Pittston Gazette

              r established 1850, I VOL. XUXNo.26. | Oldest Newspaper In the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY. MARCH 3, 189^ A Weekly Local and Family Journal. j«lMtTtir ; In AdTUM, jypywMT'/sw &y fiTsmtsoH way of tbe way beyond the Wells, and now bis heart was heavy. He feared that, disdainful of bis oaution, they bad driven straight into ambush. Ought not the Teniente Blake to push forward at once with his whole force and ascertain their fate? Blake bade him hold his peace. If barm had oome to that stage, said he, it was not on tbe eastward, but on the westward ran, not at the hands of Apaobes, but of outlaws, and Sancbo went back looking blacker than night and Baying in the seclusion of the corral to beetle browed hermano mio and his dusky wife things that even in Spanish sounded ill and would not be publishable in English. Both officers by this time felt that there was mischief abroad. It was decided between tbem that if by midnight the stage did not arrive Loring, with the precious packet in one saddlebag and the oourt proceedings in the other, should take eight men as escort and gallop for tbe west until be reached tbe platoon sent forward at dawn. From that point the danger would be less, and with either tbe same or a smaller number of fresh riders he could push on for Yuma, sending all tbe others back to join Blake, who meantime, with what little force he bad, would scout eastward for news of tbe stage. But that plan was destined never to be carried oat. Tbe long day came to an end. The darkness settled down over sandy plain and distant mountain. Tbe silenoe of midnight reigned over tbe lonely bivouac and the somber ranch, yet had not Blake given orders that every man must remain close to tbe horses throughout tbe evening adventurous spirits from tbe troop could surely have beard tbe ominous whisperings within tbe corral and marked tbe stealthy glidings to and fro. At 9 o'clock tbe famoos roan was cautiously led forth from the gateway and cl 3se under tbe blaok ebadow of the wall, and not nnti) well beyond earshot of the willows was ha mounted and headed eastward. in the hot sun from 0 in the morning until late in the afternoon, then sent bim on again, only to be once more "rounded to" with a furious cboirus of yells and volleyings of pistols when witbin only two miles of bancho's, tbat bewildered Jebn oould not imagine. Tbe marvel of it whs tbat though tho old sage was "riddled like a sieve, " iih be said, "and hullets flew round me like a swarm of buzzin Nes, not one of 'em more'u jest nipped me or raised a blister in the skin." Indeed even those abrasions were indistinguishable, though Jake solemnly believed in their existence. Then another qneer thing t Long before tbe lieutenant and "bis fellers" reached tbe imperiled vehicle all but two or tbree of tbe dozen assailants went scurrying off in. tbe darkness, and when the cavalry came charging furionsly through tbe gloom there was no one to oppose tbem. Jehu Juke couldn't even tell wbicb way the bandits had gone—every way, he reckoned—and after careering blindly about for half an boar or so Blake's most energetio men came drifting'back and said it was useless to attempt pursuit until dawn, even though that would give the renegades ■ix hours' start. Slowly and disgustedly Blake ordered his men to form ranks und march back to camp, when eudden- 'anguidly as ha sat on the upper deok, heels lifted on tbe taffrail, gazing out over an apparently limitless plain, half dim vista of far spreading sand, half of star dotted, flawless salt water, the smoke of his cigar ourling lazily aloft as tbe black bull rode at anchor. weigh anobor. The maii sacks were aboard!, the oonsul had gone down over the sicle, and still Don Ramon seemed unablci to part from his loved ones and the Idaho's champagne. It was the captain who had finally to put abrupt stop to the lingering leave takings. oollided with the wnitecappea stewardess, hastening up, with anxiety in her eyes. Tbe two officers clung to the mizzen shrouds opposite the companionway as she emerged from the broad light into the darkness of tbe wind swept deck. It was a moment before she could distinguish objects at all. Then with practiced step she went swiftly to the crouching figure at the distant end of the long seat. — Ramon bad opposed hUgirl sister's union with one of their number. Now, what on earth could that small packet contain, and was it likely that the valuables were any miftd valuable than those Bnatched from his saddlebags the aigbt of the assault at Qila fiend—the watch and diamonds of the late Captain Kevins, now vanished into thin air apparently, for not a trace of him bad appeared since the night he rode away from Camp Cooke? might well be wrathful ateuoh insinuations.And now as Loring olung to the rail upon the lofty deck and gazed out over the waste of tumbling waters toward the barren shores he was thinking deeply of that letter, of the strange bent of mind that oould dictate suoh unjustifiable suggestion, if not aocusatiou. He was thinking, too, of Panoha and that little packet in the purser's safe when suddenly that officer himself oanae popping up the narrow stairway and poked his unprotected head into the whistling wind. "I must be off at once," he said. "Come, Don Ramon; we'll take the best of care of these ladies and land them all at; Frisco witbin tbe fortnight. Hiss 'om all around now and jump for your boat. Come, Senor—I didn't catch the name—ah, yes, Escalante—tbe father ol! tbe Senorita Pancha, I suppose? No—-only her uncle? Well, I'll be her uncle now," and so saying he led the way to tbe deck. "Daughters of old Roman de la Cruz, for two that I know of, and some cousin of theirs, I believe. Tbey came aboard on our up trip. The old roan likes our tap of champagne and doesn't care what it costs. He has more ready cash than any Mexican I know. You're married man, colonel, bat how about the lieutenant here?" "I have learned something of her," murmured Turnbull. "Tbat was her father's brother, Escalante, who came abourd with her. That woman at Sanoho's was not her mother. She bas been dead for many a year. She was own sis- In genuine distreb of mind, Loring bad written from Yuma as soon ae the doctor would permit, to the address penned by Kevins la presence of the court, infurming that vagabond officer's wife that the valuables he had been charged to place iu iier hands had been forcibly taken from him after be bgnself bad been amaulted and stricnen senseless, that e~?ery effort had been made to reoover tftem, but without success ; that be deplored their loss and her many mrrfortuner and begged to be informed if be oould serve ber in any other way. The doctors bad promised him that he would be restored by a sea voyage. It would be three weeks probably be oould reach San Francisco, and meantime he knew from the captain's admission that she was probably in need. Loring, still pallid and listless, smiled feebly and shook his head. "Lieutenant, come below and have a bite while we're here off Ildefonso. We'll be turning handsprings in half an hour." And Loring followed to the steward's cuddy, where a smoking luncheon awaited tbem, and tbe silent soldier fell to with the appetite that follows fever. Purser and steward looked on with admiration. - CHAPTER VOL D aim or laea or uis accuser, out ' in the hope of so startling