The Raymer enterprise., 1923-07-05
A Romance
By Zane Grey
Copyright by Harper and Brothers

they'll get what my cowboys leave Of
YOU"
Don Carlos was either a capital ac-
tor and gratefully relieved at Stew
arts leniency or else he was thorough.
ly cowed by references to the troops.
"Sl. Senor! Graclas, Senor!" he ex-
claimed; and then, turning away. he
called to his men. They hurried after
him, while the fallen vaIuer0 got to
his feet with Stewards help and stag
gered across the courtyard. In mo-
ment they were gone, leaving Have
and his several comrades behind.
Have was spltefully ejecting 4 wad
Of tobacco from his mouth and swear
Ing In an undertone about "white-llv-
cred Greasers." He cooked his red
eye speculatively at Stewart.
"Wal, l reckon as you're so hell-bent
on doln' 1t up brown thet you'll try to
fire me ofr'n the range, toof"
"If ever do. Pat, you'll need to be
carried on" replied Stewart. "Just
now I'm politely inviting you and your
deputy sherifrs to leave"
"We'll 60; but we're comm back
one Of these days. an when We do
we'll put you In IRONS"
Have. II you've got II In that bad
for me, come over here In the corral
and let's fight 1t out. You've got 1t In
for me. man to man. Speak up now
and prove you're not the cowardly
skunk I've always thought you. I've
called your hand"
Muttering, cursing. pallld Of face.
Have climbed astride his horse. His
comrAses followed suit. Certain 1t ap-
peafed that the sheriff was contend
Ing with more than fear and wrath.
Sayagely he spurred his horse, and as
II snorted and leaped he turned In his
saddle. shaking his fist. His comrades
led the way. with their horses clatter-
Ing into canter. They disappeared
through the gnte
When, later In the day, Madeline and
Florence. accompanied by Alfred and
Stillwell, left Don Carlos ranch 1t was
not any too soon for Madeline. The
inside Of the MeIIcan's home was
more unPrepossessIng and uncomfort-
able thnn the outside. The halls were
dark. the rooms huge, empty, and
musty; and there was an air Of silence
and secrecy and mystery about them
most fitting to the character Florence
had bestowed upon the place.
On the other hand. Alfred's ranch
house, where the party halted to spend
the night, was picturesquely located,
small and cozy. camplike In the ar.
rangement, and altogether agreeable
to Madeline.
The days long ride and the exciting
events had wearied her. She rested
while Florence and the two men got
supper. During the meal 1t was not
lost upon Madeline that Florence ap-
peared unusually quiet and thoughtful.
Madeline wondered little at the
cause She remembered that Stewart
had wanted to come with tEem. or de-
tail few cowboys to accompany them,
but Alfred had laughed at the idea
and would have none Of 1t.
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.
Madellnes deep slumbers we're dis
turbed by a pounding upon the wall,
and then by Florence's crying out In
answer to a call.
Get up! Throw some clothes on
and come out !"
1t was Alfred's voice.
whats the matter?" asked Flor
ence, as she slipped out Of bed.
alfred, is there anything wrong?"
added Madeline, sitting up.
The room was dark as pitch, but a
faint glow seemed to mark the posi-
tion Of the window.
"Oh, nothing much" replied Alfred.
"Only Don Carlos rancho going up In
smoke"
Fire" cried Florence. sharply.
"YOu1l think so when you see 1t.
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.
stIIIwell appeared greatly per-
turbed.
al. I'm lookIn' fer that ammunition
to blow up," he said There was
enough OF II to blow the roof of the
rancho"
"Blll. surely the cowboys would get
that stuff out the hrst thing" replied
Alfred, anxiously.
Il reckon so. But all the same I'm
worryin'. Mebbe there wasn't time.
Supposin' thet powder went Of as the
boys was goin' fer II or carryln' 1t out
Wen know soon. II the explosion
doesn't come quick now we can figger
the boys got the boxes out"
For the next few moments there was