Raine William MacLeod - A Daughter of the Dons _ a Story of New Mexico Today

8/12/2019 Raine William MacLeod - A Daughter of the Dons _ a Story of New Mexico Today

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roject Gutenberg's A Daughter of theDons, by William MacLeod Raine

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Title: A Daughter of the DonsA Story of New Mexico Today

Author: William MacLeod Raine

Release Date: April 4, 2005 [EBook #15542]

Language: English

** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK

A DAUGHTER OF THE DONS ***


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roduced by Juliet Sutherland, BruceThomas and the Online Distributed

roofreading Team at www.pgdp.net.


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Little hands caught hold of him and foughtwith the current. Frontispiece. Page 30.

A DAUGHTER

OF THE DONS


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A Story of New MexicoToday

BY


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WILLIAM

MACLEOD RAINE

AUTHOR OFWYOMING, BUCKY O'CONNOR,

MAVERICKS, A TEXAS RANGER,BRAND BLOTTERS, RIDGWAY OF

MONTANA, ETC.

ILLUSTRATED BY


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D.C. HUTCHISON

NEW YORK


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GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS

COPYRIGHT, 1914, BYG.W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY

Daughter of the Dons.


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VI. JUANITA 76

VII. TWOMESSAGES

88

VIII. TAMING ANOUTLAW

101

IX.

OF DON

MANUEL ANDMOONLIGHT 111

X.MR. AINSADELIVERS A

MESSAGE

123

XI.

THESIXTEENTHCENTURY ANDTHETWENTIETH

137

"I BELIEVE

YOU'RE IN


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RING

XX. DICK LIGHTS ACIGARETTE

246

XXI.WHEN THEWIRES WERECUT

259

XXII. THE ATTACK 269XXIII. THE TIN BOX 287

XXIV. DICK GORDONAPOLOGIZES

298

XXV. THE PRINCECONSORT

307

A DAUGHTER


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OF THE DONS


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CHAPTER I

DON MANUEL INTRODUCESHIMSELF

For hours Manuel Pesquiera had beeolling up the roof of the continent in a

observation-car of the "Short Line."

His train had wound in and out through amaze of bewildering scenery, and was atast dipping down into the basin of theamous gold camp.

The alert black eyes of the young NewMexican wandered discontentedly over

he raw ugliness of the camp. Towns


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traggled here and there untidily ahaphazard, mushroom growths of a daborn of a lucky "strike." Into the valleys

and up and down the hillsides ran anetwork of rails for trolley and steacars. Everywhere were the open tunnelmouths or the frame shaft-houses perchedabove the gray Titan dump beards.

The magic that had wonderfully broughall these manifold activities into being had

ts talisman in the word "Gold"; but, sincePesquiera had come neither as aprospector nor investor, he heard withonly half-concealed impatience the easgossip of his fellow travelers about theamous ore producers of the district.

t was not until his inattentive ears caughhe name of Dick Gordon that he found


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Dollar. Drop down it about nine hundredeet and strike an airline west by north for

about a quarter of a mile, and you'd be

ight close to him. He's down there,ackling a mighty uncertain proposition.

The shaft and the workings of the LasDollar are full of water. He's running acrosscut from an upraise in the Radledrift, so as to tap the west tunnel of theLast Dollar."

It is dangerous, you inform me?"

Dangerous ain't the word. It's suicide, theway I look at it. See here, my friend. His

drill goes through and lets loose abousteen million gallons of water. How is hegoing to get in out of the rain about thaime?"


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The New Mexican showed a double rowof pearly teeth in a bland smile.

Pardon, sir. If you would explain a leetlemore fully I would then comprehend."

Sure. Here's the way it is. Dick and hishree men are plugging away at the breas

of the drift with air-drills. Every day hegits closeter to that lake dammed up there.Right now there can't be more'n a few fee

of granite 'twixt him and it. He don't knowhow many any more'n a rabbit, becausehe's going by old maps that ain't any tooeliable. The question is whether the wall

will hold till he dynamites it through, or whether the weight of water will crumpleup that granite and come pouring out in alood."


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Your friend, then, is in peril, is it noto?"

You've said it. He's shooting dice withdeath. That's the way I size it up. If thewall holds till it's blown up, Dick has goo get back along the crosscut, lower

himself down the upraise, and travelnearly a mile through tunnelings before heeaches a shaft to git out. That don't leavehem any too much time at the best. But i

he water breaks through on them, it'sHeaven help Dick, and good-by to thisworld."

Then Mr. Gordon is what you callbrave?"

He's the gamest man that ever walked

nto this camp. There ain't an inch of hi


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hat ain't clear grit through and through.Get into a tight place, and he's your onebest bet to tie to."

Mr. Gordon is fortunate in his friend,"bowed the New Mexican politely.

The little miner looked at him with shinineyes.

Nothing like that. Me, I figure the luck'sall on my side. Onct you meet Dick you'llee why we boost for him. Hello, here's

where we get off at. If you're looking for Dick, stranger, you better follow me. I'going right up to the mine. Dick had ougho be coming up from below any minute

now."

Pesquiera checked his suitcase at the


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depot newsstand and walked up a steephill trail with his guide. The miner askedno questions of the New Mexican as to his

business with Gordon, nor did the latter volunteer any information. They discussednstead the output of the camp for the

preceding year, comparing it with that ohe other famous gold districts of the

world.

Just as they entered the shafthouse the cage

hot to the surface. From it stepped twomen.

Several miners crowded toward the

with eager greetings, but they moved asideat sight of Pesquiera's companion, whomade straight for those from below.

What's new, Tregarth?" he asked of one


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of them, a huge Cornishman.

The drill have brook into the Last Dollar

unnel. The watter of un do be leakinhrough, Measter Davis. The boss sent usoop while Tom and him stayed to put thecharges in the drill holes to blow oot the

wall. He wouldna coom and let me stay."Davis thought a moment.

I'll go down the shaft and wait at the fooof it. There'll be something doing soon.Keep your eye peeled for signals, Smith,and when you git the bell to raise, shooher up sudden. If the water's coming, we'llbe in a hurry, and don't you forget it. Wanto come down with me, Tregarth?"

I do that, sir." The man stepped into the


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cage and grinned. "We'll bring the byesback all right. Bet un we do, lads."

The cage shot down, and the NewMexican sat on a bench to wait its return.Beside him was a young doctor, who hadcome prepared for a possible disaster.

Such conversation as the men carried owas in low tones, for all felt the strain ohe long minutes. The engineer's eye was

glued to his machinery, his hand constantl

on the lever.

t must have been an hour before the bellang sharply in the silence and the lever

wept back instantly. A dozen men startedo their feet and waited tensely. Next

moment there was a wild, exultant cheer.

For Tregarth had stepped from the cage


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with a limp figure in his arms, and after him Davis, his arm around the shoulder oa drenched, staggering youth, who had a

bleeding cut across his cheek. Through allhe grime that covered the wounded miner he pallor of exhaustion showed itself.

But beaten and buffeted as the man hadplainly been in his fight for life, the clean,upple strength and the invincible courage

of him still shone in his eye and trod in his

bearing. It was even now the salient thinabout him, though he had but come, aliveand no more, from a wrestle with deattself.

He sank to a bench, and looked around ohis friends with shining eyes.

'Twas nip and tuck, boys. The water


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caught us in the tunnel, and I thought wewere gone. It swept us right to the cage,"he panted.

She didn't sweep Tom there, boss; yewent back after un," corrected theCornishman.

Anyhow, we made it in the nick o' time.Tom all right, Doctor?"

The doctor looked up from hisexamination.

No bones broken. He seems sound. Ihere are no internal injuries it will be a

matter of only a day or two in bed."