both offioers that in the confusion he could leap to tbe back doorway and escape. Loring's imperturbable aerte and practiced fist bad defeated that scheme and laid tbe deserter low, and Higgins was now languishing at Ynma awaiting trial on triple charges. But Blake for a second or two bad felt tbe clasp of soft arm* about bim, tbe wild flutter of a maiden beart, much below bib own, and Blake was buman. Somewhere he bad met that slender girl before. Twioe be bad danced at tbe bailea in Tucson and once attsaded a masquerade where for nearly an hour be bad enjoyed tbe partnership of and bad been tantalized by a maid just about tbe stature of this dark eyed -"daughter of my brother." Loring saw the lively party come surging forth from tbe companionway, senoras, senoritas, gray baired men and gayycuDg gallants. There was a moment of clasping, clinging embraces, of straining arms and lingering kisses, of crowdings and murmuriugs here and there, some little eobbing and many tear wet eyes as tbe father was finally hurried down tbe ladder, and then there was further delay and shouts for Escalante, and not until then did Loring,^Silently watching the animated thronf; on the port side, become awarq of two dark forms in tbe shadow of the deckhouse on the opposite quarter. One was that of a slender girl, and she was sobbing, she was praying in eager words not to be sent away, ebe was imploring pitifn. ly to be taken back to the shore. Lorinn bad sfqdied Spanish long enough to understand almost every word, and even before he realized tbat he was an nnwil ing listener he had beard both her sobbing plea and the abrupt, almoet cruel nnswer: It waa two long days' cavalry march from Sanobo'a to Camp Cocke, and many a time it bad taken three. Midway, very nearly, tbe Haanyampa emptied ita feeble tribute into tbe murky Gila. Then waa water enough, such aa it waa, for man and beast along tbe way, bat, exoept in tbe winter months, both man and beast preferred tbe night hours for tbe journey. In order to provide mounts for tbe three offioers Blake bad left aa many of bis men at Cooke, and puabad ahead with tbe veteran president two boors before tbe dawn. Tbat bit march waa watched from afar by mounted men be knew as soon as tbe ran xoee upon his pathway, but Blake's only concern waa tbat tbey kept at respectful distanoe. Not more than half a dozen did be see, and tbese were as single soouta or in pairs. He felt little anxiety for Turn bull and Loring. Tbey, tuo, were well guarded. Tbe only thing be bated about tbe whole aflnir waa having to dismount any of his men, but there were only two ambulances at Cooke—one was undergoing repairs, and, tbe inspector being present, tbe post surgeon wisely protested against the other being sent to the distant south. It was the plan of the party to ride leisurely to Sancbo's, there to await tbe ooriftng of the stage, which should pass through on ita way to Yuma Saturday noon. "Well, here's your chanoe, young man," said the bluff salt, unconscious of giving offense. "No time like a voyage for lovemaking, once tbe girl gets ber sea legs on. You ought to capture one of 'em before we're half way to the Golden Gate. Tbey rate 'em at $20i,• 000 apieoe. Don't know bow long it takes a soldier to win a prize like that, but give a sailor such a show and she'd strike her colors before we sight St Lucas. If you don't care for duoats and ggjy wnig, there's that little cousin, one Cflan sing and play your soul away, give ber half a chanoe and a good guitar." I J r J jWl I *9 * ' ll IL i J I "I'll preaoribe a course of typhoid to the next friend of mine that contemplates a voyage like this," Baid tbe former presently. "It made you invulnerable. But was it typhoid?" "No; some bead trouble." "Sunstruck?" queried tbe parser. "Hot as it is, that doesn't often happen in Arizona; too dry." ly at. idea struck him—Loring, Loring, with his precious saddlebags, had been left alone—and calling for a set of fours to follow him Blake clapped hisspurless heels to his indignant horse's flanks and gallon*) for bome, ouly to find Sanoho and Pete lamenting over tbe prostrate, senseless and bleeding form of tbe engineer, whose arm was still thrown protectingly over the ravished saddlebags. "Who's she?" queried Turnbull, balancing his half smoked cigar between the fingers, as he blew a fragrant cloud to tbe cloudless vault above. "No one," wrote Loring, "is dependent upon me, and 1 beg your acceptanoe as a loan, as a temporary accommodation or aa anything yon pleaee, pf the inclosed draft." (It covered nearly every dollar he happened to have to bis oredit in the bank at San Francisco, thoogh be had pay acooants still oolleotible.) It took nearly ten days for answer to reach him, and Loring hid himself away to read it when the letter came, addressed in a hand he knew too well: '8truck, bat not by ran; pistol butt pernaps,' saia Loring; "nignt attacK at Gila Bend—robbers." Blake knew aa well as does the reader that this was no time for philandering and had been told but not yet taught the wisdom of keeping well away from the damsels wbo, like the sirens of old, twanged the vibrating strings and sang their loring songs. Why should she have flung herself between him and tbe desperadoes at that perilous moment and thrown her arms around him unless —unless she was tbe girl bo had been making love to in broken Spanish during tbe fiesta at Tucson? He would not have let Loring know where he was going or why for a good CV-al- But onoe away from him Blake was alone, with no one to interpose objection, and he went. "O Lord, yea! I remember. I beard about that," mid tba genial parser. "Got away with some money, didn't they?" ''Didn't get the family name—Panohq tbey called ber, a slip of a 16-year-old, going to school perhaps," and tbe oaptain turned away to answer a question from bis steward, leaving the two soldiers looking intently at each other, with new interest in their eyes. "No moiwj, bat with • valuable package," and the blue eyes were fixed intently on the pnraer aa be apoke, while the steward nnoarked another pint of Margaox; "a tin box about 8 by 8, containing • watch and jewela. Yon aometimes get anoh (or aafe keeping, do yon not?" The pocket oontaining tbat precious envelope was slashed open. Tbe envelope and watoh were gone. Tbe record of tbe ooart in the other feag was undisturbed." Yt'U bave no home, nor has yonr father. You may thank heaven for the chanco to get away." "Blake's destroyer was a 16-year-old Pancba, wasn't she?" asked tbe colonel in a low tone. He bad bad no mercy whatever on Blake and was outspoken in condemnation of what be called bis idiocy. The second officer came bustling round in search of them, and leaving the girl shrinking and sobbing on the narrow bench in the shadow the Mexican was hurried off. Before the little boats bad fairly cast adrift and the swinging steps were raised the throb of the screw was felt churning the waters of tb» bay, and as the steamer slowly gatbeied way and her bow swnng gradually seaward women and girls, kerchief waving, came drifting back along the rail, leaning far over and throwing kisses to the tossing shallops on the dark waves beneath; then, gathering about the stunted flagstaff at the stern, calling loudly their parting words, all unconscious of Loring, who had stepped sside to give them room, and ao fonnd himself olose to little