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HEART of the SUNSET by REX BEACH Author of ‘ 4 The Spoilers, ""The Iron Trait, " “77/f Silver Horde," Etc. Phil Strange met the lovers as they turned the corner of the porch, and warmly shook Dave’s hand. “Teeny— ! my wife—told me you was better,” he 1 began, “so I heat It out here. I hung around all day yesterday, waiting to see you, but you wus butty.” “I was pretty sick,” Dave acknowl edged. “Mrs. Strange was ndghty kind to me.” “Sick people get her gout. Sbe’a got away with ’em and with nnlmnls, teo. Why, Itujnh, the big python with our show, took sick one year, and he'd have died sure only for her. Same with a lot of the other animals. She knows i more’n any vet I ever saw.” “Perhaps 1 needed a veterinary In- 1 stead of a doctor," Dave smiled. “I guess I've got some horse blood in me. j See!” Montrosu hud thrust her head under his arm and was wuiting for j him to scratch her eurs. "Well, 1 brought you some mull,” Strunge fumbled in his pocket a .small bundle of letters, explaining: “Blase gave me these for you us I passed the post ofllce.” Dave took the letters with a word of thanks, und thrust them carelessly in to his pocket. “What seems to be the trouble?" he inquired. "You remember our lust talk? Well, them Mexicuns have got me rattled. I’ve beeu trying everywhere to locate you. If you hadn't come home I'd have gone to the prosecuting uttoruey, or Homebody.” “Theu you've learned something more?” Phil nodded, and his sallow fuce puckered with apprehension. “Itosn Morales has boon to see me regular." Dave passed an uncertain bund over his forehead. “I’m not in very good | shape to tuckle a new proposition, but i —what Is It?” “We've got to get Mrs. Austin away from here.” "We? Why?” "If we don’t they’ll steal her.” “Steal her?” Dave's amuzement was patent. “Are you crazy?” "Sometimes I think 1 am, but I've pumped that Morales girl dry, und I cau l figure anything else out of what she tells me. Her und Jose exi>ect to muke u lump of quick money. Jump to Mexico, get murrled, and live huppy ever after. Tuke It from me. It’s Mrs. Austin they uim to cash in on.” "Why—the Idea’s ridiculous 1” "Maybe It is and maybe it uin't,” the fortune-teller persisted. "More than one rich Mexican bus been grabbed aud held for ransom ulong this river; yes, und Americans, too, If you can believe the stories. Anything goes lu that country over there.” "You think Jose Is plunning to kid nap her? Nonsense! One umu couldn't do such a thing.” "1 didn't say he could,” I’hil de fended himself, sulkily. “Remember, I told you there wus somebody buck of him.” “Yes, I remember, but you didn’t know exactly who.” “Well, I don’t exactly know yet. I thought maybe you might tell me." There was u brief silence, during which Dave stood frowning. Then he appeared to shuke himself free from Phil's suggestions. “It’s too utterly preposterous. Mrs. Austin has no enemies; she’s a person of importance. If by any chance she disappeared—” "She’s done that very little tiling," Strange declared. “What?" "She’s disappeared—anyhow, she’s gone. Yesterday when I saw you was laid up and couldn’t help me, I phoned her ranch; somebody answered in Spanish, und from what I could make out they don’t know where she Is." Dave wondered If he had understood Strange aright, or if this could be a trick of his own tired bruin. Choosing his words carefully, he suld: "Do you mean to tell me that she's missing and they haven’t given an alarm? I reckon you didn't understand the messuge, did you?" Strange shrugged. “Maybe I didn’t. Suppose you try. You sabe the lingo." Dave went to the telephone, leaving Phil to wait. When he emerged from the house a few moments later, It was with u queer, set look upon his face. "I got ’em,” he said. "She’s gone— left three days ago." "Where did she go?” “They wouldn't tell me.” “They wouldn’t?” Strange looked up sharply. "Wouldn’t or couWn’t” Th* eyed eacn other silently; then Phil In I qulred: | "Well, what do you make of it?" | "I don’t know. She wasn’t kidnaped. that’s a cinch, for Dolores went with i ; her. I—think we’re exciting ourselves j unduly.” I The little fortune-teller broke out excitedly: "Yes we are! Why do you suppose I’ve been playing that Morales ' ! girl? I tell you there’s something crooked going on. Don't I know? Didn’t I wise you three weeks ago that something like this was coming off?” It was