Good. That's the way to talk. You got tomake him good as new, Doctor. You ought

o have seen the way he stayed by tha


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at your convenience."

Dick flung the wet hat from his curly head

and took a look at the card which theSpaniard had presented him. From it hishumorous gaze went back to the posturinowner of the pasteboard. Suppressing a

grin, he answered with perfect gravity.If you will happen round to the palace

about noon to-morrow, Seor Pesquiera,

you will be admitted to the presence bhe court flunkies. When you're inquirinor the whereabouts of the palace, better

call it room 14, Gold Nugget Rooming-

House."He excused himself and stepped lightlacross to his companion in the adventure,

who had by this time recovered


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consciousness.

How goes it, Tom? Feel as if you'd been

un through a sausage-grinder?" he askedcheerily.

The man smiled faintly. "I'm all right,boss. The boys tell me you went back andaved me."

Sho! I just grabbed you and slung you ihe cage. No trick at all, Tom. Now, don't

you worry, boy. Just lie there in thehospital and rest easy. We're settling thebill, and there's a hundred plunks waitinyou when you get well."

Tom's hand pressed his feebly.

I always knew you were white, boss."


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CHAPTER II

THE TWO GRANTS

The clock in the depot tower registeredust twelve, and the noon whistles were

blowing when Pesquiera knocked aapartment 14, of the Gold NuggeRooming-House.

n answer to an invitation to "Come in," heentered an apartment which seemed to bea combination office and living-room. Adoor opened into what the New Mexicaassumed to be a sleeping chamber,adjoining which was evidently a bath,


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udging from the sound of splashing water.

With you in a minute," a voice fro

within assured the guest.The splashing ceased. There was theound of a towel in vigorous motion. This

was followed by the rustling of garmentsas the bather dressed. In an astonishinglhort time the owner of the rooms

appeared in the doorway.

He was a well-set-up youth, broad ohoulder and compact of muscle. Theuddy bloom that beat through the tanned

cheeks and the elasticity of his treadhinted at an age not great, but there was nouggestion of immaturity in the coolteadiness of the gaze or in the quiet poise

of the attitude.


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He indicated a chair, after relieving hisvisitor of hat and cane. Pesquiera glancedat the bandage round the head.

I trust, seor , your experience oyesterday has not given you a wakefulnight?"

Slept like a top. Fact is, I'm just gettinup. You heard this morning yet how Toms?"

The morning newspaper says he is doinvery well indeed."

That's good hearing. He's a first-rate boy,and I'd hate to hear worse of him. But Imustn't take your time over our affairs. Ihink you mentioned business, sir?"

The Castilian leaned forward and fixed


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his black, piercing eyes on the other.Straight into his business he plunged.

Seor Gordon, have you ever heard ohe Valds grant?"

Not to remember it. What kind of a grans it?"

It is a land grant, made by Governor Facundo Megares, of New Mexico, whicerritory was then a province of Spain, to

Don Fernando Valds, in consideration oervices rendered the Spanish crow

against the Indians."

Dick shook his head. "You've got me, sir.f I ever heard of it the thing has plumblipped my mind. Ought I to know about?"


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Have you ever heard of the Moreogrant?"

Somewhere in the back of the young man'smind a faint memory stirred. He seemed toee an old man seated at a table in a bioom with a carved fireplace. The table

was littered with papers, and the oldgentleman was explaining them to awoman. She was his daughter, Dick'smother. A slip of a youngster was playing

about the room with two puppies. Thaittle five-year-old was the young mine

operator.

I have," he answered calmly.You know, then, that a later governor of he territory, Manuel Armijo, illegally

carved half a million acres out of the


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ormer grant and gave it to Jos Moreo,rom whom your grandfather bought it."

The miner's face froze to impassivity. Hewas learning news. The very existence ouch a grant was a surprise to him. His

grandfather and his mother had been dead

ifteen years. Somewhere in an old trunback in Kentucky there was a tin box fullof papers that might tell a story. But for he present he preferred to assume that he

knew what information they contained.

I object to the word illegal, DoManuel," he answered curtly, not at all

ure his objection had any foundation oaw.

Pesquiera shrugged. "Very well, seor

The courts, I feel sure, will sustain m


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words."

Perhaps, and perhaps not."

The law is an expensive arbiter, Seor Gordon. Your claim is slight. The title hasnever been perfected by you. In fifteeyears you have paid no taxes. Still your claim, though worthless in itself, operatesas a cloud upon the title of my client, theValds heir."

Dick looked at him steadily and nodded.He began to see the purpose of this visit.He waited silently, his mind very alert.

Seor , I am here to ask of you aelinquishment. You are brave; no doubt,

chivalrous"

I'm a business man, Don Manuel,"


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Gordon distrusts me. So? Am I not right?He perhaps mistakes me for what you callaa pettifogger, is it not? I do assure to

he contrary. The blood of the Pesquierass of the bluest Castilian."

Fine! I'll take your word for it, Do

Manuel. And I don't distrust you at all. Buthere's the point. I'm a plain Americanbusiness man. I don't buy and I don't sellwithout first investigating a propositio

ubmitted to me. I'm from Missouri."

Oh, indeed! From St. Louis perhaps. Iwent to school there when I was a boy."

Gordon laughed. "I was speaking imetaphor, Don Manuel. What I mean ishat I'll have to be shown. No pig-in-a-

poke business for me."


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ierce island English who then infestedSpain in swarms. His retinue was as thaof a king. At his many manors fed daily

hirty thousand men at arms. In all Europeno knight so brave, so chivalrous, sokillful with lance and sword. To the

nobles his word was law. Young menworshiped him, the old admired, the poor blessed. The queen, it is said, love' himadly. She was of exceeding beauty, butDon Alvaro remember his vows oknighthood and turn his back upomadness. Then the king, jealous for thahis great noble was better, braver and

more popular than he, send for de Valdso come to court."

I reckon Don Alvaro ought to have beenick a-bed that day and unable to make the


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ourney," suggested Dick.

So say his wife and his men, but Do

Alvaro scorn to believe his king a traitor.He kiss his wife and babies good-bye,ide into the trap prepare' for him, and dieike a soldier. God rest his valiant soul."

Some man. I'd like to have met him,"Gordon commented.

Seorita Valencia is of the same blood,of the same fine courage. She, too, is thedol of her people. Will Mr. Gordon, whos himself of the brave heart, make troubleor an unprotected child without father or

mother?"

Unprotected isn't quite the word so lonas Don Manuel Pesquiera is her friend,"


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he Coloradoan answered with a smile.

The dark young man flushed, but his eyes

met those of Dick steadily. "You are right,ir. I stand between her and trouble if Ican."

Good. Glad you do."

So I make you an offer. I ask you toelinquish your shadowy claim to thellegal Moreo grant."

Well, I can't tell you offhand just what I'lldo, Don Manuel. Make your propositioo me in writing, and one month from to-

day I'll let you know whether it's yes or no."

But the seorita wants to make

mprovementsto build, to fence. Dela


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s a hardship. Let us say a thousanddollars and make an end."

Not if the court knows itself. You sayhe's young. A month's wait won't hurt her any. I want to look into it. Maybe you'reoffering me too much. A fifth of a cent an

acre is a mighty high price for land. I don'want any fairest daughter of Spain to robherself for me, you know," he grinned.

I exceed my instructions. I offer twohousand, Mr. Gordon."

If you said two hundred thousand, I'd stillay no till I had looked it up. I'm not doin

business to-day at any price, thank you."

