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 FOR LIFE AND LOVE 
 
 A STORT OF THE RIO GRANDE 
 
 "And Leavenworth lay dying, with his head upon my knee 
 
 Only a tress of woman's. hair! A rose, dead many a day! 
 
 It was upon the sandy banks of the Rio Grande, where we lay! " 
 
 "OLD BALLAD.' 
 
 BY 
 
 RICHARD HENRY SAVAGE 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 ; MY OFFICIAL WIFE," " THE LITTLE LADY OF LAGUNITAS, 
 
 "PRINCE SCHAMYL'S WOOING," "THE MASKED VENUS," 
 
 " DELILAH OF HARLEM," " THE PASSING SHOW." 
 
 FRANK TENNYSON NEELY 
 CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
 
 COPYRIGHTED BY 
 
 RICHARD HENRY SAVAGE 
 
 September 18, 1893 
 
 (All rights reserved.)
 
 RICHARD HENRY SAVAGE. 
 
 L^EW of the recent American novelists have attained the success of 
 
 I * RICHARD HENRY SAVAGE, whose dashing and romantic stories are 
 
 to-day published in Germany and England as well as America. 
 
 His experiences are as varied as the scenes of his works, and, save India and 
 
 Australia, he is familiar with the entire route of the wayfarer in life. Student, 
 
 traveller, soldier, author, and scientist, his forty-seven years have been 
 
 marked by mental toil, physical hardship, and stirring adventure. 
 
 The author of "My Official Wife" was born in Utica, New York, and 
 as a lad, arriving in California in 1852, attended the first public school in 
 San Francisco, being the youngest scholar in the first class of the H'.^h 
 School. Taken to the wilds of Nevada County, where his father was a 
 leading merchant, the youth saw, in its prime, the wild life of Bret Harte's 
 heroes. Later, in San Francisco, he witnessed the Vigilance Committee's 
 sway of 1856, and the final crystallization of California society. 
 
 His law studies with Edward Stanley and Sidney V. Smith, of San 
 Francisco, were interrupted by the war. A commission in the California 
 Volunteers was reluctantly declined by reason of his minority, and in 1864 
 he was entered at West Point, representing the San Francisco district. 
 Already a fearless rider and a daring hunter, he soon excelled in physical 
 exercises, taking a distinguished rank in his class, and was graduated in 
 1868 as Lieutenant of Engineers, the highest corps. He was a leading cadet 
 officer and led his class in law, literature, ethics, and several branches of 
 science. 
 
 From 1868 to '71, LIEUTENANT SAVAGE served as Engineer officer and 
 personal Aide-de-Camp of the heroic Gen. Geo. H. Thomas, who was attracted 
 to the spirited young officer who had executed dangerous and difficult duiies 
 on the Western frontiers. From 1861 MR. SAVAGE had been writing now-for- 
 gotten poetry for the Golden Era, essays and newspaper work, and desirous 
 of travel, he resigned from the army and visited Europe for two years. 
 
 Possessing the confidence of President Grant, he was given several 
 diplomatic appointments, among which were a consular position at Marseilles 
 and Rome, and later a commission to examine Mexican and Texan outrages 
 By the choice of Gen. W. T. Sherman, he was named to fill the position oi
 
 confidential and military secretary to Gen. Chas. P. Stone, in Egypt, and 
 after finally leaving the diplomatic service, engaged in railroad engineering in 
 Texas and later, practiced engineering in California. 
 
 Retiring from business in 1884, he resumed his first profession the 
 law and cast his eyes toward the literary field in the intervals of seven 
 years' travel and residence abroad. Domiciled to-day in New York City, in a 
 home filled with the trophies of travel and adventure, the world-wearied 
 writer has returned to his native State. With a marvellous memory, an 
 untold fund of adventure, and a quaint library, the ex-soldier, abandoning 
 society, finds his books and the companionship of his accomplished wife fill- 
 ing these days of quiescence. New York has drawn John Brisben Walker. 
 Arthur Sherburne Hardy, and Col. Savage together, and they want to capture 
 that brilliant and daring veteran Captain Charley King, (now on a two years' 
 run in Europe), and reunite in the metropolis the quartette of the literary 
 West Pointers of thirty years ago. It is strange that they have all been 
 strikingly successful. 
 
 COLONEL SAVAGE is matched in social and personal experience by few 
 men. His range has been from Siberia to the Red Sea, from the wilds of 
 Central America and the plains to the Greek Sea and the Winter Palace 
 Tall, energetic, and animated, his conversation teems with memories of me 
 of many lands and grades. It is hard to realize that Cortina the raidei 
 William Walker, Lola Montes, and Billy Florence, are companion negative^ 
 with Pius IX., General Grant, Ismail Pasha, and Denis Kearney in one 
 man's mind. From the frontier camp-fire to the Coliseum, from the Sand Lot 
 to a palace ball, the traveller has threaded the mazes of a strange life. 
 
 COLONEL SAVAGE is an excellent speaker and his lectures at Yale 
 College, the University of California, and other public institutions have been 
 delightful. He eschews literary society and bohemianism, and stands alone 
 a firm believer in the romantic school. 
 
 In his mingling with great men, with a remarkable personal experience 
 in the four quarters of the globe, and his acquaintance with cosmopolitan 
 society, COLONEL SAVAGE stands high as a man of thought and action. 
 Thrilling episodes in his useful and eventful life were his two thousand miles 
 march in Arizona in 1869, before a rail was laid; his winter experience in 1870 
 in the great fastnesses of the Northern Sierras, with Pitt River and Modoc 
 Indians on the Round Valley Survey; his lonely ride from Mangalile through 
 the jungles of Honduras; his facing the terrific cholera pest in Japan and 
 Corea in 1886, as well as the adventures on the wild Rio Grande border in
 
 '72; and a desperate boat adventure in the Caribbean in 1890. His collection 
 of personal and military relics is a museum, while his correspondence with 
 the great men of the last twenty years is a sacred trust. 
 
 A treasured ornament of his sanctum is a superb silver bowl given to 
 him by the Committee of Safety in San Francisco for services in aiding the 
 suppression of the Kearney riots of 1877. His engineering record stands 
 firmly from lighthouses on the Red Sea, and a railroad in Texas, to towering 
 iron architectural ornaments of San Francisco. His essays, theses, sketches, 
 and journalistic volunteer work, as well as speeches, would embrace several 
 volumes and may yet be collected. 
 
 A distaste for criminal law and political manipulation caused him to 
 adopt literature as a change. In his six published works, he reviews life 
 experiences, "The Little Lady of Lagunitas" being a marvellous story of early 
 California; "Prince Schamyl's Wooing," a scholarly Russian romance; "The 
 Masked Venus" and "Delilah of Harlem," mirror the gilded intrigues of later 
 years, and "The Passing Show" gives us saven thrilling stories of actual 
 experience. A strong dramatic shade in several of these works forecasts their 
 adaptation for the stage. 
 
 COLONEL SAVAGE is a type of the self-contained American, and 
 equipped with extensive studies, a cosmopolitan acquaintance, a splendid 
 linguist, has in view further foreign travel in his literary researches. A 
 charming raconteur, a patient and dauntless traveller, he is known from the 
 Neva to the United Service Club, and from the Nile to Edinburgh. 
 
 A splendid German and English appreciation of his works is evinced 
 in their great sale abroad, "My Official Wife" being now in French, German, 
 Swedish, and Italian. A uniform library edition in German is soon to appear. 
 
 In pursuance of future literary plans, this indefatigab 1 - author has placed 
 the publishing of his entire works in the hands of Frank Tennyson Neely, 
 of Chicago, who has achieved wonders with " The Passing Show " in the 
 way of brilliant sales. His great success with this book has induced MR. 
 SAVAGE to place in his hands all of his previous novels not permanently 
 engaged, as well as his future books, thus removing his publication head- 
 quarters from New York to Chicago. 
 
 By November 1st, Mr. Neely will bring out the most exciting and 
 dashing of COLONEL SAVAGE'S conceptions, a thrilling and delightful border 
 romance entitled, "For Life and Love," a story of the Rio Grande. Another 
 maze of descriptive word painting, skillful plot, and a case where true love 
 wins the race of life! Tlie Chicago Herald, Sunday, October 8, 1893.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 "LOVE THAT HATH US IN THE NET.' 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER I. Jack Manson's Orders From 
 the Rockies to the Gulf of 
 Mexico The Day Star. - 9 
 
 II. In Washington Waiting for 
 
 the Nation's Choice Jack's 
 NewFriend The "Empress." 3 1 
 
 III. The Course of True Love A 
 
 Snake in the Grass Creole 
 Wiles A Virginian at Home. 52 
 
 " IV. Foxes in Council Snares for 
 
 the Unwary Croesus and the 
 Senator. - - - - 74 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 THE RIO GRANDE COMPANY. 
 
 CHAPTER V. That Mysterious Company A 
 Paper Railroad The Secret 
 Meeting Ill-Gotten Gains 
 Mildred Smiley's False Lover. 94 
 <( VI. On His Guard The Crescent 
 
 City Tom Bayard Sees a 
 Forgotten Face An Awk- 
 ward Rencontre Ramon 
 Maxan's Oath. - - - 118
 
 CONTENTS. 7 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER VII. On the Gulf The Storm-King's 
 Wrath The Spirit of Love 
 Out of the Jaws of Death! - 148 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 ON THE BORDER. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. The Telegraph's Mysteries 
 On the Mail Yacht The 
 Burning Bark off Padre Island 
 At Corpus Christi A Sena- 
 torial Marriage Makes Strange 
 Friends. - - - - 166 
 IX. A Night at "Joe Garcia's" 
 "Our First Citizens " Old 
 Mark's Letters Mrs. Senator 
 Steele Maxan in Ambush 
 A Frontier King. - - 197 
 " X. At San Miguel "For My 
 Sake" With the Wild 
 Riders A Fighting Trinity 
 The Tiger Balked of His 
 Prey. 220 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 THE JAGUAR'S DESPERATE STRUGGLE. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. Manson's Matchless Steed A 
 Harmonious Directory An 
 Hour in a Washington Boudoir 
 A Strange Warning. - 255 
 " XII. For Life and Love On the 
 
 Wild Prairie Mrs. Mar- 
 shall's Letter Silas' Voyage 
 At Hacienda Maxan Pan- 
 chita *The Jaguar on the 
 Trail A Thunderbolt Lost 
 Katie First Blood for Jack 
 A Captured Message. - 279
 
 8 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAG a 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. The Avengers Daybreak at 
 Las Cuevas Jimmy Leaven- 
 worth's Fancy Shot Over 
 the Border The Rangers 
 Storming the Wolf's Den 
 Colonel Mejia's Way Padre 
 Antonio A Dangerous 
 Nurse. 314 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 THE LAST THROW OF THE DICE. LOVE WINS ! 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. Katie's Story Maxan's Re- 
 venge Bob Kenyon Sees the 
 Light at Last An Upheaval 
 The Company's Downfall 
 No. 4 Draws Out! The 
 Railroad Builders Black 
 Clouds of Trouble The 
 Jaguar in Hiding. - - 346 
 
 XV. A Notable Abdication "What! 
 
 Both?" "Jimmy Also" A 
 Captive King On the Pecos 
 The Talking Wire The 
 Peon Boy's Gratitude At the 
 Painted Caves The Jaguar at 
 Bay "Your Life or Mine!" 
 My Son Jack." - - 382 
 XVI. The Brides of San Miguel 
 Senorita Panchita The Con- 
 gressional Election At Arun- 
 del House A Fallen Star 
 From the Dead ! Milly 
 Steele's Visitor A Nueces 
 Branch of the Railroad 
 Under the Southern Cross! - 417
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 A STORY OF THE RIO GRANDE. 
 
 . BOOK I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 JACK HANSON'S ORDERS FROM THE "ROCKIES" TO 
 THE GULF OF MEXICO THE DAY STAR! 
 
 "WHAT nonsense!" cried handsome Jack Manson, 
 as he hurled the book he had vainly essayed to read, 
 into the dim recesses of the room, now shadowed by 
 the dusk of evening. The offending volume fell, torn 
 and fluttering its leaves in vain protest, into a jungle of 
 instruments, surveying chains, saddles, guns, books, and 
 frontier gear. 
 
 Manson glared at the ruined romance, and, springing 
 from his couch, lit a lamp and carefully filled his pipe. 
 "'She Loved Another!' Well! suppose she did!" 
 he growled, as he gazed wearily at the rough interior 
 of the temporary Engineer Headquarters building at 
 Cheyenne. Pacing the room with uneasy strides, 
 Manson gazed from the uncurtained windows. The 
 September winds were blowing keen and chill from 
 the Rockies, far above him. Never before had the 
 bald, gray, stony hills looked so uninviting. Cheyenne
 
 IO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 in 1872 was not an agreeable place of residence; for the 
 horde of gamblers, thieves, and outcasts who followed 
 the construction of the Union Pacific Road, still 
 lingered to grace the society of Manson's temporary 
 home. Wyoming, at this date, proudly boasted daily, 
 robberies, " shooting scrapes," lynchings, and a more 
 generally assorted deviltry than any division of the 
 Union; with a slight polite reservation in favor of 
 Texas. The outlook was unlovely! 
 
 " It's a bad case of the blues," muttered Manson, as 
 he threw himself into a rough chair, and listened, vacant 
 minded, to the rattle of the dishes in the adjoining shed, 
 where Hop Wo, the Chinese Soyer, was preparing the 
 usual feast of coarse food. 
 
 Frontier beef, canned stuff, i. e. preserved tinned 
 goods, alleged bread and campaign coffee, were the 
 usual garnishings of the mess table, unadorned by linen. 
 Jack Manson, as a division engineer on the Union 
 Pacific Railroad, was finishing up the final professional 
 work on the line, hastily thrown down from 1866 to 
 1 868. In the fierce race between the Central Pacific 
 and the Union Pacific to build the greatest number of 
 miles and gain the largest national subsidy, Jack 
 Manson had been the main-stay of the Chief. For six 
 long years the young engineer had toiled with transit, 
 level, and field-book over the unbroken prairies and 
 through the rocky gorges of the mountain spurs. 
 Sometimes working with rifle in one hand and the 
 compass in the other, the young man was jaded and 
 wearied with anxiety, fatigue, and danger. 
 
 Now the lines were to be rectified, grades reduced, 
 curves enlarged, and all the real finishing work executed 
 under his watchful eye. His mind had grasped the 
 needs of the situation, and two hundred miles of the 
 road were photographed in his brain.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. II 
 
 " Anderson should be here now!" he murmured, rous- 
 ing himself, as the moon-eyed Hop Wo silently spread 
 the frugal board. "I'll wait a little !" His head fell 
 on his breast in revery. He had sent his assistant on a 
 reconnoissance trip of fifty miles to examine a proposed 
 detour of the hastily patched-up road. 
 
 " I wonder if the Indians have got him," Jack 
 anxiously pondered. Sioux, Cheyennes, Ogallalas, 
 Blackfeet, Kiowas, and other murderous tribes had 
 amused themselves for years in harassing small parties, 
 butchering teamsters, and dashing unawares on the 
 scientists at their work. The young man's head 
 drooped and his eyes were very dreamy. 
 
 "Is this to last forever? " he murmured. The six 
 years since he left the Polytechnic at Troy were a mere 
 dreary waste of life. Dull days unmarked by aught 
 save the varied dangers of the Sioux country and the 
 arduous labor of his profession. 
 
 A rush and clatter of hoofs! Jack sprang to the 
 door and peered into the darkness. " Is that you, 
 Harry?" he cried anxiously. 
 
 "All right, Chief," was the cheery response, as 
 Harry Anderson strode into the room, now quite 
 inviting with its huge log-fire and the steaming supper. 
 
 " Come in, Allison, when you've put the horses 
 up," said Harry, as he threw off his pistol-belt and 
 unbuckled his spurs. The guide disappeared with the 
 tired steeds, and, after a hearty greeting, the two young 
 men attacked the waiting repast. 
 
 "Anything special, Harry ?" queried Jack, as he 
 heaped a plate for the hungry rider. 
 
 "Not much," said Harry, between bites; "we hid in 
 an arroyo from a little war party of young bucks 
 about half a dozen. Allison wanted to try his Win- 
 chester. I wouldn't let him. We were fired at in
 
 12 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the canon behind Bald Peak. Road agents, I guess! 
 Probably took us for a couple of deputies hunting 
 horse thieves! " 
 
 "How about the line?" queried Manson, with some 
 interest. Anderson swallowed a cup of coffee and 
 slowly replied: 
 
 " Very good ; we can save that heavy grade on the 
 divide and go around, well protected from land slides 
 and floods." 
 
 " Excellent! " cried the overjoyed Manson. " Harry," 
 said he, " If I leave nothing else, I wish to show the 
 Chief our division in first-class trim, when he comes 
 over the road. I'll look over the notes and sketches 
 by and by." Silence reigned until the hungry assistant 
 had revenged himself for the three days' bivouac 
 privations. 
 
 Pipes lit, by the blazing fire the two friends awaited 
 Allison's return. They were types of manhood, yet 
 differing widely. 
 
 Jack Manson's five feet ten inches gave his well-knit 
 frame a certain dignity. Crisp, curling brown hair 
 shaded his sunburned brows, beneath which a pair of 
 clear blue eyes sparkled with the fire of youth. The 
 straight nose, firm mouth, and square-cut chin made him 
 the ideal of a resolute Anglo-Saxon, in the American 
 edition. Quick, lithe, and neat-footed, his whole being 
 exhaled energy and decision. 
 
 A sweeping mustache, worthy of a trooper, gave an 
 air of frontier dash to the man whose thoughtful brows 
 bespoke the mathematician, while Harry Anderson, 
 stocky and sturdy, with crisp, curling black hair, a 
 flashing, truculent eye, and a heavy chest with rounded 
 shoulders belted with muscle, was a representative of 
 that stubborn cross, the Scotch-Irish. 
 
 The night winds rose and howled around the rude
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 13 
 
 dwelling. Jack Hanson's eyes were fixed on the fire 
 and a wistful shade crossed his face. For, in the utter 
 loneliness of six years, the sights and scenes around had 
 grown weary and distasteful. 
 
 Manson lifted his head as Allison, the guide, strode 
 into the room. " Well, Allison, you brought back all 
 your hair, I see! " cried Jack, as he motioned the scout 
 to the modest feast. 
 
 " So we did, Cap," answered the lank six footer, as 
 he dropped into a chair and vigorously attacked the 
 remains of the supper. " There would have been bald 
 spots on our heads if those young braves had caught us 
 in the arroyo. I hate to run before an Injun," he 
 remarked, with evident disgust. "Here, Hop Wo!" 
 he cried, and smiled approvingly as the celestial poured 
 out a pint of steaming coffee. 
 
 Allison, clad in a fringed suit of Indian tan buckskin, 
 was belted with his heavy pistols and a bowie-knife of 
 formidable dimensions. Filling his pipe, he drew up 
 with easy familiarity to the fire. "Thar's entirely too 
 many of these young Sioux bucks knocking around in 
 the hills now, Cap. You ought not to send less than 
 five or six men out, now. You may get used to these 
 devils, but they are always on the scalp hunt! They 
 follow for fifty miles and make a run in when you're 
 off your guard." 
 
 Manson smoked reflectively. " I will get up a half- 
 dozen good fellows from the big camp," he said. " I 
 think you are right. " 
 
 Allison relapsed into silence and finally, knocking 
 out his pipe, said : " I'll wander over to town and look 
 in at the express and telegraph office." With a nod, 
 he disappeared in the darkness. After a half-hour's 
 discussion of Anderson's rough notes, Manson said 
 kindly: "Harry, you turn in! You are tired! I'll 
 sit and smoke awhile."
 
 14 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Silence reigned in the rude shelter as Manson 
 dreamily gazed in the fire. An intense weariness, a 
 feeling of desolation came over him. There was a 
 warm strain of sentiment running through Jack's 
 nature. The great logs crackled and fell into coals, 
 little blue and red flames danced above the glowing 
 coals. Young in years but old in experience, happier 
 days came back to him. He could see again the 
 wooded hills and green slopes of the Mohawk Valley, 
 with the river flowing gently to join the blue Hudson. 
 His home, his early friends, his school and college days 
 came back. 
 
 In the lonely Western cabin, the young engineer 
 lived over again the sad days when Colonel Manson 
 was brought home from Spottsylvania, with the 
 regimental flag wrapped around his coffin. 
 
 The gentle mother who followed her dead soldier to 
 the land of shadows came back once more, and he 
 could hear again her last appeal to grim old Mark 
 Manson, his uncle, "Take care of Jack, Mark! He's 
 all alone now ! " The young man could see his stern 
 uncle, standing with a suspiciously moist eye, by the 
 pale woman, waiting for the summons, and hear him 
 say again, " I'll make a man of him, Helen! " 
 
 A great log fell down and broke in crackling frag- 
 ments; Jack rose and trimmed the fire. He sighed as 
 he gazed at stout Harry Anderson, sleeping like a 
 child. "He does not care," bitterly thought Jack. 
 " But I was made for better things than this ! " 
 
 " True," he soliloquized, " Uncle Mark educated me, 
 has stood by me, and between him and my work, I 
 have gained promotion! But there's another life than 
 this. Home, friends, books, the thousand delights of 
 civilization, and and " the young man's mind drifted 
 away into a dream of fair women. The wine of life
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. l5 
 
 was stirring in the handsome fellow's veins. " It's a 
 death in life," he growled. " I have not seen a woman 
 I knew for years." He ignored the several Indian 
 princesses of note he had met. " Brave Rainbow," 
 " Moonlight Shadow," and " Bounding Antelope," 
 daughters of war chiefs, were young Sioux rosebuds 
 somewhat peculiar in their habits. " Brave Rainbow " 
 was far too fond of firewater; " Moonlight Shadow '' 
 would slyly abstract anything lighter than an army 
 wagon, and " Bounding Antelope " he had seen the day 
 before, " al fresco," calmly lunching from portions of a 
 dead army mule. 
 
 " Not up to the ideal of Pocahontas or Minnehaha," 
 Manson sneered. As for the pale anaemic frontier 
 women, they were draggled children of misery vainly 
 wandering to and fro with their uncouth liege lords. 
 Saddened, hopeless drudges, were these poor feminine 
 pioneers. Occasional glimpses of weary, dusty, cross- 
 looking women tourists, sullenly gazing from car win- 
 dows exasperated the impressionable youth for it was 
 before the days of vestibuled luxury, and feminine 
 graces were but feebly affected by the tired, jaded trav- 
 ellers of that day. 
 
 As for the shrill-voiced, unabashed " beauties" of the 
 ambulatory settlement following the railroad, they were 
 merely " wrecks on error's shore." They were house- 
 less shadows, flitting specters, these wild-eyed, battered 
 Maenads, flaunting the crimson flag of vice, with no 
 rosy charms to beguile. 
 
 " I would like to see a sweet bright woman once 
 more," he muttered as the fire sank low. A child of 
 care, early thrown on his own resources, Manson felt 
 that he was alone in the battle of life, with no tender 
 eyes following his pathway in the conflict. His youth 
 was hard and lonely, his early manhood a social blank.
 
 l6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Will it ever end! Shall I lay my bones down 
 in these gray hills!" He gave a stray log a kick, and 
 sought his fur-decked couch. 
 
 Before his eyes closed, the door was thrown open. 
 Allison strode in, bringing gusts of night wind with 
 him, setting the dying embers flaring. "Telegram for 
 you, Cap! Answer immediate! I'll saddle my horse 
 and ride down with your answer to the station. Office 
 in town shut now. I'll be back in five minutes." The 
 sturdy guide cheerfully stalked off to toss the saddle 
 on his jaded pony. 
 
 By the gleam of the one kerosene lamp which the 
 palace of science boasted, Manson read the words 
 flashed over the talking wire. He sprang up with a 
 shout which aroused even the tired Anderson, who 
 growled: "What's up, Chief?" 
 
 Manson stood by the table, the paper fluttering in 
 his hand. He devoured it over and over again. Its 
 laconic words thrilled his very heart. He handed it to 
 Anderson without a word. The missive needed no 
 explanation. It was dated New York, September 8, 
 1872, and its fateful contents were: 
 
 "Turn your division over to Anderson, promoted. Settle 
 your accounts with Chief Engineer at Omaha. Come here at 
 once; want you to go South. Draw for funds, if needed. 
 Answer." 
 
 The signature was that of the potent railway 
 magnate, steamboat king, and financial prince, Mark 
 Manson. 
 
 Jack threw himself in a chair, and said quietly, "I 
 congratulate you, Harry. That means two thousand 
 a year increase to you." 
 
 "When will you go, old man? By Jove! This is 
 sudden ! " ejaculated Anderson, still half asleep.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 1 7 
 
 Hanson's flying fingers traced a few lines with 
 nervous eagerness. He tossed it to Anderson. The 
 overjoyed, newly-made Division Engineer read: 
 
 H 
 
 "Leave on to-morrow's train. Report forthwith. No funds 
 needed." 
 
 As Anderson's eye scanned the last word, the clatter 
 of hoofs announced Allison, who grasped the despatch 
 and dashed away in the darkness, his horse striking 
 fire from the flinty float rock, with his armed hoofs. 
 
 There was an end to sleep. With the aid of sundry 
 candles, and the glaring kerosene, Manson began 
 throwing together, in a pile, such traps as he proposed 
 to save from the flitting. 
 
 " The train comes along at 7 130," said Manson, as he 
 stuffed his private papers into his trunk and tossed in 
 at random the few belongings he was encumbered 
 with. 
 
 " You can give me a memorandum receipt, Harry, 
 for the instruments and records. Send your full papers 
 on to New York. Keep all this trash here. It will be 
 of some use to you." 
 
 Anderson nodded and with his executive dash, roused 
 the son of the Flowery Kingdom and announced the 
 early departure. 
 
 When Allison, wearied and chilled, entered the room, 
 he was visibly affected by the news, and even more so 
 by the present of Manson's riding gear and formidable 
 armament. 
 
 Over a reserved bottle of good Bourbon, the three 
 companions of many dangerous ventures held an 
 impromptu carnival of frontier jollity. 
 
 The stars were low in the west, and the genial 
 volunteer orchestra of coyotes was waking the echoes of 
 the surrounding hills a hint of daybreak when
 
 iS FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Manson threw himself down for two hours' sleep. He 
 tossed uneasily in the wildest dreams. 
 
 It cost Jack a heart wrench, as four hours later he 
 wrung Anderson's hand, when the screech of the 
 locomotive warned the friends of the parting hour. 
 
 "God bless you, old boy! Goon up to the top!" 
 cried Jack, as the elated Anderson essayed vainly to 
 say " Good-bye." Six years of toil and danger had 
 knitted closely their bond of brotherhood. Allison, 
 loose-jointed and laconic, grasped the young traveller's 
 hand with the grip of a vise. 
 
 "Good-bye, Cap!" he heartily said, " Yer as squar' 
 a man as ever straddled a horse! When ye've got a 
 pretty wife, you'll be over here in a director's car. 
 Don't forget the boys ! " 
 
 Hop Wo, with forethought, presented sundry dainties, 
 and grinned an approving adieu as he pocketed a 
 bright twenty-dollar piece. 
 
 The tired eyes of Manson closed in slumber as the 
 train tore along, past the unbroken sameness of the 
 rolling hills, and in the young man's dreams a haunting 
 sense of curious expectancy kept his nerves in feverish 
 unrest. 
 
 In half-waking hours he experienced a delicious 
 sense of restf ulness, as he noted from hour to hour the 
 old familiar scenes of storm, toil, privation, and danger 
 flit by. 
 
 Memories of friends dead, of unnoticed hardship, and 
 lonely hours came back as the familiar names, Sidney, 
 Ogalalla, North Platte, Plum Creek, and Grand Island 
 sounded on his ear. In two days he glided over the 
 thousand miles over which he had trudged, transit 
 on shoulder, revolver at belt, for six weary years. It 
 was only when the red banks of the Missouri, crested 
 with Omaha's straggling houses, appeared in front,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 19 
 
 that he turned his tired head and said, " Good-bye, Mr. 
 Sioux Brave and Mrs. Sioux Squaw! May we never 
 meet again." 
 
 Two hours of the next morning sufficed to settle his 
 accounts. The grizzled Chief of the Trans- Continental 
 Line handed him a testimonial, his arrearages, and a 
 check for one year's pay. 
 
 "General, I do not understand this," said Manson, 
 his cheek flushing ; " I do not ask for presents." 
 
 " Take all you can get in this world, my boy !" said 
 the busy ex-general, now Chief Engineer of the Union 
 Pacific. 
 
 " Don't be so bashful ! Did you ever hear of the Credit 
 Mobilier? This is some of their loose funds a little 
 fragment. It's orders from headquarters anyway." 
 
 Manson winced, for well he knew that silent old 
 Mark Manson was the arch high priest of that 
 mysterious body. He pocketed the check and declined 
 the general's plea for a parting dinner. 
 
 "I must hasten along," he said, while returning 
 thanks. " By the way, General, do you know where I 
 am to go? " 
 
 The general's steady gray eye almost condescended 
 to a wink. " Did you ever know Mark Manson to tell 
 his business? " 
 
 The young man was fain to wait for the answer at 
 New York. 
 
 " By the way, my young friend," said the chief, as 
 he grasped Jack's hand in farewell, " don't forget to 
 visit the tailor's in Chicago. A man may be a swell in 
 Cheyenne and yet cut a strange figure on Broadway." 
 The old engineer laughed heartily as he swung Jack 
 around before a mirror. 
 
 Manson joined gleefully in the burst of merriment. 
 " By Jove ! " he cried, " I thank you. Now I remember, 
 even here people stared at me."
 
 20 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 For his handsome face and splendid physique made 
 a medley of frontier garb soldier's uniform and nicked 
 up " store goods " seem ridiculous. 
 
 " You will see hosts of pretty girls in Chicago and 
 eastwardly," the chief chuckled. " They would take 
 you for the' Whirlwind of the Prairies' or ' Dead wood 
 Bill, the Man Eater.' " 
 
 Light-hearted and happy, Manson crossed the muddy 
 Missouri. Two days in Chicago sufficed to restore him 
 to the outward semblance of civilization. His face 
 seemed strange as he gazed at the splendor of raiment 
 unaccustomed in use for six weary years. 
 
 Save the ruddy brown of his cheek and the stern, 
 almost careworn expression of his features, Jack was 
 now the " every-day young man " as he sought the 
 easy Pullman for the final stage of his journey. No 
 trace of his frontier life lingered with him save a 
 nervous distrust of the crowded sidewalks and a longing 
 to take the middle of the street. He had conquered his 
 habit of looking to right, left, and rear for concealed 
 foes in ambush, but was forced to admit the danger of a 
 fusillade of admiring eyes from the milliner stores and 
 corner shops. Women in all their charming variations 
 of dress, feature, and diverse attractions made Chicago 
 seem a sort of brick-and-mortar Eden. With a sigh of 
 relief he saw the Lake City fade away behind him. 
 The fresh breeze from the water served to brush away 
 his olden cares. Jack, having announced his arrival in 
 New York by telegraph, felt a keen enjoyment in 
 yielding to a destiny pointed out by the stern old Croesus 
 who waited for him. 
 
 Hourly his spirits rose, and, as the fragrant clouds 
 from a Cabana hovered round him, he ruminated: 
 
 "Down South, even Kuklux and Cowboys can not 
 be worse neighbors than the long-haired Sioux or the 
 Cheyenne dog-soldiers."
 
 FOR. LIFE AND LOVE. 21 
 
 On past the roar of Niagara, down through the 
 lovely Mohawk Valley (his head resolutely turned 
 away from the hills hiding his old home), past his boy- 
 hood's Alma Mater, and dashing along the unrivalled 
 shores of the Hudson, Manson swiftly sped, eager to 
 know his final orders. The car was filled with travel- 
 lers, eagerly discussing the great presidential election 
 impending. The burning question of the hour was 
 the selection of the hero of the sword, the taciturn 
 Grant, or the eccentric veteran field-marshal of the pen, 
 Greeley, to preside over the councils of the country for 
 four years. 
 
 High waxed discussion in the smoking-room, and the 
 wearied engineer sought the interior of the car. 
 
 Nearing the Highlands, a merry delegation of fair 
 college beauties from Vassar joined the train at Pough- 
 keepsie. Maxwell was checking his curiosity as to the 
 future by poring over a thrilling romance, a weird tale 
 of love, one of those heart-moving narratives whose 
 sole excuse of being is that " He who runs may read." 
 
 The sound of a woman's voice awakened him from 
 his listless day-dream over the florid pages of the 
 novelist. Sweet and low, thrilling in its soft earnestness, 
 it seemed to pierce his very heart. In uneasy resistance 
 he lingered a few minutes. In a few moments the 
 simple artifice of passing in and out of the car gave 
 him an excuse to gaze upon the unknown whose accents 
 moved him so strangely. 
 
 Mr. Jack Manson was conscious of a strange new 
 feeling in his heart as he turned and stole a glance at 
 the woman he listened to. 
 
 There was no mistaking the indications. Two sisters, 
 emancipated from the guarded bowers and academic 
 shades of Vassar, guardian of these lovely voyagers 
 a middle-aged lady of irreproachable manner, dress,
 
 22 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 and composure. The elder girl, tall, with dark eyes 
 and a sweet serious face, was gazing fondly at the ani- 
 mated Hebe whose voice had wakened the lonely 
 echoes of his heart. The calm brows of the elder 
 sister, shaded by silken brown tresses, were worthy of 
 a St. Cecilia. Stealing a glance at the younger stranger, 
 Manson whispered to himself, " A dream of beauty!" 
 And so the fair unknown was. Bright and eager, she 
 was wondrously lovely. In her witching deep-blue 
 eyes the light of womanhood's spring-time sparkled. 
 The exquisite symmetry of her form aided the charm 
 of the sea-shell's magic tints shading her fair face. 
 Manson trifled away a few moments and quietly 
 reseated himself. As he passed the unknown beauties 
 he felt his cheeks burn, for one keen flash of the blue 
 eyes told him instantly that his unconscious admiration 
 had been observed. 
 
 Jack Manson dropped humbly in his seat and 
 feigned to diligently devour the unfinished story of 
 "pride and passion," which fortunately concealed his 
 sudden confusion. 
 
 Still that velvety voice, thrilling every fibre of his 
 being! "If I were a free man," he mentally resolved, 
 " I would follow that girl to Greenland to be near 
 her." 
 
 With clash and roar and screaming whistles, the train 
 drew into the great Empire City. 
 
 " I'll have a last look at this rosy fairy," the young 
 traveller decided, as he sprang off the car and awaited 
 the leisurely departure of the ladies. The shouts and 
 bustle of a great station confused him and he gazed 
 around in sudden helplessness. His eyes roving over 
 the joyous groups rested at last upon a tableau which 
 chilled his pulses like an Arctic blast. 
 
 The graceful head of the blue-eyed enchantress was
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 23 
 
 resting on the breast of a tall, stalwart young man, her 
 rounded arms were twined around his neck. 
 
 Jack Manson gasped and almost dropped his "sac cle 
 voyage." 
 
 " Great Heavens! She's engaged! This closes this 
 chapter and the book forever!" Manson was rooted to 
 the spot, and gazed vacantly at the only energetic 
 demonstrations of affection he had seen for six years. 
 
 He started in surprise as the eager stranger fondly 
 embraced the St. Cecilia with equal fervor. 
 
 " Can he be engaged to both of them ? " was a 
 hideous flash-light thought, smacking of Mormonism. 
 The gentleman from Cheyenne was further astounded 
 to see this universal kisser salute the dignified and still 
 handsome duenna with a judiciously graded fervor. 
 
 "Affection mingled with respect!" Jack decided. 
 " I'll have a peep at that youth's face! He seems to be 
 a 'persona grata.' By Jove!" Manson thought, with 
 an inspiration which made his heart bound, " he may be 
 only a brother! He hugged both those girls." And, 
 moving sidelong in apparent abstraction, Jack, the sud- 
 den prey of roguish Dan Cupid, glared on the happy 
 man whose florid affection galled the impressionable 
 traveller. 
 
