The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1923-07-07
the other cowboys trotted in the rear.

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 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 a 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
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.
oval, you-all had nice little run, u
Stillwell said, speaking generally. 81
reckon there wasn't much need Of it.
Pat Have thinks he's got some out
laws corralled on the ranch. Notlfin'
at all to be fused up about. Stew.
arts that particular he won't have you
meetin' with any rowdies."
Many and fervent were the express
sions of relief from Madeline's femi.
nine guests as they dismounted and
went into the house. Madeline lin
gered behind to speak with Stillwell
and Stewart.
"Now, Stillwell. out with it," she
said, briefly.
oval, Miss Majesty, there's goin' tt
be q fight somewhere, an Stewart
wanted to get you-all in before it come
off. He says the valleys overrun by
vaqueros an guerrillas an robbers, an
Lord knows what else."
He stamped off the porch, his huge
spurs rafting, and started down the
path toward the waiting men.
Stewart stood in his familiar atten
tive position, erect, silent, with 6
hand on pommel and bride.
"Stewart, you are exceedingly
thoughtful Of my interests" she said
wanting to thank him, and not readily
finding words. II would not know
what to do without you. Is there dan
ger?"
"I'm not sure. But want to be OF
the safe SIDE"
She hesitated. 1t was no longer cas-!
for her to talk to him, and she did no
know why.
MAY I know the special orders 70,
gave Nels and Nick and Monty? sht
asked.
"Of course I'll tell you if you insist
My orders were that at least one o.
them must be on guard near you da!
and night-never to be out Of hearing
of your voice."
II thought as much. Stewart, yol
still think Don Carlos tried to make
off with me-may try it again?'
II don't think. I know"
"And besides all your other dutie
you have shared the watch with thes,
three cowboys?"
EYES,"
1T has been. going on without m,
knowledge? How long is it to con
tinue?'
"That's hard to say. Till the revo
luton is over, anyhow"
She unused a moment, looking ava,
to the west, where the great void wa
filling with red haze. She believed i'm
plicitly in him, and the menace hover
ing near her fell like a shadow upol
her present happiness.
"What must I do?" she asked.
II think you ought to send you
friends back East-and go with them
until this guerrilla war Is over"
why, Stewart, they would b.
broken-hearted and so would l."
He had no reply for that
IF 1 do not take your advice it viii
be the first time since I have come tt
look to you for so much" she went on
Cannot you suggest something else
NY friends are having such a splendid
visit. Helen is getting well. Oh,
should be sorry to see them go befor'
they want to-"
1--WE might take them up into thu
mountains and camp out for while,
he said, presently. II know a wild
place up among the crags. It's hare
climb, but worth the work. I never
saw a more beautiful spot. Fine wa
ter, and it will be cool. Pretty soo1
it'll be too hot here for your party tt
go out-of-doors."
"You mean to hide me away amons
the crags and cloudsT' replied Made
line, with laugh.
"Well. it'd amount to that. You
friends need not know. Perhaps in {
few weeks this spell Of trouble on thu
border will be over till fall"
"You say it's hard climb up to THU
placer"
1T surely is. Your friends will &c
the real thing if they make that trip
"That suits me. Helen especial!
wants something to happen. Yer!
we'll, am decided. Stewart, Of cours'
you will take charge? / don't believ'