You are perhaps of an impression thathis land is valuable. On the contrary, I


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offer an assurance. And our need of your hadowy claim"

I ain't burdened with impressions, excepone, that I don't care to dispose of mghost-title. We'll talk business a monthrom to-day, if you like. No sooner. Have

a smoke, Don Manuel?"Pesquiera declined the proffered cigar with an impatient gesture. He rose,

eclaimed his hat and cane, and clickedhis heels together in a stiff bow.

He was a slight, dark, graceful man, witmall, neat hands and feet, trimly gloved

and shod. He had a small black mustachepointing upward in parallels to hismooth, olive cheeks. The effect was

almost foppish, but the fire in the snappin


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eyes contradicted any suggestion oeffeminacy. His gaze yielded nothing eveno the searching one of Gordon.

It is, then, war between us, Seor Gordon?" he asked haughtily.

Dick laughed.

Sho! It's just business. Maybe I'll takeyour offer. Maybe I won't. I might want toun down and look at the no-'count land,"

he said with a laugh.

I think it fair to inform you, sir, that theeeling of the country down there is iavor of the Valds grant. The peons are

hot-tempered, and are likely to resent anattempt to change the existing conditions.Your presence, seor , would be a


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danger."

Much obliged, Don Manuel. Tell 'em

rom me that I got a bad habit of wearing aix-gun, and that if they get to resenting tooarduous it's likely to ventilate their enthusiasm."

Once more the New Mexican bowedtiffly before he retired.

Pesquiera had overplayed his hand. Hehad stirred in the miner an interest born ocuriosity and a sense of romanticpossibilities. Dick wanted to see thisdaughter of Castile who was still to theimple-hearted shepherds of the valley a

princess of the blood royal. Don Manuelwas very evidently her lover. Perhaps it

was his imagination that had mixed the


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magic potion that lent an atmosphere oold-world pastoral charm to the story ohe Valds grant. Likely enough the girl

would prove commonplace in a proudhalf-educated fashion that would bentolerable for a stranger.

But even without the help of the NewMexican the situation was one whiccalled for a thorough personalnvestigation. Gordon was a hard-headed

American business man, though he heldwithin him the generous and hare-brainedpotentialities of a soldier of fortune. Hemeant to find out just what the Moreogrant was worth. After he had investigatedhis legal standing he would look over thevalley of the Chama himself. He took notock in Don Manuel's assurance that the


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and was worthless, any more than hegave weight to his warning that a personalvisit to the scene would be dangerous i

he settlers believed he came to interferewith their rights. For many turbulent yearsDick Gordon had held his own in arontier community where untamed

enemies had passed him daily with hate iheir hearts. He was not going to let theulky resentment of a few shepherdsnterfere with his course now.

A message flashed back to a little town inKentucky that afternoon. It was of theegulation ten-words length, and this washe body of it:

Send immediately, by express, little


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CHAPTER III

FISHERMAN'S LUCK

A fisherman was whipping the stream ohe Rio Chama.

n his creel were a dozen trout, for the

peckled beauties had been rising to thely that skipped across the top of theiffles as naturally as life. He wore

waders, gray flannel shirt, and khaki coat.As he worked up the stream he wasoftener in its swirling waters than on thehore. But just now the fish were noonger striking.


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Time to grub, anyhow. I'll give them aest for a while. They'll likely be on theob again soon," he told himself as he

waded ashore.

A draw here ran down to the river, and itsunny hillside tempted him to eat his lunc

arther up.nto the little basin in which he found

himself the sun had poured shafts of glor

o make a very paradise of color. Downby the riverside the willows werehesitating between green and bronze.Russet and brown and red peppered the

lopes, but shades of yellowpredominated in the gulch itself.

The angler ate his sandwiches leisurely,

and stretched his lithe body luxuriantly o


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which jutted from the channel. At thispoint the water was deep and the currenwift. Were he to let loose of the boulder

he must be swept over the fall before hecould reach the shore. Nor could he lonmaintain his position against the rush ohe ice-cold waters fresh from the

mountain snow fields.

He had almost made up his mind to takehis chances with the fall, when a clear cr

came ringing to him:

No suelte! "

A figure was flying down the slopeoward himthe slim, graceful form of a

woman. As she ran she caught up a stick rom the ground. This she held out to hi

rom the bank.


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He shook his head.

I would only drag you in."

She put her fingers to her mouth and gavea clear whistle. Far up on the slope a ponifted its head and nickered. Again her

whistle shrilled, and the bronco trotteddown toward her.

Can you hold on?" she asked in English.

He was chilled to the marrow, but heanswered quietly: "I reckon."

She was gone, swift-footed as a deer, to

meet the descending animal. He saw her wing to the saddle and lean over it as thepace quickened to a gallop.

He did not know her fingers were bus


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preparing the rawhide lariat that dependedrom the side of the saddle. On the ver

bank she brought up with a jerk tha

dragged her mount together, and at theame moment slipped to the ground.

Running open the noose of the lariat, she

dropped it surely over his shoulders. Theother end of the rope was fastened to theaddle-horn, and the cow-pony, used tooping and throwing steers, braced itsel

with wide-planted front feet for the shock.

Can you get your arm through the loop?"cried the girl.

His arms were like lead, and almospowerless. With one hand he knew hecould not hang on. Nor did he try longer

han for that one desperate instant when he


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hot his fist through the loop. The wall owater swept him away, but the taut ropewung him shoreward.

Little hands caught hold of him and foughwith the strong current for the body of thealmost unconscious man; fought steadil

and strongly, for there was strength in themall wrists and compact muscle in thehapely arms. She was waist deep in the

water before she won, for from above she

could find no purchase for the lift.

The fisherman's opening eyes looked intodark anxious ones that gazed at him fro

beneath the longest lashes he had ever een. He had an odd sense of beinangled up in them and being unable to

escape, of being both abashed and happn his imprisonment. What he thought was:


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They don't have eyes like those out oheaven." What he said was entireldifferent.

Near thing. Hadn't been for you Iwouldn't have made it."

At his words she rose from her knees toher full height, and he saw that she waslenderly tall and fashioned of gracious

curves. The darkness of her clear skin was

emphasized by the mass of blue-black hair rom which little ears peeped witexquisite daintiness. The mouth was sweeand candid, red-lipped, with perfect teet

ust showing in the full arch. The straighnose, with its sensitive nostrils,proclaimed her pure patrician.

You are wet," he cried. "You went in


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after me."

She looked down at her dripping skirts,

and laughter rippled over her face like thewind in golden grain. It brought out twoadorable dimples near the tucked-icorners of her mouth.

I am damp," she conceded.

Why did you do it? The water might havewept you away," he chided, coming to aitting posture.

And if I hadn't it might have swept yoaway," she answered, with a flash of her vory teeth.

He rose and stood before her.

You risked your life to save mine."


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our out of five of them want to, don'you?"

It is not yet a habit of mine. You're theirst"

I hope I'll be the last."

She began to wring out the bottom of her kirt, and he was on his knees at once to

do it for her.

That will do very nicely," she presentlyaid, the color billowing her cheeks.

He gathered wood and lit a fire, bein

ortunate enough to find his match-casehad been waterproof. He piled on dr branches till the fire roared and licked ouor the moisture in their clothes.


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I've been wondering how you happenedo see me in the water," he said. "You

were riding past, I expect?"

No, I was sketching. I saw you when yocame up to eat your lunch, and I watchedyou go back to the river."

Do you live near here, then?" he asked.

About three miles away."

And you were watching me all the time?"He put his statement as a question.

No, I wasn't," the young woma

answered indignantly. "You happened tobe in the landscape."

A blot in it," he suggested. "A hop-toad

plashing in the puddle."


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The every-ready dimples flashed out ahis. "You did make quite a splash when

you went in. The fish must have thought i

was a whale."