 Manson made one bound, as he dropped the satchel 
 from his hand his surprise found vent in words: 
 
 "Jimmy Leavenworth! By all that's holy!" 
 
 Extricating himself from his fair captors, the party 
 addressed turned his head sharply, and sprang forward 
 with outstretched hand. 
 
 "Jack, my dear old boy, where did you come from?" 
 
 Manson drew a great breath of fresh air, and pumped 
 out the words: "Cheyenne. And you?" 
 
 The calm eyes of St. Cecilia were fixed on the 
 excited pair. The rosy Hebe levelled a furtive glance
 
 J4 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 at the handsome interloper, and the duenna lifted her 
 eyebrows in interrogation, as their escort said: 
 
 < ; Why, from Texas, of course ! I came up here to 
 take my sisters home." 
 
 The solid asphalt billowed under Jack's feet, as he 
 vacantly remarked: " Oh! I see! Certainly!" And his 
 wandering eyes rested upon the graceful young beauty 
 before him, whose eyes dropped strangely under his 
 ardent gaze. 
 
 Leavenworth, suddenly recalled to the duties of 
 the moment, most ceremoniously said : " Mrs. Marshall, 
 permit me to present my classmate at the Polytechnic, 
 Mr. John Manson." 
 
 Jack's low bow was worthy of a Spanish grandee. 
 " Must conciliate the duenna," his startled brain flashed 
 out. 
 
 " Mv sister Alice, Mr. Manson," continued the over- 
 joyed Leavenworth. Jack's composure had returned. 
 He bent in stately homage. " My sister Katie," con- 
 cluded the Texan master of ceremonies. 
 
 Jack Manson raised his eyes to the sweet face and 
 for a moment he gazed into that mirror of loveliness. 
 A bright-red danger-flag burned upon the pretty girl's 
 cheeks as she greeted the stranger knight. The rosy 
 Hebe rippled out in merry laughter: " We were 
 travelling companions, were we not?" 
 
 "By Jove! She did notice me," thought Manson 
 his pulses throbbing. 
 
 " Where do you go, Jack? " hurriedly cried Leaven- 
 worth. " We are at the Fifth Avenue. Come down 
 there. I must have a long talk with you." 
 
 With deceitful meekness, Mr. John Manson, in- 
 wardly dissembling, drifted with the tide of his good 
 fortune, and in the carriage in the growing dusk was 
 strangely silent. Katie Leavenworth's fair head was
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 25 
 
 resting on the cushions. Her tired eyes drooped and 
 her gracefully moulded arms were resting, with the 
 delicately gloved hands clasped. " A sleeping fairy 
 princess," thought the man who gazed upon her 
 virginal beauty. . 
 
 The sparkling stars were peeping through the 
 evening shadows as the little circle assembled in the 
 salon of the Fifth Avenue. Leavenworth and his 
 fair sisters, with Manson, awaited Mrs. Marshall who 
 glided into the drawing-room, followed . by a third 
 Grace, a surprise to the mystified Jack who rehearsed 
 his Chesterfieldean bow, as he was presented to Miss 
 Gertrude Marshall of Virginia. 
 
 The reflection of Jimmy Leavenworth's face in a 
 mirror gave keen-eyed Jack Manson his cue. 
 
 "Here is the 'one fair woman' who will rule the 
 gallant Texan!" It was even so. A few moments 
 sufficed to inform Manson of the sisterhood of the 
 three beauties, long immured in the friendly shelter of 
 Vassar College. 
 
 " I think Jimmy's visits were half for his sisters and 
 largely for the sweet Virginian," mused Manson. 
 
 The engineer was right. In several journeys North, 
 Jimmy Leavenworth had been swept far over the outer 
 edge of indifference into the sweeping maelstrom of 
 love. Gertrude Marshall mingled in her calm, finely 
 chiselled face the mental firmness of her distinguished 
 father, who died under the Stars and Bars at Malvern 
 Hill, with the youthful graces of her gentle and refined 
 mother. Liquid gray eyes, a Greek brow, and lips as 
 delicate in tint as the spring wild rose, were elements of 
 a great beauty bespeaking the high soul and the stead- 
 fast mind. A nameless air of poise and fixed purpose 
 marked her as a daughter of the Old Dominion. 
 
 With quiet dignity Mrs. Marshall presided over the
 
 26 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 dinner, which was only interrupted by the rattling 
 cross-fire of question and answer between the lively 
 college chums, so long parted, and the merry chatter of 
 the three emancipated rosebuds of Vassar. 
 
 Jack Manson was recalled from a dream of unhoped- 
 for delight by Leaven worth's question: 
 
 " Where do you go now? " 
 
 " By Jove, old man! I don't know, myself!" said 
 Jack. "I must see my uncle and find out." 
 
 He briefly explained his sudden change of base. " I 
 will take a coupe" and run over to Gramercy Park and 
 report." The engineer concluded: "Wait for me in 
 your room and we will have a long talk to-night." 
 "When do you go South?" said Manson uneasily, 
 with a furtive glance at the glowing face of the imperi- 
 ous little Texan rose. 
 
 Leavenworth laughed as he gaily answered : " I have 
 to wait two months till the election is decided, and also 
 close up some important mail-contract business for my 
 father in Washington. He has numbers of freight, 
 mail, and supply contracts with Uncle Sam. I shall 
 take my sisters down to Mrs. Marshall's place at 
 Fairfax Court House, and when October comes give 
 them a month in Washington before they return to 
 Rancho San Miguel." 
 
 " Laus Deo!" mentally ejaculated Jack Manson. " If 
 I can find Fairfax Court House on the map, I think I 
 will pass through there on my way to Dixie's Land." 
 
 The ladies acknowledged Manson's request to be 
 excused with frank kindness, save the rosy Hebe, who 
 dropped her eyes and demurely said "Good-evening," 
 as Leavenworth escorted Jack to the corridor. 
 
 "Is he not just splendid?" said Gertrude Marshall, 
 with unwonted animation, as the two tall comrades 
 disappeared.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 2^ 
 
 "Who?" said Katie Leavenworth, with a careless 
 toss of her pretty head. 
 
 "Why, Mr. Manson, of course!" answered the 
 daughter of Virginia. 
 
 "I hardly looked at him," replied the unabashed child 
 of the Lone Star State, yet in her own heart Katie 
 knew she was fibbing to a degree. 
 
 When Jimmy Leavenworth shook hands with Jack, 
 he whispered, " Is she not lovely ? " 
 
 Jack started, but firmly answered: " She's the 
 sweetest girl I ever met in my life." Leavenworth con- 
 tinued: " Her family is one of the oldest in Virginia." 
 
 "Oh, yes, I see!" cried Manson, with singular 
 abstraction, as he darted away. " I'll be back in an 
 hour, Jim," he cried from the elevator. 
 
 " That love-sick youth thought I meant his Virginian 
 heart's-ease. By Jove! I suppose he does not know 
 how much lovelier his little sister is than the scion of 
 Pocahontas. Blind! yes, blind!" So sagely ruminated 
 Jack, as he swiftly sped toward the stately old mansion 
 of the autocrat of twenty great enterprises. His heart 
 was beating with anxiety and curiosity, as the butler, 
 with obsequious respect, ushered him into the library. 
 He was evidently expected. 
 
 " Mr. Mark Manson awaiting you, sir," said the 
 functionary, with a glance at the card. 
 
 Seated before a fire of hickory logs in his favorite 
 den, surrounded by the wit, wisdom, and lore of cent- 
 uries, gray, hawk-eyed old Mark Manson was calmly 
 enjoying the very best cigar that the Cuban plantations 
 could furnish. He turned; one glance was enough. 
 
 "Jack, my boy, I am thankful for your prompt- 
 ness. Sit down and let me have a look at you." 
 Offering his own cigar-case, the old millionaire, a 
 veteran wizard of finance, keenly eyed his nephew.
 
 28 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Looks like Helen," thought the senior, with a 
 shadow of a sigh as he thought of his dead sister and 
 his own lonely life. Wifeless, childless, and doomed to 
 keep in the race for wealth to the very last, Mark 
 Manson's heart was locked in a rugged breast. He had 
 every secret detail of the young man's career for the 
 long years of his probation. 
 
 " I guess he has grown up a man, after all. A fine 
 fellow!" thought Mark, as he rang for his choicest 
 Madeira. 
 
 " Where are you staying, Jack ? " the magnate 
 queried. "It's a lonely house, but you are welcome 
 here." ' 
 
 "I have an old chum at the Fifth Avenue, Uncle," 
 said Jack; "Jimmy L/eavenworth of Texas. I have not 
 seen him since we were graduated. I would like to be 
 near him a few days." 
 
 A lightning flash gleamed in Mark's eyes. He 
 calmly said: 
 
 " Son of old Si Leavenworth of Rancho San 
 Miguel?" 
 
 "Yes, sir!" promptly answered Jack, as his eye 
 roved over the solid grandeur of the old mansion. 
 
 " How long will he be here?" queried Mark. Jack 
 briefly related Leavenworth's plans. 
 
 The old man mused as he poured the priceless wine 
 for his guest. 
 
 "You will need a few days' relaxation. You look 
 tired. Come over and breakfast with me to-morrow at 
 nine, and I will give you your marching orders," he said 
 kindly. " I know you want to talk old times over with 
 your friend. Want any money?" The capitalist eyed 
 Manson critically. 
 
 "No, sir; thanks. I have all I need," Jack simply 
 said. " Your generosity has made me easy in funds."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 29 
 
 The old man lifted his eyebrows in surprise. "Well, 
 youngster, I'll say good-night. Be prompt to-morrow. 
 I have a lot of director's meetings. I suppose you would 
 like to know just where you are going." 
 
 "Yes, sir;" answered Jack Manson, with a beating 
 heart. 
 
 " Well, my boy, you are going down to Western 
 Texas, to build me a railroad. Make friends with your 
 old chum, for his father is the king of the frontier, and 
 I have extensive landed interests there with him." Jack's 
 heart bounded in his bosom. 
 
 " How do you like the title of Chief Engineer? " said 
 the hawk-billed old financier. 
 
 " I will try and do my duty, sir," resolutely replied 
 Manson. 
 
 "That's right, Jack! Now be off, my boy. I'll 
 give you your general plan to-morrow. I want you to 
 go to Washington and see Senator Steele. He's in with 
 us. I'll be down there next week. We do not want to 
 break ground till we know who will be President. The 
 election of Greeley would paralyze our finances and 
 stop all enterprise. We want no theorist, however 
 honest and kindly. We want a strong man. We 
 must have Grant. Now Steele knows that country, 
 he can post you. You are in my pay, sir, from the 
 day when you left Cheyenne. Take a little relaxation. 
 I wish you to cultivate Senator Steele and your young 
 friend Jimmy. It's a fortunate meeting, Jack, a very 
 fortunate meeting! Good-night, boy!" the old man 
 said, as Jack rose. "Keep this to yourself for the 
 present!" 
 
 "Sharp nine!" was the last injunction of the gray 
 schemer. 
 
 His words fell on unheeding ears, for as the great 
 door clashed behind him, Jack sprang into his coupe
 
 3O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 and every click of the wheels seemed to echo a name 
 grown strangely, suddenly dear. The refrain was 
 "Katie! Katie! Katie!" 
 
 A grateful but astounded cabman glared in wonder 
 at the five-dollar bill pressed in his hand, as Jack darted 
 into the office of the Fifth Avenue. 
 
 " That chap's a lunatic, or in love ! " the Jehu 
 reasoned. "He's not on his wine. I guess it's love!" 
 
 Cabby was right. The subtle philtre of love was 
 moving in the veins of man and maid that pleasant 
 night, for Jack's secret joy made his eyes dance. 
 
 " I shall be near her," he thought with exultation. 
 
 Dainty wilful Katie's blue eyes closed, in deep, yet 
 happy, slumber; for she whispered, " I would not let 
 Gertie know I did look at him; but but Jimmy's 
 friend is so manly, so pleasant," and, with a gleam- 
 ing silver arm for a pillow, the heiress of San Miguel 
 slept the calm unbroken sleep of innocence. 
 
 Late into the night, the reunited collegians recounted 
 their adventures in the swiftly flying years, and when 
 they separated, the magic spell of youth, high hope, 
 and budding affection brought dreams of the Greek- 
 browed patrician girl to the hawk-eyed Texan, and 
 Jack Manson's midnight hours were blessed with 
 thoughts of the rosy fingered Hebe of the deep-blue 
 eyes. 
 
 The silent stars, sweeping to the west, sparkled over 
 them as the invisible web of love, spun by the good 
 fairies, knitted together four young hearts beating high 
 with hope.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 3! 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 IN WASHINGTON WAITING FOR THE NATION'S CHOICE 
 JACK'S NEW FRIEND THE EMPRESS. 
 
 HANDSOME Jack Manson was aroused from the 
 happy visions of his first night in New York by a 
 vigorous onslaught on the panels of his door and the 
 ringing voice of the Texan. Rubbing his eyes, he was 
 forced to gaze on Madison Square in its glory of late 
 summer, to realize that Cheyenne and the Black Hills 
 were now only memories of a stormy past. 
 
 "Thank God! Katie is not a 'sweet dream of a sum- 
 mer night.' " He sprang to the door and admitted 
 Leavenworth, whose usual reveille was the mocking- 
 birds' song at daybreak, on the distant Rio Grande. 
 
 "Jack," said the Texan cheerfully, " if we can meet 
 at luncheon, let us drive the ladies to the park this 
 afternoon. Try and steal a few days from your affairs. 
 I will shape our plans by yours." 
 
 Manson was already making his toilet with more 
 raffine solicitude than he had known for years. 
 
 " I suppose she thinks I look like a returned miner 
 or a waif of the prairie," he thought. 
 
 A singular interest in his personal decoration was 
 born of his desire to shine under the speaking glances 
 of the dark-blue eyes which had haunted his pillow. 
 
 In his heart of hearts, Jack felt another man born 
 within him, and fancied that beyond the nearest mile- 
 stones of his life, the goddess of a day's love beckoned 
 him to her side. 
 
 As the bells struck nine, the doors of Mark Manson's 
 home swung open to receive the young engineer. 
 
 "Very good, my boy! " said the host, as he cordially 
 greeted his visitor. " I like promptness." The finan-
 
 32 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 cier was already equipped for the labors of the day, and 
 a huge pile of journals, and dozens of opened letters 
 proved his use of the morning hours. Ringing a bell, 
 he curtly said : " Take all these to Mr. Walton. I will 
 give him briefs of the answers before I go down town. 
 Let no one disturb us. Now, Jack, to breakfast." 
 
 Seated at the well-ordered table, Mark Manson was 
 the typical energetic human fly-wheel of a score of great 
 enterprises. 
 
 In twenty minutes the old man drew back his chair 
 and lit a cigar. 
 
 " Now, my lad," he began, as he gazed approvingly 
 at the fresh, manly face of his bright-eyed nephew, " I 
 am going to repose a great trust in you. I am going 
 to send you down to the Rio Grande to represent me 
 with full power. I wish you to cultivate young Leav- 
 enworth, and find out all you can about that border 
 country. Some years ago I bought an interest in 
 several large ranches west of the Nueces. Senator 
 Steele has an interest, Si Leavenworth, this boy's 
 father, has another, and one other person," he said 
 cautiously. 
 
 Jack Manson could hardly restrain the wild exultation 
 of his lover's heart. This road of the future led him 
 onward to the newly crowned divinity. Mark 
 resumed, gazing at the smoke wreaths floating around 
 him: 
 
 " There are other interests of which you will learn 
 later. This election is all important to us. A great secret 
 movement is contemplated. It all depends on the voice 
 of the people at the November election. I do not 
 share all the hopes of my associates, but I have an 
 enormous sum of money at stake. I can not go there; 
 you must represent me. I will be frank with you; 
 Steele is a * carpet-bag' senator (you know his State),
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 33 
 
 and I have found him deceitful and dangerous. He 
 does not know that I distrust him. He is a smooth 
 scoundrel and, unfortunately, is the necessary medium 
 of communication with our fourth partner, who must 
 be nameless for grave reasons. I wish you to watch 
 him like a lynx till I order you down to the Rio Grande. 
 I will give you a letter to him. Be very circumspect. 
 You shall have my whole confidence, but only after I 
 come to Washington. He must think that you go down 
 merely to look at the lands. Leavenworth's acquaint- 
 ance is a godsend to us. You can visit the Rancho San 
 Miguel and, later, make a tour from El Paso to Point 
 Isabel. That will post you thoroughly." 
 
 "As for old Si Leavenworth, he is indeed a strange 
 character. He went to Texas in 1846 as a camp follower 
 of General Taylor and a deck-hand. He is cool, sly, 
 desperate, suspicious in business, and yet hospitable and 
 liberal. He has dozens of active schemes in which I 
 am not interested. I think, however, that Senator 
 Steele is. Old Si uses Steele to handle his relations 
 with the Government, as he was a noted Confederate. 
 Strange man Si. His tough old body is scarred with 
 bullet and knife wounds, and he is as fearless as a 
 Sioux brave. His education is that of hard experience, 
 and he is a very Machiavelli in cunning. He has the 
 ablest advisers, and has gathered around him, from the 
 Nueces to the Rio Grande, some remarkable adventur- 
 ers. You will need all your prudence down there. 
 His wife is an educated woman of exemplary character, 
 a clergyman's daughter. What's the boy like?" said 
 the financier, ending abruptly. 
 
 "Jimmy is twenty-five. He was a keen, bright 
 student at the Polytechnic. His father wished him 
 practically educated. He is tall, wiry, with a cold 
 gray eye, thin featured, and the straight Southern hair.
 
 34 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 A splendid athlete and rider, good tempered, the soul 
 of honor, and neither wild nor foolish," replied Jack. 
 " He will be a couple of months settling some mail 
 contracts and business for his father at Washington." 
 
 " Excellent! " said Mark Manson decisively. " That 
 clears all up. Now, I've got to go down town. You 
 can tell young Leavenworth now that you are going 
 down to look at my lands. They are all undivided. He 
 naturally will ask you to visit San Miguel. Conform 
 to his movements. You must stay here with him and 
 take it easy. Come over and dine with me every other 
 evening. I will give you a check book and carte 
 blanche on this matter. I'll have Walton give you my 
 private cipher. Cultivate Leavenworth and watch 
 Steele. We are thinking of a railroad, if Si Leaven- 
 worth is successful at Austin with the franchise. You 
 can stay around Washington until the people make a 
 President. I will hear from Si Leavenworth through 
 Steele, and give you your final orders at Washington. 
 By the way, do not write me from Washington. It is 
 too risky. Use the wire and my cipher. What are 
 the young girls like? " the old man queried. 
 
 Jack's voice was strangely cold in accent, as he said, 
 with assumed carelessness: "Nice girls, well bred, 
 well educated. Vassar College graduates." 
 
 The old man nodded and rang for his carriage. 
 As he grasped his hat, cane, and gloves, he said 
 kindly : " Now, boy, amuse yourself a little. You 
 may run up to the old home if you wish; I have bought 
 it for you and placed it in your name. There's a 
 farmer living there. I have written him that you are 
 here." The young man felt a choking in his throat 
 as he pressed his uncle's hands. 
 
 "It is only right, boy; you have done your duty." 
 Jack Manson gazed after the departing carriage, as the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 35 
 
 veteran threw himself back, murmuring: "Fine 
 fellow, looks like poor Helen! 1 ' And over the old man's' 
 mind floated memories of the far-away days when he 
 had played with his bright-eyed sister by the placid 
 Mohawk. While he scanned his morning papers, 
 swiftly swinging down to the day's battle in Wall 
 Street, Jack Manson sought the Fifth Avenue in 
 secret joy. 
 
 The Texan was in waiting, pacing the marbled-tiled 
 hall, the rallying place of a generation of statesmen and 
 heroes. Manson sprang forward impulsively, and cried: 
 "It's all right, Jimmy ! I am going down to the Rio 
 Grande to inspect my uncle's lands and watch his 
 affairs there. " 
 
 "Glorious!" rejoined his friend. "We will show 
 you the prettiest stretch of land in Texas. And you 
 will say the Nueces Valley is the garden-spot of the 
 world. Let us go over in the park and have a cigar. 
 These brick walls stifle me," rejoined Leavenworth. 
 " I prefer the open prairie, and the canopy of Heaven 
 for a spangled bed curtain ! " 
 
 "By the way, Jack," said the Southerner, "I have 
 secured the carriages. Mrs. Marshall is timid. I have 
 a landau for four, but I ordered a rattling double team. 
 You can drive Katie." 
 
 Manson concealed his sudden emotion, and was emi- 
 nently successful in his ruse. The unconscious careless- 
 ness of brotherhood was his effective protection. 
 
 Seated at ease, Manson felt impelled to probe Mr. 
 James Leavenworth's heart a little. 
 
 "Miss Marshall is a charming girl," he casually 
 remarked, gazing at the passing throng. 
 
 "She's the sweetest woman on earth," cried the 
 enthusiastic Texan, whereat Jack inwardly added "save 
 one," as he nodded his head attentively.
 
 36 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 
 
 " Why don't you marry her, Jimmy, and settle 
 down?" Jack slowly said, looking him fairly in the 
 face. 
 
 "I'll tell you," mournfully replied his friend, nursing 
 his cigar. 
 
 " Mrs. Marshall is one of these rare Virginian 
 women whose quiet pride is measureless. They are of 
 the very finest strain of the old blood. Now, Jack, my 
 father is a self-made man of the humblest antecedents. 
 But he is an old hero a wonderful man. Mrs. Marshall 
 has never met him, although her husband was father's 
 lawyer here, before the wretched war. My mother is 
 a woman of early education and refinement. I do not 
 wish to risk a refusal, and I can not bear to lose that 
 darling girl. I hope she can come down to San 
 Miguel and learn to know my people. But the border 
 is too wild yet. The Rio Grande frontier, west of the 
 Xueces, is filled with roving scoundrels, broken down 
 stragglers of the two armies, deserters, horse thieves, 
 and Mexican desperadoes. We have a strong force at 
 San Miguel, but travel is very dangerous. When the 
 situation clears a little, I hope to have Mrs. Marshall 
 and Gertie visit us. I feel more at home on my own 
 chosen ground," said the young prince of the frontier. 
 
 "All will come around in the right way," said Jack, 
 reassuringly, as he thought selfishly of Katie. 
 
 " Your sisters should be a great help in this delicate 
 matter," he concluded. 
 
 "Alice might be! " dolefully replied the lover. "As 
 for Katie, she is a witch of delightful mischief. She 
 already enjoys my suffering. She is a born flirt and 
 coquette." 
 
 " That is a nice prospect," groaned Manson, with a 
 sinking of the heart. 
 
 The two friends sauntered over to the hotel. Manson
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 37 
 
 critically examined the charming countenance of the 
 blue-eyed witch at their merry luncheon, and was forced 
 to admit in his heart of hearts, that the divinity was of 
 a singularly variable disposition. Late in the afternoon, 
 as Jack turned the horses' heads homeward, and under 
 the trembling, leafy arches of the unrivalled Central 
 Park gazed on his enchantress, he decided to lock his 
 ardent feelings in the breast of a Stoic. For, even on 
 their arrival at the hotel, her only response to a cautious 
 announcement of his Texan journey, was a careless 
 rejoinder, " I suppose you will come some time to San 
 Miguel to see Brother Jimmy." 
 
 Not a single word on her own account. Manson 
 vowed in his heart of hearts that the merry heiress 
 herself should ask him before he set foot on the baro- 
 nial domain! 
 
 Pleasant days sped by, leaving the engineer in a 
 bewildering day-dream. 
 
 " It is a chase of the fleeting rainbow," Manson 
 groaned. " That girl has no heart." It was undeni- 
 able that handsome Jack was en rapport with stately 
 Mrs. Marshall, the Greek-browed Gertrude, and was 
 daily knitted closer to St. Cecilia Alice. He did not 
 dare to dream of Katie's defensive tactics as only a 
 " sweet piece of bashful maiden art." 
 
 With solemn courtesy Mark Manson had visited the 
 ladies, welcomed the young ranchero, and opened his 
 mansion for a ceremonious feast in honor of the 
 impending departure. 
 
 Possessed of his final instructions, the cipher, and 
 fully advised as to his relations with Senator Steele, 
 Mr. John Manson was happy to escape his keen-eyed 
 uncle's watchful glances, as the train drew out for 
 Washington. 
 
 " I will see you in ten days," was Mark's good-bye.
 
 38 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Make friends with these people, they will be useful 
 later." Manson's effort at cultivating the flowers of 
 "friendship" with the blue-eyed divinity ended in a 
 profound gloom, arising from a sudden determination 
 to lock his secret in his breast and suffer silently. His 
 manly pride was piqued. 
 
 " I will not let her see my agonies, at any rate," he 
 decided, with wild ideas of revenge. 
 
 As the great dome of the Capitol rose before them, 
 Jack, with calm courtesy, bade his friends adieu. " I 
 must leave you here. My business will detain me for 
 some time in Washington." Leavenworth, Miss Alice, 
 the gentle Gertrude, and even Mrs. Marshall, protested. 
 The Virginian matron, with a cordial smile, earnestly 
 bade him a prospective welcome to Fairfax Court 
 House. The only silent member of the coterie was the 
 dainty Katie, who was diligently studying external 
 objects from the window. 
 
 As the train halted, Manson skillfully possessed him- 
 self of the blue-eyed queen's small belongings, and 
 trudged along to the carriage with the demeanor of a 
 Trappist. Miss Mischief never lifted her eyes! Manson 
 could feel his heart beat in indignation. 
 
 "Absolutely without feeling," he growled, and it was 
 in no pleasant mood that he arranged the small articles 
 in the carriage, already tenanted by the others. With 
 a stiff bow, Mr. Jack Manson said good-bye to the 
 undaunted coquette, who lingered a moment ere she 
 entered the landau. 
 
 A glance of merry amazement kindled the sapphire 
 depths of the wonderful eyes. Miss Leavenworth 
 offered a slender gloved hand. "You will come to Fair- 
 fax and see Jimmie," she whispered, with a frightened 
 glance. She feared that her coldness had been only 
 too effective!
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 39 
 
 " I will meet your brother here later, on business," 
 rejoined the desperate lover, whose heart was anxiously 
 tugging at its strings. " Then come and see me!" the 
 wicked maiden faltered, with one sweep of the silken 
 lashes. 
 
 Before the astounded Jack could find words, the 
 Rose of Texas lightly sprang into the carriage, and ten 
 yards away waved a merry farewell with a filmy 
 kerchief. 
 
 " That young girl needs discipline," muttered Jack, 
 as he stood rooted to the spot, with the insidious invi- 
 tation ringing in his ears. 
 
 Yet his heart was very light as he bestowed himself 
 in a pleasant suite of rooms at the Ebbitt House. 
 " Chateau qui parle, se rend toujours" is an old proverb, 
 and Mr. Manson decided upon a regular siege by 
 gradual approach. "If I betray my feelings, this 
 damsel will take all the advantages of my thoughtless- 
 ness. * La belle dame sans merci.'" 
 
 With serious mien Manson entered the parlors of 
 Senator Steele, next day, at the Arlington. 
 
 The great man welcomed him with effusive cordiality. 
 Senator Steele bore easily his fifty-five years. Smooth, 
 cool, adroit, and with a furtive expression of his round 
 light-blue eyes, calmly caressing his flowing beard with 
 a bediamonded hand, his well-kept figure and general 
 air of ease bespoke the prosperous politician. 
 
 "Just a little too smooth," thought Jack, mindful of 
 Mark Manson's caution. 
 
 " I am somewhat busied with this exciting campaign, 
 my dear sir," began Steele, with a wave of his pudgy 
 hand, " but I will be happy to be of service to you. I 
 have heard from your uncle and, as you have leisure, 
 will go through the Texan situation in a day or so. I 
 unfortunately have business of importance this after-
 
 40 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 noon, but will give you all the time I can." Manson 
 bowed in acknowledgment. A half-hours' conversa- 
 tion informed the senator of Manson's history.. The 
 statesman was awakened by the mention of Jimmy 
 Leavenworth's name. 
 
 " Rising man, sir. Has marked ability. We hope 
 to see him soon in Congress. Alas! Western Texas is 
 hopelessly democratic. I shall do my best to enter- 
 tain the party on their arrival." 
 
 Further flourish on the part of the smooth statesman 
 (who was secretly studying the young man's face) was 
 cut short by a card sent in. 
 
 "Ah! Very timely. Show the gentleman in. I 
 wish to present you to an intimate friend. You may 
 meet him on the Rio Grande. He is a man of note in 
 Mexico, though American born." When the visitor 
 entered, Senator Steele greeted the new-comer with 
 friendly familiarity. 
 
 "Mr. Manson of New York, my friend, Mr. Ramon 
 Maxan of Hacienda Maxan." 
 
 The two young men greeted each other. Ramon 
 Maxan was evidently at home. 
 
 Manson, accepting a cigar, studied the new-comer. 
 Of elegant mien, gracefully and powerfully built, 
 Ramon Maxan's olive cheek, restless, brilliant black 
 eye, dark hair, and drooping jet-black mustache, as well 
 as his soft, semi-foreign intonation, betrayed the Louisi- 
 ana Creole. Carefully dressed, and of cosmopolitan 
 manners, he was versatile and most winning in address. 
 
 Half an hour later the young men left the senatorial 
 sanctum together. Their host, in parting, said heartily: 
 " Ramon, you must show the local lions to my young 
 friend. It is his first visit to Washington. By the 
 way, take him to call on Mrs. Smiley. I am to dine 
 there to-morrow night. Mrs. Smiley would be happy,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 4! 
 
 I am sure, to have Mr. Manson join us. I could then 
 uave a quiet chat with him." A meaning glance 
 scintillated in the pale fishy-blue eye of the " carpet- 
 bagger." 
 
 Just a tremble of Maxan's long black lashes indicated 
 his response, for he cheerily said: " Certai.nly. And I 
 claim Mr. Manson for a dinner this evening at the 
 Club. As he is going to be a Texan, I can post him a 
 little." 
 
 Manson accepted the proffered courtesy and left the 
 smoothly smiling senator beaming at his open door. 
 
 " Let me see," said Maxan, consulting his watch, 
 "It's now three, Mr. Manson. I will call at your hotel 
 at half-past four and we will drive out and also pay our 
 respects to Mrs. Smiley, a charming hostess." 
 
 Jack acknowledged the courtesy and betook himself 
 to an hour's correspondence. He would have been sur- 
 prised to have seen Ramon Maxan swiftly retrace his 
 steps to the Arlington. 
 
 " What's that d d fool coming bothering here 
 
 for?" said the Creole, as he smartly closed the door of 
 Senator Steele's room. The old fox was expecting 
 his return. Maxan threw himself in a chair, after 
 liberally patronizing the cognac flask, on the richly 
 spread sideboard, and critically choosing a fresh cigar. 
 
 "I don't know, Ramon," said the senator, now alert 
 and with none of his official soapy manner. "He is old 
 Manson's only relative and heir. I am afraid of that 
 old skinflint. He will be down here in ten days. Now 
 he must not stumble on our outside operations ! Mark 
 Manson does not know what the Rio Grande Company 
 really is. He went in on old Si Leavenworth's advice. 
 If this fellow has any brains we can't hoodwink him 
 long if he stays on the Rio Grande. We need old 
 Manson to place those railroad bonds in New York
 
 42 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 when we get the franchise. You must cling closely to 
 this fellow. He's been on the plains. Let the Smiley 
 make a running on him, and when these young Leaven- 
 worth people come over, you must cultivate the whole 
 party. Mrs. Smiley can watch the girls and you can 
 keep an eye on Leavenworth and Manson. They 
 were college classmates. Now give 'the Empress' 
 the tip this afternoon." 
 
 "All right!" snakily said Maxan. " If this green- 
 horn should be plastered on the road as an official, it 
 might stop our private use of the ' bonded goods 
 privilege'!" A dark wicked look glittered in his uneasy 
 eye. 
 
 " I'll put him out of the way down there, if he noses 
 into our secrets," the Creole fiercely cried. 
 
 " Yes. That's so. Everything goes on the Rio 
 Grande," said Steele, with a vicious leer, " but only at 
 the last. Old Mark would raise an awful row." 
 
 " Row or no row, he's a dead man if he fools with 
 our inside matters," the Creole cried. I half suspect 
 the old man of setting him on us as a spy. Well, I'm 
 off. I'll post Milly Smiley about him. She'll keep an 
 elastic string on him." 
 
 Maxan seized hat and cane and darted away to bring 
 up his horses. Honest Jack Manson was all unconscious 
 of the webs ready to entangle a buzzing stranger fly. 
 
 In friendly discourse the young men rolled over the 
 noiseless pavements of the great centre of national cor- 
 ruption. The broad avenues were already lined with 
 the ambitious home palaces of those whom the war had 
 enriched. Washington was already seething in the 
 preliminary excitement of a "boom." 
 
 With the easy familiarity of an old "habitue," Maxan 
 pointed out to Manson the remarkable features in still 
 life and the street throngs.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 43 
 
 " You are almost to the manner born," said Jack, 
 admiring the splendid team of bays and Maxan's mag- 
 nificent skill in driving, as well as his thorough local 
 knowledge. 
 
 " Hardly. Yet Washington is a second home to 
 me," rejoined the Creole. " My father was one of 
 General Taylor's officers in the Mexican War, and at 
 the close of the war married my mother, a descendant 
 of the old Conquistadores. So, though my father was 
 a New Orleans man, I am, by reason of my birth and 
 Mexican estates, practically a Mexican. I was educated 
 in Paris, and I am a melange of Frenchman, Southerner 
 and Mexican. I am equally at home in the three coun- 
 tries, and their languages are all born in me. Here I 
 have spent half my time, for in the throes of Mexican 
 revolution, Senor Romero, our able Minister, has been 
 my best friend and adviser. He was a friend of my 
 father's youth. Yet I prefer the vales and fastnesses of 
 the ' Zona Libre.' The high ground is the garden of 
 the world. I yearn to return. Business will detain 
 me until Congress meets here, I am sorry to say." 
 
 "What is the Zona Libre?" asked Manson, with 
 interest. 
 
 " The three states of Nueva Leon, Tamaulipas, and 
 Coaguila, lying on the ' Rio Bravo,' or ' Rio Grande 
 del Norte,' as you call it, are exempted from all cus- 
 toms duties, and goods in bond from the United States 
 or Europe are freely distributed there to be used in 
 these three Mexican frontier states alone. There is an 
 enormous import trade from the United States and 
 Europe." 
 
 " What is the object of this exemption from your 
 heavy duties? " asked Jack. " I have understood Mex- 
 ican customs laws are onerous and marvels of red 
 tape."
 
 44 FO R LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " The real object, my dear sir," said the fluent 
 Creole, " is to make it advantageous for our people to 
 settle these three open states thickly, and thus form a 
 barrier to American aggression." 
 
 " There is no immediate danger of that," Manson 
 remarked. 
 
 " Wait and see," replied Maxan. " General Grant 
 will be triumphantly re-elected. He may draw his all- 
 conquering sword again. No one can tell what military 
 ambition may do. Mexico will fight though to the 
 last man! We quarrel among ourselves, but our motto 
 is, 'Muerte a los estrangeros." 
 
 " Is this Zona Libre not a demoralizing feature ? " 
 Manson said, after a pause. 
 
 " Certainly," said Maxan, flicking a bee off his pet 
 horse's back with a neat cut of the whip. " Every 
 man, woman, and intelligent child in the Zona is a 
 smuggler. The land swarms with desperadoes. 
 Besides, the officials are corrupt, and the export tax of 
 eight per cent on Mexican silver dollars is avoided by 
 smuggling them out. They are now at a premium for 
 the Chinese and Japanese trade. Moreover, Bagdad, at 
 the mouth of the Rio Grande, was the port of recep- 
 tion of fifty million dollars' worth of Confederate 
 supplies and the great shipping point of rebel cotton 
 for Bermuda and Havana." 
 
 " Did not our fleet stop these blockade runners?" said 
 Manson, naturally. 
 
 " My dear friend," the Creole smilingly replied, " I 
 have seen piles of Yankee stores, a half mile long, 
 lying there marked <Q. M. D.' and 'A. C. S., New 
 Orleans,' which were exchanged by Yankee command- 
 ers for our good cotton at Bagdad. Money made 
 strange friends in the great war." 
 
