Catoctin clarion., 1923-06-07
CHAPTER TX

Caroca.
Sandy led the way on the mare to
a shelving bench, place where he
had camped once long before and,
with his ut-of-doOrs-man'S craft,
never forgotten. Molly was tired al
most to insensibility as to what might
be going on soaked and chilled to
limpness. Sandy got her out Of the
saddle and into shallow cave in a
sandy bank. The next thing she knew
fire was leaping and sending light
and warmth into her nook.
Eat this, Molly, an we got to be
on our way" Sandy was handing her
cupful of hot, savory stew, made
for the trip, warmed up hastily, the
best kind Of meal after their siren
uous experience, though Sandy be-
moaned its quality.
"Figgered you an me 'ud eat on the
Pullman ternight," he said. But this
snack'll do us no harm. Well git a
cup OF coffee In Caroca If there's a
chance"
She gulped the reviving food CRATE
fully, strength coming back with the
fuel that gave both warmth and mo-
tive power Soon they were jogging
on down the wide trough Of the can
yon. They crossed white road. un-
fenced but evidently a main source
Of travel though now deserted.
County line runs plumb down the
middle of the road" announced Sandy.
"There's the lights of Caroca blinkin'
the train. SleepyY
"Some" she admitted.
me, too," lied Sandy companion
ably.
Coming down from the mesa he had
talked with her about Barbara Red
Molly and what she would do for her.
Molly had listened silently.
They entered the little town, once
a cattle station, now renamed in mu-
steal Spanish, Caroca-A Caress-a
spot where fruits were grown and
flowers bloomed the year round wher
ever the water caressed the earth
Sandy rode the mare into the livery
where the last Skirmish between hoof
and rim, iron and rubber tire. was
being fought, and called for "Chuck"
Goodwin.
A stout man came out, not so heavy
not so big as Mormon, but Sheathed
in flesh with the armor Of ease and
good living. He peered up at Sandy,
then let out shout.
"You long-legged. ornery, freckle
faced, gun-packln' galoot, Sandy
Bourke! Light off n that cayuse
you an yore lady friend. Where in
time did you-all drop from?"
"Come across the mesa. Like to
git washed across through Paso
Cabras," said Sandy. Miss Casey,
let me make you 'quainted with Chuck
Goodwin, one time the best hawss-
shoer in the seven Cactus states, now
sellin' oil an gasoline fancy prices,
not to mention machines fo' which he
is agent"
"Got few oats left fo' yore
hawsses, Sandy. Miss, won't you
CoIlt lllt w lclC Sou
bound, SandyY'
"We was amin to catch the seven
o'clock train east, maxim fo' New
Mexico an the Reddng ranch, where
Miss Casey Is to visit fo a SPELL but
we found the trail bad an a cloud
bust finally set us back so we quit
hurryin' an loafed in. Chuck, have
you got a machine you c'ud rent us,
with driver?"
"You can have anything got in the
place with laigs or wheels, an wei
come. Coin to the old Redding
ranch? Give my howdedo to Miss
Barbara, or Mrs. Barbara as she Is
now. But" He looked at the wall
clock. "It's a quarter of. ten. Yore
trains been altered to suit main line
schedules. She don't come through
till nine-thirty an she's gen'ally late
maxim the grade. l amt heard her
whistle yet. Hop in my car an We'll
Jest about make her. She don't do
much more'n hesitate at Caroca when
she's behind time"
He hurried them out on the street
to where a car stood by the curb.
. Molly and her few belongings got in
behind, Sandy mounted with Goodwin
you'll take good care Of the
hawsses, ChuckT" he said. "Pll prob
ably be back for 'em myself in three
TO- days"
"Seguro." Goodwin stepped on his
starter and the flywheel whirred to
sputtering explosions. Another car
came limping down the street, fiat on
both rims Of one side, its paint plas-
tered with mud, one light out, the
other dimmed with mire. The driver
called to Goodwin.
(which way to the depotT'
Goodwin, his hand on the lever,
foot on the clutch, was astounded to
hear Sandy Kissing OUT
Don't tell 'em. Scoot ahead full
speed" Then, over his shoulder to
the girl, "Crouch down there, Molly"
Goodwin was still a man of action