And when I told you the water was fine,and you came in, too, they probably too

you for a naiad."She thanked him with an informal littlenod.

I thought you Anglo-Saxons did not givecompliments."

I don't," he immediately answered.

Oh! If that isn't another one, I'm mistaken,ir." She turned indifferently away,

apparently of the opinion that she had bee

quite friendly enough to this self-


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possessed young stranger.

Rewinding the lariat, she fastened it to the

addle, then swung to the seat before hecould step forward to aid her.

I hope you will suffer no bad effects froyour bath," he said.

I shall not; but I'm afraid you will. Youwere in long enough to get thoroughlchilled. Adios, seor. "

He called to her before the pony had takea dozen steps:

Your handkerchief, seorita !"She turned in the saddle and waited for him to bring it. He did so, and she noticed

hat he limped badly.


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You have hurt yourself," she saidquickly.

I must have jammed my knee against aock," he explained. "Nothing serious."

But it pains?"

Just enough to let me know it's there."

Frowning, she watched him.

Is it a bruise or a sprain?"A wrench, I think. It will be all right if Iavor it"

Favor it? Except the ranch, there is noplace nearer than seven miles. You aretaying at Corbett's, I presume?"

Yes."


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You can't walk back there to-night. Thats certain." She slipped from the saddle.You'll have to go back to the ranch with

me, sir. I can walk very well."

He felt a wave of color sweep his face.

I couldn't take the horse and let yowalk."

That is nonsense, sir. You can, and youhall."

If I am to take your horse I need noaddle myself upon your hospitality. I canide back to Corbett's, and send the horse

home to-morrow."

It is seven miles to Miguel's, andCorbett's is three beyond that. No doctor

would advise that long ride before your


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knee receives attention, I think, sir, youwill have to put up with the ranch till to-morrow."

You ain't taking my intention right. All Imeant was that I didn't like to unloadmyself on your folks; but if you say I'm to

do it I'll be very happy to be your guest."He said it with a touch of boyisembarrassment she found becoming.

We'll stop at the top of the hill and takeon my drawing things," she told him.

He need have had no fears for her as awalker, for she was of the elect few borno grace of motion. Slight she was, yetrong; the delicacy that breathed from her

was of the spirit, and consisted wit

perfect health. No Grecian nymph could


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have trod with lighter or surer step nor have unconsciously offered to the eyemore supple and beautiful lines of limb

and body.

ever had the young man seen beforeanybody whose charm went so poignantl

o the root of his emotions. Every turn ohe head, the set of the chin, the droop ohe long, thick lashes on the soft cheek, theling of a gesture, the cadence of her

voice; they all delighted and fascinatedhim. She was a living embodiment of joy-n-life, of love personified.

She packed her sketches and her paraphernalia with businesslikedirectness, careless of whether he did or did not see her water-colors. A movementof his hand stayed her as she took from,


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he easel the one upon which she had beeengaged.

t represented the sun-drenched slopebelow them, with the little gulch dressediotously in its gala best of yellows.

You've got that fine," he told her enthusiastically.

She shook her head, unmoved by praisewhich did not approve itself to her udgment as merited.

No, I didn't get it at all. A great artistmight get the wonder of it; but I can't."

It looks good to me," he said.

Then I'm afraid you're not a judge," she

miled.


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From where they stood a trail woundalong the ridge and down into a vallebeyond. At the farther edge of this,

nestling close to the hills that took roohere, lay the houses of a ranch.

That is where I live," she told him.

He thought it a lovely spot, almost worthof her, but obviously he could not tell her o. Instead, he voiced an alien thought tha

happened to intrude:Do you know Seorita Valds? But o

course you must."

She flung a quick glance at him,questioning.

Yes, I know her."


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She lives somewhere round here, too,does she not?"

Her arm swept round in a comprehensivegesture. "Over that way, too."

Do you know her well?"

An odd smile dimpled her face.

Sometimes I think I do, and then again Iwonder."

I have been told she is beautiful."

Beauty is in the beholder's eyes, seor Valencia Valds is as Heaven made her."

I have no doubt; but Heaven took morepains with some of us than othersiappears."


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Again the dark eyes under the long lasheswept him from the curly head to the lean,

muscular hands, and approved silently the

ruth of his observation. The clean lithebuild of the man, muscles packed so thahey rippled smoothly like those of a

panther, appealed to her trained eyes. So,oo, did the quiet, steady eyes in the

bronzed face, holding as they did the looof competent alertness that had come froyears of frontier life.

You are interested in Miss Valds?" sheasked politely.

In a way of speaking, I am. She is one ohe reasons why I came here."

Indeed! She would no doubt be charmed

o know of your interest," still with polite


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detachment.

My interest ain't exactly personal; the

again it is," he contributed.A sort of an impersonal personalnterest?"

Yes; though I don't quite know what thatmeans."

Then I can't be expected to," she laughed.

His laughter joined hers; but presently heecurred to his question:

You haven't told me yet about MissValds. Is she as lovely as they say shes?"

I don't know just how lovely they say she


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s. Sometimes I have thought her ver passable; then again" She broke of with a defiant little laugh. "Don't yo

know, sir, that you mustn't ask one lady topraise the beauty of another?"

I suppose I may ask questions?" he said,

much amused.It depends a little on the questions."

Is she tall?"

Rather. About as tall as I am."

And dark, of course, since she is a

Spanish seorita "Yes, she is dark."

Slim and graceful, I expect?"


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She is slender."

I reckon she banks a heap on that blue

blood of hers?"Yes; she is prouder of it than there iseally any need of, though I think probabl

her pride is unconscious and a matter ohabit."

I haven't been able to make out yewhether you like her," he laughed.

I don't see what my liking has to do witt."

I expect to meet her, and I want to useyour judgment to base mine on."

Oh, you expect to meet her?"


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She said it lightly, yet with a certainemphasis that he noted.

Don't you think she will let me? Do Ihave to show blue blood before I can bepresented? One of my ancestors cameover on the Mayflower . Will that do?"

Her raillery met his.

That ought to do, I should think. I supposeyou have brought genealogical proofs wityou?"

I clean forgot. Won't you please get onand ride now? I feel like a false alarm,playing the invalid on you, ma'am."

No; I'll walk. We're almost at the ranch.t's just under this hill. But there's one

hing I want to ask of you as a favor."


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happy to meet you, Seorita Maria."

Welcome to the Yuste hacienda, seor

What is ours is yours, so long as you areour guest. I pray you make yourself ahome," she said as they rode into thecourtyard.

Two Mexican lads came running forward;and one whom she called Pedro took thehorse, while the other went into the house

o attend to a quick command she gave iSpanish.

The man who had named himself RichardMuir followed his hostess through a hall,across an open court, and into a living-oom carpeted with Navajo rugs, at the

end of which was a great open fireplace

bearing a Spanish motto across it.


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Large windows, set three feet deep in thehick adobe walls, were filled witlowers or padded with sofa pillows for

eats. One of these his hostess indicated tohe limping man.

If you will be seated here for the present,

ir, your room will be ready very soon."A few minutes later the fisherman foundhimself in a large bedroom. He was

eated in an easy-chair before a cracklinire of pion knots.

A messenger had been dispatched for adoctor, Seorita Yuste had told him, andn the meantime he was to make himsel

quite at home.


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CHAPTER IV

AT THE YUSTE HACIENDA

The wrench to the fisherman's kneeproved more serious than he hadanticipated. The doctor pronounced it ouof the question that he should be movedor some days at least.

