The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1926-12-31

into his mind. He heard again the
laughter of the Mexican leader, his
boast of what he would do to the
Gringos, his talk OF the American
women then slowly, like a
flower, Dorothy's face unfolded before
his eyes against the fading West.
Kane staggered to his feet and
looked about him. Tethered to a near
by hut was a fine stallion, the prop
erty of Santos, which he had left there
till his return on the morrow. not
wishing to risk 1t In the impending
fight, If fight there was to be. No
body was guarding 1t.
Kane crept toward 1t. He saw the
saddle and bride at the door Of a
nearby hut In moment he had
placed the saddle on the animals back
and fastened the girth.
He fitted the bride, hearing shouts
as the Mexicans saw him and OWNED
his purpose. Men ran toward him.
Kane cut the halter and leaped on
the stations back. In moment he
was away, galloping along the road
that led toward the border. Behind
him he still heard the cries Of the
stupefied Mexicans.
III
Once out of sight of the village he
moved slowly, for before him, miles
, away, outlined against the horizon,
he saw the cavalry of Santos march
ing. The day died and the stars
came out. Kane rode along the de-
serted road.
1t was midnight when he saw far
off the winding Rio. Looking down,
he saw the camp of the raiders at the
side of him, rising into the mountains,
cut off all possibility Of detour. He
must ride through the camp.
He gave his horse rest; then.
mounting, he continued, very cautious
ly, until, topping the last hill, he saw
the pickets under him. Then he put
his horse to the gallop.
Faster and faster he drove the stall
lion down the hill. He heard the
| shouts Of the guard, he caught vision
of men, risen from sleep, staring at
| him; and then he was running the
gauntlet between two lines of Next
| cans He heard their excited shouts.
Bullets whizzed past him. He felt as
it were the sting of bean through the
forearm, through the shoulder. His
right hand, pierced, dropped nerve
lessly from the reins. He felt the
blood stream down him.
| Then he had passed them, and as his
snorting horse gathered itself together
beneath him, he heard the troop, with
| wild yells, take up the pursuit. The
river glistened before him. The cur
rent ran fast and strong. Only a mo-
ment he hesitated; and, as he did so,
he felt another sting under the arm.
Then he drove the stallion into the
water.
The bullets whipped the water about
him. Kane felt his senses leaving him,
and an awful faintness. He felt the
icy water wrap him round like a
shroud. Behind him his pursuers had
halted. No ordinary horse could swim
from the south to the north bank OF
| the Rio in food time.
The current was sweeping him
away. But before him he saw, white
against the night, the tents Of his own
| people. With last effort Kane
spurred the tagging beast beneath the
water. The stallion snorted and sud
denly began to tread upon the river
| bottom.
Splashing and plunging. 1t gained
the American side and rushed up the
bank. Behind him the Me1icans were
still firing, but now the bullets went
wild. Kane was in no danger. If only
he could pull himself together and
reach his goal!
He refined in the stallion with his
last reserve strength. He walked II
slowly through the entrance to the
camp. Men were already alert
aroused by the shots, and falling in
Kane heard the colone's voice. He
saw a woman standing at his side. He
stopped the horse in front Of the com
manding officer.
Santos is leading party to attack
the camp, sir" he faltered. II came
to-warn you"
And Kane fell from his horse int
the arms of the colonel's orderly.
They carried him into the colonel!
house. Kane opened his eyes after 6
long interval, to see faces looking into
his. He saw the doctor shake his
head. A sense Of supreme Joy thrilled
| him. 1t was good to diet was goot
that this should be ended-and be end
ed thus.
And among the faces he saw that Of
the coloners wife. Her tears fell over
him. Kane tried to speak, but there
was no need of speech. In that las
interchange Of looks all was explained
and the reconciliation effected. HI
had saved others-what did it matter
If he could not save himself?
And, with his eyes still holding Dor
othy's, he fell asleep.