 Manson was astounded as Maxan continued " The
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 45 
 
 unwritten history of the secret relations of some 
 Union and Southern commanders and officials would 
 tear some national reputations to tatters, if exposed. 
 Great 'loyal' merchants in New York, Boston, and 
 Philadelphia slyly aided this nefarious traffic, and they 
 were, in some things, our surest agents of supply. 
 Naturally, my sympathies were with secession. Now, 
 not to weary you, both sides of the Rio Grande are 
 thronged with outcast fugitives from both the great 
 armies, negro deserters, criminals, and the riff-raff of 
 the world. These people would welcome any conflict 
 between the nations. The proud, dissatisfied South- 
 ern veterans would pour into Mexico at the first slight 
 cause." 
 
 " But enough of the Rio Grande. If you stay here a 
 couple of months you will see what Washington life 
 really is. Already the harpies gather. The taint of 
 the war lingers. Fifty thousand idle negroes float 
 around the suburbs. The old residents are poor, or 
 proudly reticent if high in society. A wild horde of 
 office-seekers, schemers, reckless military men, lobby- 
 ists of both sexes, claim agents, politicians, and sharpers 
 will throng the town the moment General Grant's 
 election is assured. Disgraced officials, sly go-be- 
 tweens, and swarms of the volunteer officers, anxious 
 for place, will wear out the very paving stones here. 
 The President's receptions will be human menageries, 
 and the society houses open will be besieged by well- 
 dressed adventurers, men and women, who will not be 
 put down, and who can't be put out. 'Fox and Geese' 
 will be the national game played here for the next four 
 years." He paused. 
 
 "Can not the President stem the tide? "Jack ques- 
 tioned. "He is strong-minded." 
 
 *'J fear not ; " Maxan answered. "General Grant is
 
 46 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 a man of the people. He is singularly loyal to old 
 friends. Though taciturn, he is very approachable, and 
 the pressure on him will be tremendous. He is a pillar 
 of unsuspecting honesty. He will be only a human 
 buffer between this crowd of pirates and the treasury 
 door. The schemes 'are not all in vulgar hands. Great 
 names lurk behind many of these insidious movements. 
 It's the wildest hurly-burly on earth to-day, and Wash- 
 ington will be the luxury-loving Vanity Fair of the 
 world for four years. These people do not merely 
 arrive. They will storm the city. But, here we are, 
 at Mrs. Smiiey's." 
 
 " Who is Mrs. Smiley? " asked Manson, with a cor- 
 dial interest. 
 
 "Ah! Now we have a congenial topic," smiled 
 Maxan. " Mrs. Milly Smiley is the handsomest 
 woman in Washington. Born a Southerner, to her 
 beauty, she adds every accomplishment. Her first hus- 
 band, a gallant Confederate officer, was killed in the war. 
 He never returned. She was left a mere girl widow. 
 She ran the blockade to avoid the social situation at 
 New Orleans, and after several years abroad married 
 an enormously wealthy American named Smiley, who 
 died, leaving her his immense wealth. Her talents 
 have been heightened by the years of foreign travel 
 and her home is the rallying spot, the social oasis in this 
 desert, for the diplomat, the cultured, and the cosmo- 
 politan." 
 
 Maxan was moving his horses easily around the 
 square. 
 
 " She is an intimate friend of Senator Steele?" in- 
 quired Manson thoughtfully. 
 
 Maxan started and gave the horses a cut. " Did he 
 say so?" the Creole sharply said. 
 
 " Oh ! Not specially. I only thought he spoke of
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 47 
 
 her with some enthusiasm," remarked Manson with a 
 slight astonishment at Maxan's manner. 
 
 "Ah! Yes. I see," slowly said the Creole. "The 
 fact is," and he lowered his voice confidently, " her 
 house is one of the few here where a dignitary can visit 
 or dine without his words being repeated, or politics 
 being served up with the soup. Steele is a widower 
 and very cautious. He is at home here." And Maxan 
 lightly sprang from the carriage. 
 
 Jack Manson's brain was teeming with the flood of 
 information poured into his ears. He mechanically 
 followed his new friend into a magnificent hall, and 
 entered a drawing-room replete with the garnered 
 gems of art, taste, and the spoils of foreign travel. An 
 air of decorous respectability hovered over all, from 
 the stately old colored butler, a relic of slavery days, to 
 the neat-handed maids flitting noiselessly about. 
 
 " Miss Smiley will receive the gentlemen very soon," 
 announced the major-domo, with profound African 
 salaams. A curious feeling pervaded Manson's mind 
 as he gazed upon this dream of luxury. Conscious 
 that his voluble friend was watching him, his thoughts 
 flew away to Arundel House at Fairfax, as Gertie 
 Marshall had described. He could almost see the 
 simple grandeur of the old mansion with its stately 
 pillars, its smooth lawns, and the " romance of the old " 
 clinging to every gray oak and weather-beaten landmark 
 of the "great days of the Mother of Presidents." His 
 heart pictured the blue-eyed goddess (the refractory 
 one) tripping over the fragrant blossoms of the " sacred 
 soil." 
 
 Jack Manson had no gift of second sight, yet there 
 was a gorgeousness (even if restrained by taste) which 
 jarred upon his present mood in this newly gilded jewel- 
 box, velvet tapestried and decked with costly adorn-
 
 48 FOU LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 ments. Little did he dream that cabals and coteries of 
 desperate men often assembled quietly in this sumptu- 
 ous, quiet retreat. He was too innocently unsuspecting 
 to imagine that in a retired salon, statesmen and money 
 lords wooed the goddess fortune over the painted cards, 
 that thousands changed hands nightly " in the season," 
 and that dark schemes were perfected, reputations 
 smirched, votes bought and sold, and the devil's work 
 silently and expeditiously dispatched, here under the roof 
 of the imperious beaut}'- of the hour. 
 
 Not being a prophet, Manson could not dream that 
 Mildred Smiley was the enchanting Egeria of that serv- 
 ant of the people, a modern Numa, Senator Steele! 
 
 Before Jack's eyes had catalogued half the prominent 
 features of the splendid retreat, Mrs. Milly Smiley 
 silently glided into the room. 
 
 Ramon Maxan was instantly on his feet, and on greet- 
 ing the peerless woman who was now the living 
 accentuation of the pervading idea of the beautiful, 
 presented Mr. John Manson of New York. 
 
 Jack, in bewilderment, bent over a blue-veined hand 
 sparkling with nonpareil treasures of India's mines. 
 
 " You are welcome,sir, as Mr. Maxan's friend, and 
 for yourself," said the regal hostess. Her rich voice, 
 with a thrilling undertone, moved Manson like the 
 wind harps of the forest. In five minutes Jack Manson 
 was within "the danger line". As Mrs. Milly Smiley 
 gazed frankly at the neophyte in Washington society, 
 his eyes fell. He was only conscious of an imperial 
 presence. Reclining in an easy chair, attired in a 
 masterpiece of the Worth and Pingat school, the 
 attitude of this modern Venus was seductive, enticing, 
 inevitable. The exquisite curves of her faultless form, 
 the nameless grace of each pose, were accentuated by 
 the wonderful loveliness of her face 5 liquid, dark, soft
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 49 
 
 shining eyes, and the nobly poised head crowned with 
 lustrous masses of silken hair, black as a raven's wing, 
 betokened a Southern queen of the realm of beauty. 
 " The most perfect brunette I ever saw," thought Jack, 
 as he drew his breath. 
 
 When Ramon Maxan gracefully delivered the mes- 
 sage of Senator Steele, the hostess bent her wistful, tender 
 eyes, with an unconscious fervor, on the impressionable 
 Manson. 
 
 " This is a double reason why I shall claim you as my 
 guest. Senator Steele's name is an ' open sesame' to 
 my house." 
 
 When the young gentlemen rose to terminate the 
 "visite de ceremonie," Jack Manson could not help 
 turning his head to gaze upon the living marvel once 
 more. 
 
 Standing, with a few roses in her hand, carelessly 
 caught up from a Sevres vase, Milly Smiley was an un- 
 speakably magnificent ideal of the dark beauty of the 
 Magnolia Land. 
 
 Manson was thoughtful and silent as his versatile 
 Mentor drove to the Club. He replied briefly to 
 Maxan's comments upon the lovely woman they had 
 left. Her siren charms at once dazzled and oppressed 
 him. 
 
 Ramon Maxan was a charming host, a modern 
 Brillat Savarin. The open-hearted young engineer 
 lost all reserve, and before the coffee and cigars, the 
 Creole was possessed of the entire social plans of the 
 circle at Fairfax Court House. 
 
 " I should be delighted to meet Mr. Leavenworth 
 and the ladies," Maxan politely said. " I know of Si 
 Leavenworth, whose name is a watchword from St. 
 Louis to the City of Mexico, but I have never met him 
 personally. His son, I think, I met casually at the
 
 50 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Crescent Club in New Orleans, several years ago, but 
 he would perhaps not recall it. He is a rising- man, 
 by common report." 
 
 Jack Manson was far along on the highway of 
 friendship when the parting hour came. 
 
 '' Till to-morrow," said the Creole, laughing a good- 
 night. "Don't lose your heart to Mis. Mildred Smiley. 
 She is an untamable falcon. She soars high. She has 
 even refused a Cabinet Minister." 
 
 " No danger," replied Jack, good-humoredly. " I 
 have my fortune to make." 
 
 " Nonsense, Manson. Your uncle's wealth will fall 
 your way, surely," incautiously said the Creole. 
 
 Jack eyed him curiously and muttered the old proverb 
 about "dead men's shoes." 
 
 Ramon Maxan was gone, leaving Manson con- 
 fusedly murmuring, " He seems to know a good bit of 
 my private affairs." 
 
 As Jack entered his apartment, he recalled himself. 
 " Certainly, Maxan would surely hear that from 
 Senator Steele. That is perfectly natural." 
 
 Still oppressed by the overpowering tropical beauty 
 of the witch of night, Manson lit a cigar, and turning 
 out his lights gazed at the stars twinkling down on the 
 Mecca of his hopes at Fairfax Court House. Gertie's 
 word pictures made it almost familiar ground. 
 
 " I will go through this dinner, confer with Senator 
 Steele, and then despatch to Uncle Mark, then, then," 
 he said with determination, " I will run over to Fairfax 
 and see Jimmy." Honest Jack closed his eyes with- 
 out acknowledging that two gentle deep-blue eyes were 
 the duplex magnets drawing him to the " sacred soil of 
 Virginia" and that "Katie " should have been substituted 
 for "Jimmy," in that expression of a settled purpose. 
 Those far-away blue eyes closed that night at Fairfax
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. $t 
 
 in gentle sleep, as the fair Texan murmured: " It's so 
 quiet here; I hope Mr. Jack Manson will come to see 
 Brother Jim." The gentle dissembler dared not give 
 expression to the thought and wish of her heart. 
 
 Mr. Ramon Maxan, pacing the silent street, said to 
 himself: "I will get into this friendly circle. The 
 girls are said to be lovely. Rancho San Miguel would 
 be a safe retreat if the Rio Grande Company gets into 
 trouble, and particularly if I owned a third of it. 
 
 "Yes, decidedly it's a good scheme," said the Creole, 
 as he contemplated his graceful person in the mirror on 
 retiring. " I flatter myself I can walk around this 
 Western stranger. But I must have Milly's help. By 
 Jove! I don't know how the 'Empress' will take it. 
 She's a tiger! Nonsense! Steele has her in his power. 
 He must stay in with me. If they build this road 
 and I can marry one of these Leavenworth girls, I can 
 be the King of the Zona Libre. 
 
 " I must cut in between Manson and young Leaven- 
 worth. It must be done. If I can not, a machete will 
 do the work while this tenderfoot explores the me*sas 
 and thickets of the Rio Bravo. 
 
 "By heavens, I have it! Ximenes is down there. 
 I'll put Joaquin on his track, and if Mr. Jack Manson 
 wont move out for me, I will move him out! Another 
 frontier tragedy." 
 
 With a devilish moctdng smile on his thin fine lips, 
 Ramon Maxan closed his eyes with the cheering con- 
 sciousness of a good day's work. " I'll make the 
 'Empress' keep him away from those girls," was the 
 Creole's last thought ere he slept.
 
 52 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 CHAPTER III, 
 
 THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE A SNAKE IN THE GRASS 
 CREOLE WILES A VIRGINIAN HOME. 
 
 JACK MANSON pondered over the previous days' varied 
 experiences, as he leisurely dressed, and sought the half- 
 deserted streets next morning for a breath of fresh air. 
 
 Devoid of manufactures and any real "raison d'etre" 
 the city of Washington is an assemblage of ill-assorted 
 human abodes clustering around the various strong- 
 holds of the Federal Government. 
 
 Appropriately, the Capitol is the central point, and 
 clustered around the Treasury and White House are 
 the lairs of the hungry army besieging the mythical 
 Uncle Sam. Great hotels fencing in the White House 
 and Treasury are the outworks of these besiegers; 
 luxurious mansions mark the resting place of the suc- 
 cessful; straggling apartment houses afford shelter to 
 the temporary reinforcements of the besiegers, and the 
 faded rows of neglected houses, all placarded "Rooms 
 to Let," shelter the humbler schemers. 
 
 Georgetown and the suburbs are crowded with the 
 modest domiciles of the patient, inert body of men and 
 women toiling along in the unambitious lives of de- 
 partment clerks. Hurry is unknown. All that is local 
 is colorless, faded, dejected, and humdrum. A few of 
 the old families, behind their seldom-opened doors in 
 doleful chorus, mourn the fabulous days when "Wash- 
 ington society was select." It must have been in some 
 prehistoric age! 
 
 All the local life, all the stir and dash of the hour is 
 brought in by the eager, ardent, never-tiring plotters, 
 schemers, " agents," and office-seekers, who " move in 
 a mysterious way their wonders to perform." The
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 53 
 
 local population nave simple occupations. The rather 
 shabby men haunt the hotels in eager search of visitors to 
 be plucked, or aided " for a consideration." The women 
 wander, in the season, from one open reception to 
 another, neatly making vacuums in the punch bowls, and 
 furtively descending on the beaufet refreshments like 
 veteran crows upon a field of tender corn sprouts. 
 
 All things mundane take on peculiar characteristics 
 in Washington. The lazy, chattering, easy-going negro 
 servants, the antique vehicles of hire, the peculiar rem- 
 nants of all classes of merchandise, ill-assorted and 
 meager, the crowd* of Munchausen union veterans, the 
 circles of sad-eyed, resentful Confederates, the summer 
 lethargy from April to November, and the condensed 
 local excitement from early winter to the end of 
 March; all these things are peculiar to the capital of 
 our beloved country. 
 
 Boarding houses (human man-traps) have been organ- 
 ized upon a shadowy commissary system, in mute 
 protest against substantial creature comforts. The dim 
 crepuscular lights of their antique "parlors" hide lurking, 
 faded, single females of judiciously varied homeliness, 
 but full of haughty pride. In these spectral institutions 
 the sombre-clad " landlady " receives her weekly dole, 
 with a mute protest against the disgrace of being paid, 
 in the faint hope that the idea of being " simply enter- 
 tained " may prevail! The foreign diplomats, from the 
 haughty Briton to the modest Haytian, mingle, with an 
 air of distinct superiority, in the alleged " maddening 
 whirl," and numbers of superannuated army and navy 
 officers haunt the clubs', growl at their insufficient re- 
 wards and consume vast quantities of "strengthening 
 beverages," while the cloud of younger men of both 
 services jauntily skip in the mazes of the German, toil 
 with the harmless weapon of tennis, report at dance,
 
 54 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 dinner, and tea-fight with military promptness, and 
 occasionally (by a wild dash) swoop clown on the un- 
 wary and carry off a red-handed Western heiress or 
 some lively widow, whose golden tokens of the " dear 
 departed " may gaily furnish forth the marriage feast. 
 
 Slightly below this glittering throng, moving before 
 the dais of " high society," the ambitious masculine 
 clerk apes (when unemployed) the "fin de siecle " 
 swell, and the pretty pushing feminine employee, keen- 
 eyed and fun-loving, cuts out her prize often from 
 under the social guns of her more fortunate sisters! 
 
 Shifting, ebbing, moving without law or apparent 
 cause, from year to year, the familiar places soon 
 know these strangely assorted faces no more. But 
 a general air of Micawber-like hopefulness pervades 
 the unemployed. 
 
 There are shadowy legends that, by waiting, sundry 
 tough-nerved souls have " dropped into something," 
 not the Potomac! The star of hope flickers feebly, 
 yet it always flickers. A distinct stratum of Wash- 
 ington society is the returned Senator and Represent- 
 ative. Alas! Hotel clerks know them not; their 
 tables are no longer littered with invitations; pretty 
 faces do not beam meaningly from carriage windows, 
 and they are no longer buttonholed by eager sup- 
 pliants, suggesting a " private room and a cold bottle." 
 
 Furtively darting around corners, and appearing 
 mostly at nights, are the guerrilla classes principally 
 discharged clerks, ejected office-holders, broken officers 
 of the services, and the omnipresent man with a claim 
 for "clams furnished the blockading fleet at Charles- 
 ton" or "shoe-strings for the Army of the Potomac." 
 
 At recurring periods of four years, the ignominious 
 flitting of the retiring President occurs, and he who 
 came in, escorted to the Capitol by a motley procession
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 55 
 
 of tinsel-clad clubs, negro Knights Templar, Bungtown 
 Rangers, and faded-looking, patched-up battalions of 
 Regulars, awed by the ferocious militia in the rear, and 
 sundry visiting Governors in unromantic cylinder hats, 
 slinks away, grip-sack in hand, and with untold bitter- 
 ness in his heart. "None so poor as to do him honor!" 
 No wheezy German bands blare out, "Hail to the 
 Chief," as he steals into the railway station and buys a 
 ticket to his home. The iron has entered his soul, for 
 his "pass" is cut off he is a discrowned Caesar! The 
 P rector ian guards of the country have made a new king. 
 "Le roi est mort! Viveleroi!" 
 
 These things occurred to Jack Manson, in a fit of 
 philosophy, as he wandered through the early morning 
 streets. Here and tJjM-e, lazy negroes dragged along 
 to market, tired barkeepers arranged the " decoctions " 
 for the dull day, and a few workmen in a limp, uncer- 
 tain fashion, ambled along on some supposed daily 
 tasks. 
 
 " Queer place! Everybody asleep!" remarked Jack 
 as he sought the hotel. The gorgeous clerk tossed him 
 a letter, with an air of easy superiority, and listlessly, 
 from mere ennui, invited the stranger to have a " morn- 
 ing cocktail." 
 
 "Very quiet here!" said Jack, led, like a sheep to the 
 slaughter, to the Temple of Bacchus! 
 
 " Wait till Grant's elected! You will see things hum 
 here," carelessly replied the clerk, "we will scalp from 
 the crowd in five months enough to live the other seven 
 on ! Everybody loafs in the off months in Washington." 
 
 Jack tore open his letter. His heart lightened. "So 
 Jimmy will be here in two days and take me over to 
 Arundel House." Manson was almost gay as he 
 escaped from the indolent clerk. During his breakfast 
 he thanked the fickle goddess of fortune that he could,
 
 56 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 with due dignity, visit Fairfax Court House. " I will 
 pretend that I am dragged over there by Jimmy. I will 
 ignore Katie. By heavens! I'll make love to St. 
 Cecilia Alice!" 
 
 On second thoughts Jack abandoned this as too dan- 
 gerous. He resolved ways and means of "disciplining" 
 the blue-eyed cruel one, and was still hazy in his ideas, 
 when he dismissed the all-important subject and sent a 
 cautious cipher despatch to Mark Manson. 
 
 "I will take one of these antiquated vehicles and 
 systematically explore this half-peopled wilderness of 
 the national official caravansary. I can worry out 
 these days looking over the public buildings, and the 
 dinner and Maxan, with Senator Steele's interviews, 
 will exhaust the evenings till Jimmy comes," he 
 thought, as he rolled away; forTR was anxious to see 
 the last person known to him who had seen the wilful 
 maid of his heart. 
 
 Ramon Maxan's heart was troubled as he sent his 
 card in at noon to Mrs. Mildred Smiley, yet his smiling 
 face and irreproachable attire marked only the man on 
 pleasure bent. 
 
 " I would sooner face a dead shot at ten paces than 
 have an out and out scene with Milly," the Creole 
 soliloquized, as he caught the soft, swishing rustle of 
 her robes, when the beauty descended the stairway. 
 
 " Better have the breakfast first, and the conference 
 later," thought the wily Creole. 
 
 With simulated passion he sprang to the side of the 
 " Empress," never more radiant, her eyes lambent with 
 a strange light, as she closed the drawing-room door. 
 
 Her head rested on his breast. 
 
 " It is an age since I have seen you, Ramon," the 
 woman passionately said, " at least alone. Old Steele 
 is such a bore the old jackal," she snapped out.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 57 
 
 ''True, darling," murmured Maxan, "but he is 
 absolutely necessary to us. The low beast has a clear 
 interest in the < inside deal ' of the Rio Grande Com- 
 pany. It is only through him that we can manage the 
 Government and control" he bent his head and whis- 
 pered a name in her ear. The beauty nodded. 
 
 "You are right, Ramon; but I despise him so!" the 
 beautiful sorceress said, twining her arms around him. 
 
 She started as a hand was laid on the folding doors 
 opening into the superb dining-room. " Let us break- 
 fast," Milly Smiley cried gaily, leading her dark-eyed 
 lover to a feast of her most thoughtful selection. 
 
 In merriest mood the two conspirators pledged their 
 stolen joys of the past, the sweets of the present, and a 
 rosy future. Milly Smiley was to-day the untram- 
 meled fond and loving woman. Not the " Empress," 
 but the favorite, anxious to captivate, to delight, to 
 enslave her romantic adorer. 
 
 Resolute as Maxan was, he felt his heart beat nerv- 
 ously as the coffee and cigarettes marked the close of 
 the happy hour. 
 
 " It must be done, for both our sakes," he reflected. 
 
 Drawing forth a cabana, he threw himself in an easy 
 chair, for the adventuress, reclining on a divan, was 
 daintily toying with a cigarette, complacently eying 
 her own lovely hands and playing with her priceless 
 rings. 
 
 " See here, Milly," Maxan slowly began. " I have 
 something important to say to you." The sound of his 
 voice made the woman start. It was hollow and 
 strangely unfamiliar. She half rose and almost 
 screamed: 
 
 "You are not going away, Ramon?" 
 
 " Don't be silly," he sharply replied. It might be 
 easier if I were to. I have a hard campaign ahead for 
 both of us."
 
 58 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "What is it? Don't trifle with me!" the excited 
 beauty cried. 
 
 "Listen to me, then. You shall know all," the 
 Creole began. " You saw that young fool last night? " 
 
 The woman nodded eagerly. 
 
 " He is smart enough at his railroad trade," said 
 Maxan, with a sneer. " Old Mark Manson has no 
 other heir. This boy is alone in the world. The old 
 Shylock has started him off to Texas to dig up all 
 about his Rio Grande interests, and to build that road, 
 so vital to us, from Corpus Christi to Laredo. Now, 
 old . Manson knows nothing of our ' secret operations.' 
 He gets no dividends on his fourth share from that. 
 Only Steele, Si Leavenworth, and No. 4," he said, with 
 a meaning wink. " I get half the income of Steele's 
 secret interest, but am forced to trust to his honor. 
 You know what that is." He paused. 
 
 " I do well enough," said the recumbent sultana, 
 her bosom heaving. 
 
 "It's a queer thing. We must have old Leaven- 
 worth to run the franchise, the Texan legislature and 
 courts, as well as the customs officers. He owns all 
 the steamboats and wagon trains. We require Steele 
 to 'square' the Treasury Department and hoodwink the 
 President and No. 4. Steele, although he is only a 
 'carpet bagger,' will dictate the new Federal appoint- 
 ments in the Gulf States. General Grant is honest and 
 unsuspecting, but the party will force Steele on him. 
 The old devil really has good humor and self-control. 
 Mark Manson is absolutely necessary to the floating of 
 the railroad bonds and getting us iron and rolling-stock. 
 We will divide the land in four equal shares, but Mark 
 has never met me. I have never even seen him." 
 
 " I am the only man in danger! If there is any 
 break, that little Indian devil of a Colonel Mejia who
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 59 
 
 commands the Mexicans on the Rio Grande, would 
 have me shot in ten minutes. He is as wily* and stern 
 as old Benito Juarez. So is Romero. Now even this 
 Jack Manson may not be the ordinary every-day fool. 
 He has been six years on the Union Pacific and he 
 is up to ' Credit Mobilier ' and all that. Old Manson 
 has many schemes, and has his spies and agents every- 
 where. The only place where he can't break our lines 
 is with A. R. Chisholm & Co. of New Orleans. With 
 their branch houses at Brownsville, Matamoras, the 
 Corpus Christi Bank and Monterey, our 'inside work' 
 is safe and the money will be divided squarely. Chis- 
 holm is a cousin of * * *, and Maxan again whispered 
 the name of 'No. 4.' As long as No. 4 keeps his place, 
 we are safe. Si Leavenworth, Steele, No. 4, Chisholm, 
 and myself must trust each other for life and death; but 
 I have to look to my safety. I must hook on where 
 they won't dare to hurt me. While we control the 
 customs officers on both sides of the Rio Grande, our 
 secret trade is a gold mine. But I must make a decisive 
 move. My hacienda and rancho would go, if they shot 
 me! You would be stranded." 
 
 " What do you mean ? What is it that you must do ? " 
 faltered the frightened woman, as she rose and paced 
 the room in excitement. "What do you fear?" 
 
 " This Jack Manson is a heart brother and college 
 chum of young Leavenworth. They will be here with 
 his sisters till after election." The Creole briefly 
 recounted Jack's unreserved disclosures. 
 
 A growing fear haunted Milly Smiley's passion- 
 tormented heart. She felt her love slipping away frorrj 
 her. 
 
 " Go on," she said, in a strangely muffled voice. 
 The mantel clock ticked noisily away. The silence 
 was unbroken till Maxan, gazing uneasily at the
 
 60 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Empress," whose face had unconsciously hardened 
 said slowly: 
 
 "I must cut in between young Manson and Jimmy 
 Leavenworth. Manson will hang around Rancho San 
 Miguel. Jimmy does not know all, but Jack will pick 
 it up bit by bit, and old Manson will come down on us 
 for back dividends, and he may pull out of the railroad 
 and break us all up. No. 4 could not stand it! Dis- 
 closure would ruin him and also Steele. I would lose 
 my life. The only safe ones would be Si Leavenworth 
 and that old New York skinflint." 
 
 " I must capture Jimmy Leavenworth, break that 
 friendship with Manson, and play for safety." 
 
 " How ?" demanded Milly, with a wildly oeating 
 heart. 
 
 " You must help me, Milly," said Ramon, with his 
 eyes averted. He dared not face the " Empress " in 
 her coming wrath. "You must make your strongest 
 running 011 this boy to-night. Make him your slave. 
 Drive all thoughts of every other woman out of his 
 head." 
 
 Milly Smiley stood like a tiger at bay! 
 
 "And you, your part?" she hissed. 
 
 44 1 must marry the Leavenworth girl the one this 
 boy is wild over her name is Katie." 
 
 Springing to the table, where the rich half-tasted 
 feast was spread, Milly Smiley grasped a wicked- 
 looking knife. 
 
 " If you do, I'll drive this tnrough your heart! By 
 the God who made me, I'll kill you, and kill myself 
 next!" 
 
 Ramon Maxan bowed his head before the whirlwind 
 of a wicked woman's wildest rage. 
 
 " Then I have to leave all, and sneak off to Europe 
 like a whipped cur," said Maxan bitterly. Gently
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 6l 
 
 grasping her hands, he drew her <lown beside him. 
 The maddened beauty burst into tears. 
 
 " I can not give you up, Ramon. You do not know 
 what you ask me. You are my whole life." 
 
 Five minutes of pleading and suing brought a lull in 
 the tempest. Ramon tenderly held a brimming glass 
 of the richest Burgundy to the pale lips of the 
 " Empress." 
 
 " Listen to me," he said softly. " Manson is an open- 
 hearted fellow. I divined his love for the younger girl, 
 Katie, from his tell-tale face. The only way I can 
 oust him from his friendship with Jim is to gain this 
 girl's heart. You can handle Manson. No man can 
 resist you, at your best," the Creole said artfully. She 
 smiled faintly with trembling lips! "If I marry this 
 girl I get a third of Rancho San Miguel. Si Leaven- 
 worth must protect me, and he has Steele in his 
 power. I will have a haven at once, and then I can 
 defy Mejia. Old Manson will have abundant money 
 and it will tie the whole system together." 
 
 " I swear to you," he cried, dropping on his knees, 
 " Milly, I swear to you that I will leave this half- 
 grown school girl down there in her mesquite groves! 
 I will take you to Europe. You shall have a queen's 
 luxury, and her money, her protection, will guard your 
 real interests. You can come down to New Orleans 
 any time you wish. I can run over at will, for I have 
 all the ' outside secret business' to handle. You know, 
 my beauty, that I could not marry you safely. No one 
 has ever seen Smiley, whose name you bear. " 
 
 The imperial fair one winced, though her face was 
 buried in her hands. 
 
 " It is the only way out, my darling," the pleading 
 tempter whispered. " It opens life and love, the future 
 to both of us. Old Steele will not be your jailer then,
 
 62 FOR LIFE AND LOVE, 
 
 and I will fight for your freedom. I will give you my 
 whole life! I wish you to stay here and fight this game 
 through with me." 
 
 He continued : " When we have the land grants 
 safe, and the government business controlled, I will 
 have a clean half million as my share, and I swear 
 that I will settle half of it on you! I will have the 
 secret dividends also. If you will work with me, I 
 can control Si Leavenworth, Steele, and, through him, 
 No. 4. We three can outvote Mark Manson, and 
 keep the ambitious youngster from controlling the new 
 railroad. If you will not be reasonable, I shall have 
 my revenge at least. I will put this young fool out of 
 the way on the Rio Grande. He never shall marry that 
 girl. D n the girl! She's only a chit of a boarding- 
 school miss, but she is the key to the situation. I have a 
 fellow (one of my own), Joaquin Ximenes, at Rancho 
 San Miguel. He is a cool desperado and a spy. If this 
 youth goes down there, he will ' fix him,' or lead him 
 into ambush. I don't want to kill him myself (unless 
 we quarrel), for old Manson would kick, but Joaquin 
 will attend to his little case," said the Creole grimly. 
 " We had a treasury agent poking his nose in down 
 there last year. He started from Brownsville to Corpus 
 Christi with his report. He was killed by ' maraud- 
 ers' ! " sneered Maxan. " All the same, Ximenes 
 handed me the report and all his papers. He piously 
 kept the other valuables for himself." 
 
 "Now, Milly, 'will you be reasonable?" Maxan's 
 voice trembled from excitement. The "Empress" 
 threw herself sobbing in his arms. 
 
 "And you will never desert me?" she said, gazing at 
 him with flaming eyes. 
 
 "Never by the God above us!" protested the Creole. 
 
 Milly Smiley pressed burning kisses on his lips.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 63 
 
 " Then watch me at dinner," she said, with an omi- 
 nous pride in her accents. " Leave me now, Ramon ! I 
 must look my very best to-night," and she smiled 
 through her tears. 
 
 " One word more," said the Creole, drawing her to 
 his bosom, for the victory was his; "Senator Steele 
 will bring this whole party to you. I wish you to use 
 carte blanche in entertaining the ladies. Be careful of 
 Mrs. Marshall and her daughter. They are quiet, 
 haughty Virginians. Do not be too familiar and eager 
 with them. They are as proud as they are poor. But 
 as to the Texan girls, lavish all your arts on them. 
 Draw them away from Mrs. Marshall, she is very 
 quiet. The girls love pleasure naturally. Wind your 
 webs around Katie Leavenworth's heart and get her 
 whole confidence. Your friendship will flatter her. 
 I will come here and meet her and I will have Steele 
 keep young Manson off on business pretexts. Before 
 she goes to Texas she must be my promised wife." In 
 ten minutes, Maxan, with a light heart, turned his horses 
 toward the Soldiers' Home, and Milly Smiley decked 
 herself and arranged the feast of the evening to ensnare 
 a new lover in order to keep an old one. For the simple 
 girl to be deluded she had neither pity nor sympathy ! 
 " Ramon's will must be my law," she thought, as her 
 dark lover's face came back to her. 
 
 " I could not marry him, it is true, but he shall be 
 mine till death /" 
 
 While Jack Manson rested at his hotel and Milly 
 Smiley deftly arranged her plan of campaign for the 
 evening, Senator Ezra Steele complacently listened to 
 Ramon Maxan's partial confidences. 
 
 "I think, Senator, I will be able to get pretty close 
 to this young man's inner thoughts. I wish to bring 
 all our guns to bear socially upon this party. They are
 
 64 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 all coming here soon. Jimmy Leavenworth has a 
 penchant for the Virginia girl. Mrs. Marshall will 
 probably come here to the Arlington and matronize the 
 three ' rosebuds.' Nothing more likely than that the 
 two chums will stay at the Ebbitt. Now you can do 
 much, in your high position, to occupy and distract Mrs. 
 Marshall. The 'Empress' will make special running 
 on these Texas girls, and your efforts will draw off Mrs. 
 Marshall's watchful eyes. Milly will twist this frontier 
 engineer around her fingers in a week. I flatter myself 
 I will captivate Mr. Jim Leavenworth and cut Manson 
 off from the girls and the young man. Miss Gertie Mar- 
 shall will be the only person the Texan will watch 
 closely. 
 
 " By the way, we must be a half-hour late at dinner 
 to-night. Milly will be in her best war paint and I 
 think she will make young Manson's head whirl in that 
 tete-a-tete. I will come over for you," said Maxan, 
 in adieu. 
 
 Mr. Jack Manson, after a careful toilet, bethought 
 himself of the little duties of that society so long denied 
 him. An exquisite basket of the choicest flowers pre- 
 ceded him to the residence of the graceful hostess. 
 
 " I must confer with Uncle Mark," thought Jack, as 
 he sauntered in the cool of the evening to the residence 
 of the Louisiana beauty. " Senator Steele and Ramon 
 Maxan are very different natures ; yet both are evidently 
 in confidential intimacy with Mrs. Smiley. Can it be 
 mere social friendship which knits them together? I 
 will confide in Uncle Mark. He seems to know every- 
 thing by intuition! " 
 
 When ushered into the drawing-room, Manson found 
 himself alone. His eyes roved over the beautiful sur- 
 roundings and, half abstracted, he started up in surprise 
 as the hostess glided quietly into the room.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 65 
 
 The young man's face expressed the astonishment 
 and delight he could not conceal. For Mildred Smiley 
 was wondrous fair, her imperial beauty heightened by 
 the exquisite robe and the flashing diamond stars 
 gleaming in her hair. On her shapely neck a neck- 
 lace of gems (a prince's ransom) glittered, and Jack 
 noticed the loveliest blossom of his offering, nestling on 
 her sculptured bosom. 
 
 "Thanks for the beautiful flowers, Mr. Manson. 
 They are really superb," the chatelaine said gracefully, as 
 she motioned her visitor to a seat. She glanced furtively 
 at the rose in her bosom. In the gloaming, the soft 
 half-light, with the wonderful eyes beaming upon him, 
 Jack fell under the spell of the enchantress whose art 
 was the highest and most delicate. Unused to the per- 
 siflage of society, ardent and sincere, Manson yielded to 
 the gentle guidance of the woman by his side. 
 
 Milly Smiley's witcheries melted the reserve of Jack 
 Manson's nature like wax under the summer sun. The 
 "Empress" swept the harp strings of men's souls like 
 the forest breeze waking the Eolian chords. 
 
 "So," the lady remarked, "your friend, Mr. Leaven- 
 worth will be here to-moirow! Pray, bring him to see 
 me. Is he like yourself in nature?" Milly 's implied 
 compliment touched Jack. " Ramon must know of this 
 arrival at once," the temptress thought. 
 