The victim was more than content,because he was very much interested ihe young woman who had been hisescuer, and because it gave him a chanceo observe at first hand the remains of theemifeudal system that had once obtained


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n New Mexico and California.

t was easy for him to see that Seorita

Maria Yuste was still considered by her dependents as a superior being, one far emoved from them by the divinity o

caste that hedged her in. They gave her

ervice; and she, on her part, looked ouor their needs, and was the patron saint towhom they brought all their troubles.

t was an indolent, happy life the peons ohe estate led, patriarchal in its nature, andar removed from the throb of the money-

mad world. They had enough to eat and to

wear. There was a roof over their heads.There were girls to be loved, dances to bedanced, and guitars to be strummed.Wherefore, then, should the young meeel the spur of an ambition to take the


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world by the throat and wring successrom it?

t had been more years than he couldemember since this young American hadaken a real holiday except for a

occasional fishing trip on the Gunnison or

nto Wyoming. He had lived a life oactivity. Now for the first time he learnedhow to be lazy. To dawdle indolently onone of the broad porches, while Miss

Yuste sat beside him and busied herselover some needlework, was a sensuousdelight that filled him with content. He felhat he would like to bask there in the

warm sunshine forever. After all, whyhould he pursue wealth and success wheove and laughter waited for him in this

peaceful valley chosen of the gods?


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The fourth morning of his arrival hehobbled out to the south porch after breakfast, to find his hostess in corduro

kirt, high laced boots, and pinched-iombrero. She was drawing on a pair o

driving gauntlets. One of the stable boyswas standing beside a rig he had jusdriven to the house.

The young woman flung a flashing smile aher guest.

Good day, Seor Muir. I hope you had agood night's rest, and that your knee didnot greatly pain you?"

I feel like a colt in the pasturefit for anything. But the doctor won't have it thaway. He says I'm an invalid," returned the

young man whimsically.


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of one pattern, indolent, well-bredaristocrats, despisers of trade and of thosewho indulged in it more than was

necessary to live. But her mother had beean American girl, and there was in her blood a strong impulse toward the greanation of which her father's people werenot yet in spirit entirely a part.

I have to drive to Antelope Springs thismorning. It is not a rough trip at all. If yo

would care to see the country"

She paused, a question in her face. Her guest jumped at the chance.

There is nothing I should like better. Iyou are sure it will be no inconvenience."

I am sure I should not have asked you if I


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had not wanted you," she said; and he toot as a reproof.

She drove a pair of grays that took theoad with the spirit of racers. The younwoman sat erect and handled the reinsmasterfully, the while Muir leaned back

and admired the steadiness of the slim,trong wrists, the businesslike directnesswith which she gave herself to her work,he glow of life whipped into her eyes and

cheeks by the exhilaration of the pace.

I suppose you know all about these oldand-grants that were made when New

Mexico was a Spanish colony and later when it was a part of Mexico," heuggested.

Her dark eyes rested gravely on him a


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The land included in this grant is of greavalue?"

It pastures at the present time fifthousand sheep and about twelve thousandhead of cattle."

Owned by Miss Valds?"

Owned by her and her tenants."

She's what you call a cattle queen, then.

Literally, the cattle on a thousand hills arehers."

As they were her father's and her

grandfather's before her, to be held in trustor the benefit of about eight hundredenants," she answered quietly.

Tell me more about it. The original


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That was it, eh?"

Her dusky eyes questioned him.

You couldn't understand, I suppose, sinceyou are an American, how he was theather and friend of all the people in these

parts; how his troopers and vaqueroswere a defense to the whole province?"

I think I can understand that."

So it was, even to his death, that heooked out for the poor peons dependen

upon him. His herds grew mighty; and heasked of Facundo Megares, governor ohe royal province, a grant of land upo

which to pasture them. These herds wereor his people; but they were in his name

and belonged to him. Why should he no


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have been given land for them, since hiswas the sword that had won the landagainst the Apaches?"

You ain't heard me say he shouldn't havehad it"

So the alcalde executed the act opossession for a tract, to be bounded ohe south by Crow Spring, following its

cordillera to the Ojo del Chico, east to the

Pedornal range, north to the Ojo delCibolo Buffalo Springsand west tohe great divide. It was a princely estate,

greater than the State of Delaware; and

Don Bartolom held it for the King oSpain, and ruled over it with powers oife and death, but always wisely and

generously, like the great-heartedgentleman he was."


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Bully for him."

And at his death his son ruled in his

tead; and his only son died in theSpanish-American War, as a lieutenant of volunteers in the United States Army. Hewas shot before Santiago."

The voice died away in her tremuloushroat; and he wondered if it could be

possible that this girl had been betrothed

o the young soldier. But presently shepoke again, cheerfully and lightly:

Wherefore, it happens that there remainsonly a daughter of the house of Valds tocarry the burden that should have been her brother's, to look out for his people, and toprotect them both against themselves and

others. She may fail; but, if I know her, the


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ailure will not be because she has noried."

Good for her. I'd like to shake her aristocratic little paw and tell her to bucn and win."

She would no doubt be grateful for your ympathy," the young woman answered,linging a queer little look of irony at him.

But what's the hitch about the Valdsgrant? Why is there a doubt of itsegality?"

She smiled gaily at him.

No person who desires to remain healthhas any doubts in this neighborhood. Weare all partizans of Valencia Valds; and

many of her tenants are such war


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ollowers that they would not think twiceabout shedding blood in defense of her itle. You must remember that they hold

hrough her right. If she were dispossessedo would they be."

Is that a threat? I mean, would it be if I

were a claimant?" he asked, meeting her mile pleasantly.

Oh, no. Miss Valds would regret any

rouble, and so should I." A shadowcrossed her face as she spoke. "But shecould not prevent her friends froviolence, I am afraid. You see, she is only

a girl, after all. They would move withouher knowledge. I know they would."

How would they move? Would it be a

knife in the dark?"


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She sighed.

I was afraid so."

But you have not told me yet the allegeddefect in the Valds claim. There must beome point of law upon which the thin

hangs."

It is claimed that Don Bartolom did noake up his actual residence on the grant,

as the law required. Then, too, he himselwas later governor of the province, andwhile he was president of theAyuntamiento at Tome he officiallyndorsed some small grants of land maderom this estate. He did this because he

wanted the country developed, and waswilling to give part of what he had to his

neighbors; but I suppose the contestan


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he home of her people. She belongs to it,and it to her," the girl answered.

Mebbe this Gordon is a white man. Ieckon he wouldn't drive her out. Like asnot he'd fix up a compromise. There'senough for both."

She shook her head decisively.

No. It would have to be a moneettlement. Miss Valds's people areettled all over the estate. Some of the

have bought small ranches. You see, shecouldn'tthrow them downas yoAmericans say."

That's right," he agreed. "Well, Ihouldn't wonder but it can be fixed upome way."


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They had been driving across a flat cactuscountry, and for some time had beenapproaching the grove of willows into

which she now turned. Some woodebarns, a corral, an adobe house, andouthouses marked the place as one of themore ambitious ranches of the valley.

An old Mexican came forward with a facewreathed in smiles.

Buenos, Doa Maria," he cried, igreeting.

Buenos, Antonio. This gentleman is Mr.Richard Muir."

Buenos, seor . A friend of Doa Marias a friend of Antonio."

The older people call me ' doa, '" the girl


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explained. "I suppose they think it strangea girl should have to do with affairs, ando they think of me as ' doa, ' instead o

seorita, ' to satisfy themselves."

A vague suspicion, that had been born inhe young man's mind immediately after

his rescue from the river now recurred.His first thought then had been that thisyoung woman must be Valencia Valds;

but he had dismissed it when he had seehe initial M on her kerchief, and when shehad subsequently left him to infer that sucwas not the case.

He remembered now in what respect shewas held in the home hacienda ; howeverybody they had met had greeted her

with almost reverence. It was not likel


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owed her his life. At least, he could spareher this blow.