Pancba, lost to everybody in the desolation of a loneliness and grief that Loring could not see unmoved, yet could not reconcile with what he bad believed of her. With, her arm thrown about the drooping girl. tet- to De la Cruz. There ic something back of their sending this girl to San Francisco. Hnsbl Here she oomes." With her arm thrown about the drooping girl, the stewardess came slowly leading her to the doorway. The swinging portals had slammed shut in the last plunge of the Idaho, and aa the buoyant craft rose high on the next billow Turn bull and Loring both turned to open tbem. The light shown full on their calm, soldierly faoes as the stewardess thanked them, and the shrinking ohild lifted up her frightened eyes for one brief moment, glanced quickly from one to the other, then, with a low cry, slipped, limp and senseless, through the woman's arms and fell in a dark heap upon the deck. Naomi, mj beloved slater, la prostrated by her Borrows and anxieties, and I moat be ber amanuensis—I, who would die for her, yet who shrink from this task, well knowina. though she does not, how hard It la to write to one whom I have given perhaps such infinite pam. in3eea I unoaia no* nave pan coinage to write had she not required it of me, had not your most generous offer and action demanded response. But for your aid my heartbroken sister and 1 would by this time have had no roof to cover our beak These people had refused to house ua longer. As soon aa she is well enough to move and I rmn obtain the means from eastern friends we shall sail for New Orleans, where she expects to find friends and employment, and she bids me say that within the year you shall be repaid. Meantime the thought that yoa, too, have been made a sufferer, all on account of that unprincipled scoundrel who hM deceived and deserted her, weighs upon her spirits as it does on mine. It is not the loss of the jewels, though we would have been beyond the possibility of want had tbey reached her, that we mourn. It is that one whom I fear I have sorely angered, perhaps past all forgiveness, should hsve to suffer so much more on our account, and yet If you only knew—if I could only explain) But this Is futile. Despise me If you Will, yet believe that my gratitude is beyond words. Gerald nil Aw.vs. P. 8.—Should you care to see slater on your arrival we shall probably still be hero. And then as he bathed jns comrade's head and stanched the strove to call him back to consciousness Blake saw it all or thought he did and gnashed his teeth in impotent wrath. He was tricked,betrayed—yes,possibly ruined— all by a gang of miserable "tireajsers," through the medium of a prettg Mexican girl and his own wretohed imbecility. There was no name Blake didn't call himself. There was nothing disreputable he did not tbink of Sancho. But what oould he prove? Sancbo was a heavy loser. Sanobo's best mules and all his fine horses, including the fumous roan, had been spirited away. Thu gang had made a wreck of the bar and a puddle of his famous liquor. "Got one now," was the prompt reply aa the officer amaoked bis lipa and held oat hla glaaa for another aip of the red wine of France. "Old Eaoalante gave it to me at Gnaymaa. It's the little aeuorita'a." At 10 Loring was sleeping soundly in preparation for tbe night ride before him, and Blake, nervously puffing at bis pipe, was listening to the low, raurmurous ohat where tbe guard were gathered about their watch fire, when soft, timid, lqriug, sweet, again be heard tbe tinkle of that guitar. It ceased abruptly. There was a minute of ailenoe; then a trifle louder it began again, again ceased as though waiting a reply, and Blake sat up aud listened. Onoe more, not at tbe westward willows, not at tbe ranch, not on the open plain, but sowewbere close at baud, close to his side of the bivouac, away from the guard, away from the occasionally stamping, snorting horses and equally far from the dark, shadowy buildings of tbe stage station, and Blake slowly, ppjselessly got to bia feel and after listening one moment to Loring's deep, regular breathing buokled on hia revolver belt and stole forth into the starlight. Tea, there was the Bound again—a few notes, a bar or two of tbe song Pancba was singing at the willows the night before, and cloae to tbe edge of the willows orouched the musician. With his hand on tbe bott of his revolver Blake strode slowly toward tbe shrinking form and beckoning it roae and moved swiftly away. "Halt where yon are!" growled the lieutenant. "If yon want me, stay here." Loring was silent a moment; then he drew a letter from an inner pocket. It had come with Turnbull—the last news from Arizona. "Bead that when you've time, colonel," said be. "Perhaps had you been in Blake's place at his age you'd have forgotten everything but the stage and the fight, as he did. I tbink I should." And early Friday evening tbe troop went into hivouac at tbe same old willow olump, and Sanobo, profusely and elaborately courteous, had come forth, aombrero in band, to implore the caballeros to partake of hia hospitality. His brother waa returned from a Visit to Gnaymaa and Hazatlan, and be had brought wine of tbe finest and cigars •neb as Arizona never bad known, and Sanobo waa manifestly disconcerted at the regret* or refusals, coldly dOnrteous on part of Loring, blunt and brusque on part of Blake. Tbe veterans, however, saw no barm in going and were sumptuously entertained by mine hoat in the beat room of the ranch. Blake caused a strong guard to be posted at camp—a moat unusual thing and one instantly noted iunoag Sancbo's people—and, after making tbe rounda and giving atrict instructions to the three sentries, and, further, ordering aide lines as well as lariats for tbe horses—all this as a result of a low toned conference with Lor- ln three minutes he bad made hia cautious way to tbe westward willows, and bis heart began beating in spite of bis determination to be guarded and even suspicious, for there sat tbe little senorita alone. That fact in itself should have opened his eyei and would have done so a year or two later, but Blake was still a good deal of a boy, and in another moment he stepped quickly to. her side and almost swept the ground with his broad brimmed scouting hat as he bowed low before her. Astantly the song ceased, tbe guitar dropped with an i&olian whine upon the sand, and as Blake stooped to raise 'it she sprang to her feet, a half stifled cry upon her lips. CHAPTER XSL The afternoon and night that followed brought little oomfort to the oabin passengers. Not till nearly dark did the steamer find the shelter of another island, and all the intervening hours she wallowed in the trough of the sea, with the wind abeam, and by the time the heights of Carmen island loomed between than and the red glow of the sunset skies Tnrnbull had thrioe wished himself in hotter olimes than even Arizona and oould only feebly damn bis junior for ooming down to ask if there were not something he oould do for him. "Yes; take this pistol and shoot me," moaned the sufferer. "No, of oourse, I don't want brandy and water nor yon nor anybody. It's simply soandalous for yon to be np and well. Go away 1" And, though Loring sorely needed xransel, be felt that Turnbull was in xD mood for talk and so climbed back m deck again. He bad made up hir ind to " And, as this was the longest speech Turnbull bad ever