 Jack Manson, under the spell of siren eyes, half 
 regretted the coming of the expected guests. As the 
 hostess rose, she whispered to the man around whose 
 heart she was weaving her subtle we.b : " You must 
 come and see me often. Come alone! I am always at 
 home mornings after ten. You must let m show you 
 the beautiful environs. For I pride myself on my 
 horses!" 
 
 Manson bent over the slender hand, daintily offered, 
 and kissed it chivalrously.
 
 66 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " We are friends, are we not?" Milly Smiley archly 
 said, as the imposing form of Senator Steele appeared 
 at the door, followed by the dark, graceful beauty of 
 the Creole. 
 
 The dinner was a masterpiece of the refined luxury 
 of pleasure-loving Washington. Senator Steele took 
 on a temporary dignity and air of the "haut-ton" in def- 
 erence to the aesthetic background and his desire to 
 shine before his Egeria. Maxan's cosmopolitan accom- 
 plishments made him easily the star of the little circle. 
 He gracefully drew out of Manson the fact of Leaven- 
 worth's arrival. 
 
 Senator Steele was apt at his cue. "It will afford me 
 great pleasure to offer the usual courtesies to Mrs. 
 Marshall and the young ladies. Her husband was an 
 eminent man; I knew him well as Judge Marshall, 
 and I am glad I was spared meeting him as Colonel 
 Marshall of the C. S. A." 
 
 Steele heaved a sigh. He had been a judicious war- 
 rior of the great Army of the Union, in some apocryphal 
 staff appointment which kept him with whole bones, 
 full pay, and an unsoiled uniform. 
 
 The "Empress" gently added her prospective wel- 
 come to the expected visitors. When the superb feast 
 was ended, Maxan adroitly separated himself from the 
 senator and Manson. His foreign courtesy prompted 
 him to seek a corner of the drawing-room with the 
 radiant hostess. 
 
 The butler ushered Steele and his young neophyte 
 into the smoking-room "& la Turque". Ezra Steele, 
 reclining in an easy chair, sipped his coffee and enjoyed 
 a regalia wrfile deftly sounding Jack Manson's mind. 
 
 " I expect your uncle soon, in fact in a very few 
 days. We will go over these railroad plans and I 
 shall defer much to your practical views. Cultivate
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 67 
 
 Maxan; he is a man of great influence in Mexican cir- 
 cles and can largely aid our future enterprise. If there 
 is no accident in General Grant's re-election, you will see 
 stirring times below. A great local development, sir.' 
 
 For an hour, the sly old Judas carefully probed every 
 depth of Jack Manson's honest open nature. 
 
 " He is all right," thought the senator. " We can 
 handle the boy easily. Still I must keep on the best 
 terms with him and thus win young Leavenworth's con- 
 fidence. These two friends will hoodwink each other." 
 
 Glancing at his watch, the statesman remarked: " I 
 regret I must now leave you, but you must bring your 
 college comrade to me at once, on his arrival." 
 
 Leading the way to the drawing-room, Senator 
 Steele artfully reminded Ramon Maxan of a joint 
 appointment. 
 
 The laughing lady of the enchanted castle claimed 
 Jack Manson as a knight in attendance, and the mid- 
 night hour was near when her visitor bent over the 
 lady's hand in ceremonious adieu. 
 
 "To-morrow, dear old Jim arrives!" Manson thought, 
 as he paced the now deserted street homeward, and a 
 vision of the bright-eyed Hebe dissipated the glamour 
 of Milly Smiley's royal beauty. " She is, however, 
 a queen, a wonder," the stranger mused. 
 
 Before the easy-going denizens of Washington were 
 attacking the tedious hours of the next day, the two 
 college friends were reunited. 
 
 " I will stay a day with you, Jack, but am under 
 orders to bring you ' by force of arms ' back to Arundel." 
 Manson's cheek reddened slightly. 
 
 " Whose gentle commands are laid on you?" he 
 asked. 
 
 " Oh ! Mrs. Marshall, Gertie, sister Alice, and all," 
 the bright-hearted Texan gaily answered. "Ah! Yes!
 
 68 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Katie said she supposed your visit was for me, but she 
 too hoped to see you." 
 
 In friendly converse the chums made eager plans 
 for the future, and Jack Manson revelled in Leaven- 
 worth's graphic word-pictures of life in the border 
 land. 
 
 The card of Ramon Maxan put an end to these 
 confidences. In an hour the three young men were 
 seated in Senator Steele's snug lair at the Arlington. 
 
 An "entente cordiale " was at once established, as 
 the business associations of his father caused the young 
 frontier magnate to open his heart freely to Senator 
 Steele. 
 
 Before the party separated for a dinner at the Club, 
 Senator Steele's stately offer of courtesies was pleas- 
 antly accepted. The evening hours brought the new- 
 made friends to the hospitable doors of the ' Empress." 
 
 When the trio returned from the presence of the 
 Fair Ladye, there was a quiet smile on Ramon Maxan's 
 thin lips. Off-hand Jimmy Leavenworth had warmly 
 invited him to Arundel House as a future visitor, and 
 Mrs. Milly Smiley's kind proffers of attentions to the 
 ladies pleased the gallant Texan. 
 
 With rare tact, Maxan deferred his Virginian visit for 
 some days. ' I must not go too fast," he thought, " but 
 I will lay odds that the 'Empress' and Steele, with my 
 humble efforts added, can handle this situation." 
 
 " Remember Leavenworth," Maxan cried gaily in 
 adieu, " you will find Hacienda Maxan's latch string 
 always out, and I will look you up at Rancho San 
 Miguel." 
 
 " We will all meet on the Rio Grande. In the 
 mean time let me do the honors here. You can pay 
 me off later in true Texan style! " 
 
 Jack Manson's business weighed lightly on him now.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 69 
 
 A despatch to his uncle announcing his temporary 
 absence and telegraphic address closed all, leaving him 
 free to effect the peaceful invasion of Virginia. 
 Manson counted the hours till the train drew out from 
 Alexandria the next afternoon. Manson's heart beat 
 wildly as, stepping from the cars at Fairfax Court 
 House, he saw once more the bright-eyed Hebe who 
 had haunted his uneasy dreams. The antique travelling 
 carriage, in faded grandeur, and the aged African driver 
 were characteristic of the Old Dominon. Sweet Gertie 
 Marshall's fair cheek took on a brighter shade of rose 
 as Leaven worth sprang to meet her. With stately 
 deliberation, Jack Manson approached Miss Katie, 
 
 The premeditated programme of " discipline " was 
 at once abandoned by the young engineer as the Texan 
 belle demurely remarked : " It was so kind of you to 
 come. I suppose you can finish your business with 
 Brother Jimmy here at leisure." The carriage was soon 
 under way, driven in solemn fashion through the long 
 street of sleepy Fairfax Court House, where the first 
 cavalrv outpost dash of the war occurred. 
 
 Jack Manson bit his lip to avoid bursting into laugh- 
 ter. As the rolling ground was reached, Leavenworth 
 and Gertrude were deep in a murmured conversation. 
 Manson was conscious that the keen-eyed Katie was 
 searching his very soul. His delighted eye rested on 
 the beautiful landscape, its fair extent now smiling in 
 peace and plenty. The evening shades weue creeping 
 into dells and stealing over the wooded hills. 
 
 Nature's fairy touch had hidden the ravages of war. 
 The tired feet once plodding the ancient roads had been 
 resting by thousands, for years, under the " sacred 
 soil." Stealing a glance at sweet Katie, Manson in 
 courteous terms sought news of Mrs. Marshall and sister 
 Alice.
 
 fO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "They are anxiously awaiting your arrival," the fair 
 one with the golden locks answered. 
 
 "And you?" said Jack, with a wild dash into senti- 
 ment. 
 
 "Oh! I came only to meet Brother Jimmy," the 
 wicked maiden demurely said. . 
 
 "Most certainly, I see," replied Manson, sinking into 
 a renewed despair. He glued his eyes to the witching 
 scenes of dying day and deepening shadow, as the 
 horses trotted along toward Arundel House. 
 
 Miss Katie eyed her dejected companion curiously. 
 " You are fond of nature, Mr. Manson ? " There was 
 a roguish ring in her words. 
 
 " I am tired of still life," mutinously replied Jack, 
 watching her pretty little foot tapping nervously. 
 
 " That girl has temper" Manson muttered, down in 
 the depths of his being. He was permitted to indulge 
 his fondness for " still life" until, with a flourish, the 
 carriage, sweeping through noble groves of old oaks, 
 past copse and hedges, on through the stately old-fash- 
 ioned gardens, drew up before the imposing Doric 
 portico of Mrs. Marshall's pre-revolutionary home. 
 
 The graceful hostess, with "St. Cecilia," greeted the 
 young travellers. Manson, with the grave courtesy of 
 a Sir Walter Raleigh, assisted Miss Katie to alight. 
 
 The fairy Hebe flitted to her bower with a pretty nod 
 of her head, followed by a heartfelt sigh from her 
 baffled adorer. 
 
 Manson's eye roved over the quaint old three-storied 
 mansion, whose solid walls gleamed white among its 
 embowered oaks. The grand old hall was rich yet in 
 relics of family grandeur, spared even by the ruthless 
 spoilers of the Civil War. 
 
 It was a merry circle which gathered around the sim- 
 ple home table. Mrs. Marshall's gentle dignity was a foil
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. ^1 
 
 to the ringing laughter of the younger convives. It was 
 the first outburst of natural merriment since Colonel 
 Marshall had been brought home from the field of 
 honor. 
 
 Under the guidance of Gertrude, Jack Manson 
 explored the nooks and corners of the seat of the 
 Marshalls, on whose walls worthies and beauties of 
 past generations still looked down in bravery or sweet- 
 ness. The romance of the old still lingered, clinging 
 to the stately rooms, within which the loyal sons of 
 King George had toasted " Church and State;" where, 
 later, the revolutionary blue and buff had swaggered 
 bravely, and in recent sadder days, the gray-eyed 
 chivalry of Lee, Jackson, Jeb Stuart, and Ashby had 
 pledged the "Stars and Bars" to bright-eyed girls, clad 
 in the "red, white, and red" of the Southern Confeder- 
 acy. The ancient halls seemed filled with whispers of 
 days long dead and gone, and the accentuation of pathos 
 was the simple portrait of a handsome lad in Confeder- 
 ate gray in the place of honor on the drawing-room 
 mantel. 
 
 " My brother," softly said the Greek-browed Gertie, 
 " killed in Pelham's Horse Artillery, at Yellow Tav- 
 ern." 
 
 Raising her eyes, the Southern maid, with fond rev- 
 erence, whispered "My father! We lost him at Mal- 
 vern Hill." 
 
 The crossed swords of sire and son hung between the 
 pictured faces of the victims of the delirium of " 61." 
 
 Joining the group on the portico, Jack Manson, in the 
 witching moonlight, drew near to the sweet stranger 
 who had stolen into his heart of hearts. 
 
 Leavenworth had gaily recited the glories of Mrs. 
 Mildred Smiley's home, the hospitable proffers of the 
 statesman, and the offered escort of the romantic Creole.
 
 72 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " By all means! " said Mrs. Marshall. " I should be 
 happy to receive your friend, Mr. Maxan." 
 
 A general council of war decided upon a visit to the 
 Capital City. " Mr. Manson," said the widowed 
 hostess, " I shall leave it to James and Gertrude to 
 pilot you around the country. We have still good 
 horses there are charming rides. Pray consider this 
 your home." 
 
 As the gentle lady withdrew, Jack Manson ventured 
 an approach to the " maid who needed discipline." "Do 
 you ride, Miss Katie?" he asked with interest. 
 
 The merry laughter of the Texan Rose rang out as 
 musical as the carol of a bird. 
 
 "A Texan girl asked if she rides!" Katie regained 
 her composure with difficulty. "I will pardon you, 
 sir," the beauty said, rising with mock dignity, "on 
 condition that you report as escort to-morrow at nine! 
 You can then indulge freely your fondness for land- 
 scape effects. You will see nothing but prairies in Texas. 
 Prairies, sir!" cried the merry girl as she vanished. 
 
 The abstracted Leavenworth roused himself from his 
 tete-a-tete with Gertrude to plan the future use of the 
 sunny hours before them. 
 
 Happy days, merriest hours glided gaily by. Four 
 days later Jack Manson and Katie Leavenworth, return- 
 ing from a sunny morning gallop, saw Ramon Maxan 
 standing on the portico of Arundel House. His dark 
 impassioned eyes gleamed as Jack Manson presented 
 the handsome Creole to his lovely Amazon. The golden 
 morning sunlight flooded the eastern front of Arundel 
 and the coming guest's shadow fell dark across the 
 threshold of the old Virginian home. " Was it a;i 
 omen?" Manson started in surprise. 
 
 " I have business as well as pleasure in view ! " said 
 Maxan, with ready aplomb. "Senator Steele desires
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 73 
 
 greatly to see Mr. Leavenworth on an important matter, 
 and I availed myself of the invitation transmitted 
 through Mr. Leavenworth to pay my respects." When 
 the daughter of the house and the frontier prince 
 returned from a morning drive, Mr. Ramon Maxan 
 made his de"but in Virginian circles. With restrained 
 and artful courtesy he indicated his return to Washing- 
 ton, in the evening. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall's quiet welcome was characteristic of 
 Southern hospitality. 
 
 The family visit to Washington was definitely settled 
 for the next day. 
 
 " Those mail contracts need my attention," said 
 Leavenworth to Jack Manson, " so we will go up now." 
 
 While the three men drove to the station the woman 
 congress of Arundel busied itself with the ro- 
 mantic Creole. Katie alone was silent; her thoughts 
 were busied with" inventing new schemes to torment 
 " her loyal knight, Jack." 
 
 " His manners are charming," was the favorable 
 comment of the conservative hostess on Maxan, "and 
 yet I have always feared the close acquaintance of 
 people of mixed blood." The lady of Arundel, with a 
 mother's intuition, had noted Maxan's eager glances 
 drinking in the unconscious Katie's beauty. 
 
 While Leavenworth and Manson drove home, Ramon 
 Maxan, thoughtfully reviewing the day, murmured, as 
 he dreamed over his cigar, his easy nature lulled with 
 the click of the flying wheels: 
 
 "Caramba! she is a young goddess, this Senorita 
 Katie. She must be mine. She shall rule at Hacienda 
 Maxan. And yet, Panchita is down there!" His eye 
 grew steely in its restless glitter. " Madre de Dios! I 
 must get rid of her." He gazed at a picture in his pocket- 
 book. "I can bully and hoodwink the 'Empress.'
 
 74 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 But Panchita!" He fell into day-dreams and plot- 
 weaving until the lights of Washington twinkled 
 before him. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FOXES IN COUNCIL SNARES FOR THE UNWARY 
 CRCESUS AND THE SENATOR. 
 
 " MADAM, allow me to welcome you to Washington, 
 I am delighted to meet you!" said Senator Ezra Steele, 
 in his grandest " parade manner," as he ran the gaunt- 
 let of introduction to Mrs. Marshall's coterie at the 
 Arlington. 
 
 For the three bright-eyed beauties were a sweet guard 
 of honor to the gentle Virginian matron, and were assem- 
 bled at this pleasant formality; the young men also 
 appeared in evidence. 
 
 The city of Washington was rapidly filling up with 
 excited politicians. Election excitements stirred the 
 capital with wildest rumors, and the preliminary throes 
 of the great struggle of 1872 were being felt. The 
 hotel corridors were thronged day and night. 
 
 " I hope you will permit me to show you the later 
 lions of Washington," the senator genially remarked. 
 " I shall have to deprive you of Mr. Leavenworth's 
 escort for a while, as his father's department business 
 may continue for many days. We are associates in 
 many affairs. I shall leave it to Mr. Manson and my 
 young friend, Senor Ramon Maxan, to aid and guide 
 you. Though the season is not open, there is still much 
 to interest." 
 
 Mrs. Marshall accepted the senator's courtesies and 
 Ramon Maxan's eyes gleamed with a newer fire, as 
 he gazed on the radiant young beauties by her side.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 75 
 
 Jack, in the three days since Maxan's visit to Arun- 
 del House, had been awaiting the coming of Mark 
 Manson, whose telegraphic announcement of arrival 
 was just received. So, happily, the new friends jour- 
 neyed on to Washington. 
 
 The hotel register at Willard's bore the name of A. R. 
 Chisholm,New Orleans. In a lull of the ceremonial 
 conversation, Senator Steele found time to confer a few 
 moments with Manson. 
 
 "We will probably have a meeting of the Rio 
 Grande Company to-morrow afternoon. I hold one 
 proxy. Your uncle telegraphs me his arrival to-night, 
 and your friend Leavenworth received his father's 
 power of attorney from me this morning. So, my 
 young friend, you must be concent to let Maxan escort 
 the ladies for a day or so. We will take up the rail- 
 road matter, for time presses." 
 
 Manson was willing and anxious to learn the full 
 details of his trust. While Jack conferred with the 
 Texan, Senator Ezra Steele requested permission to 
 bring Mrs. Mildred Smiley on the morrow to meet the 
 visiting circle from Arundel House. This delicate bit 
 of feminine diplomacy arranged, the statesman took his 
 leave, followed by the brilliant Creole. This last 
 gentleman was a past master of the art of " squiring 
 darnes." His floral offerings already ornamented the 
 spacious apartments of the ladies. 
 
 " My services are yours to command, madam," he 
 said in parting. " I hope my horses may please even 
 a Virginia lady." 
 
 As the senator's footfalls died away in the corridor, 
 the widowed patrician woman gazed wistfully from her 
 windows on the far distant dome of the Capitol. 
 
 " I - am sadly changed, or the times are greatly
 
 76 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 altered." Mrs. Marshall recalled the embryo Wash- 
 ington of her girlhood and her early married days. 
 
 Senators, august, revered, and brilliant, returned to her 
 mind from a dead and forgotten past. Knightly Clay, 
 grand Webster, the mighty Calhoun, courtly Preston, 
 great Benton, and a host of national leaders. Foote, G win, 
 Crittenden, Breckinridge, and all the vanished heroes 
 of the forum passed in shadowy review. The still 
 sorrowing woman turned away with a sigh of sad- 
 ness. 
 
 " He seems pleasant, this man, yet yet " She 
 
 thought bitterly of the fate of the eleven wayward sister 
 States under the reconstruction government. The vulgar 
 thronged in these halls of state; adventurers posed as 
 governors, senators, and representatives, aliens to the 
 States they ruled, and pigmies by the side of the august 
 shades she invoked. Winifred Marshall knew, at last, 
 the helplessness of the South under the armed heel of 
 the stranger. The avalanche of the " Reconstruction 
 debts " of nine Southern States already aggregated two 
 hundred and ninety-two millions of dollars! 
 
 There were more grinding losses than the dead on the 
 field, greater sorrows than defeat, and a cup far more 
 bitter than the humiliation of Appomattox still fated to 
 be the lot of the Southron. For it was before the blush 
 of the bright dawn of the new era in which the regen- 
 erated South was destined to proudly move onward 
 and upward, and even with fidelity to old State tradi- 
 tions, with reverent affection for the " loved and lost," 
 to nobly keep time in happier days to the march of 
 the Union, consecrated anew with the chrism of warrior 
 blood. 
 
 " Alas ! The re-election of the Soldier-President 
 binds us down for four years more," she murmured. 
 Turning her eyes fondly on the group around her she
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 77 
 
 thought: "I must try to make them all happy. They 
 are in the morning sun of life. I walk even now in 
 sunset shadows." 
 
 The two young men briefly arranged for the 
 duties before them, and the social exploration of Wash- 
 ington was commenced for the three graces, whose 
 eager hearts were happy in venturing out on society's 
 wave-tossed bosom. 
 
 In the same giant hostelry, Ezra Steele held a council 
 of war with Maxan before seeking the " Empress " on 
 his social errand. 
 
 "Now, Ramon," Steele sharply said, "our inside 
 circle is all here. We will have the open meeting first, 
 discuss the railroad scheme, and close up the annual 
 business to September ist." 
 
 " Old Mark will put his nephew into the directory, 
 I suppose. Young Jim will have his father's power of 
 attorney, and I will act for partner No. 4." "So 
 we will get old Manson quietly out of the way and back 
 to New York. I fear that cool old skinflint. He can 
 look through a grindstone. Then, when he is disposed 
 of, we will have our secret meeting and divide the pro- 
 ceeds of the season's work. The others are all near here. 
 I sent cipher telegrams to them to go to Barnum's Hotel, 
 Baltimore, till I telegraph for them." 
 
 "Who is up here now?" said Maxan, all alive. 
 
 " Well," said Steele, as he took a toss of cognac, 
 " Don Patricio from Monterey, Beriah Mott from 
 Corpus Christi, Chisholm (who is already in town), 
 and that Danish lawyer of Leavenworth's, Colonel 
 Nordenskiold. The collector's brother from the Rio 
 Grande represents him as well as John Park and Jerry 
 Mulvain of Brownsville and Matamoras. So, you see, 
 we have a full house!" The old schemer laughed 
 softly.
 
 ^ FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " We will push ahead openly on the railroad and 
 transportation matters. That will do until this election 
 is safe. It looks even a little doubtful now, but when 
 the General is re-elected, I shall know in a day or so if 
 No. 4 keeps his place in the government." 
 
 " Then we will get rid of this young engineer by 
 sending him out on the surveys. I will make old 
 "Leaven worth watch him and we will put two or three 
 men in his party who will keep him hoodwinked and 
 off our working lines, in the secret matters. When he 
 goes out on the exploration and survey work, you had 
 better have your fellow Ximenes stick pretty close to 
 him, and have a couple of trusty riders to carry you the 
 news and take your orders. You must hound this 
 interloper down, but not too openly. I will get him 
 away from here the minute that the election is safe. 
 You must follow him up secretly." 
 
 "All right," snarled Maxan, "if he worries us he will 
 lie some day under a mesquite bush with his throat 
 cut. He shall not cross my path and live." The 
 Creole's, brows wrinkled in the grim horseshoe of the 
 assassin. 
 
 " Easy, Ramon," earnestly answered Steele. " Not 
 a blow till I direct!" 
 
 "Very good. I have got it in for him though," 
 the half-breed replied with a malignant scowl. 
 
 "Now I am off to Milly. She must 1 give these 
 people a formal dinner, and as soon as Mark goes away, 
 a reception. The town is half empty, but they will 
 not know the difference." 
 
 " Both of you must cleave to young Leavenworth. 
 Cut him off from Manson! Let Milly occupy the 
 Virginia dowager's leisure hours, and also make 
 Manson her admirer." 
 
 "You are right! That's the game!" said the Creole,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 79 
 
 " I'm off now for a drive." 
 
 "Jack," said Leavenworth, as the friends walked over 
 to the Ebbitt, "I have very important affairs to rep- 
 resent my father in here. I do not care to be thrown 
 always against Senator Steele. He is a little too smooth 
 for me. Now if I take a room here at the Ebbitt near 
 you, I can spend my days with the ladies, and we can 
 confer in quiet nightly. I can keep the senator at 
 arms-length, as our family party has already a tete-a- 
 tetc table. He dare not intrude there." 
 
 " Moreover, Maxan is a shadow of the senator's, 
 I know that my father has confidential business with 
 Steele, but I will not have it leak into the knowledge of 
 this Ramon Maxan. It is two to one always, if I confer 
 with them in Steele's rooms. I may need your advice, 
 and your uncle's through you. Ramon Maxan seems 
 to be high up in Mexican councils, and my father's 
 business is naturally antagonistic to the border Mexican 
 interests. The half-breed is a pleasant fellow socially, 
 but I think that he would be a dangerous confidant. 
 
 " Now, your Uncle Mark will be here at six. I will 
 take the ladies to the theatre to-night, for you will wish 
 to confer until he is done. 
 
 " Remember, if we hold your uncle's and my 
 father's interests together, we can always checkmate 
 Steele and No. 4." 
 
 The Texan selected his room and speedily sought 
 the Arlington, only three squares distant. 
 
 Jack Manson felt a strange sense of relief as he wel- 
 comed Mark at the station when the New York train 
 swept in. 
 
 After a deliberate dinner, the old capitalist settled 
 himself in his rooms, and, drawing out a little note- 
 book, gazed at Jack over his cigar. 
 
 "Now, sir, your report; tell me all,"
 
 80 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 The engineer detailed his varied experiences social 
 and business, up to the very hour. 
 
 Not a word escaped Mark, who jotted down a brief 
 note now and then. 
 
 "Very good! "the man of millions remarked, as Jack 
 concluded. He asked a few pertinent questions as to 
 the brilliant Creole. His brow was clouded with 
 thought when Manson finished his answers. 
 
 " I can not see the reason of this close connection 
 with Steele. Some of his many schemes, I suppose." 
 Mark cross-examined the young man as to the fasci- 
 nating Mrs. Mildred Smiley. 
 
 " Now what can such a woman be doing here?" 
 the old man mused, and dashed off an entry or two. 
 Jack's evident enthusiasm for the fair " Empress" did 
 not escape the veteran's notice. " You are not falling in 
 love with this fascinating stranger?" Mark Manson 
 queried abruptly, as frowns wrinkled his brow. 
 
 " Xo, sir!" rejoined the younger man emphatically. 
 But his cheeks were redder than usual ! His heart secret 
 was safe, however, for as a knock sounded at the door 
 Mark Manson snapped his note-book clasp and called 
 " Come in!" 
 
 The brief entries in his memorandums were: 
 
 " See Marshal Ritchie and get private report on 
 Maxan and Mrs. Mildred Smiley." 
 
 " Watch Steele and Maxan." 
 
 "Ah! Senator," cried Mark heartily, as Ezra Steele 
 followed his card. " Glad to see you." The statesman 
 was soon at his ease. Jack Manson's keen eye noted 
 the absence of Steele's " official manner." The " carpet- 
 bag " senator was serious, deferential, and even manly 
 in his intercourse with the man of millions. 
 
 " I will take a look through the offices," said Jack, 
 leaving the seniors to their conference,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 8 1 
 
 " Come back in a half-hour," the New Yorker said, 
 nodding. Manson waited till he observed the senator's 
 departure and rejoined his uncle. 
 
 " Well, boy," Mark said, as his nephew entered the 
 room, " we will have our railroad meeting to-morrow 
 at four. I must go over and see your friends before 
 then; I have some local business. Tell young Leaven- 
 worth I wish an hour with him alone. Bring him in 
 to-morrow; we'll breakfast here. By the way, Senator 
 Steele asks us all to dine to-morrow on behalf of Mrs. 
 Smiley. I will stay over as I wish to meet that lady, and 
 also this influential young half-foreigner, Maxan. I am 
 satisfied with you ; you have been prudent. . Keep your 
 eyes open. Distrust every one here ! " 
 
 " Why so? " honest Jack queried. " I have seen no 
 underhand work here." 
 
 "Precisely!" calmly rejoined old Mark. "That 
 proves how well ' Secret Washington' guards its picket 
 lines. The political head of the government is only an 
 automaton, pushed forward by the ruling party, and 
 pulled by factions to right and left. ' Secret Washing- 
 ton ' begins with a slight political grip of the Supreme 
 Court, and a distinct hold on some of the Cabinet. 
 The official household of the President has several 
 members of this silent cabal. Heads of departments 
 and chiefs of disbursing bureaus are under a continual 
 fire of intrigue, and I am told that in the Senate and 
 House are purchasable men on important committees, 
 often leaders of the opposing forces, who can make or 
 block any game. They take a graduated toll of all 
 beneficial private movements, and it has been my experi- 
 ence of forty years that change of party does not affect 
 the inside workings of ' Secret Washington.' 
 
 "The twenty thousand mere hangers-on amount to 
 Secret Washington' these men of
 
 82 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 power keep eacn other's guilty counsels. All is exter- 
 nally decorous. If you have no special business to 
 further here, you are only welcomed to a walk through 
 the receptions and a glass of ' alleged ' punch. You may 
 dance and drive and flirt and yet see nothing ! But in 
 private houses, in select clubs, in exclusive hotels, the 
 varied members of that great octopus, ' Secret Washing- 
 ton,' reach out and grasp all prey worth seizing. Wine, 
 cards, suppers, pretty and approachable women, discreet 
 ex-officials, and suave corporation lawyers; all these 
 means are quietly used to hoodwink the man who must 
 be led to understand 'addition, division, and silence.' 
 These people of power know that their risk is great. 
 They always take their pay in advance with greedy 
 hand. Look at 'Credit Mobilier!' Its-scandals pulled 
 down several men of national reputation. The out- 
 siders scarcely suffered. All in all, the cheapest way 
 is to buy the right men, buy them at once, and keep 
 them bought when you have paid the price. All these 
 'carpet-bag' senators and representatives will be swept 
 away when the adroit Southerners regain full power. 
 Therefore they fill their pockets now 'to make their 
 calling and election sure. ' One word, Jack. Be on 
 your guard socially. Have no compromising corre- 
 spondence. Say what you wish, to man or woman, 
 alone, here, but no letter-writing. Now, good-night! 
 Report on tkne." 
 
 The old man mused as Jack wandered to his room 
 somewhat astonished. 
 
 " I'll get out early and see Police Marshal Ritchie 
 to-morrow, " mused Mark, as he sought his couch. " He 
 will dig up these two life histories for money. Yes, 
 money money will do anything in Washington, if if 
 judiciously used." The old man's comments died away 
 as he dropped into a heavy sleep.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 83 
 
 " Well, Mr. Leavenworth, what news have you from 
 your father ? " queried the financier, as he eyed the young 
 man at breakfast in his rooms next day. Mark Manson 
 had skimmed the financial and political columns of the 
 latest journals, and, up betimes, had disposed of a dozen 
 letters arriving in the night mail. 
 
 "All is going well on the Rio Grande, sir," answered 
 the Texan. " There's a great deal of excitement about 
 this presidential election on the Mexican side. The 
 borderers fear an annexation of the three States of 
 Zona Libre." 
 
 " Nonsense," cried Mark. " Grant is a man of peace ; 
 but the real advance will be the projected railroads. In 
 ten years there will be a railroad to Guaymas and 
 Mazatlan on the west; one from Denver and El Paso 
 to the City of Mexico; another from Eagle Pass to the 
 table-lands, and a vitally important road from San 
 Antonio to Laredo, tapping the Zona. Libre. Now, we 
 must push our cross-road from Corpus Christi to Laredo 
 and make the first connection. We can control the Gulf 
 trade with Eastern Mexico. How about the franchise 
 for our company? " Mark's voice was eager. 
 
 " I had letters yesterday from my father, under seal, 
 and here is one for you." Leavenworth produced it. 
 " I have my father's power of attorney. The franchise 
 is passed and signed by the Governor, but it is in my 
 father's own name, with a few of his subordinates as 
 directors." 
 
 " Why so? " demanded Mark Manson, his eyes flash- 
 ing in angry surprise. 
 
 The young Texan calmly answered : " I think you 
 will find the explanation in your letter. Father wrote 
 me that it was done to avoid sectional feelings and to 
 keep Northern names out until the bill was safely signed. 
 The others can then resign to suit you and father,"
 
 84 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Old Mark growled: " I see, yes, I see." Tearing 
 open his letter, he read it with care. His face bright- 
 ened. 
 
 " You are right, Leaven worth," the capitalist said. 
 " Now, I will release you both till two o'clock. I will 
 pay my respects then at the Arlington. Remember, 
 the meeting of the company wiirbe here at four sharp. 
 I need you both." 
 
 Jack Manson, light-hearted, escaped to select a floral 
 offering for the delightfully provoking Hebe, which 
 should eclipse even Maxan's tribute. Mark Manson 
 read his partner's letter over with great deliberation. 
 
 "Yes! It is a strong hand to play in this game. Si 
 Leavenworth is a genius. Putting his son and Jack 
 with himself and myself in as directors, we can abso- 
 lutely control Senator Steele and No. 4. We will have 
 four of the seven directors. We can hold back the 
 land division for years, and make Steele and the hidden 
 partner handle the government through No. 4. Old 
 Si offers to assign the whole franchise, in trust to our- 
 selves jointly, to secure my money advances. 'Further 
 details to my representatives.' 
 
 " Mr. Jack, you shall go down the moment the elec- 
 tion is decided. Now, for Ritchie." 
 
 Mark whirled away in a coupe, and in fifteen minutes 
 was closeted with the Marshal of Police for the District 
 of Columbia. Ten minutes of earnest conversation 
 concluded the affair. 
 
 " I am already almost in a position to report," said 
 the Chief, with the deepest attention to every word. 
 "But how long do you stay here, Mr. Manson?" he 
 queried. 
 
 " Till to-morrow night, ten train," sententiously said 
 Mark. 
 
 *' You have carte blanche. Give me all the inside
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 85 
 
 facts. I'll meet you at Wormley's at nine to-morrow 
 evening. They will show you to my room at once. 
 I'll post the chief steward. Now, I will put two or 
 three good men on this at once," said Marshal Ritchie. 
 
 " Want any money? " said Mark. 
 
 " Not till I earn it," replied Ritchie, with a quiet 
 smile. 
 
 " That's the talk," briskly said Manson, as he rose to 
 leave. 
 
 " Now, Brother Steele, I think I can watch your 
 running mates while the boy is in Texas," Manson 
 mused. "Yes, I have the whip hand, and must keep 
 it! I can handle this with old Si if no foul play comes 
 between us. 
 
 " To the Arlington," commanded the financier, now 
 well satisfied. As the coupe" reached its destination, 
 Mark Manson's way was stopped by a superb carriage. 
 The financier started as Ezra Steele obsequiously 
 assisted a wonderfully beautiful woman to alight. The 
 elegant dark-blue carriage, the splendid Kentucky 
 chestnuts, the stylish trappings, and faultlessly liveried 
 servants were quickly noted. 
 
 " By Jove, the fair unknown does the thing in style. 
 What is the game now on the table? Never mind, I'll 
 soon get the key to this enigma," growled the financier 
 as he sent in his cards. 
 
 With graceful dignity Mrs. Mildred Smiley met 
 Mark Manson, after his general welcome had subsided. 
 Nothing could be more cordial than her personally 
 expressed invitation to dinner. Half an hour later, 
 Mrs. Smiley's winning manners had achieved a decided 
 conquest. As Mark Manson took his leave, he was 
 followed by Mrs. Marshall and the fair visitor, depart- 
 ing for a round of sight-seeing, with the lovely Katie 
 and Senor Ramon Maxan as general cicerone. There
 
 86 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 was a grateful flash in the Creole's eyes as he thanked 
 Milly Smiley for her successful diplomacy. 
 
 An afternoon gained in which to push his careful 
 approaches to the unguarded citadel of the heiress' heart! 
 Well he knew that the " Empress " would thoroughly 
 occupy the placid Virginian widow. 
 
 Jack Manson chafed in vague unrest, as he awaited 
 the conclusion of Leavenworth's long private confer- 
 ence two hours later, with the New York magnate. 
 
 " I am thoroughly satisfied to go ahead with the 
 road," Mark announced, as his nephew joined them. 
 "Jack, you can run up to Baltimore with me to-night. 
 I can confer with you on the road. I find this young 
 man has a clear head for business," he said approvingly, 
 " and you two should work well together. You must 
 go down there as soon as election is over. By the 
 way, neither of you need go into details with Steele 
 or this Maxan. After our meeting, I will write my 
 views in full direct to Rancho San Miguel. Mr. 
 Leaven worth writes me that his lawyer will be ready 
 at Corpus Christi to give you all the general data and 
 explain the scheme in full. 
 
 " You can jointly study the matter here till Novem- 
 ber ist, and Jack, you had better come over to New 
 York during the last week and select your outfit and 
 instruments. I will have the inside views of the elec- 
 tion by that time. Be here at four ; I must go over and 
 see the President." 
 
 The alert old schemer departed for the White House. 
 Four o'clock found the representatives of the embryo 
 railroad in formal session. 
 
 Senator Ezra Steele, with his confidential secretary, 
 Mark Manson, grave and watchful at the head of the 
 table, Leavenworth, as his father's representative, with 
 papers and accounts ready, and Jack Manson eager to
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 87 
 
 learn of his future business. An hour's careful discus- 
 sion and examination of papers sufficed to place upon 
 the records the powers of the younger men and a res- 
 olution for a formal meeting of organization at Corpus 
 Christi. Mr. John Hanson's appointment as Chief 
 Engineer was duly made, and the accounts of the undi- 
 vided rancho, bands of cattle in joint ownership thereon, 
 and transportation contracts of joint interest were 
 passed upon and audited. 
 