They drove home more silently than thehad come. He was thinking over the besway to do what he was going to do. Theevening before they had sat together i

ront of the fire in the living-room, whileher old duenna had nodded in a big arm-chair. So they would sit to-night and to-morrow night.

He would send at once for the papersupon which his claim depended, and hewould burn them before her eyes. After

hat they would be friendsand, in theend, much more than friends.

He was still dreaming his air-castle, whe

hey drove through the gate that led to her


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s to me very unexpect'."

She seemed to grow tall before her guest's

eyes; to stand in a kind of proud splendor hat had eclipsed her girlish slimness. Thedark eyes under the thick lashes lookedong and searchingly at him.

Mr. Richard Gordon? I understand thisgentleman's name to be Muir," she madevoice gently.

Dick laughed with a touch of shame. Nowonce in his life he wished he could provean alibi. For, under the calm judgment ohat steady gaze, the thing he had doneeemed scarce defensible.

Don Manuel has it right, seoritaGordon is my name; Muir, too, for that


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matter. Richard Muir Gordon is what Iwas christened."

The underlying red of her cheeks had fledand left them clear olive. One might havehought the scornful eyes had absorbed allhe fire of her face.

So you have lied to me, sir?"

Let me lay the facts before you, first.That's a hard word, seorita ."

You gave your name to me as Muir, Youmposed yourself on my hospitality under alse pretenses. You are only a spy, comeo my house to mole for evidence agains

me."

Nono!" he cried sharply. "You will

emember that I did not want to come. I


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oresaw that it might be awkward, but Idid not foresee this."

That you would be found out before yohad won your end? I believe you, sir," sheetorted contemptuously.

I see I'm condemned before I'm heard."

Will any explanation alter the facts? Areyou not a liar and a cheat? You gave me aalse name to spy out the land."

Am I the only one that gave a wronname?" he asked.

That is different," she flamed. "You hadmade a mistake and, half in sport, Iencouraged you in it. But you seem to haveound out my real name since. Yet you still

accepted what I had to offer, under a false


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name, under false pretenses. Youquestioned me about the grants. You haveived a lie from first to last."

It ain't as bad as you say, ma'am. DonManuel had told me it wasn't safe to comehere in my own name. I didn't care abou

he safety, but I wanted to see the situationexactly as it was. I didn't know who yowere when I came here. I took you to beMiss Maria Yuste. I"

My name is Maria Yuste ValenciaValds," the young woman explainedproudly. "When, may I ask, did you

discover who I was?"I guessed it at Antelope Springs."

Then why did you not tell me then who


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you are? Surely that was the time to tellme. My deception did you no harm; yourswas one no man of honor could have

endured after he knew who I was."

I didn't aim to keep it up very long. Imeant, in a day or two"

A day or two," she cried, in a blaze ocorn. "After you had found out all I had toell; after you had got evidence to bac

your robber-claim; after you had made mebreathe the same air so long with a spy?"

Her face was very white; but she facedhim in her erect slimness, with her dar eyes fixed steadily on him.

You ain't quite fair to me; but let that passor the present. When I asked you abou


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he grants didn't you guess who I was?Play square with me. Didn't you have anotion?"

A flood of spreading color swept back nto her face.

No, I didn't. I thought perhaps you werean agent of the claimant; but I didn't knowyou were passing under a false name, thayou were aware in whose house you were

taying. I thought you an honest man, ohe wrong sidenothing so contemptibleas a spy."

That idea's fixed in your mind, is it?" heasked quietly.

Beyond any power of yours to removet," she flashed back.


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The facts, Seor Gordon, speak loud,"put in Pesquiera derisively.

Dick Gordon paid not the least attention tohim. His gaze was fastened on the girlwhose contempt was lashing him.

Very well, Miss Valds. Well let it go athat just now. All I've got to say is thatome day you'll hate yourself for what yo

have just said."

either of them had raised their voicesrom first to last. Hers had been low andntense, pulsing with the passion tha

would out. His had held its even way.

I hate myself now, that I have had youhere so long, that I have been the dupe of acommon cheat."


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All right. 'Nough said, ma'am. Morewould certainly be surplusage. I'll norouble you any longer now. But I want

you to remember that there's a day cominwhen you'll travel a long way to take bacall of what you've just been saying. I wano thank you for all your kindness to me.'m always at your service for what yo

did for me. Good-bye, Miss Valds, for he present."

I am of impression, sir, that you go notoo soon," said Pesquiera suavely.

Miss Valds turned on her heel and swept

up the steps of the porch; but she stoppedan instant before she entered the house toay over her shoulder:

A buggy will be at your disposal to take


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you to Corbett's. If it is convenient, Ihould like to have you go to-night."

He smiled ironically.I'll not trouble you for the buggy,eorita . If I'm all you say I am, likely I'

a horse thief, too. Anyhow, we won't risk t. Walking's good enough for me."

Just as you please," she choked, andorthwith disappeared into the house.

Gordon turned from gazing after her toind the little Spaniard bowing before him.

Consider me at your service, Mr. Gordon"

Can't use you," cut in Dick curtly.


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I was remarking that, as her kinsman, I,Don Manuel Pesquiera, stand prepared tomake good her words. What the Seorita

Valds says, I say, too."

Then don't say it aloud, you little monkey,or I'll throw you over the house," Dic

promised immediately.Don Manuel clicked his heels together andwirled his black mustache.

I offer you, sir, the remedy of agentleman. You, sir, shall choose theweapons."

The Anglo-Saxon laughed in his face.

Good. Let it be toasting-forks, at twentpaces."


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The challenger drew himself up to his fullive feet six.

You choose to be what you call droll.Sir, I give you the word, poltroon lche coward."

Oh, go chase yourself."

One of Pesquiera's little gloved handstruck the other's face with a resoundinlap. Next instant he was lifted from hiseet and tucked under Dick's arm.

There he remained, kicking and struggling,n a manner most undignified for a blue

blood of Castile, while the Coloradoatepped leisurely forward to the irrigatin

ditch which supplied water for the gardeand the field of grain behind. This was


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now about two feet deep, and runnintrong. In it was deposited, at full length,he clapper little person of Don Manuel

Pesquiera, after which Dick Gordourned and went limping down the road.

From the shutters of her room a girl had

ooked down and seen it all. She saw DoManuel rescue himself from the ditch, alldripping with water. She saw higesticulating wildly, as he cursed the

etreating foe, before betaking himselhurriedly from view to the rear of thehouse, probably to dry himself and nursehis rage the while. She saw Gordon go ohis limping way without a singlebackward glance.

Then she flung herself on her bed andburst into tears.


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CHAPTER V

"AN OPTIMISTIC GUY"

Dick Gordon hobbled up the road, quiteunaware for some time that he had aicked knee. His thoughts were busy withe finale that had just been enacted. He

could not keep from laughing ruefully ahe difference between it and the one o

his day-dreams. He was too much of aWesterner not to see the humor of thecomedy in which he had been forced toake a leading part, but he had insigh

enough to divine that it was much more

ikely to prove melodrama than farce.


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Don Manuel was not the man to sit dowunder such an insult as he had endured,even though he had brought it upo

himself. It would too surely be noisedound that the Americano was the claimano the estate, in which event he was ver ikely to play the part of a sheath for estless stilettos.

This did not trouble him as much as iwould have done some men. The real stin

of the episode lay in Valencia Valds'attitude toward him. He had been kickedout for his unworthiness. He had been casaside as a spy and a sneak.

The worst of it was that he felt hisclumsiness deserved no less an issue tohe adventure. Confound that little Do

Manuel for bobbing up at such a


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nconvenient time! It was fierce luck.