heard from Loring's lips, except his arraignment of Nevina before the court, the colonel pondered over it not a little. He took the letter and read it when an hour later the Idaho was plowing her lazy way southward through a dull and leaden sea: Manuel, his brother, with his beloved wife and child, had fled in terror, said Sancbo, else would they now he here, nursing the beroio officer who had striven to defend them against suoh n rush of wretches. Blake drove him away with imprecations, vowing that he, Sancbo, was in collusion with the gang, against which unmerited slur Sancbo protested in sonorous Spanish, and to prove bis innocence pointed to bis bespattered barroom, and as that failed to move the obdurate heart of the raging cavalryman went sorrowfully bark to the dark ranch, whence there suddenly arose a sheet of flame and the cry that the villains bad set fire to the corral before they left. For half an hour the •traw and bay made a tierce blaze, and the troopers turned to and saved the ranch, as Sancbo knew they would, and the actual damage was but slight. I'm not the first man to be fooled by a slip of a girl, Loring—wrote Blake—it isn't the first time that a woman baa got the better of «ne, and it n»j not be tbe last. Bnt the chagrin and mlserv X fee) is %ot because I have Buffered no much, bnt because ytiu have, and all through my fault. I suppose you know the general has ordered me relieved and sent back to my company aa no longer worthy to be called a cavalryman. All the name, one of thene days 1 mean to get a transfer. My legs are too long tor the doughboys anyhow. Meantime with all meekness I'U bear my burden. I deserve it. But you'll believe me when 1 say it isn't the punishment, the humiliation, this has oo«t me that ao weighs upon me now; it is the thought of your low and your prostration. One of tbesu days 1 may find means to show you how much 1 feel it. Just now I have only a hint. Last year at thin time my most cherished imsNCMxion was my new spring style 110 Amidon. A silk hat is as out of plaoe in Arizona as a sunshade In Sitka, yet my striker has just unpacked it and asked, with a grin on his confounded mug, "What'U I be dolo wid this, aorf" 1 know I Sole leather hatbox and all, it goes, by buckboard, to yoor addreaa at division headquarters. Our heads are about of the same caliber. The main difference is that yours seem* loaded. The Alt* says silk hats are now worn on sunny mornings. Sport mine for me, though It be of the vintage of a bygone year. 1 shall not show my face in civilization till I have lived down ray shame. So now for two years at least of Yuma and the consolation to be derived from the solitary study of philosophy and Shakesueara. Yours in meekness of spirit, QaaXU) Bi-ake. CHAPTER XI. Op to this moment he had heard of ber only as an artful girl, tbe oonfederats of tbieves and ruffians; up to this moment be bad seen ber only once, tbe afternoon abe threw herself on Blake, as Blake and he bad both oome to believe, to prevent bis drawing a revolver on the two rascals at the ranch. Yet never had Loring beard sncb pathetic pleading; never bad he seen child or woina.j in such utter abandonment of woe; never bad be thought ft possible that Pancba—tbe siren of Sanobo'a ranch, oold, crafty, luring, designing, truacheroui; as any Carmen ever since portrayed upon the stage—oould be capable of suoh intensity pf feeling. Drawing his uniform cape snugly about bim—for now tbe sharp sea wind was wbietliua through tbe oordage and chilling bis fever weakened frame— Loriui; leaned against the rail, gazing back « t tbe receding shores, trying not to bear the girl's sobbing. The ohatter of the flook of women was incessant Turnlull and two Guaymas merchants bad joined the group, but all were intent on those harbor lights now fast glimmering to mere sparks upon tbe sea, and tbe lonely girl sat tbere forgotten. Mot once was voice nplifted in question aa to what had become of her. Every moment now the stern was lifted higher in air and then dropped deeper into the roaring, hissing waters, and women tightened their hold upon tbe taffrail and gave shrill little shrieks and huddled closer together, and presently one of tbe elders fell back and begged to be led below, and tben another, and by tbe time the last glimmer of tbe town had been hid from view and only tbe steady gleam of the lighthouse shone forth upon their foaming wake the hardiest of the gay little party ot tbe earlier eveningahad been carefully assisted down tbe brass bound stairway, and when five belle tinkled windily somewhere forward tbere, with little hands clasped abont tbe stanchion, a shawl thrown over her bead, that bead pillowed in ber arms—there alone in tbe darkness and the rush of tbe wind and sea—tbere, tbe very picture of heartbroken girlhood—still sat Pancba, and Loring could bear it no longer. Another day and the Idaho was battling for her life and that of every soul aboard. Forging her way southward, she took the furious buffets of the gale on the starboard quarter—"the right front," as Turnbull would have put it bad be not been too ill to care a fig where she was hit and only wished she With smiling aelf assurance be bowed low again, as if be would restore tbe instrument to tbe little bands that were half upraised as though to warn him back, but she began coyly retreating from tbe bench on wbioh she bad been seated, and be quickly followed, murmuring proteat and reassurance in snob Spanish as he could command, declaring be had never yet bad opportunity to thank her for a deed of daring that perhaps had saved his life (he knew it hadn't—tbe long legged, nimble tongued reprobate), and trembling, timoroua, sweetly hesitant, she lingered, she even let him seize ber hand, and only faintly strove to draw it away. She began even to liBten to his pleading. She hung ber pretty bead and coyly*turned away and furtively peeped across tbe Btarlit level toward tbe ranob, where two dark forms, serape shrouded, were lurking at tbe corner of the corral. Tbey bad come crouching, forward a dozen yards when something, some sudden sound, drove them back to shelter, and in tbe next moment Blake heard it, and tbe girl, too, for, like a frightened fawn, aba darted away and went scurrying to tbe rear entranoe of the ranch, leaving him to confront and hail two horsemen, "Gringos" evidently, wbo came loping in on the Yuma trail, and at his voioe the foremost leaped from saddle and called: Then there had come, not to him, bat to the post surgeon at Yuma, another letter just before Loring started down the Colorado. The doctor was with hi* patient at the moment, and the superscription caught the latter's eye. The doctor changed color and looked em bar rassed-as he read. Evidently he did not desire to be questioned, nor was he at the time, for Loring had • way of might go down if that would keep her still. Sea after sea burst over tbe dripping decks and tossed her like a cockleshell upon tbe waters. Time anU again tbe bows would plunge deep in some rushing surge and tben, uplifting, send torrents washing aft and pour cataracts n- - -o tell tbe purser the whole etorj tnd to ask him to examine the contents if the package. All the livelong night the Idaho plowed aad careened through the rolling aea* gaining scant relief off Santa Catalin* and San Jose, bat when in the nndimmed splendor of the morning son she