 " Not so bad, Senator," said Mark Manson, as James 
 Leavenworth read the final report of his father, author- 
 izing each interest to draw on A. R. Chisholm & Co. 
 for eighty thousand dollars each, as the yearly revenue 
 of the four shares. 
 
 "Wait till we sweep in the Zona Libre, Mr. Chair- 
 man," hopefully remarked the statesman. 
 
 In closing, Mark Manson announced the fact that the 
 franchise was secured, the bill having been duly passed. 
 " It is the intention of Mr. Leavenworth to assign the 
 franchise and lands jointly to himself and to me, on the 
 completion of the organization, as required by law in 
 Texas." 
 
 "Why so? " demanded Steele, his cheeks flushing in 
 surprise. "Ah! we must have a legal directory of 
 seven," Mark answered firmly " Leavenworth, his 
 son, Mr. John Manson, and myself. You can name 
 three, probably Chisholm, yourself, and anyone you 
 name down there." 
 
 "But it is hardly fair," protested the wary senator. 
 " You have the balance of power, and you tie up the 
 lands we earn." 
 
 " See here, Senator," said Mark, almost sharply, 
 " Leavenworth is land and cattle poor and has much 
 money tied up in his Rio Grande steamboat line. He 
 needs all his capital. You, I presume, are taxed heavily
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 to handle the legislature of your State and effect your 
 re-election, as well as for strict party contributions." 
 He paused. " That's true! " replied Ezra Steele with 
 a groan. "Half this year's dividend goes for that, and 
 my personal expenses here are enormous." He secretly 
 thought of the " Empress," a veritable money devourer. 
 
 "Well! No. 4 (your proxy giver) can not openly 
 raise funds, now, you admit. I am left to procure alone 
 three millions of dollars to build this two hundred 
 miles of railway. I can get the funds in New York, 
 but the control must be in my hands. I insist that each 
 of my enterprises shall stand on its own bottom. Mr. 
 James Leavenworth here has a duplicate of his father's 
 letter to me, agreeing to this. I authorize my nephew 
 to draw on me for all the preliminary expenses up to 
 two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I'll advance 
 this without interest. When my nephew has ridden 
 over the line in reconnoissance, and conferred with 
 partner Leavenworth, on completion of the organiza- 
 tion and assignment of the franchise, I will put up 
 sixteen thousand dollars a mile for the road, and also 
 send rolling-stock down on my own credit. But we 
 must be unanimous. Otherwise, we stop here. I must 
 see my way clear!" 
 
 Senator Steele sighed and yielded with good grace! 
 In ten minutes a resolution spread on the records 
 closed the day's work. " We can begin work on the 
 road by January ist, thanks to your Texan climate," 
 said Mark Manson in conclusion. " There will be three 
 of us here you, No. 4, and I. When Congress adjourns 
 you can run over to Texas, after going South, and I 
 will confirm anything jointly signed by Leavenworth, 
 you, and my nephew." 
 
 " That is fair," said the mollified senator. " Now, 
 gentlemen, to dinner!" The formal meeting broke up.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 89 
 
 Mark Manson, well pleased, awaited his social debut at 
 the exquisite palace of the " Empress," and prepared 
 for his departure. " After I see Ritchie, I am all ready 
 for the trip." 
 
 Senator Steele quietly slipped down to the general 
 telegraph office. 
 
 " The old pawnbroker," he muttered ; " this is his 
 day, ours is to-morrow. There'll be a vacancy soon in 
 that directory, and Maxan shall have it. That will give 
 us the balance of power." He dashed off a despatch to 
 Baltimore, which called together the secret confederates. 
 Its words were simple. 
 
 Be here at eight to-morrow evening. Bring everybody. 
 Carriages for you at the station. M. leaves to-night. 
 
 " That will do," chuckled Steele, " I will have them 
 all out of town and scattered, by daylight, save Chis- 
 holm. Young Leavenworth must not meet his father's 
 lawyer here. I will checkmate you, Mr. Mark Man- 
 son. If this election goes right, I will see that the 
 Federal officials and judges west of the Nueces River 
 are all our own people." 
 
 The evening hour reunited the circle at Mrs. Smiley's 
 table. In a blaze of light, the grand room was em- 
 bowered with choicest flowers, sweet music softly steal- 
 ing in from a hidden orchestra, and there the " Empress" 
 welcomed her guests. The tables sparkled with crystal 
 and plate. To sweet Katie Leavenworth, in the eager 
 enjoyment of a novice, the scene was a fairyland. 
 
 Jack Manson's eyes shone tenderly as he gazed on 
 the unconquered darling of his heart in her ravishing 
 toilet. 
 
 Her loveliness in the rich robes was a revelation. 
 The ardent young engineer marvelled at the superb 
 beauty of the animated Rose of Texas. The brilliant
 
 90 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 hostess, with Mark Manson and Mrs. Marshall on her 
 right and left, assiduously labored to charm the quiet 
 Virginia widow. Mark Manson's keen eyes glanced 
 often around the table. He made a mental note of the 
 graceful adroitness with which Mrs. Smiley parried the 
 few but pertinent queries of Mrs. Marshall as to her 
 family connections in the historic circles of the South. 
 
 " Fights shy, smart woman! " ruminated the capitalist. 
 
 He did not fail to note Ramon Maxan's carefully 
 modulated devotion to Katie Leavenworth. 
 
 Senator Steele was exhibiting his " grand cere- 
 monial " manner to Miss Alice Leavenworth, and Jack 
 Manson, with frank kindness, watched over Gertrude 
 Marshall, save when his roving eyes would stray across 
 and note the flushed cheeks of the woman he was daily 
 learning to love more. Maxan's musically soft utter- 
 ances reached only the beautiful partner whose attention 
 he engrossed. 
 
 "Very neatly done," thought Mark Manson. " The 
 hostess is making smooth the Creole's path. We will 
 see! What's her motive?" and his gray eyes were 
 keenly alert under the bushy brows. " This a sort of 
 queer social triumvirate," the old man concluded. 
 
 " Ritchie may give me the points! " 
 
 The musical chime of the ormolu mantel clock 
 recalled Mark Manson as the hour of eight sounded. 
 In a quarter of an hour the capitalist accompanied the 
 ladies to the drawing-rooms. 
 
 " I regret my early departure, madam," he said, as he 
 thought of his appointment. 
 
 " Pray give me a few moments," replied the hostess, 
 indicating an alcove. 
 
 "Now what's the game!" thought Mark. 
 
 " In my isolated position I have occasional business 
 in New York in financial circles. Might I, at some
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 9! 
 
 time, should I need it, trouble you for your experienced 
 advice?" 
 
 "With pleasure, madam," rejoined Mark, as he 
 quietly ruminated: "I can watch her thus from time 
 to time." Carefully presenting his residence and office 
 cards, Mark summoned Jack to his side. 
 
 " I regret to take one of your guests away, but I 
 have some private business to close with my nephew." 
 
 Jack Manson's hurried adieu to fair Katie and cere- 
 monious leave-taking of the radiant hostess left him 
 free to join his uncle, already in the carriage. The 
 last glimpse of the drawing-rooms showed him Ramon 
 Maxan at Katie's side, bending on her his brilliant eyes 
 in undisguised admiration. 
 
 He joyously thought: "To-morrow I am free and I 
 will keep this ardent stranger from her side." 
 
 The carriage drew up at Wormley's. " I have to see 
 a man a few moments here, Jack," said his uncle. "Wait 
 at my room, and we can have a chat as far as Balti- 
 more." 
 
 " Well, Chief ? " said Mark, as a steward showed him 
 into a private room. Marshal Ritchie was awaiting him. 
 
 "There you are, sir!" answered the one man who 
 held the social and private secrets of Washington in his 
 unofficial note-books. He handed a concisely written 
 document to his visitor. Mark Manson's stern face 
 never changed a line as he eagerly ran down the sen- 
 tences. 
 
 " Very good," he said, depositing the paper in a long 
 pocket-book. He calmly spread out a check and seized 
 a pen. 
 
 "How much?" was his laconic query. The official 
 pencilled three figures on a blotting pad. Manson 
 dashed off a check for five hundred dollars, to his own 
 order, and endorsed it.
 
 9 2 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Cash that at the hotel office, your name will not 
 appear then on the voucher. I may need you again. 
 By the way, keep an eye on those two, up to Novem- 
 ber 1 5th or December ist. I will send you the same 
 amount in cu-rrency on receiving your final report." 
 The Chief bowed his thanks, and before he could speak 
 Mark was half way down the stair. 
 
 Leaning back on the cushions, the oid fox communed 
 with himself as he sped to his hotel: 
 
 "As I thought she is a high-class adventuress, equally 
 intimate with Steele and this Maxan, a strong influence 
 behind her. Her hospitality is inspired. The motive? 
 I have it. Cutting off the Leavenworth influence from 
 me, Steele and No. 4 could control the company and the 
 road." The dinner incidents returned to him. "And 
 Maxan, in Steele's interest, stalks the brother by mak- 
 ing love to the sister. I'll warn Jack and break that 
 up." 
 
 The carriage halted. Ten minutes later, the uncle 
 and nephew were speeding to the railway station. 
 
 "Jack, my boy!" began Mark, as the lights of the 
 capital receded, " There is some underhanded work 
 under way." 
 
 The younger man gazed attentively at his principal, 
 in the seclusion of their state-room. 
 
 " What do you mean, uncle? " he eagerly asked. 
 
 " I think you will need to keep your eyes open 
 and be on your guard here, socially, as well as in my 
 business. There is a mysterious connection between 
 Steele, this dashing Creole, and the handsome hostess. 
 I will not tell you all yet. You shall be posted before 
 you leave. Keep cool. Do not give Steele your con- 
 fidence. Be perfectly courteous with Maxan and see as 
 much of him as you can. He is a nervous, brilliant 
 fellow of tropical impatience. Cool and steady, always
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 93 
 
 be on your guard, and let him do the leading out! He 
 will surely commit himself. 
 
 " All three show a little too much interest in the 
 Leavenworths and Marshalls. The air is full of ripen- 
 ing schemes only waiting the election triumph. Your 
 whole career in Texas rests on your keeping nearer to 
 young Leavenworth and his sisters than this Mexican 
 ranchero. He's a romantic feature, my boy. Cling 
 closely to your comrade. Join in all the general hospi- 
 talities and break up any tete-a-tetes between Maxan 
 and Miss Katie. 
 
 " If anything occurs of great importance, come at 
 once to New York and see me. I will write you 
 through my bankers here, so there can be no spying. 
 Don't antagonize Steele. I need him till after the 
 legal organization of the road. 
 
 " Then I'll keep the whip hand," said Mark grimly. 
 "Now, here's Baltimore, boy. Don't forget." Jack 
 pressed his uncle's hand. 
 
 " I'll not forget," he answered, as he sprang off the 
 train.
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 THE RIO GRANDE COMPANY. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THAT MYSTERIOUS COMPANY A PAPER RAILROAD 
 
 THE SECRET MEETING ILL-GOTTEN GAINS 
 MILDRED SMILEY'S FALSE LOVER. 
 
 " I THINK I will follow Mr. Ramon Maxan's trail 
 pretty closely now," remarked Jack Manson, as he 
 sauntered out of the Ebbitt, in all the glory of a faultless 
 toilet next morning. 
 
 That florid caballero must be up early to outwit me 
 to-day," mused the new railway director as he entered 
 the florist's shop. 
 
 " I want a splendid basket of flowers your best. 
 Something like that," said Jack, approaching a beauti- 
 ful corbeille just finished, glowing in its superb fresh- 
 ness of vivid color and wealth of perfume. 
 
 The direction of the note could not escape him. 
 " Miss Katie Leavenworth. The Arlington." 
 
 " By Jove ! He is wide-awake ! It may yet be 
 more than a ' battle of flowers ' between us." 
 
 Manson's quickness of manner and reckless liberality 
 was not lost on the florist. 
 
 " That's No. 2," joyfully cried the smug German as 
 he pocketed a ten-dollar bill. " I wish the young lady 
 more lovers all basket men!" chuckled the trades- 
 man, as he bent over his roses. " I will send this lad's
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 95 
 
 over first, for the other fellow looks like a handsome 
 gambler." 
 
 Jack's tall form had vanished up the staircase of the 
 Arlington before a single rose was broken, but his 
 basket soon followed him, by a neat transference of notes. 
 
 At the piano in the salon, sweet Katie met her visitor 
 with the flush of life's spring on her bright face. 
 
 A wild thought made Jack's pulses bound. " Shall 
 I speak now? " His throbbing pulses were far quicker 
 than his words. 
 
 Some guardian angel of prudence whispered " Wait!" 
 
 Reflecting upon the virtue of punctuality, his strategy 
 was victorious in gaining the young nymph's consent 
 to share a morning ride. 
 
 " I will be ready when you bring the horses. It is a 
 day of days for a drive," cried the happy girl, as she 
 thanked him for the lovely flowers. 
 
 Half an hour later, as Manson tossed the reins of a 
 nonpareil pair of horses to the waiting negro, Ramon 
 Maxan was standing with the Texan heiress in the 
 drawing-room of the hostelry as Manson entered. 
 
 A dark gleam flashed from the Creole's eyes. " I 
 regret an engagement," said the fair Katie, with a 
 glance at Manson which was a mute appeal for 
 departure. 
 
 The unsuspecting Jack, happy at heart, failed to note 
 the coldness of the greeting his rival accorded him. 
 
 In leaving ceremoniously, Ramon Maxan's quick eye 
 caught a view of the prancing steeds below, as well as 
 noted the duplicate floral offerings displayed on the 
 centre table. 
 
 Behind the plate glass of the reading-room, his 
 fierce black eyes rested on a choice rose nestling on 
 Katie's breast as she merrily waved her hand in adieu 
 to the ladies on the balcony.
 
 96 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Madre de Dios! I swear I will have a drop of that 
 Yankee cur's heart-blood for every speck of color in 
 that rose." He stalked, with gloomy brow, to the 
 hotel cafe, as the thoroughbreds darted away. 
 
 "Ah! I'll break up that family party yet. If I 
 can get that girl in my power, she shall wait on Pan- 
 chita. Curse them all!" He clinched his teeth as he 
 set down his glass. 
 
 " I will dog that fool over the border. If Ximenes 
 can not fix him, Ramon * El Jaguar ' must do it 
 himself." 
 
 Out beyond the now rising stately palaces of the 
 "later set," over the hills and far away in happy 
 unconsciousness, Jack Manson drove, followed by 
 Maxan's curse. 
 
 At his side, Katie Leaven worth, in awakened interest, 
 listened to stories of the Far West where the Sioux 
 crouch behind the sedgy grass of the Platte. 
 
 Her cavalier feared to linger on nearer topics, but his 
 heart was beating high. He artfully disclosed his final 
 orders for Texas. 
 
 "That will be delightful!" merrily cried the fair 
 maid. "You will like Texas! Jimmy can show you 
 horses there! Not tame horses, our prairies are the 
 world's riding school!" she proudly added. "And 
 such brave men! You will like them. They will give 
 you a hearty welcome." 
 
 " And you? " said Jack, his eyes meeting hers with an 
 expression which made the rich blood mantle her cheeks. 
 
 "Oh! certainly," calmly replied the girl, suddenly 
 interested in a glimpse of far-off scenery, " I shall do 
 the honors of San Miguel with pleasure, for Brother 
 Jimmy's sake." 
 
 The mischievous words implied a grave doubt. 
 
 " And for my own sake, too? " persisted Jack,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 97 
 
 " We will see. If you make a good Texan, I may 
 even go as far as that," answered the pretty tease, look- 
 ing frankly at him with wilfully solemn eyes. 
 
 " I hope I will be a pretty fair Texan," said Jack, as 
 he gazed between the horses' heads. 
 
 "They are the bravest, most generous men in the 
 wide world," replied Katie, with an air of great 
 decision. 
 
 The rosy hours chased each other all too quickly for 
 Jack's ardent heart. For he dared to dream that his 
 friendly little monitress would aid him in the dim future, 
 to become " a good Texan." 
 
 As the tired steeds drew up before the hotel, Manson 
 had gained new love of the great border State from the 
 romantic girl. 
 
 " I feel that I am quite a Texan already," said Jack 
 meaningly, as he escorted the damsel to the door. 
 " You must wait a long, long time yet," was the last 
 bit of wisdom falling from Katie's rosy lips. 
 
 While Jack and his new fellow-director sat and 
 smoked after their dinner, a strange coterie had gathered 
 in the retired rooms of Milly Smiley's palace. There 
 was no sign of festivity. Although a richly-furnished 
 sideboard tempted the wine-drinker, and the blue smoke 
 of Havanas clouded the air, there were no servants 
 present. 
 
 Mrs. Mildred Smiley meanwhile ornamented her box 
 at the theatre, and only a circle of stern, resolute men 
 gathered around a long table littered with papers. 
 
 Dissimilar in speech, garb, and manner, the varying 
 dialects and off-hand gestures of the speakers suggested 
 a band of modernized pirates. Beard and hair worn at 
 will, and the quaint garb of the Southwest gave a semi- 
 rustic appearance to the gathering. 
 
 But one common thought animated all these men!
 
 98 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Gold! Easily gained the fruit of sly conspiracy, 
 open adventure, cunning fraud, concealed crime, and 
 coldly plotted violence The King of the World ! Gold ! 
 
 It was the inner cabal of the mysterious Rio Grande 
 Company. 
 
 At their head, the glow of avarice kindling his faded 
 eyes, watchful Ezra Steele presided, mindful of his sen- 
 atorial toga. Papers, schedules, accounts, and vouchers 
 lay before him, the carefully guarded returns of the 
 other conspirators. Ramon Maxan, a hungry look in 
 his dark, eager eyes, sat beside Steele and made private 
 notes in a long memorandum-book. 
 
 Behind the glasses around the board, were ranged 
 five eager, watchful listeners of Steele's cold sentences. 
 For the different leaders of a huge nefarious traffic 
 were now " reporting results " to the man who covered 
 their deeds at the national capital. 
 
 Chisholm, a lean wolfish-faced New Orleans banker, 
 with straggling mustache and shrunken shoulders, 
 was an " unreconstructed " secessionist. Cool and wary 
 enough to guard his own head, he had lingered after Gen- 
 eral Mansfield Lovell left New Orleans helpless under 
 the guns of Farragut's fleet. Chisholm soothed his 
 heart wounds by illicit operations in cotton, dallying 
 also with the foreign consuls and directing covert 
 trade between the rebels of the Gulf States and the 
 thieving U. S. volunteer quartermasters during the 
 occupation. Rich, haughty, and implacable, he was silent 
 and skilful in his arts. An accidental connection by 
 marriage with the secret partner (No. 4) gave him 
 great power in the company. His knowledge of the 
 Spanish Main, his comradeship with smuggler and 
 blockade runner, and his alliances with the land pirates 
 of the Rio Grande made him invaluable. 
 
 While his credit and financial ability were remark-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 99 
 
 able, his well-conducted business house, and his mem- 
 bership of the Crescent Club placed him on a high 
 social pinnacle. 
 
 Thoroughly en rapport with the "carpet-bag" govern- 
 ors, the inner Custom-House ring, and possessing 
 mysterious powers over the mails and telegraph systems, 
 Chisholm's drafts covered many queer transactions, 
 whose inner details were only explained by the trebly 
 protected ciphers and broken correspondence of message 
 and letter. 
 
 A living link between the Knights of the Golden 
 Circle, the Kuklux Klan, the brummagem State Gov- 
 ernment, and the National Capital, he held in his 
 power Senator Ezra Steele and Partner No. 4, for the 
 one filled a national place at his sufferance, and smooth 
 Senator Steele could only obtain his secret dividends 
 through Chisholm's innocent-looking banker's drafts. 
 
 Not an operation, from buying a newspaper, wreck- 
 ing a railroad, "removing a man," or bribing a judge or 
 jury, could be devised in which the sallow, linen-clad 
 banker was not an expert. 
 
 Cautious in speech, sparing in his use of liquors, he 
 was a desperate gamester, a veteran duelist, and as 
 deadly as a rattlesnake blinded with summer heat. He 
 was the depositary of the secret revenues of the inner 
 clique. 
 
 Near the banker sat Don Patricio Foley of Mon- 
 terey, an oily, round-faced, cunning Irishman ; a veteran 
 of Zona Libre adventures, the trusted agent of the 
 defunct Confederacy in smuggling cotton out via Bagdad 
 and Matamoras during the Civil War. 
 
 A jolly hypocrite, a free liver; his splendid eyrie 
 near Monterey was visited by the priests of Mexico, 
 now expelled from their livings. It was the rallying 
 place of revolutionist, bandit, and smuggler.
 
 IOO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 A dinner, "tertulia," or "fandango" always awaited 
 the welcome guests. Horses, guides, guards, and outfit 
 were there available, where a thousand " peons " toiled 
 with his flocks, herds, and tropic fields. 
 
 Don Patricio's children reflected his pride and the 
 faded beauties of their Mexican mother, Dona Anita, 
 whose dowry was the splendid hacienda. 
 
 In close conference with the Mexican-Irishman sat 
 a tall, military-looking man, whose foreign air was not 
 all hidden by the semi-frontier garb he wore. Olaf 
 Nordenskiold was a Dane. His eagle eye and beak-like 
 nose gave him the air of the " rapacidae." For years 
 he had been the leading lawyer in Western Texas. 
 Thanks to a fatal duel at Gibraltar, he left the Danish 
 navy without the king's permission. Gaining shelter at 
 New Orleans, he became an intimate of Chisholm, and 
 attained prominence in New Orleans circles by study- 
 ing law and his marriage with a rich Creole heiress, who 
 was captivated by the university polish of the bold 
 foreigner. A fatal political affray before the war sent 
 the Dane, with fresh blood on his hands, to Western 
 Texas as a noted refugee. Throughout the war of the 
 rebellion, the wandering lawyer, now a widower, used 
 his many-sided skill in directing the Rio Grande block- 
 ade running, smuggling in of supplies from Liverpool, 
 via Bermuda, and cotton exchanges with England. 
 Chisholm furnished capital, old Si Leavenworth pro- 
 tection and transportation, and Don Patricio Foley 
 Mexican aid and financial co-operation. 
 
 It was easy for the Dane, as Si Leavenworth's 
 trusted counselor, to carry on, after Lee's surrender, the 
 money-making work of the old associates. 
 
 It was his fertile brain which evolved the neat trick 
 of dividing a great balance in Fraser, Trenholm & 
 Co.'s hand lying at Liverpool at the "surrender," several
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. IOI 
 
 ship-loads of cotton at Bermuda, and funds and stores 
 in Mexico in Foley's hands between the four associated 
 rebels at the close of the war. 
 
 They became residuary legatees of the Confederate 
 States of America! Nordenskiold's share was deducted 
 as counsel fees. After this great windfall, he sug- 
 gested a continued robbery of the two governments of 
 Mexico and the United States. Far safer it was for 
 Si Leavenworth, Chisholm, and Don Patricio to leave 
 the active guidance of this dangerous traffic to the Dane 
 than to expose their local respectability. Having easily 
 obtained amnesty through Senator Ezra Steele, the 
 Danish go-between was now free to practice his legal 
 arts at the State and National capitals and to cover the 
 deeds of the three, now protected in secret by Chisholm's 
 " loyal " relative partner, No. 4. 
 
 Matchless before the courts in intrigue and influence, 
 the refugee lawyer, in his favorite haunt of "Joe 
 Garcia's saloon," at Corpus Christi, safely handled 
 those relations with bravos, cattle thieves, "regulators," 
 desperados, and other agents of the upper Rio Grande 
 thieves, which would have brought any other man 
 before "Judge Lynch." 
 
 Co-operating with smooth Don Patricio, the Dane's 
 rancho in the interior and bachelor home on the 
 blue Gulf sheltered the rich fugitives of Mexican 
 ajiarchy. 
 
 Strangest of all, even in his cups, in long nightly 
 battles for fortune behind the painted cards, and in wild 
 dissipation, Nordenskiold's professional faith was kept 
 inviolate, and his stern self-repression safely guarded the 
 dark secrets of a thousand swindles and a hundred 
 desperate crimes. 
 
 Purveying to the vices of others, he calmly enjoyed 
 his intellectual superiority and watched his puppets
 
 IO2 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 move on to fortune, ruin, or death, without a sigh or 
 a single regret. 
 
 At the lower end of the table, Beriah Mott, the local 
 money agent of Chisholm at the mouth of the Rio 
 Grande, a bluff, resolute ex-rebel, smoked as he gazed 
 on Bill Rains, a raffish-looking Deputy Collector of 
 Customs, who was the agent of two of the great mer- 
 chants of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoras, Mexico, 
 who conducted the foreign business and correspondence 
 of the mystic company. 
 
 While the syndicate worked noiselessly, John Park 
 and Jerry Mulvain (Bill Rains' partners) visited 
 Havana, New Orleans, Europe, or the City of Mexico, 
 in the open operations of an extensive trade, appar- 
 ently honest. 
 
 " We've nearly all the professions except divinity 
 represented here," said jolly Don Patricio as Senator 
 Steele rapped the assemblage to order, and he set away 
 his empty punch glass with a sigh. 
 
 In order, the secret agents gave in their reports of 
 the private operations of the year. 
 
 Every eye kindled as the record of the different 
 departments cheered the devotees of the modern 
 Golden Calf. 
 
 Don Patricio Foley, with a grin, handed out the 
 invoice returns of a shipment of arms and munitions 
 smuggled into Mexico to aid an aspiring secret revolu- 
 tionary general. Checking off from a list, he tossed to 
 Chisholm a bundle of accepted drafts on American 
 bankers. 
 
 " That's a good job, gentlemen!" he chuckled. " To 
 swindle Uncle Sam out of the transportation to New 
 Laredo from New Orleans, and the Mexican general 
 government out of these funds to pay for them. 
 General Rocha had 'custom-house certificates' issued
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 103 
 
 and his friend Ceballos cashed them in clean silver 
 dollars from the general funds. I'll take a receipt on 
 account for these. Mr. Beriah Mott received the silver 
 through his agent at Laredo." 
 
 " Yes," broke in Mott, " and my Laredo man got 
 free transportation and a guard of soldiers to San 
 Antonio for the silver. He gets a pass on our steamers 
 and his commission you will see in my accounts." 
 
 "Very good," beamed Steele. "Now, Mr. Nor- 
 denskiold, what have you to offer ?" 
 
 " I have the accounts here of all the shipments of the 
 year of cigars, cognac, silks, and velvets, as well as 
 ordered goods coming over by Bagdad and the Zona 
 Libre. Here are Park and Mulvain's returns. Mr. 
 Rains has their final account, and I have deposited our 
 balance with Mr. Chisholm and have his certificates of 
 deposit. 
 
 " All these goods have been hauled to the railroad or 
 their shipping point in army transportation going back 
 empty, for which Si Leavenworth arranged, on the sly, 
 with the government freight agents. 
 
 " Here is a return of the Mexican stock which was 
 run over to my ranch and to San Miguel, and a receipt 
 from Leavenworth of its value. I will give you mine 
 now. It has been a great year for stock and we have 
 had no serious trouble in the courts." 
 
 In the general buzz of congratulation, with twinkling 
 eyes, the chairman addressed Chisholm : 
 
 " Here are my reports of New Orleans operations," 
 quietly remarked Chisholm. " We have handled several 
 shipping ventures, half a dozen 'bonded cargoes' out, all 
 successful. The receipts and insurances are all tallied 
 up," said he, handing Steele a statement. "I have paid 
 the New Orleans custom house the usual commissions. 
 I have here the account of expenses at Havana, Tarn-
 
 104 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 pico, and Key West. Mr. Rains has paid the amounts 
 due our agents on the Gulf, and 'squared' the Special 
 Treasury Agent on his annual visit!" 
 
 In an hour the whole field, from Hamburg, Havre, 
 and Liverpool, to Key West, the Spanish main, and 
 Mexico, and the Gulf and New Orleans operations, was 
 covered. 
 
 Rains and Mott followed Chisholm's rapid and 
 accurate calculations of individual balances. 
 
 The hawk-eyed Dane, with the senator, audited and 
 approved, while Don Patricio nodded affably at the 
 conclusion of the labors. 
 
 While Chisholm prepared a series of drafts and 
 checks, the latter-day bandits sipped their wine, and 
 over their cups enjoyed their smuggled Cabanas. 
 
 " I have dated all these drafts and checks variously, 
 and used my New Orleans forms. We have had 
 time," said the banker, " to figure this all up at Balti- 
 more. If there is any discrepancy, you can give each 
 other currency or your own checks." 
 
 Mott received and receipted for the funds of the 
 absent Park and Mulvain. The silent lawyer care- 
 fully placed the moneys of the King of the Border in 
 his pocket-book, ready to meet Si Leavenworth's drafts, 
 and' Chisholm reserved the secret dividend of the 
 unnamed " No. 4." 
 
 " If we are all satisfied, let us proceed to consider the 
 projected work of next year," remarked the " carpet- 
 bag " senator, as he folded his own drafts carefully and 
 placed them in a pocket-book. His smile changed to a 
 grave frown as he caught the glittering eye of Maxan, 
 fixed upon this manoeuvre. While the others rejoiced 
 in a dividend of one hundred thousand dollars for each 
 principal share in the confederation of secret thieves, 
 vSteele noted Nordenskiold and Chisholm in grave con- 
 ference.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 105 
 
 His own position suddenly was made clear to him. 
 " I have played the fool as regards old Mark Manson. 
 Here are Chisholm and Nordenskiold, each backed by 
 No. 4, and Si Leavenworth. They are safe. I have 
 to divide my private earnings here with Maxan. I 
 would have been stronger if I had let old Manson in 
 at the first ! 
 
 " Sooner or later, all the reconstruction officials will 
 be dropped. I must finally lose place and power. I 
 have only Maxan behind me. He is safe in his Mexi- 
 can hacienda fortress. I must now divide this money 
 with him. With the railroad franchise in the hands 
 of Leavenworth and Mark Manson, I am a mere incum- 
 brance. But if Grant is re-elected I have a new lease 
 of power. I will then be useful." His brow lightened 
 up. 
 
 " I will make Maxan sweep this young Manson from 
 my path. If they should kill each other over the girl, 
 so much the better! If Maxan puts Jack Manson out 
 of the way, I will help on his marriage with the heiress, 
 and Maxan can handle Texas, while I cling close to old 
 Mark here. Yes! I will get double work out of 
 Ramon young human tiger as he is he already 
 thirsts for Manson's blood!" 
 
 These mental reflections were cut short by Chis- 
 holm, who addressed the Chairman: 
 
 " Gentlemen, I must hasten back to New Orleans. 
 We are on the eve of election. Tumults, riots, and 
 bloodshed are feared below. It is useless for us to risk 
 any daring new operations till we know who will name 
 the Federal officers around the Gulf and on the Rio 
 Grande, for the next four years. We are likely to have 
 two governors, two legislatures, and a general conflict. 
 
 I suppose the d d Yankee bayonets will decide it, 
 
 for I fear that General Grant will be the next President."
 
 IO6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Now," said the banker fiercely, " let us be watchful. 
 I will guarantee to handle the whole New Orleans 
 situation. All the official people down there are easily 
 approachable," he sneered. " I move that Senator Steele 
 directs the policy here through No. 4 and Mott. You, 
 Mr. Nordenskiold, can handle the Gulf business, and 
 in a month we can prepare for our spring operations 
 from the West Indies and on the Rio Grande. 
 
 " You need no advice but old man Leavenworth's, and 
 you have always your cipher and telegraph code to 
 work with. 
 
 " I suggest that we leave all European connections 
 with Don Patricio. I will telegraph him of Grant's 
 election at once." 
 
 "That's right!" cheerfully cried Don Patricio. "I 
 will see Park and Mulvain as I go down to Monterey. 
 They can notify their agents in Europe of our wishes." 
 
 " Gentlemen," said the chairman, " If there is no 
 different opinion this will be our course then." 
 
 There was a murmur of approval. 
 
 " I will go down with you, Don Patricio," spoke 
 Maxan, who had so far held his peace. " We can see 
 Collector Rains at Brownsville. He can have the 
 troops scattered chasing raiders and Indians, and you. 
 Bill," the Creole continued, " can post your Inspectors 
 who are not in with us, at out-of-the-way points, so as 
 to leave us safe crossing-places for our goods, silver, and 
 stock." 
 
 " One word," broke in Beriah Mott, as he noted 
 symptoms of a breaking up of the conclave. 
 
 " We should separate at once. Some fool of a news- 
 paper reporter might chase us down on account of a 
 supposed political ' deal.' Before we meet again I 
 presume this railroad job will be well under way. I 
 do not like young Jack Manson coming up to the front
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. ID/ 
 
 in that. Northern men are not exactly popular yet 
 with us," growled Beriah Mott, " and there are men 
 on the border jealous of that neat job of yours, Norden- 
 skiold," he concluded, turning to the lawyer. 
 
 " We must let him run things until his uncle has 
 floated our bonds and we get the iron and rolling- 
 stock, as well as the construction funds in specie down 
 there. I will see that it never goes out of the country," 
 Mott was answered, and the circle nodded approval. 
 "And if he meddles, Caramba! I will see that he never 
 goes out of the country," snarled Ramon Maxan, as his 
 black eyes flashed ominously. 
 
 There was a general glance of surprise at the speaker, 
 but the coterie dropped the subject as they served them- 
 selves at the sideboard, and a general leave-taking 
 began. 
 
 "Ramon will fix the Gringo," chuckled the Danish 
 duelist, who was not averse to seeing any local influence, 
 nearer than his own, cut off from the wary King of the 
 Frontier. 
 
 Daylight, streaming through the silken curtains 
 shading Millie Smiley's beauty sleep, lit up the different 
 paths of the conspirators. 
 
 Chisholm and Don Patricio journeyed toward New 
 York, in decorous moneyed gravity ; the others were 
 speeding along to their now ready pleasures. 
 
 On the ground, awaiting the official news from the 
 White House, Ezra Steele and Ramon Maxan finished 
 a night of quiet inner plotting. 
 
 Once safe fn his rooms, Ezra Steele threw off his 
 adroitness. He was jovial and happy as Maxan joined 
 him. The statesman had shown himself a few 
 moments in Milly Smiley's box, to prevent suspicion 
 and to whisper to her: 
 
 " You can send home that bracelet from Gait's,
 
 1O8 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Milly. It's all right. I will bring you the currency 
 to-morrow!" 
 
 A wave of her fan, as the music of the orchestra rose 
 and swelled, and a lightning flash of her incomparable 
 eyes rewarded him. 
 
 This little episode was unnoticed by the dozens of 
 paired-off actors in other schemes of -projected villainy 
 centering in the defrauded National Treasury. 
 
 But the tiger of Tamaulipas was pacing Steele's 
 rooms as the senator entered. He had drunk a new nre 
 stronger than the cordials, whose fiery drops fed his 
 rage. The light of a deadly jealousy flamed in his 
 eyes. 
 
 Where they were seated, as Steele puffed his cigar, 
 curiously watching Maxan, the strains of Katie Leaven- 
 worth's voice floated in at the open window. 
 
 " She is singing to that Yankee fool," snarled Maxan. 
 " I saw them. While I have been with you to-night, 
 he has lingered with her. Sea por Dios! I will do 
 the job myself ! And that ass of a brother let him 
 once cross the Rio Bravo, he shall remember this 
 "night!" 
 
 " Now, Ramon ! Be half sensible," said Steele 
 calmly. " Take this easily. I wish you to follow my 
 advice. I will give you your money on one condition! 
 
 "You must go down immediately to New Orleans. 
 Stay around there with Chisholm till this family party 
 arrives in two weeks. I will telegraph you. Control 
 yourself. Be friendly with young Leavenworth and 
 watch both him and Chisholm. I want to know their 
 every movement. Get your state-rooms on the Rio 
 Grande steamer before these people do. Then you 
 had better go on to your place, and stop at San Miguel 
 as you go homeward. I will send you some letters 
 for the old man.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 1 09 
 
 "You can make your 'arrangements' (he shuddered 
 slightly) as you go from San Miguel to your place, and 
 don't act till you are apparently at home, far beyond 
 the Rio Grande. 
 