He stopped his tramp up the hill, and

ooked back over the valley. Legally itwas all his. So his Denver lawyers hadold him, after looking the case over

carefully. The courts would decide for

him in all probability; morally he had nohe shadow of a claim. The valley iustice belonged to those who had settledn it and were using it for their needs. His

claim was merely a paper one. It had not acintilla of natural justice back of it.

He resumed his journey. By this time his

knee was sending telegrams of pain toheadquarters. He cut an aspen by theoadside and trimmed it to a walking-stic

and, as he went forward, leaned more andmore heavily upon it.


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I'm going to have a game leg for fair if Idon't look out," he told himself ruefully.This right pin surely ain't good for a

welve-mile tramp."

t was during one of his frequent stops toest that a buggy appeared round the tur

rom the same direction he had come. Idrew to a halt in front of him, and the ladwho was driving got out.

Seorita Maria sends a carriage for Seor Gordon to take him to Corbett's," heaid.

Dick was on hand with a sardonic smile.

Tell the seorita that Mr. Gordon regretshaving put her to so much trouble, but thahe needs the exercise and prefers to


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walk."

The seorita said I was to insist, seor ."

Tell your mistress that I'm very muchobliged to her, but have made other arrangements. Explain to her I appreciatehe offer just the same."

The lad hesitated, and Dick pushed hinto decision.

That's all right, JuanJosPedro Franciscowhatever your name is.You've done your levelest. Now, hikeback to the ranch. Vamos! Sabe. "

Si, seor. "

Dick heard the wheels disappear in the

distance, and laughed aloud.


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That young woman's conscience ishurting her. I reckon this tramp toCorbett's is going to worry her tender

heart about as much as it does me, and I'vegot to sweat blood before I get througwith it. Here goes again, Dicky."

Every step sent a pain shooting throughim, but he was the last man to give up ohat account what he had undertaken.

She let me go without any lunch," hechuckled. "I'll bet that troubles her some,oo, when she remembers. She's got me

out of the house, but I'll bet the last strike

n the Nancy K. against a dollar Mex thahe ain't got me out of her mind by a

heap."

A buggy appeared in sight driven by a


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tout, red-faced old man. Evidently hewas on his way to the ranch.

Who, hello, Doctor! I'm plumb glad toee you; couldn't wait till you came, andhad just to start out to meet you," criedDick.

He stood laughing at the amazement in theace of the doctor, who was in two minds

whether to get angry or not.

Doggone your hide, what are you doinhere? Didn't I tell you not to walk morehan a few steps?" that gentlema

protested.

But you didn't leave me a motor-car and,my visit being at an end, I ce'tainly had toget back to Corbett's." As he spoke he


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climbed slowly into the rig. "That leg omine is acting like sixty, Doctor. Whenyou happened along I was wondering how

n time I was ever going to make it."

You may have lamed yourself for life. It'she most idiotic thing I ever heard of. I

don't see why Miss Valds let you come.Dad blame it, have I got to watch mpatients like a hen does its chicks? Ain'tany of you got a lick of sense? Why didn'

he send a rig if you had to come?" thedoctor demanded.

Seems to me she did mention a rig, but I

hought I'd rather walk," explained Gordocasually, much amused at Dr. Watson'schagrined wonder.

Walk!" snorted the physician. "You'll not


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walk, but be carried into an operating-oom if you're not precious lucky. You

deserve to lose that leg, and I don't sa

you won't."

I'm an optimistic guy, Doctor. I'll say itor you. I ain't got any legs to spare."

Huh! Some people haven't got the senseof a chicken with its head cut off."

Now you're shouting. Go for me, Doc.Then, mebbe, I'll do better next time."

The doctor gave up this incorrigiblepatient and relapsed into silence, frowhich he came occasionally with aexplosive "Huh!" Once he broke out with:Didn't she feed you well enough, or wast just that you didn't know when you were


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well off?"

For he was aware that his patient's fever

was rising and, like a good practitioner,he fumed at such useless relapse.

The knee had been doing fine. Now therewould be the devil to pay with it. Theutter senselessness of the proceedinrritated Watson. What in Mexico had gotnto the young idiot to make him do such a

ool thing? The doctor guessed at aquarrel between him and Miss Valds. Buhe close-mouthed American gave him no

grounds upon which to base his suspicion.

The first thing that Dick did after reachinCorbett's was to send two telegrams. Onewas addressed to Messrs. Hughes &

Willets, 411-417 Equitable Building,


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Denver, Colorado; the other went toStephen Davis, Cripple Creek, of the sametate.

Doctor Watson hustled his patient to bedand did his best to relieve the increasinpain in the swollen knee. He swore gentl

and sputtered and fumed as he worked,estraining himself only when Mrs.Corbett came into the room with howater, towels, compresses, and other

upplies.

What about a nurse?" Watson wanted toknow of Mrs. Corbett, a large motherl

woman whose kind heart always foundoom in it for the weak and helpless.

I got no room for one. Juanita and I will

ake care of him. The work's slack now.


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ever. In delirium he tossed from side toide, sometimes silent for long stretches,hen babbling fragments of forgotte

cenes rescued by his memor automatically from the wild andpicturesque past of the man. Now heancied himself again a schoolboy, now aanger in Arizona, now mushing on thenow trails of Alaska. At times he wouldmagine that he was defending his mine

against attacking strikers, or that he wascombing the Rincons for horse thieves.Out of his turbid past flared for an instandramatic moments of comedy or tragedy.

These passed like the scenes of a motion-picture story, giving place to somethingelse.

n the end he came back always to the


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adventure he was still living.

You're a spy.... You're a liar and a

cheat.... You imposed yourself upon myhospitality under false pretenses.... I hatemyself for breathing the same air as you."He would break off to laugh foolishly, in a

high-pitched note of derision at himself.Stand up, Dick Gordon, and hear the ladell you what a coyote you are. Stan' up

and face the music, you quitter. Liar ... spy

.. cheat! That's you, Dick Gordon,un'erstand?"

Or the sick mind of the man would forge

or the moment that they had quarreled.His tongue would run over conversationshat they had had, cherishing and repeatin

over and over again her gay little quipsand sallies or her light phrases.


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Valencia Valds is as God made her.ow you're throwing sixes, ma'am. Sure

he's like that. The devil helped a heap to

make most of us what we are, but I reckoGod made that little lady early in themo'ning when He was feeling fine.... Say,

wish you'd look at me like that again andight up with another of them dimplmiles. I got a surprise for you, Princess

of the Rio Chama. Honest, I have. Sure asyou're a foot high.... Never you mind what is. Just you wait a while and I'll sprint when the time's good and ready. I got to

wait till the papers come. See? ... Oh,

hucks, you're sore at me again! Liar ...cheat ... spy! Say, I know when I've had a-plenty. She don't like me. I'm goin' to pullmy freight for the Kotzebue country up i

Alaska.


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'On the road to Kotzebue, optimistichrough and through,

We'll hit the trail together, boy,once more, jest me an' you .'

Funny how women act, ain't it? Stand upand take your medicineliar ... cheat ...py! She said it, didn't she? Well, then, it

must be so. What you kickin' about?"

So he would run on until the fever had for he hour exhausted itself and he lay still

among the pillows. Sometimes he talked

he strong language of the man in battlewith other men, but even in his oaths therewas nothing of vulgarity.

Mrs. Corbett took the bulk of the nursin


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on her own broad fat shoulders, but durinhe day she was often relieved by her

maid while she got a few hours of sleep.

Juanita was a slim, straight girl not yenineteen. Even before his sickness Dick,with the instinct for deference to all

women of self-respect that obtains amonrontiersmen, had won the gratitude of thehy creature. There was something wild

and sylvan about her sweet grace. The

deep, soft eyes in the brown oval facewere as appealing as those of a doewounded by the hunter.