swept proodly into the placid, landlocked harbor of old La Pax Loring was the only man among her passengers to on deck. Ever For answer there came the same softly played bars and another geature as tbongb imploring him to come farther away from bearing of tbe ranch or even of bia bivouac, and, whiffping out bis revolver, tbe tall trooper sprang. forward, and a heavy hand came, down on the shawl hidden form, and there, trembling, imploring—aye, weeping—was Pancba. Before he could speak one word she began, and to his amaze began in English—broken English, to be sure, disjointed, incoherent, tremulous—and he listened, at first inoreduloua, then half convinced, then utterly absorbed, too absorbed to note that a dark form went scurrying from tbe shelter of some stunted brush straight toward tbe ranoh, whence presently a bright light sbone forth and loud voioe* harshly shouted the name of Pancba, Pancba— whose wrist be still grasped —Pancha, wbo, weeping, had implored bim to hasten with all bis men, that the stage was not three miles away with officers from Grant aboard, that wicked men bad planned to murder tbem to prevent their joining bim, and now in terror she sought to break away. She begged him to release ber. They would kill her if tbey knew— from ber sides. Long befove tbe dawn of day the red eyed commander had ordered the southward course abandoned and beaded his laboring craft for tbe opposite shores. Harbor tbere was none north of the deep sheltered bay of La Paz, but tbere would be relief from tbe tremendous poundings of the billows when ouoe under tbe lee of old California. Obedient to ber helm, the Idaho now met "dead ahead" both wind and sea. The rolling measurably oeased. Tbe pitching fore and aft continued, but the passenger list by this time cared no longer to discriminate. It was all one to all but one of their number. Loring of tbe engineers, thanks to long weeks of illness of another sort, was mercifully exempted from the pangs of seasickness, but the sights and sounds between decks were more.than could long be borne, and making bis way forward shortly after dawn he had succeeded in borrowing a spare sou'- wester and pair of sea boots from the second offioer, and equipped in these and a rubber ooat, leaving nothing but bis nose and mouth in evidence, he was boosted up tbe narrow stairway to the shelter of the pilothouse on the uppermost deck—the Idaho had no bridge— and there be saw the sun come up to the meridian and the sea go gradually down as tbe steamer found smoother waters under the lee of San Ildefonso. Some day Sancho would present a claim against the government for 20 times the amount and get such portion of it as wag not reqnired by the local agent and lobbying aids wb& rushed it througii congress. Against Sanobo tbere was do proof whatever, and wben Blake rode away at dawn to take the trail of the robber band be bad to invoke Sanobo's assistance in looking after his stricken friend. Tbere were boars that day when Blake conld almost have blown bis brains ont. He who prided himself on the field record he was making bad been outwitted, tricked, utterly and ridiculously fooled. By heaven, if horses could hold out, those rascals should not go unwhipped of justice! Bitter as was his cup the previous year, this was bitterer still. appear after she dropped an oh or and one at two bedraggled vlotlma were hoisted from below and dropped over the aid* be rowed aahore none of the women the gay Guaymas party waa able to climb the stain. The wind waa gone y sundown, and the Idaho onoe more ateerad ooaatwiae for Oape San Luoaa. night wore on and Loring waa still alone when, just aa the tinkle of the np's bell told that 9 o'clock had oome, with a soft, warm air drifting off the land, a fragile litftle form issned slowly from the oompanionway, and the sfcewirdess smiled invitingly on the bine iyed officer, as though begging him to lid her feeble charge to a seat "I have brought the aenorita np for half an hour. I made her oome," said ihe as she damped the pile of shawls into a spreading ohair and began pre- a nest, while Panoha, turning sway at sight of Loring, Bank to the end of the bench, the very aeat abe occupied as they put to sea from Quaymas. But now it waa Loring who tendered bia arm, and, calmly ignoring her evident if unspoken protest, aided in lifting her from the ben oh and seating her in the depths of the easy reclining chair. The stewardess, with praotioad hand, oarefully tucked the rugs about her and, bidding the little damsel make the most of the soft, aalt air while abe herself ran below to prepare her ohooolate, would have gone at onoe but for Panoha's trembling yet restraining hand. The child seemed to oling to her in desperation. Rapidly and in low tone she poured forth a torrent of pleading, and the kind hearted woman looked about her in peprlezity anjl distress. "What can I do, air?" aaid she to Loring in English. "This poor little thing has eaten nothing sinoe she oame aboard. She has cried herself si ok. She ia aa weak aa a baby and must have food, yet abe will not let me go." "You can think of nothing else Cn the way of precoiUfon, LorinffT' log—be came baok, to find that officer with his valise rolled in a blanket and used as a bolster, while the owner lay on his baok gazing dreamily up at tbe stars. A trooper was silently making down the bedding of tbe other officers. Tbe aand waa soft and dry; no campfire waa needed, no tent, no mattress. A* four were hardened campaigners, and the night was warm and dewleas. p. 8.-They say that Sancho'a brother's real name is Escalante. If ever yon come aoroas one of that race, keep yoor eyea peeled. Another day and the billows of the gulf were breaking under the Idaho's counter and hissing sternward in snowy foam, answering the rush of a strong southwest wind. It was late at evening wben the black bull went reeling in toward the lights of Guaymas and the massive anchor, with prodigious splash, dived for the sandy bottom, but late as it was the shore boats and lighters came pulling to the gangway stairs, and merchants, clerks and customs officers nimbly scrambled up the side, and then followed a number of passengers, cigarette smoking and cackling about the swarming deck, and Turnbull and the engineer bung over the rail and watched for the promised boatload of beauty, and presently it came. Two or three small boats were rowed alongside, and there were glimpses of shrouded forms and there were sounds of joyous laughter and murmured gallantries and dark eyed, dark skinned eaballeros, and the growling injunctions of presumably paterfamilias. And presently the ladderlike stairs were cleared and, one after another, woman after woman was assisted up the narrow way and came sailing into tbe zone of ligbt from the polished reflectors, elder women first, then slender, sparkling eyed damsels, whose white teeth gleamed as tbey chatted with tbeir escorts. Two undeniably attractive, Spanish "looking pirls were objects of most assiduous cam Then came a third, younger, a mere slip of a maid, with but a single oavalier. a grim, grizzled, stern looking Mexican, who glanced sharply about as be set foot on tbe solid deck, and then, without a word, Loring's band was placed on the colonel's arm, and the lieutenant's eyes said, "Look!" for as the girl's face was turned for an instant toward them tbere stood revealed the dusky