 " After Jack Manson leaves San Miguel, you can 
 strike him down wherever you can. You tell me 
 that this Joaquin is trusty." Steele paused. 
 
 "To the death," Maxan answered, pausing in his 
 panther-like strides. 
 
 "Then he can waylay him, or deliver him into your 
 hands. Follow my advice. Manson will not suspect 
 you. Keep friendly with the two Leavenworths, and 
 when this meddler is out of your way, you can enjoy 
 the inheritance he schemes for now, and be the King 
 of the Zona Libre. But have no trouble with him 
 till he leaves the Rancho for the border." 
 
 " You are right, mi ami g of said Ramon, dropping 
 in a chair. " When shall I go?" 
 
 " Take a day or so to settle your affairs, and be at 
 the St. Charles before Chisholm arrives. Now, let us 
 both look over these money matters." 
 
 After Steele had drifted into the land of dreams, 
 Ramon Maxan walked the avenue, watching the lights 
 in the drawing-room where a happy circle jested, 
 ignorant of the espionage of the Creole assassin. 
 
 " Steele is right, after all," the prowler concluded, as 
 he turned toward the Club. " I will announce my 
 departure to the men at the Club. I must say good- 
 bye to Milly, and Panchita must be not forgotten. 
 
 " She, poor devil, a few bits of finery will content 
 her, but the ' Empress'! Can I trust her to watch this 
 old fox and play fair? I suppose we shall have a scene!" 
 the complacent Lothario mused as he entered the club- 
 house. 
 
 It was excellent judgment in Ezra Steele to restrict
 
 IIO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 his visits for a time at the home of Milly Smiley. " I 
 have a national position. I must not be too openly 
 identified there. And this young fire-eater can make 
 his farewells undisturbed. When he is safe over the 
 Rio Grande, I can knit up a new friendship with Man- 
 son. In the mean time I will do a little party scheming 
 at the White House and rivet my claims for Southern 
 patronage tighter until the election is safe." 
 
 It was therefore in undisturbed tete-a-tete that the 
 Creole lingered near the siren who clung to him! 
 
 Mildred Smiley gazed out on the theatre of her 
 victorious intrigues, tired of politics, and of the unending 
 daily scheming of her life. Her Southern nature was 
 piqued into a real exaltation by the graceful and impas- 
 sioned Creole. 
 
 " You really leave to-night? " the " Empress " whis- 
 pered as the shaded lights fell on her resplendent beauty, 
 after an hour of serious conference. 
 
 " I must go, mi querida," answered Ramon. " I am 
 waited for at the City of Mexico and New Orleans. 
 Now, let me play this little game out on the Rio Grande. 
 I will be yours as I have sworn, and you shall reign 
 over my heart far beyond the sea." 
 
 In spite of the wrecks of fairest hopes strewing her 
 past, the woman half believed him, as her head rested 
 on his breast and his murmurs allayed her first sus- 
 picions. 
 
 When Ramon Maxan unwillingly departed, his last 
 act was to give the woman whose aid was so essential to 
 his future relations with the senator, a cipher address in 
 an envelope. 
 
 "Keep this for yourself alone. Write by the Mexi- 
 can mail as directed there. The code we have used is 
 unknown to the others, for I have copies of all theirs 
 and this goes by cable to Vera Cruz."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. Ill 
 
 Milly smiled through her tears as he handed the 
 papers to her, and, drawing a little box from his pocket, 
 placed a magnificent ring upon her slender ringer. 
 
 " There's hardly room for any more, alma mia," he 
 laughed, as he caught her in his arms, " but you will 
 think of me when you see this. Wear it always." 
 
 Her heart still thrilling with her lover's last embrace, 
 Mildred Smiley stood with outstretched arms unavail- 
 ingly reached toward him, for the loud clang of the 
 door told of his departure. 
 
 As she turned, an object on the floor attracted her 
 attention. As she stooped and examined it, standing 
 under the golden chandelier, an awful convulsion 
 of passion shook her breast. 
 
 Mutely gazing at the picture she held, Mildred 
 Smiley, for the first time in her life, saw a fairer face 
 than her own! A woman whose youth and tenderly 
 passionate loveliness beamed in every line of the exqui- 
 site miniature. On its reverse the words were engraven, 
 "Panchita to Ramon." 
 
 "Liar! and false, even with my kisses on his lips!" 
 she cried, as she threw herself on a divan in an agony 
 of heartbreak. 
 
 In a half-hour she raised her weary head, as the tick- 
 ing of the clock, in metallic monotone, was interrupted 
 by the gong announcing a visitor. 
 
 " If I can not live for love, I will live for a 'woman's 
 revenge? she cried. " I will balk these plans now 
 dearer to him than life. Steele shall be my very slave, 
 my blind slave, and when my chains are riveted on him 
 forever, I will ride over this lying traitor, grovelling in 
 the dust. I will wear his ring till I am avenged, and 
 then he shall surely know who struck the fatal blow,' 
 she cried, twisting the visitor's card in her nervous 
 hands.
 
 112 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 At home," she nodded to the butler. " I will be 
 Mrs. Senator Steele in six months!" was her resolve as 
 she swept toward the door, fairly startling the late 
 visitor with the unearthly beauty of her passion-lighted 
 face. " This ring shall blaze on my hand as a daily 
 monitor," she cried, as she slipped it on her slender 
 finger. 
 
 The chimes of midnight rang out before Ezra Steele 
 unwillingly paced the silent streets to his rooms in the 
 great hotel. 
 
 " Milly is a wonderful woman ; fit to be a queen," he 
 mused ; and he was startled as his lips dropped the 
 murmur, "Why not?" Cynic, adventurer, and volupt- 
 uary, he had not dared yet, in his shallow self-conceit, 
 to admit Mildred Smiley's mental superiority; but on 
 this fated night, radiant, dazzling, every nerve centre 
 thrilled with all a scorned woman's pride and ambition 
 for revenge, she stood revealed to him, a being with a 
 woman's heart, a man's courage, and all the sensuous 
 beauty of an awakened Galatea! 
 
 Swept off his feet by her unusual brilliancy, Steele 
 wandered to his rest, glad to learn, by a brief note, of 
 Maxan's departure. 
 
 " I want him well out of the way if if I marry 
 her," thought the statesman. "Death may fold both 
 these young fools in his shadowy wings, and I " 
 
 He was asleep before he finished his pleasing rumi- 
 nations as to the "survival of the fittest"! 
 
 Under the same roof, the calm, pure sleep of inno- 
 cence blessed the girl who thought, each night, as she 
 gazed on her glowing beauty in the mirror, " Am I 
 right to give Jack my heart friendship, to think so much 
 of him?" The fair head rested happily to-night on the 
 maiden's snowy pillow, for rosy Dan Cupid had 
 deceitfully whispered: "For Jimmy's sake," as her 
 eyelids drooped like falling rose leaves.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 113 
 
 Mrs. Winifred Marshall sat gazing at the long line 
 of lights along Pennsylvania Avenue, after her three 
 lovely charges were dismissed for the night. The 
 widowed mother was conscious of a vague uneasiness, 
 a haunting apprehension. 
 
 "No one is left to advise me, none to guide or 
 guard," she sighed, as she thought of the useless harvest 
 of her husband's sword and the weary years of her 
 lonely widowhood. 
 
 " That handsome Mexican is gone at last," she grate- 
 fully commented. " How his eyes blazed as he said 
 'adieu' to Katie to-night! If I can help it, he shall not 
 be a very welcome visitor at San Miguel Rancho. I 
 must write to Mrs. Leavenworth and warn her." 
 
 " This Maxan may have business with Katie's father, 
 who must be friendly to all powerful borderers. But 
 with young James, so fiery, and Mr. Manson, there 
 might be trouble. These young hotheads are so wild in 
 youth." The still fair woman gazed helplessly around 
 her quiet roont and thought of her own spirited brother 
 Fairfax, killed in a romantic duel before his college 
 laurels were withered. 
 
 " The election will be over in a week. I shall be 
 glad to see the dear girls on their way home. Surely 
 with a brother and voung Manson there can be no 
 mishap." 
 
 The very trees around Arundel House seemed to 
 be calling her home. The gentle Virginian was- out of 
 her element amid the unsubstantial splendors of an 
 American hotel. Even as she sat, the clash of wine 
 glasses and the shouts of excited politicians rose in 
 chorus from the cafe below. 
 
 " I am happy to take Gertrude home again," the 
 mother concluded, as .she finished her review of the 
 social situation. I shall not have her long," she
 
 ii4 FOR L1FE AXD LOVE - 
 
 thought, with a smile, for gallant, impetuous Jimmy 
 Leaveruvorth was no laggard lover. And no Marshall 
 heiress ever lingered on the ancestral tree. They were 
 all belles by inheritance! 
 
 " It is well," was her last thought. " I like Mrs. 
 Smiley; and yet and yet there's nothing like our own 
 Virginia people after all." 
 
 Jack Manson's heart- was happy as he sped away the 
 next evening to New York to receive his final instruc- 
 tions from Mark Manson, as the overwhelming tide of 
 popular favor ensured General Grant's re-election. 
 
 Senator Ezra Steele, returning from the White House 
 in great good humor, cheered the young man on his 
 way. Federal prominence and power were now assured 
 him, and the very name " Rio Grande " seemed to roll 
 off his tongue in golden accents. He was radiant as 
 he sped away to a tete-a-tete dinner with the "Empress." 
 
 At this very moment the pretty free lance sat in her 
 boudoir casting up the chances. Steele had showed 
 her all his confidential telegrams and data as to the great 
 political struggle. 
 
 " It is done," she cried, as she noted the hour for her 
 robing to meet the senator. " He will surely be in power 
 four years more. He has wealth. I will risk it! And 
 now, on to victory ! I will keep him to his purpose and 
 move him up to a formal declaration before it is too 
 late. And yet, I am not fading. I might " she saw 
 her loveliness reflected in the glass. The thought of a 
 sweet revenge decided all. 
 
 "It is done. Mrs. Senator Steele!" she laughed and 
 nodded to her smiling self as she mounted the staircase 
 that night! 
 
 While the senator was basking in the smiles of the 
 "Empress" in the dying gleams of evening, Mrs. 
 Marshall sat in her private rooms with frightened 
 Katie, the Texan Rose, as a confidant.
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 115 
 
 " I do not know what to do, dear Auntie," cried the 
 young beauty. "Read this letter! I fear to answer it. 
 I have not told Alice, and I am afraid to let Brother 
 Jimmy even know of its existence." 
 
 It was a passionate, burning letter from Ramon 
 Maxan, the formulation of his jealous passion. In 
 terms glowing with tropic fervor, he begged for even 
 a word, one word in answer. His address was given 
 as the " Crescent Club," New Orleans. 
 
 I may not go to Mexico till you arrive at New Orleans. I 
 shall pay my respects in person and I beg only for one little 
 word. If. I do not see you, I will ride from Hacienda Maxan 
 to your San Miguel. 
 
 "Leave the letter with me, my child," the Virginia 
 lady said. " I will return it. I shall see that you 
 do not receive any visits from this ardent stranger at 
 New Orleans. You must decline to receive him after 
 such a rash missive. Once at home, you will be safe, 
 for I will let your mother know all." 
 
 There was a grateful relief shining in the maiden's 
 eyes. " I am so glad. I am really afraid of him. He 
 is so passionate. So reckless of everyone else. Not 
 like Jack." 
 
 Katie rose with crimsoned cheeks, as she found a 
 sudden occupation at the mirror. She had noted Mrs. 
 Marshall's astonished glances. There was an awkward 
 silence. 
 
 " Do you then find ' Mr. Jack ' so agreeable ? " brightly 
 queried the widow. 
 
 " I meant I meant, he is more reserved ; yes, that is 
 what I wish to say," smiled Katie. 
 
 "Ah! I see, quite reserved; yes, he seems to be 
 so," dryly remarked Mrs. Marshall. " It is time to dress 
 for dinner, my child."
 
 Il6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Katie fled away like a bird, and all unconscious that 
 she only carried half her secret in a fluttering woman 
 heart now. 
 
 "It is well! It is right," smiled the good patrician 
 dame, who remembered certain little plans lately made 
 "For Brother Jimmy's sake." 
 
 While the rejoicings over the unparalleled majorities 
 returning General Ulysses S. Grant to the White House 
 were convulsing the national capital, the bustle of 
 departure enlivened the friends of a brief life holiday. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall pleaded fatigue as the reason of return- 
 ing early from Madame Mildred Smiley's last ceremo- 
 nial dinner to the circle now breaking up. 
 
 " Perfectly good style, and a delightful hostess, and 
 yet, I have not found out what good Gulf family this lady 
 is related to; I would really like to know!" the departing 
 Virginian dame murmured as she sought the hotel, for 
 she had forgotten to return Ramon Maxan's impulsive 
 letter. 
 
 " I must mail it to-night, so it will reach New Orleans 
 at least a day before they arrive," was Mrs. Marshall's 
 resolve. 
 
 As the carriage rolled away, the " Empress," gating 
 after her departing guests, thought bitterly : " She is 
 only a quiet home woman, and yet all my splendor has 
 not imposed on her. She doubts my position ; she sus- 
 pects me. I will make sure. Mrs. Senator Steele 
 needs no past history ! " 
 
 Turning to Jack Manson, whose devotion to the 
 sweet girl he now madly adored was clearly evident to 
 all, Mildred Smiley murmured: 
 
 I must see you alone before you leave to-morrow. It 
 is vital to you ; it concerns your very existence." 
 
 " To me, madam, I can not understand," whispered 
 Jack, as with a happy inspiration he led the hostess into 
 the spacious picture gallery.
 
 FOR LI^E AND LOVE. llj 
 
 Passing a mirror, wherein was reflected Katie 
 Leaven worth, in all her virginal charms, the "Empress" 
 pressed his arm. 
 
 Motioning with her fan, she murmured " You love 
 her madly. She is pursued by a desperate suitor. Ah! 
 you can not deny your love? Come and breakfast with 
 me alone to-morrow. I will put you on your guard." 
 
 Manson bowed his handsome head in assent, for his 
 blood leapt to his heart. Every nerve and fibre was 
 thrilling. He whispered: 
 
 " Maxan?" The "Empress " bowed as she turned. " I 
 will come," he whispered, for his blood was boiling. 
 No smile shone on the sculptured face of the " Empress," 
 but the first delightful throb of anticipated revenge 
 thrilled her aching woman heart. 
 
 While the hours passed gaily at Mildred Smiley's 
 fete, Mrs. Marshall achieved a triumph of epistolary } 
 polite coldness. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall begs leave to return a letter received by a 
 young lady, now in her charge, and to suggest to Mr. Ramon 
 Maxan the propriety of ceasing such correspondence, and 
 refraining from visiting the person addressed, until he is 
 admitted to the acquaintance of her parents. 
 
 " I think that will be effective, especially in view of 
 this letter." The relieved duenna read once more the 
 friendly letter of Mrs. Leavenworth announcing that 
 Colonel Thomas Bayard of the Nueces Valley would 
 meet the party at New Orleans and take charge of the 
 transportation arrangements, as he had also business 
 with her son. " The Colonel is a business associate of 
 my husband, and one of the bravest and best of our 
 soldiers, for he led a Texan regiment at Corinth and 
 Vicksburg." Such were the reassuting words. 
 
 *' I can now see them go in perfect tranquillity,"
 
 Il8 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 thought the widowed lady, as the three beauties came 
 laughing up the stair. " There will be a man of ex- 
 perience to watch over Katie. Alice," said Mrs. 
 Marshall, as she laid the letter away, " what do you 
 know of Colonel Thomas Bayard? " 
 
 "He is the best and bravest of men, and a trusted 
 friend of my father's," replied St. Cecilia Alice, with 
 a moss-rose glow on her placid cheek. 
 
 " Yes ; and he swam the Nueces River and braved 
 death not to miss saying ' good-bye ' to you, when we 
 left San Miguel," cried Katie, gathering her drapery 
 and flitting away, leaving Alice in helpless confusion. 
 
 "Ah, yes! He must have very important business in 
 New Orleans now," sighed the widow, as she dispatched 
 Maxan's letter. " I think I see what it is! " 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 ON HIS GUARD THE CRESCENT CITY TOM BAYARD 
 
 SEES A FORGOTTEN FACE AN AWKWARD REN- 
 
 CONTRE RAMON MAXAN's OATH. 
 
 THERE was an intense anxiety in Jack Manson's eyes 
 when he offered his beautiful hostess his arm on leaving 
 her table next day. Mildred Smiley, during the hour, 
 had sounded every corner of the young engineer's 
 heart. " No place for me in his honest bosom. I am 
 destined for a higher life, a loftier station, even if my 
 wedding diamonds are only sparkling tears! I must be 
 'sisterly' and aid him in his wooing. Steele, the Man- 
 sons and the Leavenworths must work together, and I 
 will know, / mustjino-w^ when I am a senator's wife, 
 who the mysterious No. 4 is. " 
 
 She smiled as Jack led her into the little Turkish 
 room. After I marry Steele I only have to follow
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 119 
 
 up his intimacies and the riddle will solve itself. Can 
 the unknown be a cabinet officer?" 
 
 Even the bold adventuress dared not think of all the 
 possibilities of a discovery so dangerous as a State secret! 
 
 "Now," said the "Empress," suddenly, in an alert, 
 business-like tone, "I will not detain you. I know that 
 you must leave to-night. I can easily imagine you have 
 many commissions." She smiled archly. 
 
 " I have brought you here alone to tell you that 
 Ramon Maxan is your mortal foe. He menaces your 
 lovely Katie with his wild, reckless Creole passion. 
 That man will stop at nothing. He has a plan to 
 worm himself into the confidence of the circle at San 
 Miguel. His schemes bode no good to young Leaven- 
 worth and they are also opposed to the interests of 
 your Uncle Mark. 
 
 " Be warned by me! Beware of him! He is as sly as 
 the jaguar of the wild Mexican mountains. What you 
 would call bloody crime, he merely sneers at as intrigue." 
 
 " I am not likely to be brought in conflict with this 
 half-breed," replied Manson warily. 
 
 " Say not so! He is intimate with those high in this 
 great Rio Grande Company, whose roots, trunks, and 
 branches spread farther than you now know," said the 
 woman at his side earnestly. " He is at New Orleans 
 by this time." 
 
 "Are you, then, so intimate with him? Has he 
 ever crossed your path ? " replied Manson. 
 
 " He has a hold on one whose interests may soon be 
 my own," Mildred Smiley answered, with a faint 
 blush. " But as to him, I speak of what I know. He 
 has not been loth to try and extend that influence 
 through me. The traitor ! " 
 
 She sprang up and paced the floor, her bosom heav- 
 ing in disdain.
 
 I2O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 I hardly see any direct menace to Miss Leavenworth 
 here, Madam," said Jack coldly. He was averse to 
 opening the golden chalice of his first love to this 
 world-worn society woman. 
 
 "Jack," cried the "Empress," seizing his arm. "Are 
 you blind? He has urged me to bring Katie Leaven- 
 worth here, to separate you, to aid him to press his 
 suit, as he knew time was precious. He wished to 
 dazzle her young heart with his cosmopolitan graces. 
 He seeks to be the lord of San Miguel Rancho, to be 
 the sole king of the Rio Grande frontier." 
 
 "And why?" persisted Manson. " He is young, gay, 
 and rich. He can rove at will over the world. He 
 has a splendid hacienda in the Zona Libre, has he not ? " 
 
 " True," cried Millie, sinking into a chair, her eyes 
 blazing. "But you are singularly obtuse to-day. It is 
 the future and prospective millions of the Rio Grande 
 Company he aims to control." 
 
 " I fail to see how he can do that," sturdily replied 
 Manson. " Steele, my uncle, and Si Leavenworth 
 dominate that. The railroad lands and franchise are in 
 my uncle's name with Leavenworth as associate." 
 
 " You are only a boy yet, although a veteran of the 
 plains," answered the " Empress." " Come back to me 
 after you have ridden the Rio Grande a year. You will 
 then know the secret side of the Rio Grande Company's 
 mysteries. If you don't "divine them, you are not fit to 
 guard your own life down there." 
 
 Manson started as the silver chime of the clock rang 
 out " two." " I thank you. I feel that you have a deeper 
 knowledge of the hidden mystery of the border than I 
 thought. Tell me what I shall do ? " 
 
 " Listen," said the superb woman, bounding like a 
 velvet-footed tigress to an ebony cabinet, over which a 
 superb ivory crucifix hung, in mockery of its dark secrets.
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 121 
 
 She turned and held out to him a packet of letters. 
 " I have never yet broken the confidence of one in my 
 power by virtue of these poor charms " she flashed a 
 triumphant glance at the mirror. "These letters might 
 bring you face to face with Maxan at ten paces. Watch 
 him for your friend Jimmy's sake; for Katie's sake 
 for your own! I swear he plots evil against you all. Be 
 patient, prudent, bold at the right time only ! His arm 
 is long; he has spies and agents scattered over the 
 sandy Golgotha of the Rio Grande. You are more than 
 a match for him in manliness. Be as wise and cunning as 
 you will be brave. Now, go! Do not forget my words 
 an instant by day or night. Keep Maxan and young 
 Leavenworth apart." 
 
 She turned and replaced the letters. As Manson in 
 astonishment approached her, he saw there were bright 
 tears in her splendid eyes. 
 
 " Tell me more," he begged. This strange passionate 
 woman excited him like the wine of Cyprus! 
 
 " Not another word! You might guess all! " she said 
 softly, leading him out into the splendid lonely drawing- 
 rooms. " In three months I shall be the wife of 
 another. It is because it is the last time I am free to 
 do so, that I tell you what I do to guard and guide 
 you. 
 
 " Now leave me," -she cried, her voice failing. Man- 
 son faltered, irresolute. In later lonely rides under the 
 stars of the silent deserts of the Rio Bravo, he remem- 
 bered a royal woman clinging to him, pressing on his 
 lips burning kisses. Her last words were: "Jack, / 
 could have loved you! Watch over your beloved at 
 New Orleans. God keep you from Ramon Maxan's 
 treachery ! " 
 
 Before the still bewildered Manson had joined the 
 laughing circle at the Arlington, Mildred Smiley, with
 
 122 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 flying fingers, indited a note to Senator Ezra Steele. A 
 trusty messenger, hastening with it, found the still excited 
 engineer busied in his adieux with the statesman. 
 
 " Will you excuse me a moment?" the senator 
 begged. Manson bowed, but with quick eye noted the 
 now familiar hand of Mrs. Mildred Smiley. 
 
 " Brief and pointed," mused Manson, as the senator 
 scrawled a line, hastily sealing it and dispatching the 
 messenger. 
 
 " Some new leaf of an intrigue which seems to reach, 
 octopus-like, from the Rio Grande to the White 
 House," thought Jack. 
 
 He was right. The words of Milly Smiley were: 
 
 Come to me at once! Must see you before they go! 
 
 " My dear Manson," said the senator, " I have received 
 an important summons. I will meet you at the train 
 and go on a few miles with you. I may be delayed, 
 and I am to have a few words also with the President. 
 Some important delegations of Southern republicans 
 are to be presented. There is strife and trouble at New 
 Orleans. We can, however, have a few words in 
 comfort to-night." 
 
 The responsibilities of Manson were great in the 
 impending departure, .for, with all a watchful lover's 
 care, the young Texan cavalier, after tender leave- 
 takings, was convoying Mrs. Marshall and Miss 
 Gertrude to Alexandria. 
 
 If tears shone in Gertie Marshall's eyes, they were 
 happy ones, for Alice and Katie easily divined the 
 shining bow of promise over the happy lovers' heads! 
 
 Crafty Ezra Steele was in his flood-tide of happi- 
 ness as he joined the departing pilgrims to Texas. 
 Grateful pride beamed in his eyes, and his heart
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 12$ 
 
 was overflowing with happiness. The President had 
 entrusted to him a secret political mission to the Gulf 
 States. This very fact would enable him to receive, 
 with due public honor, the merited testimonial of his 
 re-election as Senator of the United States for six 
 years. His own State could not afford to reject the 
 chosen representative of a party flushed with an 
 unexampled victory. In the happy excitement of the 
 moment, he had imparted the news to the woman 
 whose fascinations of the last days had awakened 
 his very inmost being. 
 
 Quick to decide, having " burned her ships," Mildred 
 Smiley had promised to become his wife the moment 
 that his new credentials were signed. For in her ear he 
 had whispered, " Another stroke of luck. My friend, 
 No. 4, is safe. He will be kept in the new cabinet ! " 
 The blood surged back into her heart with a gasp. 
 " Was the secret friend already so near the counsels 
 of government? This is safety ! I will know all when 
 I am his wife! " Dissembling her triumph, the " Em- 
 press" begged Senator Steele to keep Maxan employed 
 on the Mexican side of the Rio Bravo. 
 
 "You are right; I will do so," replied the statesman, 
 proud of her quick wit. He felt that he had a " help- 
 mate" now! 
 
 As he seated himself in a private smoking compart, 
 ment with Manson, when the train drew out, Steele 
 rejoiced that he had telegraphed to Maxan at the Cres- 
 cent Club, New Orleans. 
 
 Party leave to-night for Texas. Avoid them. Will explain. 
 Meet me in Mobile one week from to-day. Special duty for you. 
 
 " He will be useful there. I will go down in a day 
 or so and attend^to my election. Then I can keep an 
 eye on this hothead, for I must see Chisholm at New
 
 124 FOR LIFE AND LOVE - 
 
 Orleans about the rival legislatures. By that time they 
 will have sailed. I must be decidedly friendly with 
 Maxan until my new senatorial credentials are signed. 
 He could use a powerful weapon in blackmail and 
 scandal against me. Dare I warn Manson against him ? 
 Not till I am safely re-elected must I join my fortunes 
 with Mark Manson and Si Leavenworth." 
 
 The young engineer smoked thoughtfully, and 
 keenly watched Steele. " He is the coming bride- 
 groom," so Jack decided, after the note and its quick 
 response by Steele. He had an added mystery weigh- 
 ing on his tired brain, for grave Mrs. Marshall had 
 seized a propitious moment and begged him to specially 
 watch over Katie at New Orleans. Milly Smiley's 
 renewed warning startled him. 
 
 "Hover near Katie while you are in New Orleans," 
 wrote Mrs. Leavenworth. "I know Alice will have 
 Colonel Bayard as an escort, but Jimmy may be away, 
 and I hope you will watch over Katie." Manson's teeth 
 were set as he thought of the gentle Virginian's warning. 
 He could not know that the widowed lady refrained, in 
 womanly delicacy, from disclosing to him (an anxious 
 lover) the secret of Maxan's impulsive, burning words 
 of proposal. 
 
 With these ominous signs of future trouble, Manson 
 was not overpatient when the senator, having pompously 
 hinted of his re-election and " public business " in the 
 South, ventured to gravely refer to the necessity of 
 caution in meeting the fiery Mexican, and his future 
 .value to the " Company's" interests. 
 
 " Remember, you are going into a strange land and 
 among a strange people. This man is able, young, and 
 fearless. I hope you and Leavenworth will get along 
 well with him." 
 
 Here was a third warning in one^dajM Jack Man-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 125 
 
 son's mind went back to past days when he had 
 guarded his scalp and defended his life, rifle in hand, 
 gazing steadfastly at the yelling Cheyenne "dog- 
 soldiers" and the wild, shrieking, long-haired Sioux. 
 
 "Senator," said Manson, withhold concentrated bit- 
 terness. "I have had some little experience. Even with 
 Ramon Maxan's manifold powers of strategy and per- 
 sonal powers, I shall try and treat him civilly. Should 
 his peculiar unreliability (which I think some seem to 
 fear) and his supposed easy mastery of all comers 
 throw him across my path, I shall try to make him feel 
 that two can play at any game he practices! As for 
 Mr. James Leavenworth, I am not intimate enough to 
 coach him in his conduct. I think the Mexican War 
 taught us the Texans could hold their own with their 
 wily neighbors. Leavenworth, I am told, is a past 
 master of the prairie arts, and the best rider and shot in 
 Western Texas. God knows, these fellows are bold 
 enough ! We had to blow them from the mouths of 
 the guns at Battery Robinett. There at Corinth, the 
 Colonel and the Chaplain of the Texan assaulting 
 regiment were killed, side by side, crawling into the 
 flaming embrasures. I will back Leavenworth with 
 fair play against two Maxans," concluded Manson, 
 his good humor returning as he heard Katie's silvery 
 laugh in the near drawing-room compartment. 
 
 " Fair play is just the idea. Be patient, prudent, and 
 remember you have much to learn in your new life," 
 oracularly remarked Steele, as the whistle warned him 
 of the good-bye to the ladies. 
 
 " I don't doubt it, Senator. I will try and keep my 
 eyes open. Thanks for all your kindness and hos- 
 pitality," said Jack, as they joined the ladies. 
 
 In the uneasy rest of a rattling journey over a rough 
 railway toward the Tennessee hills, as they sped on,
 
 126 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Hanson^s dreams were haunted by all these vague inti- 
 mations, and more than once the brilliant eyes of Ramon 
 Maxan disturbed the plainsman's dreams. 
 
 " An Indian eye; watch it," was Jack's first thought, 
 as he woke in the clear frosty air at Knoxville. 
 
 The Tennessee mountains towered above them as 
 Jack, with a growing sense of proprietorship, led the 
 rosy young Aurora, Katie Leavenworth, from the car. 
 
 These were happy hours, not a cloud flecking that 
 blue of the present happiness. Her sweet welcome 
 was shyly given not all and all "for Jimmy's sake." 
 
 Two of the happiest days of Jack Manson's eventful 
 life drew to a close when the train drew into the Jack- 
 son Depot at New Orleans. Brief period of unalloyed 
 bliss! There was no shadow on the fair girl's brow as 
 the glorious mountains of Tennessee flashed by. Her 
 heart beat high as the dense pine woods, fragrant of 
 life-giving balsam, were reached in wild Mississippi. 
 Dark and lonely, these almost primeval forests indicated 
 the home of a warrior people. Every turn of the 
 wheel brought her nearer home! 
 
 Here and there, on knoll and ridge, an ugly star fort 
 told of the yet unsettled chaos of- the Civil War. 
 Block-houses frowned from hills beetling above them, 
 and long lines of crumbling earthworks brought back 
 that war whose cannons still seemed to echo discord in 
 the scowling, sullen, defeated people. 
 
 Crowds of timid negroes gazed blankly at the voy- 
 agers, avoiding the harsh, bearded masters of their race, 
 who lounged around the stations, eying all south-bound 
 travellers truculently. The sting of Grant's triumphal 
 re-election embittered these loiterers, whose glances 
 were wicked as they noted here and there a Federal 
 uniform. For no banners here wafted on high the Stars 
 and Bars a generation had died for. A military occu- 
 pation still held down the yet disorganized people,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 127 
 
 The air was redolent of strife at New Orleans, where 
 two would-be governors, two legislatures, and rival city 
 officials and police, struggled for control of the once 
 peerless Crescent City and the fair State of Louisiana. 
 
 Jack Manson, in a delicious day-dream, lingered by 
 Katie Leavenworth's side in these happy hours, while 
 Brother Jimmy seriously communed with St. Cecilia 
 Alice, or smoked his cigar, finding congenial friends 
 among the swarthy Southrons of his natural liking. In 
 the unrestricted intercourse of travel, Manson learned 
 many quaint stories of the Rio Grande country from 
 his lovely companion. The land of Austin, Houston, 
 Crockett, and Travis, was a fascinating subject to the 
 Northern engineer. 
 
 He knew that Texas had really been enriched and 
 peopled by the war. The wave of Southern veterans, 
 turning away from old homes desolated by war to the 
 vast prairies of a vague empire, was now moving the 
 best blood of the Gulf States away from the " negro 
 belt." Month by month, the rapidly extending railways 
 were bringing to its frontiers new citizens of Texas. 
 From the North, South, and West, as well as the North- 
 west, following the railway wheel, a peaceful army was 
 invading the great empire, bearing palms of peace 
 instead of bayonets! 
 
 But from the lips of the winsome girl, Jack Manson 
 learned stories of the wild border life; old tales of the 
 Alamo, of Gonzales, of the glorious San Jacinto, were 
 her cradle memories! In her eager, passionate way, the 
 bright Texan maid painted the vastness of the green 
 prairie-sea, the silent grandeur of the star-lit deserts, 
 the beauty of the wooded openings of the fertile Nueces, 
 and romantic border legends of all the wild races of 
 the Rio Bravo. 
 
 Fresh in her youthful enthusiasm, ardent and spirited,
 
 128 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Katie called up word-pictures which fascinated Manson. 
 The bold, generous, bronzed riders of the unpeopled 
 wastes, swarthy Comanche, revengeful Seminole, 
 black-hearted Kickapoo, and all the banditti of the 
 border were pictured in her own glowing words. 
 
 "You shall see the brightest skies on earth, and 
 breathe the prairie air in crystalline purity. At night the 
 great stars flash down from clear, blue skies, and 
 the breeze from the Monterey mountains sweeps over the 
 wooded islands of the Rio Grande. They tell me of 
 the old days of Cortez and Montezuma, of the Spanish 
 chase for new empires, of the wanderings of the first 
 Spanish cavalier from the Mississippi. I love the great, 
 silent land ! I am proud of my native State." 
 
 "You are loyal to your Southern home," cried Man- 
 son, his eyes resting on the impassioned face of the 
 young beauty. 
 
 " Wait till you see it! There is a picturesque life in 
 our freedom, our unpeopled plains! Our riders are the 
 boldest on earth the last of the wild horsemen!" 
 
 So, growing closer every hour in spirit to the woman 
 by his side, Jack sighed as the journey ended. His 
 brow clouded as he thought of the one haunting shadow 
 on his path, Ramon Maxan. 
 
 " He shall not disturb her peace of mind while I can 
 watch over her," the lover soliloquized. 
 
 In his well-meant enthusiasm, Jack forgot that he 
 was not altogether unprejudiced in his self-imposed 
 burden of watchfulness. For, as yet, even her sweet 
 eyes had not, in their frank glances, yielded to him the 
 right to be her bounden knight. 
 
 It was true! Katie Leavenworth's dauntless heart 
 was to be won only by a victor champion. With all 
 her delicacy in mind, the heritage of a gentle and 
 refined mother, the Texan heiress had the high-souled
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 129 
 
 bravery and spirit of her fearless father, the hero of a 
 hundred adventures as ranger and frontier king! 
 For far and near, his tenure of life depended often on 
 the ready pistol, his matchless horses, and the courage of 
 the indomitable Anglo-Saxon aided bv the border skill 
 gained in thirty years of danger. 
 
 Hanson's elaborate courtesy in aiding Miss Katie to 
 leave the train was interrupted by her' joyous exclama- 
 tions as she stretched out both hands to a handsome 
 stranger, whose greetings to her brother and sister were 
 frank and hearty. 
 
 " Colonel Tom ! I am so glad to see you once 
 more." Clasping both of her hands, the stalwart 
 Texan laughed good-humoredly as he said: "Little 
 lady, you are grown out of my knowledge. I have 
 letters to make you happy. Your father and mother 
 send you love, and your horses must know you are 
 coming home. They are dancing pictures!" 
 
 " Let me make you friends! " cried the happy Katie, 
 who had noted already, mischievously, Alice Leaven- 
 worth's blushes, " Colonel Thomas Bayard, my friend, 
 Mr. Manson. You must be comrades too, for my sake," 
 said the audacious beauty. She was regaining her 
 kingdom. 
 
 " Right heartily," cheerily said Bayard. " I am glad 
 to know you, Mr. Manson. You have the ' star ' 
 recommendations on the Rio Grande when you are 
 Miss Katie's friend." 
 
 Jack Manson grasped Bayard's offered hand. The 
 Texan's bronzed face, broad shoulders, and genial 
 brown eyes, his cavalier mustaches, and free stride, pro- 
 claimed him a genial plainsman. For a " confederate 
 fire-eater," his ready smile and the pleasant ring of his 
 voice, were singularly winning. 
 
