
Pat Have thinks he's got some out !
avs corralled on the ranch. Nothin' !
1t all to be fused up about Stew
lrts that particular he won't have you
neetin' with any rowdies."
Many and fervent were the express
lions of relief from Madeline's femi-
line guests as they dismounted and
vent into the house. Madeline lin
,ered behind to speak with Stillwell
md Stewart