little maid of the Gila, Blake's siren—Pancba. The steward uncorked another bottle of Margaux. thinking before be spoke, bnt as the doctor completed certain injunctions at parting the engineer turned full upon him: For a moment or two Blake fidgeted about. Good wine and eigars were as aooeptable to him as to anybody. It waa Sancbo and Sancbo'a brother be oould not stomach, and be would not be beholden to either. "Is it Lieutenant Blake? We've come with dispatches, sir, from Yuma." And unfastening bis saddlebag the trooper plaoed a packet in tbe officer's band. Not for ten days, after a long and fruitless chase through tbe Dragoon mountains and almost into Mexico, did Blake return to tbe Bend, and by that time Loring was just gone, borne in tbe ambulance, to Yuma. He bad regained consciousness under the doctor's care, said old Feeney, but was sorely weak and abaken, and the doctor had gone on with him. "Gome this way," said Blake briefly, leading toward the light and inwardly bemoaning an ill wind that bad blown bim far more good than be dreamed. A few strides took him to the door of the ranob. Tbe dispatches were for the president of tbe late oonrt at Gamp Cooke, for Tnrnbnll, for Loring and for bimaelf. Sending tbe courier to camp, be tore open his order—a brief letter of instructions to famish such escort as might be deemed sufficient for tbe safe oonduot of Lieutenant Colonels Vanoe and Tarnboll to Taosan. Then be waited to bear from tbam. With Sancho eagerly scanning their faoea, the two veterans had opened and read their orders, then looked np at each other in evident surprise. Presently tbey arose, and, begging their host to excnse them a moment and beokoning Blake to follow, stepped into tbe lighted bar bayond. Another oonrt bad been oonvened, another officer was to be tried, and tbe two wbo had officiated as seniors at Camp Cooke were directed to proceed at once to the old Mexican capital for similar dnty there. "Any news of Nevins in the letter you got this morning?" "Yon can think of nothing else in tbe way of precaution, Loring?" he pnaantly asked as be threw himself down beside bim, pulling at bis little brier root. The doctor flashed, looked bothered and confused, then finally fished the letter from an inner pooket. "Bead it yourself," said he and turned away. It was from Misa Allyn. It apologised for intruding on a stranger, on his time and patienoe, bat she knew he had been Stfr. Loring's ruedioal adviser, and she felt compelled to make certain inquiries, her sister being still nuable to write for herself. The doctor was probably aware that Mr. Loring bad written apprising tbem of the loss of certain articles of great value that bad been intrnsted to bis oare and intended for them. He had expressed tbe utmost sorrow and had tendered certain reimbursement (that check was for f200, not a cent less), not a fortieth part of the value of the loet articles probably, but now they were in receipt of a letter from Oaptain Nevins that must have oome by private hand to San Francisco, telling them that he must go forth to seek his fortunes anew; that his wife would never hear from him until be could oome with full hands; thaihe bad sent her every penny and possession he had—enough to keep her in comfort—and that if Lieutenant Loring did not promptly deliver the same to take legal steps to oompel him so to do, as be, Nevins, waa now convinced the officer might appropriate them .to his own use if he oould find any way to cover his breach of trust, such as swearing tbey were stolen from him. Captain Nevins had written other things in condemnation of Mr. Loring which neither Mrs. Nevins nor herself oould believe, but it did seem strange that an officer could find no safe method of sending valuable jewels when so much depended on his fidelity. And even as she pleaded, far out on the dark, eastward plain, there suddenly npiose a chorus of yells, a rattling fusillade, and Blake darted to tbe bivouac, sbonting as be ran: "Up with you, C troop! Mount, men! Mount!" And tben all was stir and buetle and excitement. Springing from tbeir blanket beds tbe troopers threw tbeir carbine slings over tbeir shoulders and flew to tbeir horses. "Never mind your saddles—no time for that!" yelled Blake, as be slipped tbe bit between tbe teetb of his startled cltarger, then threw himself astride tbe naked back. "Up with you and come out" Tben with a dozen ready fellows at bis beels away he darted into tbe gloom, guided only by tbe yells and flashes far out over tbe sandy plain. In less than two minutes every trooper in tbe little command had gone sparring in pursuit, and Lieutenant Loring, suddenly aroused from slumber, revolver in band, looking eaperly about for explanation of tbe row, fonnd himself standing guard over bis treasure laden saddlebags—utterly alone. "Nothing." 80 ended, for the time being at least, the survey of the Gila valley, for tbe surgeon at Fort Yuma coincided in tbe opinion of his brother from Cooke that Lieutenant Loring could perform no duty for weeks; that be should have care, rest and a sea voyage. Tbe record of the conrt bad been sent on by mail stage to San Francisco, and after a fortnight of total quiet at Yuma Loring was conveyed down the Colorado to tbe gulf and shipped aboard tbe coasting steamer for the two weeks' run around old California and up tbe Pacific to Yerba Buena. The very day tbey sailed old Turnbnll came to join him on tbe voyage. Not a trace had been discovered of tbe fugitive. Captain Nevins and such ananininna nharantera as Blake bad over- "It would take* nervrer gang than Arizona owos to try to rob this outfit," and Blake looked complacently around among tbe shadowy forms of tbe troopers flitting about tbe bivouac. Only lightly laden, the stanoh little craft bad well nigb "jumped out of her •boots," as the jovial skipper expressed it, and now, all brine and beaming satisfaction after bis long hours of stormy vigil, he clapped Loring on tbe shoulder, complimented him on his possession of a "sea stomaoh" and ordered ooffee served forthwith. They were steaming slowly along at half speed now, taking a breathing spell before attempting tbe Bext round, and the captain waxed confidential. "What's wrong with that pretty little niece?" be asked. "She was bright enough the day they came aboard on odk up trip. Now, tbe stewardess tells me, she fainted dead away and has been "We are all right ao long h we've got 700 and your men," said Loring quietly. "Well, there's no order that can xnae in time to taks oh away from yon, old mani I'll aeod one platoon ahead at daybreak to camp half way, and they'll be freah to ride into Yuma with yon Sunday morning." He was thinking over bis Spanish to be sure of bis words wben the starboard doors of tbe oompanionway were suddenly thrown open, and in tbe bright light from within two burly forms stepped unsteadily forth, then lurched for tbe nearest support, and Loring beard tbe jovial tones of Turnbull. Loring sodded appreciatively. From tbe open doorway of Ibe ranch came tbe faint clink of glasses and tbe . "He must be up here or overboard. He's nowhere below I" Then glancing sternward, "Oh, Loring*!" be shouted, and at the name Pancba's little dark bead was suddenly uplifted, and a pair of black eyes, red rimmed and swolleu with weeping, gazed, startled, toward tbe dark figures. For tbe life of bim Loring could not