 In an hour, a pleasant circle at the St. Charles was 
 ruled by the audacious little Prairie Queen.
 
 1 30 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 While the ladies rested, Colonel Bayard and Manson 
 smoked the evening cigar on the portico of the famed 
 old hostelry. Its huge pillars had sheltered genera- 
 tions of the princely river planters. The dome of the old 
 rotunda below them had re-echoed the voices of the last 
 generation of patrician slave-owners America will ever 
 know. 
 
 " We have three or four days to wait here for our 
 steamer. You must allow me to show you the local 
 lions," the colonel politely said. " Our young ladies have 
 their shopping to arrange. There are also many family 
 friends to call on them, and I can take you down the road 
 and you'll meet some nice men at the Crescent Club." 
 
 Jack Manson felt drawn to the frank, manly bor- 
 derer, and they rambled together over the old city. 
 Past the custom house where the national flag 
 drooped over granite portals guarded by troops, down 
 the streets thronged with the vivacious throng, into the 
 old French quarter, with its foreign air and old mansions 
 closed to the modern American, they strolled. 
 
 In the soft starlight the deserted avenues seemed 
 peopled with the shades of quaint old Creole characters 
 and the romance of French noble and knightly advent- 
 urer. Alas! The glory of the old time was fled forever! 
 In timid self-defense, behind their lattices, the melting, 
 dark eyes of beauty shone no longer. It was the deso- 
 lation of silence. That shadow has never been lifted 
 which fell on New Orleans when stern Farragut 
 anchored the old "Hartford " off the levee, and trained 
 its guns on a mob only a shade less frantic than the 
 Commune. 
 
 With delicate reserve Manson ignored all war topics. 
 Returning to the hotel, the new friends avoided the 
 great rotunda saloon, where an excited mob discussed 
 the " situation."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 13! 
 
 " Come up to my rooms, Colonel," remarked Man- 
 son, who, in secret, desired to know of Maxan's 
 whereabouts. 
 
 " You are right. There's hardly room enough to 
 get shot here with a fair show. All these people are 
 crazy on politics," answered the Texan. 
 
 Threading the grand old drawing-rooms, where the 
 fairest women of the South once -lingered, enchant- 
 ing their proud suitors by a perfection of graceful, 
 indolent charms, they learned that the Leavenworths 
 were already visiting in that mysterious "inner circle" 
 " which gently but positively contracts at the touch of 
 ' Northener,' " leaving the stranger without its invisible 
 barrier. 
 
 Proud, patient, silent, unforgiving, and unforgetting, 
 the best blood of the South is linked, with really touch- 
 ing fidelity, to that " Lost Cause " whose flag went 
 down in battle and in storm. 
 
 The " entente cordiale " was already established 
 between the two men. Bayard frankly told Manson 
 that he was fully advised of Si Leavenworth's con- 
 nections, and handed him a brief letter extending the 
 hospitalities of San Miguel. It finished with stating: 
 
 Colonel Bayard has my full confidence, and with my lawyer, 
 Nordenskiold, will be your associate in many affairs. Please do 
 not fail to go with him and meet my friend, Chisholm. 
 
 Discussing a few points of the enterprise, Jack Man- 
 son, already watchful (for he felt the change of social 
 latitude), carefully interjected the name of Ramon 
 Maxan. 
 
 " He's a queer party ; has Mexican blood in his 
 veins. Where did you meet him? " asked the Colonel 
 with some surprise. 
 
 Manson recounted briefly his acquaintance with the 
 brilliant Creole at Washington,
 
 132 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 Bayard smoked reflectively and dropped into 
 soliloquy. "What can he be scheming after up there? 
 Why, he has a lordly rancho and hacienda on the 
 Mexican side." 
 
 " So he's intimate with Senator Steele?" he remarked 
 interrogatively, stifling the natural Southern epithet, 
 d d carpet-bagger." 
 
 " They are inseparable," replied Manson, tentatively. 
 He hoped that Colonel Tom would unbosom himself. 
 
 "I have not met him for years," thoughtfully said 
 Bayard; "since I went to the border after the war. 
 Maxan was very active in the days when the Rio 
 Grande was our only safe cotton outlet and we ran in 
 the guns and munitions we could not get elsewhere." 
 
 " There's his picture," said Manson, with affected 
 carelessness, for, in the first days of florid civility, Jack 
 had been favored. 
 
 "Ah!" said the Colonel, " Quite a cavalier! Yes, 
 that is the man. He is just a little dangerous. I 
 think I would keep an eye on him if he rode past me 
 on the prairie." 
 
 Manson was, as yet, ignorant of the code of the road 
 on the wild Rio Grande. 
 
 "Hello! You've dropped a picture." Bayard stooped 
 and good-humoredly handed it to Jack with a smile. 
 
 He could not avoid seeing the face. As he glanced at 
 it, he turned eagerly to the wondering Manson as he 
 cried : 
 
 "By God! Bob Kenyon's runaway wife. Where 
 did yozt, get this?" The honest Texan was wildly 
 glaring first at the royal beauty of Mildred Smilev and 
 ".hen at the engineer. 
 
 " Tell me your story first, Colonel, then I'll tell you 
 mine," said Manson, as Bayard sank into a chair, his 
 eyes riveted on the surpassingly lovely face with an 
 expression of stern hatred.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 133 
 
 As the Texan laid the picture on the table and 
 essayed to speak, a sharp knock interrupted him. At 
 the door stood a sable attendant with four cards on a 
 silver waiter. His ceremonial manner was a relic of the 
 olden days, "befo' de wah!" 
 
 Jack Manson silently handed the visiting cards to the 
 tall Texan. 
 
 Speak of the devil " muttered 'Bayard. " Here he is. 
 What is Maxan after? " 
 
 Jack Manson coolly gathered up all the cards again 
 from the salver. " Was the visit for me ? " he questioned, 
 as the negro servitor gazed at this wholesale appropria- 
 tion. 
 
 " De gentleman's down in de drawi'n'-room, sah. He 
 sen' de cyards an' his compliments to you an' Mass 
 Leavenworth an' de young ladies," replied Niger 
 Africanus, with a flourish, as he gazed longingly at 
 the half-dollar in Jack's hand. 
 
 *' Say that the whole party is out for the evening. I 
 will see Mr. Leavenworth when he returns." 
 
 "Dat's all? " queried the negro, pocketing his douceur. 
 
 " That's all," sternly said Jack as the door closed. 
 
 " Now, Colonel Bayard, we must act quickly! " cried 
 Manson, springing to the Texan's side. 
 
 The mist of years was clouding Tom Bayard's eyes 
 as he threw down the woman's pictured face. 
 
 " Poor old Bob ! " he muttered. " What's up Man- 
 son? " he eagerly said. 
 
 " I must be brief with you. Do I assume correctly 
 that you have a personal interest in a member of Mr. 
 Leavenworth's family? " 
 
 For Jack remembered Mrs. Marshall's gentle hint, 
 and fair Katie's laughing raillery. The three warnings 
 as to Maxan came back in full force. 
 
 " Please God, Alice Leavenworth will be my wife.
 
 134 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE - 
 
 I have loved her for years," simply answered the manly 
 wooer who had braved the swollen Xueces in its sudden 
 furv to gaze on her beloved face. 
 
 " We must then protect her sister Katie you and 
 I," cried Manson. " You, for the sake of gentle Alice, 
 and I owe it to my old comrade, Jimmy." 
 
 "What threatens her?" sternly said the sunburnt 
 Texan, his voice as clear as a sentinel's challenge. 
 
 " You will see all the more clearly if you first tell 
 me of this woman. She is a link in the chain closing 
 around the girl we must guard till her parents receive 
 her," replied Jack. 
 
 " To be brief," said the impatient Texan veteran, the 
 war times coming back to him, " after I was desper- 
 ately wounded at Vicksburg, I was paroled and taken to 
 Montgomery, Alabama, for exchange. It was a close 
 fight between death and the Yankees for my poor 
 bones. Well," said he, with flashing eyes, " I pulled 
 through after all, and joined my regiment at Atlanta, 
 under the lion-hearted Hood. Dear old Bob Kenyon, a 
 chum of mine, was Major in command, and they gave 
 me a royal welcome back. 
 
 " Some ladies of Atlanta, to inspirit our boys, pre- 
 sented the regiment, through me, with x splendid flag. 
 The boys had done honor to the Stars and Bars at the 
 ' salient ' in Vicksburg, on May 25th, the year before, 
 for our flag was literally shot to pieces there, and half the 
 regiment lay dead around it. The new flag and the other 
 half went away in the crater fire it Leggett's Hill, 
 when Hood set a bloody seal on his rash courage, 
 and offered up half of his great army, on a mere 
 point of honor, to fight ' outside of Atlanta.' 
 
 " There is such a thing as too dauntless intrepidity 
 in a general. On that lovely evening when I received 
 that flag, so soon to be steeped in our best blood, Bob
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. l5 
 
 Kenyon fondly gazed at the wonderful loveliness of the 
 woman we speak of. His girl wife, whose love he had 
 won by his reckless heroism, smiled proudly at him by my 
 side. She was the shining star of a circle of devoted 
 women whose tears fell later for the dead defenders of 
 their token. Human nature was keyed up then to a 
 pitch of intensity equalled only by the French Revolu- 
 tion or the late Commune! Love and laughter, varied 
 with hate and tears, were daily tidal emotions. The 
 quickstep, serenade, and waltz changed to dirge and 
 funeral march without notice. In the midst of joy and 
 woe, smiles and sighs, Major Kenyon's strange honey- 
 moon was an alternation of battle-lulled hours, stolen 
 visits, occasional leaves, and brief camp visits. The 
 wonderful loveliness of Florence Mortimer carried the 
 ardent man's heart by storm. The dazzling beauty had 
 voyaged from Mobile to Atlanta to search for a wounded 
 brother who died later in her arms. It was in such a 
 mood the spirited Southern girl was wooed and won. 
 
 " My bad luck was shifted to Kenyon at Peach Tree 
 Creek. He was hard hit and fell into the hands of the 
 Federals. I was blinded with smoke and flame when 
 I led our shot-torn fragment back in mute despair, after 
 three desperate assaults. Tell me Northern men wont 
 fight! "the ex-rebel cried. "That clay they were 
 demons, and their yell, l Remember McPherson,' 
 was the death-knell of our peerless veterans. Our 
 beloved regimental Stars and Bars fluttered to the 
 ground to be grasped by the stranger and conqueror. 
 Never again did it float to the breeze! There was ho 
 longer a semblance of the ten full companies I was so 
 proud of. During the siege of Atlanta, I gave Mrs. 
 Kenyon all the money I had or could get. I sought 
 relief in death. We learned from the pickets that 
 Bob Kenyon, as a wounded prisoner, had been taken
 
 136 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 North. When Sherman bounded on us like a tiger, 
 Mrs. Kenyon went South, and I heard later, escaped 
 via Mobile, ran the blockade to Bermuda, and reached 
 Europe. I was told after the war that she queened it 
 with Gwin, Mason, Slidell, Erlanger & Co., at the 
 Confederate quasi embassy at Paris. Since then I have 
 never heard of her till to-night." 
 
 " And Major Kenyon ? " questioned Jack Manson, 
 eagerly. 
 
 " Wandered away, gave himself up to drink, and 
 is a flitting, homeless shadow. I believe he is still yet 
 living. His mind was affected, at times, by the shell 
 wound he received. Poor Bob! The wreck of a gal- 
 lant soldier! He has lands of great value yet in Texas. 
 Whisky, sorrow, and the desertion of his wife dragged 
 him down! 
 
 " Now tell me of her. Does she think him dead ? " 
 
 " I believe so," Manson said guardedly, " for I think 
 she will soon marry Senator Steele. I believe she was 
 married in Europe to a rich man named Smiley." 
 
 Manson recounted the situation of Mrs. Mildred 
 Smiley and the splendors of her home. 
 
 " Bob Kenyon may be dead. I, however, doubt it. 
 Now, this Maxan, what connection has he with all 
 this?" Bayard was awakened in his watchful eager- 
 ness. 
 
 With great caution the engineer unfolded the story 
 of Maxan's growing passion, the Washington scenes, 
 and the three warnings. 
 
 Colonel Tom Bayard smoked reflectively. He spoke 
 slowly : 
 
 " I don't like it a bit. I wish the young ladies were 
 at home with their parents. My first fear is that this mad, 
 erratic lover may thrust himself forward. Now Jimmy 
 is fiery and too high-spirited even for Texas! If the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 137 
 
 young ladies have returned, he may have drifted over 
 to the Crescent Club. Let us walk over. I wish to 
 register your name. I suppose that the ladies are with 
 the Chisholms. I have a friend there to escort home 
 with our party to Indianola. We must keep Maxan 
 and Jimmy apart. Once at San Miguel, Ramon 
 Maxan will be powerless to intrude. Old "Si" guards 
 his home as a tiger its den, and woe to the man who 
 would venture there uninvited. But these Creole people 
 are the most hot-headed and impulsive in the world. A 
 fracas in New Orleans means blood. The whole com- 
 munity is half-crazed with pent-up feelings of the recon- 
 struction quarrels, war enmity, and class hatred. 
 
 " Let us remain near the ladies, and, keeping Leaven- 
 worth away, be watchful of Maxan." Manson agreed 
 with the Texan, and they wandered through the 
 streets to the Crescent Club rooms. 
 
 After the formalities of the introduction of Mr. Jack 
 Manson, as a visiting guest, the two friends strolled 
 into the splendid interior. 
 
 " It will be a temporary home for you, as far as club 
 life goes, on your visits here, and our associate, Chis- 
 holm, is vice-president now. Politics may distract him 
 to-night, for a collision between General Emory's 
 regulars and the McEnery malcontents may occur at a 
 moment. I will call to-morrow at the bank with you. 
 Chisholm will ask you to his home and I will go over 
 to-morrow evening with you. I wish you to meet his 
 family, as well as Mrs. Wayne Barker, an old South- 
 ern lady who will travel under my care." 
 
 In friendly chat with several hospitable and graceful 
 clubmen, Jack Manson was soon at home. " I am 
 glad Jimmy is not here," whispered Colonel Bayard. 
 " We will quietly keep him busy should he come, and 
 take him home. The steward says he has not come in.
 
 138 FOR LIFE AND LOVE:. 
 
 But Chisholm is upstairs in the card-room, I'm told." 
 The colonel smiled as he said: "Wait here. I will 
 bring him down, if I do not break in on a four-handed 
 game." 
 
 Bayard turned, leaving Manson in the midst of a 
 pleasant circle of new acquaintances. 
 
 Jack's eyes roved around the rooms. No sign of 
 Maxan or Leavenworth. The coast was clear. The 
 engineer felt relieved. In ignorance of the chilling 
 letter of Mrs. Marshall, Manson decided that Maxan 
 would simply repeat a formal call, satisfied with the 
 message sent him. 
 
 " If we sail so soon, there can be no contretemps 
 here." So Jack's brow was unclouded as he entered 
 the wine-room of the Club, at the request of one 
 of Colonel Bayard's friends. Seated in a neat alcove, 
 while sipping a glass of wine, Manson noted the delay 
 of Colonel Bayard in his return. 
 
 " Let us have a cigar," said Achille Bienvenue, his 
 entertainer. " They may be a long time deciding the 
 fate of this jack-pot!" 
 
 Manson's eyes were fixed on the door in stealthy 
 watchfulness awaiting Colonel Bayard, when suddenly 
 Ramon Maxan appeared at its curtained portal. His 
 face was flushed, and he was followed by a dark, rest- 
 less-looking young Creole, whose studied evening dress 
 bespoke the lounger of distinction. Gliding by with 
 snake-like tread, Ramon Maxan and friend seated 
 themselves in an adjoining alcove. By a chance hazard 
 Jack Manson did not catch the Creole's eyes. Yet, in 
 his heart, he felt that the baffled visitor had observed 
 him. Jack was vaguely uneasy. 
 
 "If Bayard were here, I would, at least, have a wit- 
 ness. I can't leave, and that man's face looks ominous." 
 
 In a moment his nerves were at the normal.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 139 
 
 But with one ear Jack Manson was forced to hear the 
 rising inflections of Maxan's voice. Striving to be 
 polite to his host, the engineer watched the door. The 
 absent colonel still lingered. " I do not care what 
 happens," thought Manson, with a young man's pride, 
 " if he only keeps Katie's name out of his talk." 
 For the raised tones and vicious inuendoes of the 
 excited Creole began to attract attention. Even his 
 host became uneasy. The references made, while 
 sparing Manson's name and Miss Leavenworth's, were 
 too meaning to ignore longer. 
 
 Jack's face reddened as he noticed his companion 
 watching him with eyebrows furtively lifted. It was a 
 clear case of " calling him down." Reflecting on his 
 duties, on the possibility of scandal, and outraging 
 club hospitality, Jack Manson smoked steadily, though 
 his face was ashen. It was the pallor of a brave and 
 outraged man, nerving himself to a supreme self-control. 
 
 From his angle, Maxan's companion could observe 
 Manson's uneasiness. A telegraphic glance passed to 
 warn Ramon Maxan that his words were heard by 
 others than the quiet Northern visitor. The Creole's 
 voice was raised till it rang out clearly in its venomous 
 scorn. 
 
 "Yes, sir! The Yankee coward sheltered himself 
 behind an old lady's letter and insulted me through 
 her. But I will see her, the fair Katie, yet, if I have 
 to ride to San Miguel alone. He lied when he sent me 
 word to-night they were out." 
 
 Like a panthei', Jack Manson leaped lightly to his 
 feet and stood before Maxan. The " running mate " 
 of the slanderer gazed superciliously at Jack. 
 
 Ramon Maxan on his feet glared like a crouching 
 tiger, his hand thrust in the breast of his waistcoat 
 behind a white silk handkerchief. Mr. Achille Bien-
 
 140 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 venue stood behind Jack, his finger lifted, for Colonel 
 Tom Bayard and the impassive Chisholm stood trans- 
 fixed at the door. The loungers at other tables paused 
 with suspended glasses, and a hush fell on the room. 
 
 " You used my name with disrespect and dragged a 
 lady in by inference. It is infamous! " 
 
 Maxan's dark eyes glittered with deadly light. It 
 was the supreme moment. 
 
 " Ah ! You wish to creep into Rancho San Miguel 
 as the Texas girl's defender. I " 
 
 The rest of Maxan's infamous sneer was unfinished, 
 for Jack Manson's right arm caught him between the 
 eyes. 
 
 There was a crash. Tables and glasses went down. 
 A general rush was made as Maxan, springing to his 
 feet, made a wild rush with a glittering knife in his 
 hand. The Parisian-bred fencer had half broken the 
 force of the blow by a slide to the rear. A howl of 
 anguish escaped his lips, as with a leap Colonel Tom 
 Bayard twisted the knife out of his uplifted hand. 
 The wrist was broken. 
 
 "You treacherous dog! Insult a stranger and try 
 assassination. This is my quarrel," sternly said Bayard. 
 
 While Maxan's companion and a volunteer peace- 
 maker restrained the Creole, Jack Manson said : 
 
 " Gentlemen, I am responsible for this; I only regret 
 the place and any such occurrence." Turning to Achille 
 Bienvenue, who was a " code master in affairs of 
 honor," Jack Manson handed him his card. " Will you 
 kindly act as my representative ? " 
 
 " Pardon! " said Colonel Bayard. "I have been the 
 unwitting cause of this. May I act with Monsieur 
 Bienvenue?" Manson bowed with dignity and left 
 the room with Bayard, who still held the Creole's 
 knife, banker Chisholm walking on the other side.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 141 
 
 In a private room the three awaited the return of 
 Bienvenue, to whom a frightened steward had taken 
 a message as to their whereabouts. 
 
 A card from the vice-president of the Club was 
 brought by a steward following Bienvenue, whose 
 eyes now gleamed with the light of battle. 
 
 "Monsieur Maxan, he insist on ze double affaire," 
 said the new-comer, in his soft French patois. " I have 
 ze personal regret I have not understand ze enmity. 
 I have state ze St. Charles as ze residence." 
 
 Bienvenue stood with punctilious formality. " All 
 right, Achille. We'll both fight, of course, when his 
 wrist gets well," said Bayard fiercely. "But this must 
 be kept quiet. It is infamous! Is he drunk?" con- 
 tinued the colonel. 
 
 " I zink he is only crazee," plainly said Bienvenue, 
 tapping his forehead as he returned to the scene of 
 action. 
 
 " We must get home before Jimmy Leavenworth 
 hears of this," whispered Bayard to Manson. " Steward, 
 show the gentleman in and call a carriage." 
 
 In his stately manner, Chisholm advanced to meet 
 the club official. Manson and Colonel Bayard merely 
 bowed. 
 
 "I have called to say that whatever is the outcome of 
 this unfortunate affair, there will be perfect silence, and 
 I am authorized to say on behalf of the club members 
 that the violation tff our traditional hospitality is 
 deplored. The person in the wrong is only a non- 
 resident member. As the cause of this quarrel is for- 
 eign to us, it is a case of 'noblesse oblige.' Mr. Manson, 
 I offer you the apologies of our members. I shall ask 
 Mr. Chisholm to step in with me and personally 
 receive the same remarks on your behalf." 
 
 " Very proper, very considerate," said the banker,
 
 143 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 who was now awake to all the serious consequences of 
 Maxan's mad folly. 
 
 "Eustis, will you drive over to the telegraph office 
 h me when we are done? I wish 
 said Chisholm with a preoccupied air. 
 
 " Certainly," replied the gallant Louisianain, whose 
 face bore the traces of a profound regret. 
 
 "Await me here, please," said the banker. "I will not 
 be long." 
 
 " Thank God we have kept Jimmy safely out of this," 
 said Bayard to Manson. 
 
 Jack nodded gloomily. His three warnings and his 
 careful uncle's caution returned to his mind. A blood 
 quarrel on his hands before he had even gained a sight 
 of Texas! 
 
 " Let me handle Leavenworth when we meet him." 
 
 "All right," said Jack, rising, as Bienvenue and 
 Chisholm returned. 
 
 " I will see you in the morning, gentlemen," said the 
 banker. "I hope to extend the hospitalities of my home 
 to you now and in the future. The other party have 
 gone." 
 
 Escorted by Bienvenue, the two friends reached the 
 St. Charles. As they sought Colonel Bayard's rooms, 
 Chisholm, at the main telegraph office, gave the sleepy 
 operator a double fee as he handed him a dispatch 
 marked " instant delivery: " 
 
 Spare no expense. Come here instantly. Deadly trouble 
 between R. M. and the Northern engineer. Imperative. Take a 
 special engine. Answer. 
 
 It was signed A. R. Chisholm, and addressed Sena- 
 tor Ezra Steele, Planter's House, Mobile, Alabama. 
 
 " Send the reply instantly to my house. A man will 
 be waiting at the door." Chisholm dropped a bill on 
 the desk and left.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 143 
 
 "Some political fracas, I suppose! There will be 
 bloodshed in this town, I fear," yawned the operator as 
 he made the key fly under his ringer, for Chisholm was 
 a haughty autocrat. 
 
 Silence brooded over the deserted club-house. The 
 sobered revellers had gone home in deference to the 
 vice-president's wishes, and only the wondering 
 negroes, cleaning away the debris, whispered with 
 trembling lips: 
 
 " Dey's shuah to be some blood spilt on his hyere 
 quarrel. De Yankee man was dead game, too! An' 
 Mass Bayard, he's a powerful desperit shootah!" 
 
 In his rooms at the "St. Louis," Ramon Maxan, his 
 bruised face smarting, and his broken wrist aching, 
 swore between his clenched teeth a deadly oath. His 
 second had retired to return on the morrow. " You 
 will have to wait, Ramon. The fates are against 
 you till your wrist is well. You can't ^fight now. It 
 is a puzzling case," said the flaneur, whose enthusiasm 
 was considerably dampened. 
 
 " I will stuff that woman's letter into my pistol and 
 drive it through this Yankee cur's heart wrapped round 
 a bullet. Caramba! As for Bayard, I will waylay 
 him and shoot him like a dog." His veins swelled, as 
 he swore in secret that Katie Leavenworth should feel 
 his vengeance. His disgusted friend left him raving. 
 
 "By heaven! I have it! I'll reach the whole gang 
 through her." He tossed for hours revolving a plan 
 dark with murder and foulest crime. 
 
 Before he slept, Chisholm, still awake, read the 
 simple word : 
 
 Coming special engine. STEELE. 
 
 " Good," growled the worried banker. " I'll make 
 him muzzle this half-breed fire-eater. He must do 
 it for the R, G. Company,"
 
 144 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 The slumbers of the banker were disturbed by the 
 haggard senator, who had left a night of " poker " and 
 politics to hasten to the neighboring city. 
 
 Before Bayard had completed his careful story to 
 Jimmy Leavenworth over the morning coffee at the 
 St. Charles, while the sweet sisters slumbered in happy 
 ignorance, Senator Ezra Steele was seated by Ramon 
 Maxan's bed. 
 
 "Have you done anything this morning?" he asked 
 roughly. 
 
 " Not yet. How did you get here ? " queried the 
 astonished Creole. 
 
 "That's my business! Now, sir! I will not be 
 ruined by your d d murderous folly! There's a 
 steamer leaves for Tampico at noon. You* will go on 
 it." 
 
 " And be branded as a coward ! Never ! " howled 
 Max an. 
 
 " Then you will lose forty thousand dollars a year, 
 and get shot, for Bayard will kill you, if the other 
 fellow does not. Tom Bayard can kill a quail with a 
 pistol!" shouted the infuriated senator. " Chisholm 
 told me you acted like a crazy brute. Look out for 
 that Texas boy, too. He will be as wild as a 
 Comanche." 
 
 Chisholm and Steele arrayed against him! Maxan 
 drew a long breath. Revenge 'was dear at forty thou- 
 sand dollars a year. " I must do the deed secretly," 
 the baffled would-be murderer thought. 
 
 " But my character," he urged. 
 
 "I will take care of it, such as you have!" snorted 
 Steele, who saw his own future endangered. " Listen ; 
 Chisholm will attend to the Club. I will go to the 
 steamer myself with you. You could not fight -these 
 men for a month. You shall not have an open quarrel
 
 FOR .LIFJi AND LOVE. 145 
 
 now. You had better let them alone. It would be 
 traced to me. If you do not do as I bid, I will turn old 
 'Si' and the boy loose on you. They would chase you 
 to Yucatan and ' wipe you out.' " 
 
 " When does your friend come here ? " he sharply 
 said. 
 
 " At nine," snarled Maxan, for his aching wrist bones 
 told of the herculean Texan's wrench. 
 
 " I will go over to the St. Charles with him and we 
 will all dine at the Club to-night the other second and 
 Bayard, as well as Manson. There will be no remark. 
 I will arrange all. Chisholm will be there, but not 
 Jimmy Leavenworth. You will go to your ranch and 
 wait for my telegrams via Brownsville and Mata- 
 moras. Would you ruin the company? Your life 
 would not then be worth a pinhead." 
 
 " Go on, fix it up," groaned Maxan, turning his face 
 to the wall. " Let me see my friend alone." 
 
 " All right, you can send to the office," said Steele, 
 as he departed in victory. Sending a note to Chisholm 
 by a messenger, Steele sat down to the enjoyment of a 
 giraffe mint julep, and a sheaf of morning journals. 
 
 " I've done a rare bit of work," he smiled. I have 
 tied Chisholm, old Manson and the engineer, Jimmy 
 Leavenworth, and Bayard to my future interests by this 
 lucky stroke. But I must watch this young villain! 
 He is a born murderer, and he is lying to me. He 
 means to draw blood by and by in some sneaking way; 
 but they are all warned. Let them fight it out." 
 
 At ten o'clock Senator Steele's superb bit of character 
 acting was over. " He deplored, etc.,"; and with the 
 seconds, and after an interview with Bayard and Man- 
 son, he returned to bear away Ramon Maxan to the 
 steamer sailing for Tampico. At one o'clock he dropped 
 in at the bank to notify the busy Chisholm of the 
 departure of the Creole.
 
 146 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 It was a happy day for Jack Manson as he rode down 
 the beautiful shell road with Katie's sweet eyes shining 
 on him in the tenderness of gratitude. For Jimmy had 
 easily divined Jack's championship, and the girl's heart 
 went out to the generous man who risked his life for 
 her. 
 
 Brother Jimmy, with Mrs. Wayne Barker, drove 
 along in a splendid team at a discreet distance, with 
 Colonel Bayard and Alice, the happiest of St. Cecilias, 
 on the rear seat in quiet converse. 
 
 While they lingered at the Lake House, Ramon 
 Maxan was gazing at the pictured shores of the " Lower 
 Coast " as the steamer sped along. He had locked his 
 dark secret in his heart, and every aching throb burned 
 revenge into his brain. 
 
 For, to a Creole, an unrequited blow means blood 
 even across the mist of years. The awful seal of a 
 forfeited life can alone atone for the past disgrace. 
 
 In stately fashion, Senator Steele presided over the 
 parting dinner at the Crescent Club, to be followed by 
 a reception at the banker's lovely home, bowered in 
 ro~ses and magnolia. It was evident to all the habitues 
 that a formal adjustment had been effected. The 
 tongue of gossip was silent, though several of the 
 younger hot-bloods quietly wagered a champagne din- 
 ner that Ramon Maxan would wipe out the insult in 
 blood later. 
 
 " Wait," said one. " Do you remember how he 
 killed Francois Vargas about ' La Rosita? ' The Cuban 
 thought he was safe. Ah, Ciel ! Ramon never forgets !" 
 
 For all these gloomy auguries, there was peace and 
 happy laughter, with best wishes following the part}-, 
 as, two days later, they gathered on the ferryboat stem- 
 ming the tide to Algiers. 
 
 Chisholm and Senator Steele having chivalrously
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 147 
 
 presented the ladies with floral adieux, found time 
 separately to whisper to Jack Manson a last warning : 
 " Beware of Maxan. He is unforgiving. He knows the 
 frontier. This fracas will keep him away from San 
 Miguel. Yet the border is lonely and he may attempt 
 some foul stroke." 
 
 Gazing on the broad bosom of the Father of Waters, 
 Jack Manson's bosom swelled with manly independence 
 as his eye rested on the delicate face of the woman he 
 loved. Her laughing eyes grew strangely tender as 
 she noted Manson's earnest colloquy. He said simply 
 in reply: 
 
 "The bortler is open to all, and Ramon Maxan can 
 ride it unchallenged. I do not seek him, but if he 
 harms that girl, it is his heart's blood or mine! " 
 
 The two leading spirits of the mysterious company 
 conferred in the carriage as they drove home. 
 
 " Senator, go back to Mobile at once," said Chisholm. 
 " There will be a bloody conflict here between the rival 
 governors and the warring police. You might be 
 involved. Keep away from political circles. Leave 
 here quietly, as we must not lose our influence over 
 the President. You and No. 4 might suffer, and also 
 our business interests later." 
 
 " You have done a noble day's work with those 
 quarrelling young men," cried Chisholm, as they parted. 
 
 "Ah! I fear the end is not yet in sight!" gravely 
 said Steele, as he descended at the St. Charles. 
 
 Before he reached Mobile, the square of New 
 Orleans was alive with an armed mob and the factional 
 police fighting at short range in the streets. 
 
 Far away, through gloomy cypress swamps, and 
 moss-laden sycamores, ghostly in this mournfully 
 waving drapery, the pilgrims to Texas journeyed by 
 rail to Brashear City.
 
 148 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 There, on the bayou inlet, on its sluggish tide, with 
 watchful alligators sliding along the oozy flood, the 
 light cockle-shell steamer, " Gussie," waited the signal 
 to steam out of the river inlet to the wild, cyclone-swept 
 Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 "Ho! For Texas!" cried Jack Manson, gaily, 
 leaving all care behind, for, by his side, stood the 
 gentle and loving girl who was the "one fayre mayde " 
 of all the world to him now. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ON THE GULF THE STORM KING'S WRATH THE 
 
 SPIRIT OF LOVE OUT OF THE JAWS OF DEATH. 
 
 "Tnis looks like the River of Lethe!" said Jack 
 Manson, as the old lake boat, " Gussie," glided away 
 from the wharf at Brashear City. It was not an inspir- 
 ing scene. The straggling wooden houses, backed 
 with dense pine woods, rested on the ashes of the old 
 slave barracks burned by General Banks' army in an 
 ignoble skirmish. A few listless darkies angled for 
 the leathery cat-fish, with long fringed mustaches, 
 lazily floating in the heated waters of the turbid inlet. 
 As these dusky fishermen dangled their legs over the 
 rickety wharves, huge round-eyed alligators slid along 
 the tide, displaying formidable jaws, a gray, stony 
 glare fixed on the tempting morsels of negro flesh 
 just out of their reach, the saurians leaving a strong, 
 musky odor on the polluted air. The greasy, leaden 
 waters of the bayou blackened under the heavy pines 
 and cypress of the muddy swamp banks, whose hum- 
 mocks were crowded with huge copperhead and 
 moccasin snakes.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 149 
 
 From the shores of the bayou, a hundred yards wide, 
 the cane-brake led away into the pathless interiors 
 those weird, silent tangles where ferocious slave hunters 
 once chased the desperate and defiant runaway African 
 with canoe, torches, rifles, and slavering blood-hounds. 
 
 From the gray trees, dying in the poisoned waters, 
 hung clouds of the thin, filmy gray-green Southern 
 moss. It was a scene of gloomy silence, broken only 
 by the dash of the two forty-foot paddle wheels of the 
 steamer and the semi-profane caution of the anxious 
 pilot to his subordinates. Clouds of cormorants and 
 flights of buzzards sailed slowly away as the yellow 
 sun sickened and died in the west. There was a broken, 
 coppery look to the sky. 
 
 "Our sunny Southern home!" remarked Manson, 
 with an unconscious sneer. 
 
 "Wait till you see the emerald sea of a Texas 
 prairie. Wait till you ride alone through a ten- mile 
 grove of cactus in blossom, showing richer dyes than 
 the crimson-hearted rose, the Tyrian purple, or the 
 blue and golden blossoms of the Lotos Land," said 
 Katie Leavenworth. " This is a forgotten River of 
 Silence." 
 
 They were sitting alone on the upper deck of the 
 metamorphosed old lake boat. 
 
 Sister St. Cecilia, with tact, was watching over that 
 dejected matron, Mrs. Wayne Barker, in the "bridal 
 chambers," so called, as two shabbily decorated double- 
 sized state-rooms usually are named down in Dixie's 
 Land. 
 
 Below, in the saloon, Colonel Tom Bayard and 
 Brother Jimmy were engaged in a long and serious 
 conversation. From occasional words overheard 
 through the open ventilators, Jack realized that the 
 veteran was gravely unfolding to the heir of San
 
 I^O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Miguel the facts of Ramon Maxan's wild impru- 
 dence. 
 
 Anxious to spare " Miss Bright Eyes '' any anxiety 
 as to the future, Manson paced the long upper deck 
 with Katie clinging to his arm. The sun was sinking 
 in fiery-red clouds as the Gussie swept out upon 
 the green waters of the Gulf, leaving the gloomy wind- 
 ings of the bayou behind them. 
 
 The winds were rising and lashing the shallow waters 
 into yeasty foam, as the flaming disk suddenly dropped 
 and evening darkness hid the low shores of Louisiana. 
 On the port quarter a flash-light shone out over the 
 Gulf at the mouth of the Pass. 
 
 "Let us go down! I pray there will be no storm," 
 said the gentle girl, shivering slightly. " These Gulf 
 cyclone storms are terrific." 
 
 When the party were seated in the dining saloon, 
 gorgeously hideous in flashy ornament, the bronzed 
 captain showered every attention on the party whose 
 social prominence made them especially worthy of his 
 care. 
 
 A river and gulf sailor of experience, Captain Ludlow 
 knew every twist of the Father of Waters and every 
 inlet of the dangerous Texan coast. 
 
 "Wind rising, Captain?" said Bayard, cheerily, 
 noticing the grave air of the sailor. 
 
 " Yes, a little too much, Colonel," the mariner replied ; 
 " we have a light cargo." 
 
