Washington telegraph., 1926-07-02

hands, holding both In one of his as
he turned her cards face-up. His
laugh died, the light left his eyes, his
lips set grimly and for seconds he
stared at the exposed hand, then at
her.
"SoY he grated "Four aces, and l
nave fifth He Strengthened, a sneer
twisting his lips. "Your fingers
slipped, didn't they-lost their cum
ming? Too bad, when the stakes were
so big Everyone told me you were
a crook; that you'd get my money
that-well, there 1t is, but Tll-No,
you don't"
lie caught her, crushing her savage
ly to him. his lips pressing on hers.
FOR an instant she lay still. The
guitar twanged loudly, and twisting
loose she laughed in his face.
So she said passionately "the big
rich Americana calls Francisco a crook
"a thief What is he? The senior
VINO comes to my home three, four
times, then speaks love words tries
to buy with his Americana gold the
Mexican girls love? Is Francisco big.
ger thief than he? BAH No! He
cheat one way-Francisca laughs at
him. See, this money win by honest
cheat-and 1 laugh and wipe his kiss
away-like thisr'
In .at,
inquired soft, ihslnuating voice be-
hind him.
Dimes looked from the white-faced
girl clutching at his money to the
archway where stood a smiling old
Mexican holding a guitar.
You timed your entrance just right,
Gonzales" he laughed harshly. "You
two make good team. No, there's
nothing | want except to get out Of
here. The moneys yours-divide It'll
I'm lucky to get away so cheaply."
A block away from the high-walled
old place, walking rapidly toward the
brightly lighted main street with its
rows Of dance halls, saloons, gaming
rooms and catch-alls, Dimes stopped
to look back-shrugged and went
swiftly on. If what he had heard
was really a shot and cry, it was none
of his business; such things were COM
mon In this town. Cursing himself be-
cause of the ache In his throat, the
pain at his heart, he walked quickly
down the street to the gaming house
where he told Bill Drum, his old fore
man, to wait for him. A blare Of
music struck him as he pushed into
the crowded room.
Curse the place." he muttered.
"And thought to find lily here. It's
to laugh !"
Come on. BILL" he said, touching
the old cattleman's shoulder.
Dunn's keen eyes flashed over him.
'Wait till cash in." he said, turning
back to his game.
well" Dunn said a few minutes
later as they walked to the stable for
their horses, II told you she'd get
you"
"Cut the told you SOS, Bill I've
had all I want for one night"
Hurts, eh? Well, I'm tickled 'tain't
worse You can't trust 'em, Jim. Once
in n blue moon, maybe, you-what's
up, Mex?"
A policeman stood before them.
"Senor Dines," he said, zone acci-
dent has come to Francisco Gonzales.
She is hurt at her house. Much she
calls senior. The medlco says II
you"
Dimes heard no more. Brushing
them aside he raced away, while Dunn,
| cursing his luck, followed.
He found her lying on her own
bed, a doctor leaning over her.
"Jeem," she whispered, her great
eyes filled with pain and love, "Jeem,
you've come-Fm so happy. 1t is here
see all your money? | saved 1t all |
fool'd, cheat'd you, Jeem, but there
was no other way. He, Gonzales told
me If I did not get it tonight he
would rob-kill you. 1t was a show
| down-my Jeem. | let you go, but |
would not give it to him. then he fight,
he try to kill me-but-Jeem-you
Notwithstanding - lDs-
they are yours, Jeem."
She fell back, her eyes closing.
FRANCESCA Love Love Look at me
open theml | love you'll Come, you
can't beat love-not even death 7"
Her eyes futtered open.
"Jeem-I not die-I make show
down and-love win."
| EILx Mx H-IL