answer tbe bail. Turnbnll 's voice and words alone had been sufficient to rouse ber from a depth of woe and to give rise to new and violent distress. She was trembling, and be could plainly see it. To answer would only announce to tbe frightened girl tbat the man whose name was  flcient to cause such evideut dismay was standing tbere just beyond her seat— within a few pacea of ber—and bad probably been there for some time. Qtiickly, watching his chance, as the Idaho careened to port, Loring shot ronnd tbe deckhouse and made his way forward until be reached tbe companion stairs on tbat side, and in another moment was clinging to the outer knob of tbe doorway on tbe other and answering tbe eager questions as to where be'd been and whether he better not turn in. murmurous flow of voices. Presently tbe boom of tbe veteran*' jovial langb ■welled tbe "ooncourse of sweet sounds," and Blake atirred uneasily. hauled were long since released for lack of evidence. Sancho held the fort as impertnrbably as ever. Tbe "family of my brother" were reported gone to Hermoailio.begging to be put ashore all night." Loring couldn't say. "But yop helped carry her down, you and Turnbull. Tbe stewardess saya you were both very kind to her, where ber own people neglected ber. I didn't fancy tbat sorub Escalante. Do you know anything about him or ber own people?" "'Wonder wbat that old tbief ia giving tbem?" mattered be. "Uncle Billy'a telling bia bear atory." Before sunrise, escorted by a dozen tMopera, Vance and Tnrnbnll were on tbeir way, tbeir farewell words to Blake (Ming an injunction to see Loring and bia precious charges safe to Ynma City. As long as be lived herald Blake was destined to remember tbe Saturday tbat dawned upon tbem as tbe little party rode away southeastward. Even tbe men seemed oddly depressed. Neither to Turnbull, to Loring nor to Blake had tbia detachment suggested itself as possible. Wbat with having to aend a large portion of hia oomiqf nd forward on tbe Ynma road ao as to provide comparatively fresh horsemen to aocompany tbe stage with its relays of mules, Blake fonnd himself at reveille with just 18 men all told, awaiting tbe coming of tbat anxionaly expected vehicle. He prayed tbat it might bring at least one or two officers from Grant or Bowie. He vainly sought another peep at or word with Pancba; but, though Sancho waa everywhere in evidence, grave, courteous, hospitable, imperturbable, though one of two ranchmen rode in and out during tbe morning, and there was a little gathering, perhaps half a dozen men and ''Sozob" apparently awaiting tbe ooming of tbe stage at noon, tbe women kept ont of sight. At 13 the old lorgnette was brongbt to bear on tbe eastward trail; but,, to the apparent surprise of tbe loungers, 1 o'clock came and no stage, and so did 4 and 5, and tben Blake and Loring took counsel together in tbe seclusion of the willow copse, while tbeir men, silent and observant, gathered about tbe horses 30 yards away, grooming and feeding and looking oarefully to tbeir shoeing, for there was portent* on tbe desert air and symptoms of lively work ahead. "Stay with bar an til sbe is calmer," said Loring. "I'll get what is needed." "But I cannot The other ladies call far me incessantly." - A quarter of an hour passed. Tbe infant moon bad sunk below tbe westward horizon. Tbe sonnds of joviality taoraased, and Blake's mouth watered. "Dash those heartless profligates!" be muttered. "Beckon I'll have to an and reoonnoiter. You don't mind being left to your own reflections, Loring?'' Those were years In which tbe steam* er plying about once a month between tbe Colorado and the bay of San Francisco carried heavy burdens of freight, A little disk of gold was slipped1 qnioky into'the disengaged hand. "Let them oall awhile, bat don't you go,"' was the doable answer. Tben came tbe wbish of a riata through tbe pulseless air, tbe qnick wblr-r-r of tbe horsehair rope through tbe loop as it settled down over bis head, a snap as it flew taut, a sudden and violent abock as bis feet were jerked from under bim, the crack of bis revolver, aimless, a stunning blow on bis orostrate bead—tben—oblivion. It is odd to note bow soon the tron-i bled waves subside along those summer shores. The Idaho was only lazily bowing and conrtesying to old Neptnne CHAPTER X. "Nothing—to speak of," said Loring. "Fernandez, one of those young Not for many moons did that voyage of tbe Idaho lose first place in tbe memory of tbe bevy of passengers who watched tbe lights of Guaymas fading away astern tbat April night. All bad been bustle and gayety aboard during ber hour of sheltered anchorage. Senor de la Cruz bad verified tbe oaptain'a Gnaymas swells, says tbe mother was "Go ahead," said Loring, and ao presently tbe tall, shadowy form of "the longest legged officer in Arizona" was dimly seen stalking forth from tbe gloom of tbe willows and threading its way through tbe open starlight toward (be bright and welcoming doorways of the ranch. Only one or two of tbe usual loungers bad been seen about tbe premises since tbe oaValry came in. Bftncbo and his brother were practically destitute of other gn6ets thnn tbe officers whom tbey were  Blowly and more slowly did the lieutenant saunter open eared toward tbe scene at revelry. own sister to De la Cruz—married against his wishes wben she was a fiwH-fiH mm fnnr. WW1 fRHEUMATISMl ■ KZT7SAZAZA ud atniiUr (WplAixti, I A and prepared under the su-lngent M ■jJEBillBEniflll LAWSjj M)DR. ROTER'TiJj ANCHOR"^ fPAIN EXPELLERl ■ Worldrenowned! Remarkably succonfnlI ■ ■Only cenntne with trade Mark " Anchor,"® ■F id. MekUr tl» PeariSU, New ToA. ■ I 31 WfiHEST AWARDS. I ■ 19 Praaoh Houses. Ova Glassworks. ■ H ""'"ih MaraliaCiwkM*Mkr ■ 'AlUa A MM, *a Um Inaa* «■ u sun, «a i«u su-m, {.ILHOCCE. 4 Rvrtk Hal* SU PtTTlTOI, Tk. I NCHOR" »W«*CEAI, beat Air I ACTIVE TOLICITOR8 WANTED KVEBTf* where for "The Story of the Philippines," by Marat Hatetead, commissioned by the Gotarnment as Official Historian to the War Department The book was written in arms ollth with Gen Merritt, in the hospitals a' —jn Ho~"Cf. in the American mere girl—died a few years later, and CHAPTER IX. that Don Ramon offered to adopt and educate her little girl, but only lately A week later tbe surgeon at Camp Cooke fonnd himself initios one of tbe ambulances after all. In response to a penciled note from Blake it bad been bnrried from what tbere was of tbe shack aggregation at tbat point to wbat was left of Sancbo's—Major Starke and tbe doctor with it. They found mncb of tbe corral in ruins and one end of tbe rancb badly soornbed. "Tbe wife of my brother," with Pancba, and tbat oeremonions copy of tbe Castilian himself bad disappeared, but Snncho was utill tbere, a much wronged man, and Pedro •"tid Jose and Concbo and a decrepit -utile or two, all under the surly surveillance of Sergeant Feeney and a balf dozen troopers, whose comrades were afield chasing banditti through tbe deserts and mountains, while those who were detailed to remain spent long, anxious hours patching over and striving to soothe a young officer, delirious from injuries to tbe head and resultant fever. Ixtring was a sick man indeed when the surgeon reached him, but poor Blake, wearing himself down to skin and bone in fruitless chase, would gladly have been in bis place. would the Escalante give ber op. All I know is that she's too dashed miserable