plain that Phil put complete j faith in his jhiw.ts of divination, and at this moment Ills earnestness carried ' I a certain degree of conviction. Dave ! made an effort to clear his 1 1 red brain. “Very well,” he suld. “If you’re so i sure. I’ll go to Las Palmas. I'll find I out all about it, und where she went. If unybody has dared to—” He drew a deep breath and his listlessness vun- I lshed ; his eyes gleamed with a hint of | their customary Are. "I reckon I’ve got one punch left in me.” He turned ■ ami strode to his room. As Dave changed Into his service 1 clothes he was surprised to feel u new vigor in his limbs und u new strength of purpose In his mind. When he stood in his old boots and felt the familiar dnig of hl» curtrldge-belt, when he 1 tested his free muscles, he realized that he was another man. Even yet i lie could not put much fuith In Phil I Strange’s words—-nevertheless, there I might be a danger threatening Alaire; , und If so. It was time to act. Phil watched his friend saddle the bay mure, then us Dave tied his rifle , scabbard to Its thong he laughed nerv : ously. “You’re loatl**d for bear." The horseman answered, grim!; i 'Tin loaded for Jose Sanchez If I hands on him I*ll learn what he knows.” “You can’t get nothing out of a Mexi can." “No? I’ve made Filipinos talk. Re lieve me. I can be some persuasive when I try." With that he swung u leg over Montrosu's back nnd rode away. CHAPTER XVIII. A Surprise. Law found it gtssl to feel a horse between his knits. He hud not realized until now how long Montrosu’s middle hud been empty. The sun wus hot and friendly, the breeze was sweet In I''** ( nostrils ns he swept past the smiling fields and out Into the mesquite coun try. Heat waves danced above the putches of bare ground; Insects sang noisily from every side; fur ahead the road ran a wavering course through a deceitful mirage of tippling |M»nds. It wus ull familiar, pleusunt; it was home. With every mile he covered his strength und courage increased. Such chnnges had come into his life since his last visit to Las Palmas that It gave him a finding of unreality to discover no alteration in the ranch. He hud somehow felt that the build ings would lis»k older, that the trees would have grown taller, and so when he Anally came in sight of his desti nation he reined in to look. Behind him he heard the hum of an u|>prouching motor, und he turned to behold a cur racing ulong the road he hud Just traveled. The machine wus running fust, us a long streamer of choking dust gave evidence, and Dave si>on recognized it as belonging to I Jonesvllle's prosecuting attorney. As it tore past him Its owner shouted something, but the words were lost. In the automobile with the driver were several passengers, and one of these likewise culled to Dave and seemed to motion him to follow. When the ma chine slowed down a half-mile ahead and veered abruptly into the Las Pal mas gateway, Dave lifted Montrosu to a run, wondering what pressing neces sity could have Induced the prosecut ing uttoruey to risk such a reckless burst of speed. Dave told himself that he was un duly apprehensive; that Strange’s warnings had worked upon his nerves. Nevertheless, he continued to ride so hard that almost before the dust hud settled he. too. turned Into the shude of the pulms. Yes, there was excitement here;, something was evidently very much umiss, judging from the groups of ranch-hands assembled upon the porch. They were clustered about the doors aud windows, peering in. Briefly they | turned their faces toward Law; then they crowded closer, and he perceived that they were not talking. Some of them ha<l removed their huts and held them in their hands. Dave’s knees shook under hltn ns he dismounted ; for one sick, giddy instunt the scene swam before his eyes; then he ran toward the house and up the steps. He tried to frame a question, but his lips were stiff with fright. Heedless of those in his path, he forced his way Into the house, then down the hall toward au open door, through which he saw a room full of people. From somewhere came the shrill wail ing of a woman; the house was full of hushed voices and whisperings. Dave had but one thought. From the depths of his being a voice culled Alain's name until his brain rang with It. A bed wus In the room, and around It was gathered n group of white-faced people. With rough bunds Law cleared away for himself, and then stopped, frozen In his tracks. Ills arms relaxed. Dave Stood Staring at the Matter of Laa Palmas. his Angers unclenched, n greut sigh whistled from his lungs. Before him, booted, spurred, and fully dressed, lay the deud body of Ed Austin. Dave was still staring at the master of Las Palmas when the prosecuting attorney spoke to him. "God! This is terrible, isn’t It?” he said, "lie must have died instantly." "Who—did It?" "We don't know yet. Benito fouud him und brought him in. lie hasn't been dead an hour.'