The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-08-03
CHAPTER x


cockpit and tried to keep herself from
screaming. It was the first time In
her life she had ever been off the
solid earth, and panic seized her. The
terrific roar of the powerful engine
filed the universe, 1t seemed; the night
sky awed her with its vast blue empti-
ness.
The world and all it held were
gone. They were headed south! South
toward Mexico! 1t was Ell Captain
Diablo who had her In his grip!
Yet Ell Captain was-he must be-
riding slowly south somewhere in the
dark land below. Pondering this, she
saw the round gold edge of the moon
come I'D across the worlds far rim.
1t rose swiftly and picked out the
rugged earth in stark shadows, ridges
of silver.
Very soon her heart leaped to her
throat, for the ship was falling by the
nose, it seemed, going sharply down.
And then she saw some lights spread
on the fiat darkness-a landing field.
In an incredibly short time the feel
ing of falling passed and the ship
came level again, touched, bounced,
lifted beautifully, and came to rest
on the earth. The man behind her
reached around her, unbuckled her
safety strap, put his hands under her
armpits, and lifted her to her unsteady
feet. "If you please. Senorita," he
said in English, and Sonya climbed out
into the upreached arms of the pilot.
She looked around-at a small level
field hangar, another gray ship be-
yond it's open doors, all plainly visible
in the fioodlights that studded the
fields four corners. Then the two
Mexicans took her arms, and they
all walked across the lighted space
and out into the moonlit darkness be-
yond q grove of trees Here the
lights of a low, wide adobe house
shone dimly; door stood open; two
women in dark low-necked dresses
waited inside.
la Senorita," the pilot said to
them in Spanish. you will take her
to the guest chamber-and bear her
company"
There was a marked significance
In the last few words.
"Si," the older of the women said
briefly. 81 will take good care of her."
Sonya, speaking Spanish as well as
they, listened tensely.
"And tender care Carlotta," the man
said, smiling meaningly. "She is, as
YOU can see, very beautiful. I like
this white skin, summed though it is,
and the curls in the hair. / am glad
Ell Diablo cares only for pure gold
blondes"
"You should wait, at least, the mas
ter's decision as to what he likes,
Manuel" the woman said. 'But why
did Quatro send herr"
Because she caught him red-handed
with five-tael can of black molasses'
the laundering fool, to approach any
one with that in sight. Well, care for
the pretty thing, Carlotta, until Ell
Captain returns. Well all know more
then"
And with a look at Sonya from
under his level black brows he bowed
and left the house.
IF thee Senorita weel come weeth
me-" the woman said in painful Eng
fish. 'You would eat? Drink? Some
wine before you sleep, mebby?"
"No, thank you," said Sonya.
She stood hesitantly, her hands
clasped before her. She had no pos
sessions to pick up. She had lost her
hat the first moment in the plane. And
she realized suddenly that she was
weary to the bone.
Whatever was to happen to her, she
would not help matters any by giving
way to fear and worry.
II would sleep, sonora" she said.
II am very tired"
The woman went to table Of dark
polished wood and picked up candle
burning steadily in silver candle
stick. Sonya followed her guide down
q dark passage between thick white
washed adobe walls and into spa
cious high-ceiled room where old-fash-
toned furniture stood gauntly against
the primitive plaster.
Here the woman left her, and soon
returned with a pitcher Of cold water
and silver cup.
She asked again If the senorita de-
sired anything more, and finally de-
parted. Sonya was dismayed to hear
the unmistakable falling of a bar
across the heavy door. Slowly she un-
dressed herself, blew out the candle.
But thought came to her suddenly,
and she went softly to the one win
dow In the deep walls. 1t was closely
barred with iron set hard in the old
adobe-and on a little stone-fagged
yard below, the two women were just
seating themselves in low chairs. They
were soft of manner, gentle seeming,
and they carried fans in the hot moon
light.
She was to be cared for-to the
very letter of the law laid down by