She developed into a famous nurse. Low-voiced and soft-footed, she would coahe delirious man to lie down when he

grew excited or to take his medicineaccording to the orders of the doctor.


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t was on the third day after Gordon'seturn to Corbett's that Juanita heard a

whistle while she was washing dishes

after supper in the kitchen. Presently shelipped out of the back door and took therail to the corral. A man moved forward

out of the gloom to meet her.

Is it you, Pablo?"

A slender youth, lean-flanked and broad-

houldered, her visitor turned out to be.His outstretched hands went forwardwiftly to meet hers.

Juanita, light of my life?" he cried softly.Corazon mia! "

She submitted with a little reluctanprotest to his caress. "I have but a minute,


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Pablo. The seora wants to walk over toDolan's place. I am to stay with the sicAmerican."

He exploded with low, fierce energy. "Ahousand curses take the gringo! Whhould you nurse him? Is he not an enem

o the seorita to all in the valley whohave bought from her or her father or her grandfather? Is he not here to throw us oua thief, a spy, a snake in the grass?"

No, he is not. Seor Gordon is good ...and kind."

Bah! You are but a girl. He gives you sof wordsand so" The jealousy in hilared suddenly out. He caught hisweetheart tightly by the arm. "Has he

made love to you, this gringo? Has he


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whispered soft, false lies in your ear,Juanita? If he has"

She tried to twist free from him. "You arehurting my arm, Pablo," the girl cried.

It is my heart you hurt, nia . Is it true thahis thief has stolen the love of m

Juanita?"

You are a fool, Pablo. He has never saida hundred words to me. All through hisickness he has talked and talkedbut is of Seorita Valds that he has raved."

So. He will rob her of all she has and yecan talk of loving her. Do you not see he isa villain, that he has the forked tongue, asold Bear Paw, the Navajo, says of allgringoes? But let Seor Gordon beware.


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His time is short. He will not live to driveus from the valley. So say I. So say all themen in the valley."

Nono! I will not have it, Pablo. Youdo not know. This Seor Gordon is good.He would not drive us away." Her arms

lid around the neck of her lover and shepleaded with him impetuously. "You mustnot let them hurt him, for it is a kind hear he has."

Why should I interfere? He is only agringo. Let him die. I tell you he meansharm to all of us."

I do not know my Pablo when he talksike this. My Pablo was always kind and

good and of a soft heart. I do not love hi

when he is cruel."


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It is then that you love the American," hecried. "Did I not know it? Did I not sao?"

You say much that is foolish, muchachoThe American is a stranger to me ... andyou are Pablo. But how can I love yo

when your heart is full of cruelty andealousy and revenge? Go to the BlessedVirgin and confess before the good priestyour sins, amigo ."

Amigo! Since when have I been friend toyou and not lover, Juanita? I know wellor how longsince this gringo with the

white face crossed your trail."Suddenly she flung away from him. " Mubien! You shall think as you please.

Adios, my friend with the head of a


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rom him as he rode into the ranch plazaan hour later.

You are to go to the seorita at once andell her how the gringo is, Pablo." After amoment he added sullenly: " Maldito , hows the son of a thief?"

Sick, Pedro, sick unto death. The devil,as you say, may take him yet without anyaid from us," answered Pablo Menende

brusquely.Why does the seorita send you ever

day to find out how he is? Can she noelephone? And why should she care what

becomes of the traitor?" demanded Pedroangrily.

His brother shrugged. "How should I


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know?" He had troubles enough with theancies of another woman withou

bothering about those of the seorita .

Valencia Valds was on the porch waitingor her messenger.

How is he, Pablo? Did you see thedoctor and talk with him? What does heay?"

Si, seorita . I saw Doctor Watson and heend you this letter. They say the

American is a sick manoh, very, veryick!"

The young woman dismissed him with anod and hurried to her room. She read theetter from the doctor and looked out o

one of the deep adobe windows into the


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tarry night. It happened to be the samewindow from which she had last seen higo hobbling down the road. She rose and

put out the light so that she could weep themore freely. It was hard for her to say whher heart was so heavy. To herself shedenied that she cared for this jauntdebonair scoundrel. He was no doubt allhe had told him on that day when she had

driven him away.

Yes, but she had sent him to pain andllness ... perhaps to death. The tears fellast upon the white cheeks. Surely it was

not her fault that he had been so obstinate.Yetdown in the depth of her heart sheknew she loved the courage that hadcarried him with such sardonic derisioout upon the road for the long tramp tha


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had so injured him. And there was annner citadel within her that refused to

believe him the sneaking pup she had

accused him of being. No man with suchonest eyes, who stood so erect andgraceful in the image of God, could be socontemptible a cur. There was somethingine about the spirit of the man. She hadensed the kinship of it without being ableo put a finger exactly upon the quality she

meant. He might be a sinner, but it washard to believe him a small and mean one.The dynamic spark of self-respect burnedoo brightly in his soul for that.


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CHAPTER VI

JUANITA

The fifth day marked the crisis oGordon's illness. After that he beganlowly to mend.

One morning he awoke to a realizatiohat he had been very ill. His body wastill weak, but his mind was coheren

again. A slender young woman movedabout the room setting things in order.

Aren't you Juanita?" he asked.

Her heart gave a leap. This was the firs


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ime he had recognized her. Sometimes inhis delirium he had caught at her hand indried to kiss it, but always under the

mpression that she was Miss Valds.

Si, seor ," she answered quietly.

I thought so." He added after a moment,with the childlike innocence a sick persohas upon first coming back to sanity:There couldn't be two girls as pretty as

you in this end of the valley, could there?"Under her soft brown skin the color looded Juanita's face. "II don't know."

She spoke in a flame of embarrassment, soabrupt had been his compliment and soincere.

I've been very sick, haven't I?"


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She nodded. "Oh, seor , we have been what you callworried."

Good of you, Juanita. Who has beeaking care of me?"

Mrs. Corbett."

And Juanita?"

Sometimes."

Ah! That's good of you, too, amiga ."She recalled a phrase she had often heardan American rancher's daughter say. "Ioved to do it, seor ."

But why? I'm your enemy, you know. Youought to hate me. Do you?"

Once again the swift color poured into the


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are saying?"

I not care what they say."

If I'm not your enemy, what am I?"

She made a great pretense of filling theewer with water and gathering up theoiled towels.

How about that, nia ?" he persisted,urning toward her on the pillow with his

unshaven face in his hand, a gentlequizzical smile in his eyes.

I'm your ... servant, seor ," she flamed,

after the embarrassment of silence hadgrown too great.

No, no! Nothing like that. What do yo

ay? Will you take me for a friend, even


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hough I'm an enemy to the whole valley?"

Her soft, dark eyes flashed to meet his,

imidly and yet with an effect of finepirit.

Si, seor ."

Good. Shake hands on it, little partner."

She came forward reluctantly, as if shewere pushed toward him by some inner

compulsion. Her shy embarrassment,ogether with the sweetness of the glad

emotion that trembled in her filmy eyes,ent her a rare charm.

For just an instant her brown fingersouched his, then she turned and fled frohe room.


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Mrs. Corbett presently bustled in, fat,ifty, and friendly.

I can't hardly look you in the face," heapologized, with his most winning smile.I reckon I've been a nuisance a-plenty,

getting sick on your hands like a kid."

Mrs. Corbett answered his smile as shearranged the coverlets.

You'll just have to be good for a spell tomake up for it. No more ten-mile walks,Mr. Muir, till the knee is all

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Raine William MacLeod - A Daughter of the Dons _ a Story of New Mexico Today

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