* Law ran his eyes over the room, and then asked, sharply, “Where is Mrs. Austin?" He was answered by Benito Gon zales. who had edged closer. “She’s not here. sermr." “Hove you notlAed her?" Benito shrugged. "There has been no time, it all h; ppeued SO quickly—" Someone interrupted, and Dave saw bat li nas tlie local sheriff—evidently i v- l* • • wV*» bad waved from-the speeding machine a few n omenta be- I fore. “I’m glad you’re here. Dave, for you . can give me a baud. I’m going to round up these Mexicans right away and And .nit what they know. Whoever did It hasn't gone fur: so you act as my ' deputy aud see what you cun learn." When Dave had gained better con trol of himself in- took Benito outdoors and demanded full detail* of the trag edy. With many lamentation* and in coherencies the range bo** told what he knew. Ed had met his death within n half mile of lais Palmas as he rode home for dinner. Benito, himself on his way i to the house, had found the laidy. still warm, near the edge of the |»ecan | grove. He hud retained enough sense to telephone at once to Jonesvillc. and then —Benito hanE.v knew what he had done since then, he wus so badly j shaken by the tragedy. "What time did it happen?” "It was noou when I came In." Dave eonsulted his watch, und was surprised to discover that It was now ' only n few minutes past one. Itx was i evident, therefore, that Benito hud in deed lost no time, and that his alarm i had met with instant response. "Now tell me. who did it?" Benito flung his hands high. "God I knows I Some enemy, of course; but Don Eduardo bad many.” *Not that sort of enemies. There was nobody who could wish to kill Idm." "That is ns it is." "Haven’t you any suspicions?" "N<X senor.” "You say Mrs. Austin is gone?" “Yes.” “Where?” “I don't know.” Dave spoke brusquely: "Come, Beni to; you must know, for your wife went with her. Are you trying to keep something back?" “No, no! As God is my Judge!" Benito declared. "I didn’t know they were going until the very Inst, aud even then Dolores would tell me noth ing. We were having bad times here at Las Palmas; there were stormy scenes, yonder In the house. Senor Ed A. N. PARRISH, Pres. B. a BRCWN. VUs i'rs*. J. F. MAURER, Cashier FIRST NATIONAL SANK LAMAR, COLORADO CapiLal Stock - $50,000. Surplus - - - $40,000. DIRECTORS: JOHN F. MAURER JOHN H. THATCHER J. F. PARRJftM A. N. PARRISH B. B. BROWN C. M. LEE B. T. McCLAVE R. B. ADAM* President Vice Pres. C**M—. CAPITAL $50,000 Lamar National Bank MEMBER FEDERAL RESERVE BANK LAMAR, COLORADO DIRECTORS: B. T. McClave Ray Adams M. J. McMillin C. M. Lee A. Deeper We want your business, large and small, and offer every facility consistent with safe and conservative banking [ Accounts Received Subject to Check Money Orders *«<d J. M. WILLIAMS, Pre*. L. J. BORING, CaafcUr CHAS. MAXWELL, Vice D -*s. J. D. SPOONER, Aut. Caahier Citizens State Bank LAMAR, COLORADO Capital Stock - - $35,000. Surplus - - $ 17,500. We invite you to transact your business with this bank, and endeavor to give prompt service by personal and courteous treatment to our customers. DIRECTORS—J. M. William*. Charles Maxwell, Geo. A. Everett, L* J. Boring, I. L. Maxwell. SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES wus drinking lignin, you understand? The senora had reason to go.” "You think she run away to escape hltn?” “Exactly." Dave breathed more easily, for this seemed to settle Strange's theory. The next Instant, however, Ills apprehen sion* were doubled, for Benito added: “No doubt she went to La Ferlu.” Law uttered an Incn’dtilous exclama tion. “Not there! Surely she wouldn’t go to Lu Feria at such a time. Why. that country In ablaze. Ainerieans are fleeing from Mexico.” “I hadn't thought of that,” Benito confessed. "But if she didn't go there, where did she go? Saints above! It Is a fine condition of affairs when a wife keeps secrets from her husband, '■h? I