The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-01-18

OF water development. Thorne was
highly enthusiastic, and at once staked
out his claim for one hundred and
sixty acres Of lnnd adjoining that Of
Bedding and the rangers. These five
tracts took In all the ground necessary
for their operations. but in case Of
the success Of the irrigation project
the idea was to Increase their squatter
holding by purchase of more land
down the valley. A hundred families
had lately moved to Forlorn River;
more were coming all the time; and
Bedding vowed he could see a vision
Of the whole Altar valley green with
farms
Meanwhile everybody in Belongs
household, except the quiet Ladd and
the watchful Yaqui. in the absence Of
disturbance of any kind along the bor-
der, grew freer and more unrestrained,
as If anxiety was slowly fading in the
peace Of the present. Jim Lash made
a trip to the Sonoyta oasis, and Ladd
patrolled fifty miles of the line east
ward without incident or sight of raid
ers. Evidently all the border hawks
were in at the picking of Caslta.
The February nights were cold, with
dry. Icy, penetrating coldness that
made warm fire most comfortable.
Belongs household congregated in
the sitting ROOM where burning mes
quite logs cracked In the open fire
place.
There came low knock at the door.
1t may have been an ordinary knock.
for 1t did not disturb the women: but
to Bedding and his rangers 1t had a
subtle meaning.
who's that?" asked Bedding. as he
slowly pushed back his chair and
looked at Ladd.
'Yaqui." replied the ranger.
"Come In" called Belding.
The door opened, and the short.
square, powerfully built Indian en-
tered. He carried rifle and strobe
with Impressive dignity.
"Yaqui, what do you want ?" asked
Belding, and repeated his question in
Spanish.
"Senor Dick" replied the Indian.
Gale Jumped up, sitting an excla-
nation. and he went outdoors with
Yaqui. The Indians presence was al.
ways one Of gloom. and now his stern
action boded catastrophe Once clear
Of trees he pointed to the level deSert
across the river. where q row Of camp
fires shone bright out Of the dark
ness.
"Raldersir calculated Gale.
Then he cautioned Yaqui to keep
sharp lookout. and. hurriedly return.
ing to the house, he called the men
out and told them there were rebels or
raiders camping Just across the line.
Ladd did not say q word. Belding,
with an oath. slammed down his
cigar. sIf.s
'I knew II was too good to last. .
Dick. You and Jam stay here while
Laddy and look around"
Dick returned to the sitting-room.
The women were nervous and not
to he deceived. So Dick merely said
Yaqui had sighted lights Off in the
desert, and they probably were
campfres. Bedding did not soon r.
turn. and when he did he was alone.
and, saying he wanted to consult with
the men, he sent Mrs. Belding and the
girls to their rooms
''Laddy's gone over to scout around
and try to find out who the outfit be-
longs to and how many are in It," said
Belding. II don't look for an attack
on Forlorn River. I'm afraid It's"
Bedding hesitated and looked with
grim concern at the cavalryman.
"WhatY' Uueried Thorne.
I'm afraid IT'S Rojas."
Thorne turned pale but did not lose
his nerve.
Il thought Of that at once. But
Rojas will never get his hands on my
wife. II can't kill him, I'll kill her!
Belding this is tough on you
this risk we put upon your family.
I regret"
"Cut that kind Of talk" replied Bel
ding, bluntly. "Well, II 1t is Rojas
he's acting d-n queer for a raider.
That's what worries me. We can't do
anything but wait. With Laddy and
Yaqui out there we won't be sur
prised."
The women Of the house might have
gotten some sleep that night, but 1t
was certain the men did not get any.
Morning broke cold and gray, the 10th
Of February. Ladd came in hungry
and cold. and said the Mexicans were
not breaking camp. He reported
good-sized force of rebels, and was
taciturn as to his idea of Forthcoming
events.
About an hour after sunrise Yaqui
ran In with the information that part
Of the rebels were crossing the river.
THAT can't mean fight yet" de-
clared Bedding. But get in the house,
boys, and make ready anyway. I'll
meet him.
"Belding. you're an officer of the
United States. MexIcans are much