about something else to be even seasick like the rest of 'em. You'd 'a' been down there with Turnbull if you hadn't just had more'n your share of illness," added be, with the mariner's slight disapprobation of the landsman who defies the initiations of Neptune. "Very possibly," said Loring. Loringread no farther. His bine eyes were blazing already, and his face was white with wrath when be returned the missive to his friend, who, knowing nothing of Loring's past infatuation far the writer, wondered at sight" of his verdict and opened a caso of Sillery and besought all bands to drink to a joyous mitf prosperous voyuge,for bis belovod daughters, their duenna and his little niece, their cousin from Hermosillo. "All bands" would have included the ship's company bad the captain permitted, so hospitable was the Mexican, and indeed was intended to include every soul on the passenger list, most of tbem boarding the boat at Guaymas. The Senor Colonel Turnbull was formally presented to the Senor de la Cruz and by him to his charming family and their many friends, bnt the junior officer, on the score of recent and severe illness, bad begged to be excused. emotion. "Why, Loring," said he, "you take this shallow girl too seriously. It's the way with women all over the world. They oau never wholly aoqnit a man of complicity when they have suffered a loss. If that package were with you on the Idaho and she was to go down in raidocuan and the jewelry with her, some women would say yon bad scuttled the ship in order to rob tbem." "Have a brandy and water, sir," urged the colonel's new companion. "Nothing like it to head off mal de mer. We're in for a lively night. Half the women are sick already, and the oolonel here was turning white about the gills." "The purser tells me Escalante gave bim a little packet belonging to her— very valuable—which he ordered kept More than half tbe distance bad he gone when suddenly from another and ■mailer clump of willows below the ranch there came floating on tbe still nigbt, faint and oantioua, tbe musical tinkle of a guitar, and tben, soft and* luring, yet neither sweet silvery, tbe voice of a girl was timidly uplifted in the safe until their agent should call for it at Frisco." stores and supplies into the far territory, but took little out. Gold being the monetary standard of California at the time, it cost a captain a month's pay to take that two weeks' voyage. The government paid the way into tbe territory in tbe case of officers going nn der orders, and, once landed there, a man speedily found himself too poor to think of returning. Therefore was tbe stout mariner who commanded the Idaho more than surprised to find two army officers on bis scanty passenger list. Turnbull he bad met before. Loring was a stranger. He bathed Ms comrade's head "The air in tbe cabin was close after all that champagne. It's fresh in tbe staterooms, though," answered Turnbull. "Come on, Loring. It's time for yoo to be abed." Then in low tone be qneried: " What's beoome of tbo child? Did she see you? Has sbe got back to shore?" "Indeed I" said Loring, looking up in quick interest. "Fact," said the skipper. "Now have some more coffee. I'm going to turn in for 40 winks. Let tbe steward know when you want anything. Nobody else will. We've got to face some more rollers after awhile. I dasn't go inside Gormen island." The doctor's name, it must be observed, is unrecorded because of the extremity of his cynicism: He went back to Yuma and bis duties and stowed that letter away to be answered later on. What the writer said her sister desired most to know was whether Mr. Loring bad sustained any injury that might affect his mind or memory, and the doctor sniffed indignantly at the notion while he read, yet marveled much at the effect that half uttered accusation h«H nn his .usually calm, self Doisel patient He spoke of it to I'urnbnll when that veteran came hurrying in by stage and followed s Loring down the murky stream, only just in time to catch the steamer, but Turnbull paid faint heed. Loring was still weak, he in sang. Blake knew it at once. "Tbe daughter of my brother" waa out there the willows, a most nnnsual thing. remembered how her eyes bed spoken to bim twioe before—how sbe had thrown herself upon bim tbe nigbt at Higgins' arrest! Could it be, was it possible, tbat she was signaling to him now? Loring stood alone at tbe taffrail listening in thoughtful silence to the sound jof rsvelry within tbe brightly lightedcabiu, while the hoarse screeching of tbe 'scape pipe drowned all otber voices and proclaimed the impatient haste of the skipper to be off. Straight, but often storm swept, was the southerly run to La Paz, over on the desolate shore of the long, arid peninsula, and the preen snropx were rollinar hiizher flvery tnoikieiit and bursting in tbunder into clouds of wind driven, hissing spray oil tbe rocks beyond tbe point. Wind and wave were both against their good ship, and every officer and man was at his station awaiting the order to For answer Loring pointed to tbe dark figure shrinking from view half a dozen yards away toward the heaving sterij. Their jovial fellow passenger agafn interposed. But Loring bad something more engrossing to think of than breakfast or luncheon. So there was a little packet in the purser's safe, was there? Valuable aud not to be delivered except to their agent in Frisco. It was in Fancba's name, yet not subject to Pancha's order. Why that discrimination? And it was given tbe purser by Escalante— brother of tbe Escalante—another brother of the accomplished sharper of Sancho'a ranch. A precious trinity ol blood eehUipaawetB these t SLqaII wouder Don "Come, gentlemen, brandy and water's what we need, ain't itf" The Idaho's champagne had evidently taken effect. Mnofa aa bia curiosity and interest bad previously been aroused by tbe occasional peeps be bad bad at this attractive little Mexican girl, the events at that night bad intensified them. At 6 came Sancbo, oppressed with grievous anxiety as to tbe safety of tbe stage. Tbere had been rumors of Apache raids to the east of Maricopa. Only three days before he bad warned tbe caballeroa—tbe gentlemen of tbe court wfco were going back to Grant and to—to to an ttoir wpwd every incbi Tbe stage which be and bis men had rnsbed to rescue was actually out tbere to tbe east, as Pancba had declared, "held up" among some little sand dunes, but it bore neither passengers nor treasure, and why on earth tbe rot bers should have detained him for nearly 80 utiles «ut of Gila Band, held him *■— At Honolulu, in Hozu Cong crenohes at Manila, In .ne insurgent camps with Aguinaldo, onthe leek of tie Olympia with Dewey, and In the roar of battl) at the fall of Manila. for agents. Brintfal of original plotnres i-en by governn eat photographers on the rot. JjO»pri°e«. Big profits. Freight .^unofficial taWiB*'*, 8tar hwnraao* BuiMlog, CWeago, "Make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen," mid he. "You practically own the ship till we get to Unaymas. There we pick up some Mexican families go ing to Frisco and two mighty prettf gi*!*" "Right," said Turn bul l. "Rundown and order for as, quick, or it'll be too late. We'll join yon in a minute." The burly me rob ant dived for the doorway on the «eit stomach wrecking lturoh and Tne, it was a moment at thnmwg n "Who an ttaffT' mM Tom boll «Jd. Of fcq**