suppose Dolor***’feared I would tell Don Eduardo. God rest ills soul! Tills much I do know, however: not long ago there came a letter from Gem-ral Longorlo, offering settlement for those cattle he stole In his govern ment's name. Dolores told me the \ senora was highly pleased and wus go- , ing to Mexico for her money. It was a j mark of Longorlo’* favor, you under stand me? He's n great- friend, an I ardent admirer.” Benito winked. "Do- j lores told me all about that, too. No, ' I think they went to La Feria." Dave remembered Ills first conversa tion with Phil Strange and the fortune- { teller’s Insistence that some powerful | person was behind Jose Sanchez. More than thrive weeks ago Strange had fore cast something very like this murder j of Ed Au-tin. Dave felt ns if he worn the victim of an hysterical Imagina tion. Nevertheless, he forced himself to ask. quietly: "Is Jose Sanchez anywhere about?” The range boss shrugged. “I sent him to the east pasture this morning.” "Did he go?” "Eh? So! You suspect Jose of this. God In heaven! Jose Is a wild boy— But wait! I'll ask Junn if lie saw him ; yes. und Victoria, too. That Is Victoria you hear squalling in the kitchen. Wait here." Benito hurried away, leaving Dave a prey to perplexity; but he was hack again in a few moments. His face was grave. “Jose did not go to the east pas ture,” ho said. "Where is he now?" "No one seems to know.” Law walked to his horse, mounted, and galloped away. Benito, who watched him. saw that he turned to ward the river road which led to the Las Palmas pumping plant. The more Dave thought about Ed Austin's death, the more certain he be came that It was in some way con nected with Alaire’s disappearance; und the loose end by which the tangle might he unraveled, it seemed to him, lay In the hands of Rosa Morales, Jose's sweetheart. That Sanchez was f the murderer Dave now hud little louht; hut since the chnnce of appre hending lilin wns small, he turned his mention to the girl. He would make Rosa speak, he told himself. If he had to use force —this was no time for gen tle methods. If she knew aught of Alalre's whereabouts or the mystery of tier departure from Law Palmas, he i.ould find n way to wring the truth from her. Dave’s face, a trllle too som >cr ut all times, took on a grimmer is poet now; he felt a slow fury kind lug in his breast. Years of experience hud taught aim o he always alert, even during his mo vents of deepest preoccupation, and m>, from force of lmhlt, when he came o the pumphouse road he carefully sunned It. In the dust were fresfc mof-prlnts leading towurd the river. N'nw he knew this road to De seldom used, and therefore he wondered who could he riding it at a gallop In this blistering midday heat. A few rods farther on and his quick eye detected something el-e—some tiny object that brought him from his saddle. Out of the rut he pleked a cigurette butt, the lire of which was cold hut the paper of which was still wet from the smoker’s lips. Ho examined it carefully; then he remounted and rode on, pondering Its significance. Dave loped out of the thicket and straight ncross the clearing to the Morales house. Leaving Montrosa’a reins hanging, he op. aed the door and entered without knocking. Rosa ap peared in the opening to another room, her eyes wide with fright at this ap parition, and Dave saw that she was dressed In her finest, us if for a holiday or for a Journey. "Where’s your father?" he demanded. “He’s gone to Sungre do Cristo. What do you want?” “When did he go?” "This morning, early. lie —" “Who’s been here since he left?" Rosa was recovering from her first surprise, and now her black brows drew together In anger. “.No one has come. You are the first. And have you no manners to stride Into a ro spoctuble house—?” Dave broke In harshly: “Rosa, you’re lying. Jose Sanchez has been here within an hour. Where Is he?” When the girl only grew whiter and raised a hand to her breast, he stepped toward her. crying, "Answer me!” Rosa recoiled, and the breath caught In her throat like n sob. “I’ll tell you nothing," she said In n thin voice. Then she began to tremble. “Why do you want Jose?" "You know why. ITo killed Don Eduardo, and then he rode here. Come! I know everything.” “Lies! Lies!” Rosa’s voice grow shrill. “Out of this house! I know you. It was you who betrayed Pnnfilo, and. bis blood i on your hands, as- 1 (in* (Con tin usd on png* 6)