Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-11-15

| lCdlCd ~ CAC[QtE MIN lfcTC,
and believed he might be aided to es-
cape. SO detachment departed with
him for Mezquital.'
HE was sentenced to be shot Thurs
day at sunset-tonight?"
Yes. I regret that can't give you
definite information. If you are friends
| of Stewards -- relatives II might
| find"
II am his wife," interrupted Made
line. "Will you please read these"
She handed him the kilograms. "Ad-
wise me-help me, if you CAM"
With wondering glance at her the
officer received the kilograms. He
read several, and whistled low in
amaze His manner became quick,
alert, serious.
II can't read these written in Span
ish, but ! know the names signed"
| Swiftly he ran through the others.
"Why, these mean Stewards release
has been authorized. They explain
mysterious rumors we have heard
here. Greaser treachery! For some
strange reason messages from the
rebel junta have failed to reach their
destination. I'll 60 with you to Cen
eral Salazar, the rebel chief in com
mand. | know him. Perhaps we can
find out something"
Nels made room for the officer. Link
sent the car whirring across the line
into Mexican territory. The road
ended in an immense plaza, in the CEN
ter of which was circular structure
that in some measure resembled a
corral. 1t was bull-ring, where the
national sport of bull-fghting was car
ried on.
Madeline caught glimpse of tents
inside, then her view was INSTRUCTED
by curious pressing throng. The
cavalry officer leaped from the car
and pushed his way into the entrance.
| How sitting was this crowded, i'll
smelling plaza! The sun, red and low
ering, had sloped far down in the west,
but still burned with furnace heat. A
swarm of flies whirled over the car.
The shadows of lov-sailing buzzards
crossed Madeline's sight. Then she
saw row of the huge, uncanny black
birds sitting upon the tiled roof Of a
house. They had neither an air of
sleeping nor resting. They were wait
ing. She fought off a horrible CHASTITY
idea before it's full realization.
Suddenly the crowd parted to let the
cavalry officer and a rebel of striking
presence get to the car.
Madam, 1t is as I suspected" said
the officer, quickly. 1.-THE messages
directing Stewards release never
reached Salazar. They were inter-
cepted. But even without them we
might have secured Stewards ex-
change if it had not been for the fact
that one of his captors wanted him
shot. This guerrilla intercepted the
orders, and then was instrumental in
taking Stewart to Mezquital. 1t is ex.
ceedingly sad. Why, he should be q
free man this instant / regret"
"Who did this-this thingY cried
Madeline, cold and sick. "Who is the
guerrilla?"
"Senor Don Carlos Martinez. He has
been bandit, man of influence in
Sonora. He is more Of secret agent
in the affairs Of the revolution than an
active participation. But he has seer
guerrilla service"
don Carlos Stewart in his power
Oh, Cod" Madeline sank down, al
most overcome Then two great hands
powerful, thrilling, clasped her shout
ders, and Nels bent over her.
Miss Majesty, shore we're wastin
time here" he said. His voice, like his
hands, was uplifting. She wheeled tt
him in trembling importantly. How
cold, bright, blue the flash of his eyes
They told Madeline she must no
weaken. But she could not speak hel
thought to Nels-could only look al
Link.
at figgers impossible, but I'll do 1t Y
said Link Stevens, In answer to he
voiceless query.
"Can get permit to go into the in
terior-to Mezquital?" asked Madelin,
, of the officer
you are going on7 Madam, it's
forlorn hope. Mezquital is a hundred
! miles away. But there's chance
the barest chance II your man ca,
J drive this car. The Mexicans ar,
either murderous or ceremonious Ii
!, their executions. The arrangement
!, for Stewards will be elaborate. But
barring unusual circumstances, 1t vii
take place precisely at the hour desig
mated. You need no permit. Your mes
sages are official papers. But to saw
time, perhaps delay, suggest you TAX
this Mexican, Senior Monies, with you
J He outranks Don Carlos and know
/ the captain of the Mezquital detach
ment"
II thank you, sir. shall not forge
i your Kindness" concluded Madeline.
r The white, narrow road flashed GU
: of the foreground. slipped with incon
: ceivable rapidity under the car. Whe
she marked clump Of cactus ia
ahead it seemed to shoot at her, t
e speed behind her even the instant sh
:. noticed it. Nevertheless, Madelin