 There was a decided air of preoccupation on Leaven- 
 worth's face, for he was pondering over the Colonel's 
 disclosures. He had caught a few hints of some trouble 
 at the Club, and now he recognized in Ramon Maxan a 
 sneaking enemy of unfathomable wiles. 
 
 " I'd like to look at him along a Winchester barrel, 
 the half-breed Mexican cur!" Jimmy grimly soliloquized.
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 151 
 
 " I must put Jack up to all the border tricks. I'll give 
 him old Don Basilic to watch over him." 
 
 A quiet settled over the table soon, as the creaking of 
 timbers, howling of the rising gale, and a sudden 
 change in the vessel's speed, announced the gathering 
 of the storm-furies. With a meaning glance the Chief 
 Engineer excused himself and sought his engine-room. 
 
 " I think I will retire," faltered Mrs. Barker, with 
 furtive glances at the younger women. 
 
 Assisted by their friends, the three ladies sought their 
 cabins, and there was no joviality around the half- 
 deserted tables as the young men returned. There were 
 but few other passengers, and little was heard save the 
 mournful howling of the rising storm and the dash of the 
 broken waves, throwing volumes of salt spray high over 
 the smoke-stacks. 
 
 " Is this sort of thing usual? " queried Jack Manson. 
 
 "We of ten run into these circular storms," replied Bay- 
 ard. "The 'northers' sweep around the western shores 
 of the Gulf of Mexico, are turned in by the Florida Capes 
 and swing around backward here along the coast. If we 
 cut through it, we may run easily in at Indianola. If 
 we must, we will run around with it. To try and head 
 these tornadoes would blow the works and machinery 
 out of the boat in six hours. These old things are only 
 knocked together with nails and a hammer. It prom- 
 ises to be a nasty night! I have buffeted around here 
 a week trying to run in to Galveston, Indianola, or get 
 back to New Orleans. 
 
 " I wish the ladies were safely on shore," the Con- 
 federate concluded, as he passed the cigars and gazed 
 at his friends. 
 
 Jack and Bayard watched from the cabin windows 
 the black driving clouds with a silver star now and 
 then breaking through. The decks below were noisy
 
 '52 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 with the hoarse echoes of command and sharp reply, as 
 the negro roustabout deck-hands, urged by the officers, 
 secured all for the night. 
 
 ' These old walking-beam engines are by no means 
 too safe," muttered Bayard, as the frail, top-heavy boat 
 settled in the swooping waves, with a creaking groan 
 and shiver of her timbers, or pounded into the irregular 
 seas, striking her with heavy blows, making everything 
 on the tables dance in wild confusion. 
 
 Above, the straining of sails and trampling of feet 
 told of the efforts to steady the storm-beaten vessel. 
 
 Leavenworth thoughtfully devoted the hours till late 
 midnight encouraging his now frightened sisters. 
 
 " Thank heavens! They are asleep at last! " cried the 
 young Texan, as he groped his way along the swaying 
 cabin floors. Bayard and Manson were ready to seek 
 the precarious shelter of their cabins. 
 
 " There is no danger?" queried the anxious lover. 
 
 "Not yet," replied Jimmy Leavenworth cautiously, as 
 the Captain, enveloped in a"souwester" and stalking in 
 sea boots, brought a goodly share of the storm in with 
 him, as he sought his midnight coffee. 
 
 " It's as mean a night as I ever saw on the Gulf, and 
 the storm is rising! I'm afraid for that working party 
 and the light-keepers at the Pass," growled Ludlow. 
 " I wish to heavens I had a hundred-ton fishing schooner 
 under me and was out on the Banks of Newfoundland 
 to-night. We have no place to run to here! The 
 nearest harbors are all dangerous. It's like sailing in a 
 boiling pot," concluded the disgusted skipper. 
 
 " What's the matter with the Pass light-house? " said 
 Bayard to break the pause. 
 
 " Your Confederate friends burned down all the Gulf 
 light-houses during the war, and Uncle Sam is taking 
 his time to rebuild them. The twenty-five men in that
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 153 
 
 half-finished iron cage at the Pass may be swept off 
 to-night. It was suicidal to destroy all those light- 
 houses and beacons. Now, I can see the beacons and 
 range flags at Tndianola in the day, but I might run her 
 dead on shore at night. I can't see in the dark ! " 
 
 The captain was wrathy. 
 
 "And if we went ashore? " modestly questioned Jack 
 Manson, for his heart leaped up at the thought of the 
 fair, dear head pillowed near him on this wild night, 
 with only a plank keeping away the angry waves. 
 
 " The Gussie would be spread along five miles of 
 beach in ten minutes," snapped out the captain, as he 
 grasped his outer coverings and went forth to battle 
 with the storm-fiend. 
 
 Throughout the weary hours till morn, Manson's tired 
 brain was thronged with pictures born of the excitable 
 hours of the voyage. The winding bayous, where 
 Lafitte and his bearded sea banditti once reigned (mur- 
 derers and sea rovers under the skull and crossbones), 
 seemed to bear in victory the black flag once more! 
 Barrataria's dim retreat, pictured in fancy, seemed alive 
 with lusty pirates, their sashes bristling with pistols. 
 Around their camp-fires, the freebooters on shore, wild 
 with rum, crazed by victory, wagered their doubloons 
 at cards for the choice of some fair captive. 
 
 The breeze, sweeping down the great plains and from 
 the valley of the Mississippi, whispered old legends of 
 the days when Ponce de Leon and De Soto unfurled 
 the bloody flag of cruel Spain under the blue Floridan 
 skies, or bore it to the shores of the mighty stream, at 
 once bold De Soto's glory and tomb! La Salle, an 
 inland Columbus, had floated, awe-stricken, down the 
 great Father of Waters toward the Gulf whose breezes 
 had blown over the peaceful waters, the gorgeous 
 Spanish ensign, the Bourbon lilies, the battle-torn
 
 154 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Union Jack, and on which the Stars and Bars had 
 flaunted when the ill-fated Hatteras sank under the guns 
 of that peerless ocean rover, the Alabama. 
 
 The romance of four centuries of piracy, slave-trad- 
 ing, and smuggling, the dark mysteries of a hundred 
 maritime atrocities linger around the grassy keys, the 
 winding inlets, and coral reefs of the Gulf whereon 
 Spain, France, England, Mexico, and the United States 
 warred for the final dominion of vast Texas. 
 
 Dashing onward toward Padre Island, the uneasy 
 sleeper dreamed of Katie Leavenworth; of a quest for 
 the unfound buried treasures of bold Lafitte, on the 
 Texan Island, his favorite lair. The scattered silver 
 " pieces of eight" of the vanished pirates were leading 
 him to the hidden hoard! In these wild dreams, the 
 sinuous form of Ramon Maxan, his scowling face dis- 
 torted with passion, appeared, a tiger on the path, his 
 blazing eyes fixed on the lady of his dreams. 
 
 There was a loud crash as Jack Manson awoke. The 
 sound of woman's voice, in frantic terror, was heard! 
 Manson sprang up and hurried to the cabin. A wild 
 tempest was blowing off shore, and in the gray light of 
 morning, the low sandy shores of Galveston Bay were 
 visible. The cabin was thronged with half-dressed 
 and excited passengers. Colonel Tom Bayard stood at 
 the main cabin stairs, a haggard look on his face. 
 
 " What's up?" called Jack, through the din of the 
 storm. 
 
 " We had to go about or go on shore ! We 
 came near rolling over ! This old flat-bottomed tub 
 may be our coffin ! " grimly said Bayard. 
 
 He muttered into Jack's ear: "The Captain told me 
 to keep all the passengers in here. Jimmy is with his 
 sisters. The ship is working well now, and we may 
 run outside of it. They blow over in three days, these 
 northers." Bayard motioned him nearer.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 155 
 
 " Get yourself well iixed," he said, with a significant 
 glance at his own revolver, strapped on. " We might 
 need them in the boats," he sternly said, " if it comes to 
 that ! " 
 
 From his window, Jack Manson eyed the rolling 
 green billows, their tops blown keenly off, as if cut 
 with a knife, by the sixty-knot tornado driving the boat 
 back toward the Mississippi Delta. The few rags of 
 sail and the half-speed working of the engines served 
 to guide the Gussie over the rugged quartering seas, 
 lifting one racing wheel high out of the water in the 
 shock of their blows. 
 
 It was a wild and awful scene on the Gulf ! Gray, 
 ghostly, storm-wrack clouds were blown past, and the 
 wearied crew, with life-lines attached, crawled about 
 the decks whereon no passenger was allowed to venture. 
 In the cabins the frightened negro stewards mechan- 
 ically pottered among the debris of the table-service, 
 while in the pilot-house, the stern captain watched every 
 plunge of the overstrained boat in the relentless seas. 
 
 From hour to hour, after Manson rejoined the Con- 
 federate Colonel, Jimmy brought tidings of the woes of 
 Mrs. Wayne Barker, the steady fortitude of Alice, and 
 Katie's bright bravery. 
 
 "Take my place," whispered Tom Bayard to the 
 brother, as he sought the room of the women. There 
 were happy tears in Alice Leavenworth's eyes when 
 Bayard's few words made her heart bound. 
 
 " I am here, near you; all will be well! " The war- 
 worn soldier's heart beat high at the glances of the 
 loving eyes turned on him in their distress. 
 
 The day crawled on, the even scourge of the storm 
 beating the angered waters like a mighty flail. 
 
 Before sunset, Captain Ludlow entered the cabin and 
 cheered, with a nod of approbation, Katie Leavenworth,
 
 156 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 who was seated, propped up with pillows, in a corner. 
 Her little hand was nestling in Jack Hanson's brown 
 palm. There were few words spoken as the anxious 
 hours crawled away. In another corner, steadfast 
 Alice calmly read the solemn, yet comforting words of 
 her prayer-book. Beside her Tom Bayard sat when 
 the captain motioned him to the centre of the cabin. 
 
 " Tell the other two men I don't wish you to go to 
 sleep till you hear from me to-night. The boat is 
 heavily strained. I may have to throw the cargo over. 
 It has shifted some. Don't alarm the women unneces- 
 sarily." 
 
 " What did he say?" murmured Alice, as her lover 
 regained her side. 
 
 " Nothing. We are doing well," the stalwart 
 Texan answered, but there was a look of intense affec- 
 tion in his brown eyes. They could not lie, even to 
 cheer the woman he loved more than his own life! 
 
 Without another word, she closed her hand in his. 
 "Don't leave me, Tom," she simply said, as her frank, 
 steady glance rested on his grave face. 
 
 The soldier raised the little hand to his lips. 
 
 " My own Alice," he whispered, " pray for us all. 
 Say nothing to Katie. It will do no good ! " 
 
 Their eyes anxiously turned to where the girl sat, her 
 eager face fixed on Jack Manson at her side. 
 
 " We will do all we can." The lovers were silent, 
 as the darkness of night threw a greater gloom upon 
 them all. Mrs. Barker was unconscious in a sleep of 
 exhaustion, and at the cabin gangway, James Leaven- 
 worth, a stern sentinel, watched the doors. Without, 
 the storm-king raged in even wilder wrath!" 
 
 As the evening wore on the sullen plunges of the 
 steamer became heavier, and the shivering thrill of her 
 timbers more sickening. By pre-arrangement, Colonel
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 157 
 
 Tom Bayard, with well-feigned cheerfulness, persuaded 
 the sisters to rest. 
 
 " We will lie down," answered Alice, after consulta- 
 tion, " but only to rest. If anything occurs you must 
 call us." 
 
 " Very well," answered Bayard. " The captain 
 might find an inlet to run into. I would lie down and 
 sleep if I were you." 
 
 It was a pious fiction to impress those who might 
 overhear, as well as to cheer the daughters of Texas. 
 
 Left alone, Manson, Bayard, and Leavenworth faced 
 each other silently. It was in sullen despair! Bayard 
 pressed Jack's hand significantly as Jimmy finally burst 
 out: "I do not care; but, my God, the girls! It will 
 kill the dear old mother!" There was a sob in the 
 young plainsman's voice! 
 
 "Jimmy, we will stand by to the last," cried Bayard. 
 
 " I know it. God bless you both," said the Texan, 
 as he clasped Jack's hand in silence. 
 
 Twelve o'clock. A howling midnight! The eight 
 bells, struck in mere habit, sounded ominously like the 
 tolling of the wave-washed bell on a floating wreck, 
 in the wild sea gusts of spray and rain. Captain Lud- 
 low entered the cabin. His face was haggard in the 
 stern intensity of a sailor's last resolve. The three men 
 joined him at a table under the wildly swinging lamp. 
 The few exhausted fellow passengers lay around on 
 benches in ignorance and peevish discomfort. 
 
 Ludlow hoarsely whispered: " She has three feet of 
 water in the hold. I shall get her about and run for 
 Indianola. Our patent log is carried away. Dead reck- 
 oning shows us now in the radius of the southwest Pass- 
 light. That is gone, with all on the structure! In an 
 hour we would run ashore on the Delta. I will keep the 
 cargo in her till we get around. Then I shall call the
 
 158 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 whole crew, and throw out all I can to trim ship, and 
 call all hands, passengers and all, to the pumps. It's 
 our last show. Now, gentlemen, my officers are nearly 
 done for. When I set all at the pumps, I shall put you 
 three in charge. I count on you alone. Don't fear to 
 use every argument, if needed, to enforce obedience and 
 order. One of you can watch over the ladies and stand 
 by. Stay here till I send a quartermaster for you. Bet- 
 ter see the ladies, one of you." 
 
 Leavenworth resolutely sought his sisters and 
 informed them of the going about of the vessel. 
 
 With a fearful careening, the boat swung into the 
 teeth of the storm, and when she breasted the quarter- 
 ing waves, digging into the swell at half speed, there 
 was a floating mass of debris entangling the half- 
 drowned sleepers in the after cabin. A green walled 
 wave rolling over had crushed the after-cabin upper- 
 works like an egg-shell. 
 
 In a voice of thunder, Captain Ludlow yelled as he 
 sprang in: " Stop this hubbub! We're all right now." 
 The three friends were shaming the men into obedience. 
 
 Four hours later, the steam pump working at its 
 fullest power, with a hundred tons of shifted cargo, 
 jettisoned, the Gussie drove along toward the Texan 
 shore once more. The sickly gray of dawn showed 
 them a wild waste of waters, and in the distance a strug- 
 gling bark and a full-rigged ship driving close-reefed 
 before the wind. At the two donkey pumps, with set 
 teeth, the frightened passengers toiled in two reliefs; 
 a third squad, under Jack Manson, in readiness, supplied 
 instant help, when a tired man fell out. In charge, 
 Bayard and Leavenworth encouraged the laboring 
 passengers. 
 
 Forward, the exhausted crew rested in the fore- 
 castle, awaiting the abatement of the howling gale, or
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 '59 
 
 gloomily speculating on the ability of the now over 
 strained boat to ride the sharp-fanged surges. 
 
 "D n me!" cried old Liverpool Jimmy, a deep sea 
 tar. " If we were only out of this boiling pot we could 
 run out to sea somewhere. It's my last trip in a flat- 
 bottomed old < laker.' If we hit the Texas sand-bars, 
 the ' Gussie ' will be splinters in no time. Yer Yankee 
 match box ! " the irate reefer cried. 
 
 Scurrying around the slanting decks, cup and bowj 
 in hand, the negro waiters essayed to distribute soup 
 and coffee. Their eye-balls rolled wildly, and on 
 their dark faces the sickly ashen pallor of fear was 
 plainly visible. 
 
 Hour after hour crawled on. The gloom of an ugly 
 silence, portentous in suggestion, unnerved the workers 
 at the pumps. Finally, with an oath, a stalwart pas- 
 senger left the brakes. His task was only begun. 
 
 " What's the matter?" sternly questioned Bayard. 
 
 "I'm no d d fool to work like a horse. I've had 
 enough," cried the stubborn malcontent. Several 
 others followed the leader. 
 
 "Jump back to that bar or I'll scatter your brains 
 over the deck!" said Tom Bayard, as he clapped a 
 revolver to the man's head. 
 
 " There are women on board ! " rang out the Colonel's 
 voice. " Show yourself a man. Here, take my pistol 
 and watch me work ! " The others laid hold and a 
 shout went down the wild wind. It was the awaken- 
 ing spirit of men willing to face fate at the last like 
 heroes! 
 
 In an hour, through blinding gust and wild commo- 
 tion, the captain shouted, his face lightening for the 
 first time in a day: " We gain on the leak! Steady, 
 boys, and I'll see you through yet ! " 
 
 The Gussie moved more lightly on her long tack
 
 l6o FOR LIFE AND LOVK. 
 
 across the Gulf. As the evening shadows began to 
 fall, cups of stiff grog animated the toilers at the pumps. 
 A cheer went up as the captain laid off one pump gang 
 to rest. " She's all right if her seams don't open 
 further. One oump will keep her down now with our 
 engine." 
 
 And still the storm howled on! The waves, lathed 
 by the two-days' full play of the elemets, rolled in huge 
 jmasses over the shallowing bottom. As bell after bell 
 tapped off the half -hours with hollow, resonant clang, 
 in the cabin the three women gazed at their protectors, 
 bent on aid and counsel to the still vigilant captain. 
 Fortitude, woman's brightest jewel, came to their aid. 
 Calm-browed St. Cecilia Alice gazed with fond earn- 
 estness at her spirited sister. The gray-haired matron, 
 Mrs. Barker, forgot to moan, and on her face shone the 
 calm resignation of that devoted sex whose life-long 
 burden of pain and heart-ache seems to be the unsolved 
 mystery of the world! 
 
 At ten o'clock, Captain Ludlow approached the three 
 friends, for a volunteer relief was now handling the 
 one working pump. 
 
 " My officers are now rested. I must be all right for 
 the morning," said he, his steady sailor eye flashing. 
 " We shall be off Indianola by daylight. I shall take 
 my sleep now for I will be called at the first light. I 
 will rouse you instantly then. Rest yourselves. Gen- 
 tlemen, we can not tell what daylight may bring, but 
 there will be no doubt when morning comes where we 
 are. What to do then, is another thing! " 
 
 As the sisters, clinging to Bayard and Jack, sought 
 the safer shelter of their cabins, a world of tenderness 
 beamed in their glances. No olden knights could, on 
 bended knee, swear fealty truer than the men who for- 
 got self in this hour of awful uncertainty.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. l6l 
 
 Even in the wild tumult of the night, Jack Manson 
 felt a spirit of love abroad to be a bright harbinger of 
 good cheer. The sweet Texan girl's voice thrilled his 
 very marrow, as she frankly clasped his hand in fond 
 " Good-night. I know you will be near me. Let me 
 know the truth, if if ." Her voice broke, as the 
 tears rilled her eyes. 
 
 " God bless and guard you. I shall not sleep. Will 
 that make you happier? I will watch here, near you." 
 
 Jack fought manfully with his bounding heart in the 
 mad desire to fold her stainless innocence to his loving 
 breast, and whisper : " Darling, be of good cheer." 
 
 The rose-flush on Katie Leaven worth's face paled to 
 marble, as on her knees the girl knelt to the God above, 
 in a prayer wafted far beyond the Storm-King's wrath! 
 
 Strange fantasy of bright womanhood! A smile 
 was on the girl's face as her tired eyelids drooped, and 
 she whispered softly to herself: "He is so brave, so 
 generous, so tender! " 
 
 Her last sigh faded into the name her brother so often 
 spoke. It was a gentle murmur, lest even her beating 
 heart might tell a maiden's prisoned secret. 
 
 With every simple precaution for sudden action, the 
 three comrades sought their silent rooms. 
 
 " God knows what we can do, but let' us do it like 
 men," whispered Bayard. " There will be a crisis 
 to-morrow ! " 
 
 "Why?" quickly replied Manson, " the boat rides 
 easier." 
 
 " We have not coal enough to run beyond noon to- 
 morrow," said Bayard, his voice sinking into a half- 
 groan. 
 
 Broken and wearied, Jack Manson lay in a deep sleep 
 of exhaustion, for he had "turned on" at the pump 
 brakes. As he sprang up, -A friendly hand was shaking him.
 
 1 62 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 
 
 "Rouse, old fellow, we are off Indianola Bar!" It 
 was Leavenworth, his voice thrilling in its earnestness. 
 "Come into the main cabin." 
 
 In the gleam of early daylight Captain Ludlow and 
 Bayard were gazing through the window and talking 
 eagerly. 
 
 " Now, gentlemen," gravely said the sailor, " we 
 have a few minutes. I'll conceal nothing. There is 
 our port, if we ever make one! We have all something 
 at stake. I've a wife and two children in New Orleans, 
 you have your sisters, Leavenworth, and there's the 
 others, as well as ourselves." His bosom heaved. " I 
 have fought this storm. I don't know how strong the 
 boat is now. She's had a terrific strain. But the coal 
 is nearly out. I'll move her as easy as I can, till it's fair 
 and full light, then I will get her as trim as I can. I 
 will wait till I get all the bearings I can, and I must 
 try and run her in. It's our last chance! She'll never 
 answer her helm with the few rags of canvas we have. 
 You must take your chances with the ladies and 
 stand by them. There's nothing else to do. I'll give 
 you half an hour's notice. Come forward with me! " 
 
 Groping their way along, clinging to life-lines, up to 
 the pilot-house, the four men gazed at the long, low, 
 shelving shore, with here and there fringing wooded 
 groves. To the north it swept away in a sandy curve, 
 where the flash of white spray was just visible as the 
 giant breakers broke. Far to the south, the thin line 
 melted in the gloomy gray of the blowing scud flying 
 athwart the bow, as the Gussie spun the parted waters 
 from her forefoot. Scattered houses could be discerned, 
 and a slender steeple marked the place of prayer. 
 
 " That's what I fear," said Ludlow bitterly, as he 
 pointed to a seething mass of churned foam flying high 
 directly ahead.
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 163 
 
 " What is it ? " cried the three landsmen in chorus. 
 
 "It's Indianola Bar at its very worst!" answered 
 Ludlow,his voice sounding harsh and changed. "There's 
 no chance that a pilot could brave that bar to-day, no 
 sail-boat could be handled in that channel. I must trust 
 to God and to my poor memory!" 
 
 "Are there no beacons nothing?" cried Jack Manson 
 in amazement. 
 
 " The rebels burned the light-house and destroyed all 
 the channel beacon stands, in the war. They sunk 
 schooners there and the new channel is changed. I used 
 to know it well. It's a forlorn hope! Now, leave me. 
 I've saved the four life-buoys, and I'll send them into 
 your rooms. There are ample supplies of life-preservers. 
 When I am ready, after we have had some warm coffee 
 served to the men, and I see the ship trimmed, I'll 
 cast all loose on deck for floating help, my men will 
 man the boat davits, and I'll run her in at full speed!" 
 
 "Why so?" demanded the agitated men. 
 
 " If she strikes at full speed, she may carry over any 
 mere scrape ; if she rises and falls three or four times, 
 there'll be no boat under us. That's all," said the 
 sailor, fixing his eyes on the storm-beaten shore now 
 looming up. A tear was moistening his cheek. " It's for 
 the women! Sweethearts and wives!" he muttered. 
 
 The longest hour of Jack Manson 's life was spent 
 watching the nearing line of breaking surf, with here 
 and there a gap made by a winding of the channel. 
 The houses were distinctly visible and at half speed the 
 boat swept along, rocking madly as the wind caught 
 her wide guards. The three helpless women gazed 
 mutely, as their companions addressed themselves to 
 preparation. 
 
 The full crew, roused now, and on the alert, took 
 their stations, and the two burly officers approached the
 
 164 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 cabin door. In the pilot house, where four picked men 
 made the wheel spin under Ludlow's sharp signals, 
 there was silence, and the shrill wailing of the wind 
 sounded a reply to the shrieks of the soaring sea gulls. 
 In the cabin, the stewards and quartermasters were 
 warning the passengers. 
 
 "Is it coming? " cried Katie, as she saw the piles of 
 life-preservers hastily thrown out, while the sailors 
 were busied with rope and boat. No one spoke! 
 
 " Captain wants you, sir!" sharply cried a messenger 
 to Bayard. 
 
 He darted away. The women's eyes followed the 
 tall colonel. They could see him grasp the captain's 
 hands. In a minute he sprang back, with the man 
 dragging four buoys with life-lines. 
 
 The captain's bell clanged loudly as he signalled the 
 engine room. "Full speed!" he cried, as he faced the 
 seething eddies of broken foam now half a mile away. 
 
 The clank of the machinery resounded and the boat 
 raced along. On either bow a leadsman stood, watch- 
 ing for the captain's uplifted hand. 
 
 " Now, Ally, Katie, don't be frightened ; it's only 
 a precaution!" cried Jimmy Leavenworth, as the three 
 men threw off their coats and shoes! In a moment the 
 cords of the life-buoys were attached to the waists of 
 the women. A life-preserver quickly adjusted was the 
 last preparation, and the three men donned their own 
 cork jackets. 
 
 A tongue of low sand-bank loomed up right on the 
 starboard bow ! The breakers dashed twenty feet high 
 on it. Quick shouts arose as the captain yelled to the 
 wheelmen. The passengers poured out, clinging to 
 rail and rope. Near the half-fainting women, the three 
 men, with loving care, formed a cordon around them. 
 The boat rose and topped long rolling waves, sweeping
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 165 
 
 over the channel scourged by an undercurrent. On 
 the port bow, the sand-spits opened their cruel jaws! 
 
 " We're in it now ! " yelled the second mate, as with 
 a mighty rush the reeling vessel swept on in a stagger- 
 ing, swerving course, driven by the huge wheels. 
 
 A chorus of cries rang out as the boat quivered from 
 keel to mast, striking with a shock, throwing nearly all 
 prone on the decks, where a toppling roller swept from 
 stem to stern! 
 
 " Hold hard all ! " yelled the captain in a voice of 
 thunder, as the boat sank from the crest of a giant 
 wave. 
 
 Jack Manson's spray -blinded eyes could not see the 
 face of that dear one whose arms were around his neck 
 as she cried, "My God, save me!" 
 
 The settling, sinking swoop of the racing boat carried 
 her far over the breaker line, left a hundred yards 
 astern. While Jimmy Leavenworth and Bayard knelt 
 by Alice, lying senseless on the deck, with frenzied, 
 passionate embrace Jack Manson held the woman he 
 adored to his breast. He never knew how pale the 
 lips were whose kisses sealed the love of a life, as the 
 gentle girl's head rested like a broken lily on his ardent 
 breast. 
 
 "My own darling! Mine!" he cried in a happy 
 dream ; for her blue eyes had told the old, old story 
 in the face of Death !
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 ON THE BORDER. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE TELEGRAPH'S MYSTERIES ON THE MAIL YACHT 
 
 THE BURNING BARK OFF PADRE ISLAND AT 
 
 CORPUS CHRISTI A SENATORIAL MARRIAGE 
 
 MAKES STRANGE FRIENDS. 
 
 " TAKE the ship, Mr. Bowers," cried Captain Lud- 
 low, as he shut his binoculars and crawled down out of 
 the pilot-house. The sturdy mate touched his cap, with 
 a smile on his face. It was plain sailing now ; for the 
 Gussie, though torn and dismantled, her decks swept 
 clean, was gliding up the smooth inlet toward the long 
 wharf at Indianola. Far beyond them outside the bar, 
 the dashing spray shone silvery in the rays of a sun 
 now breaking the gray clouds to the east. 
 
 As Ludlow tottered to a seat in the wave-drenched 
 cabin, he was fairly mobbed by the delighted pas- 
 sengers. They were rapidly abandoning the life-pre- 
 servers hastily donned with scant ceremony. The joyous 
 negro stewards were dragging out the luggage. 
 
 As Captain Ludlow drained a stiff brandy-and-water, 
 he gazed at the shattered glories of the tawdry cabin. 
 
 "' Old Hutch' will have to give the ' Gussie' a little 
 shake of his pocket-book. It's all right," the bronzed 
 sailor thought, as he drained his glass, the faces of wife 
 and children shining on him from afar. " By Jove,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 167 
 
 I'll send them a dispatch at once. Emily will worry 
 till she knows the Gussie is all right!" 
 
 The sailor's brow relaxed as sweet Katie Leaven - 
 worth, on Jack Manson's arm, approached. 
 
 " Oh, Captain Ludlow, you were so grand crossing 
 that awful whirlpool! I shall never forget you fighting 
 that storm!" 
 
 "Don't speak of it, Rosebud," the mariner said, as 
 he clasped both their hands. " I have carried you 
 safely over from baby times up to the great girl 
 you are. You brought us luck ! " 
 
 "And someone else too," silently finished the skipper, 
 for the light of a love brightening in storm and tem- 
 pest, flashing out even in the face of death, was shining 
 in the happy girl's eyes. Jack Manson, bewildered 
 and overcome with the words the wild waves heard, 
 showed in his dancing eyes a joy he could not conceal. 
 
 St. Cecilia and the sharp-eyed Bayard, Mrs. Wayne 
 Barker, prayer-book still in hand, and Jimmy Leaven- 
 worth, with radiant face, crowded around the hero of 
 the hour. An eager crowd waited to find words for 
 their gratitude. 
 
 The grassy banks narrowed before them as the Gussie 
 glided up to the wharf. It was crowded with anxious 
 watchers, and thronged with the wild riders of the 
 prairie land. Before them the white cottages of Indian- 
 ola nestled under the green oaks, a long street parallel 
 to the shore, and a bridge spanning the lagoon beyond. 
 Clusters of horses and wagons crowded the beach, as 
 scores had gathered to watch the passage of the bar 
 and the seething channel. 
 
 The tired engineers straggled up, their anxious faces 
 relaxed to join in the general ovation. 
 
 " I will meet you at Frenchy's Hotel for breakfast," 
 said the now happy Captain, for the wheels were now
 
 1 68 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 stilled, and Jimmy Leavenworth \vas already the 
 centre of a throng of stalwart friends fairly mobbing 
 him on the wharf. Broad-brimmed hats, Southern- 
 frontier overshirt, Mexican riding trousers, and the 
 ready revolver and bowie-knife marked them as 
 "cattle men." Jack Manson gazed at these fearless 
 riders, heavy braided riding whip in hand, as they 
 held the. lariats of their vicious-looking steeds. These 
 wild-eyed samples of equine "cussedness" were 
 playfully trying to kick the spikes out of the wharf 
 planks, or distribute their cumbrous, ornamented Mex- 
 ican saddles and loose gear over the driveway. With 
 eyes like maddened stags, limbs like deer, and a distinct 
 flavor of the unconquerable mustang, they were living 
 pictures, as their riders pranced away with the* good 
 news for anxious friends. A slight touch of the braided 
 horse-hair reins, swaying the huge bit with its cruel 
 jaw ring, controlled the frantic bounds of the chargers 
 of the plain. 
 
 There was general rejoicing over the escape, greater, 
 a week later, when the sinking of a fruit steamer, the 
 foundering of several sail vessels, and the loss of the 
 South Pass light and its thirty occupants were known. 
 
 No merciful eye looked through the dark wrack, as 
 the iron-piled cage was swept away in the blackness of 
 night! The yells of the drowning were blended with 
 the remorseless howling of the cyclone! 
 
 As the party rode to the hotel at the head of the 
 wharf, Jack Manson noted a swarthy, Mexican-looking 
 rider dashing up to the carriage in which the heir of 
 San Miguel was riding. As he handed over a bundle 
 of letters, Jack saw a villainous, pock-marked face, a 
 tigerish mustache, and a countenance exciting the keen- 
 est aversion. 
 
 ''Who's that chap, Jimmy?" asked Manson, as his
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 169 
 
 friend gave him several envelopes at the door of the 
 little inn, where a stranded French sailor-cook, 
 flourished as bonif ace. 
 
 " Oh, he's only Joaquin Ximenes, my father's riding 
 messenger," said Leaven worth carelessly. 
 
 " He has a bad face," said Jack, tearing open his 
 dispatches, as the messenger lounged away. 
 
 " That visage would hang him in a strange land," 
 laughed Jimmy. " Where he came from no one knows. 
 He has a network of chums from No Man's Land to 
 the City of Mexico, and from New Orleans to El Paso. 
 A splendid rider, the best trailer I ever s.aw, and a 
 deadly scoundrel. He was Head Devil of a Mexican 
 border gang till a 'pronunciamento' drove him over here. 
 He rides better stock than I do; I fear he steals them.". 
 
 Jack Manson gazed into the glittering, dancing black 
 eyes of the desperado, whose two ivory-handled revolv- 
 ers flapped on his hips. They were ornamented with 
 carved spread eagles clasping a snake. 
 
 "Look's like a half-Indian. I suppose he stole the 
 pistols from some Mexican officer's dead body," mused 
 Jack, reading his dispatches. They were two in num- 
 ber. One in cipher was from his uncle. 
 
 " I must get the key for that. It must wait till the 
 baggage is ashore," thought Manson, his eyes wander- 
 ing to the upper rooms of the little Hotel de Bordeaux, 
 whence he had just caught a glimpse of as lovely a 
 laughing nymph as Greuze or Watteau ever painted. 
 It was the precious Rose of Texas exulting in her 
 safety. Her dainty foot had touched once more the 
 soil which gave her birth! 
 
 "Ah! this is serious," muttered Jack, as he folded 
 away the second telegram. It read: 
 
 Beware of R. He has sworn revenge for New Orleans. I 
 know all. Remember our interview.
 
 170 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Though unsigned, Jack saw the warning finger of 
 the " Empress " in its lines. 
 
 " I'm tired of this delving mole of a villain. I would 
 like to have it out with him ! " muttered the engineer. 
 
 A brief letter from Si Leavenworth welcomed him 
 to San Miguel. Its closing sentences were pithy : 
 
 Trust no one, speak to no one on our joint business except my 
 son and Lawyer Nordenskiold, whom he will bring to you. 
 This is important. 
 
 At the side of the hostelry, perched on a grassy bank, 
 a little rose-trellised garden told of the stranded French- 
 man's native taste. Jimmy was intently reading a 
 letter, and by his side stood the erect form of Olaf 
 Nordenskiold. 
 
 " There's a man of nerve and brain," thought Jack, 
 gazing at the gray eye and beak-like nose of the 
 stranger. 
 
 " One of the born Rapacidas, a modern Roman," 
 was Jack's verdict, as he slipped through a little gate and 
 gathered a few of the prairie roses. He gazed around 
 him in delight. The winds were falling, and far away 
 to the west and south, the rich, emerald green of the 
 prairies broke through the openings of the oak groves. 
 
 " This might be God's own country," thought Jack, 
 the roses in his hand. As he waited, the sweet woman 
 whose head lay on his breast in the supreme moment 
 of the storm, stood beside him. In silence, her tender 
 eyes met his as he offered the tribute of her own land. 
 
 " Come with me, Jack," she said shyly, leading him 
 on beneath the trellised vines shading her lovely face. 
 "This is my State, your State. You are to be a true 
 Texan, now," Katie brightly murmured. 
 
 " And you ? You do love me ! It is no dream of a 
 day, Katie," softly answered Manson.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. iyi 
 
 "I do; and, Jack, you must make my father and 
 mother love you too. Mother, I know, will under- 
 stand," faltered the blushing girl, " but father is a man 
 of unyielding will. If you gain him as a friend, it is 
 forever. But you must win your way to his stern 
 heart." 
 
 " Shall we tell Alice and Jimmy now? " queried the 
 delighted lover. 
 
 " Alice knows already," Miss Katie slowly said with 
 downcast eyes, " and Jim is so much in love with Ger- 
 tie Marshall that he sees nothing else. You can tell 
 him all on the mail yacht, for it is a day and a half to 
 Corpus Christi, through the beautiful lagoons and 
 bayous. We will sail to-morrow. It is delightful. 
 
 " Now let us go in. There is old Alphonse ! " said 
 the beauty, as the rosy face of the Frenchman 
 beamed at the open door. " Before you go in, my 
 Jack," the girl cried merrily, as she pinned a rose on 
 his coat lapel, "you are a new Texan; my own par- 
 ticular Texan. I wish you to be proud of your new 
 State. It's a gallant State ! It was not stolen from 
 the Indians, conquered, or bought with yellow gold to 
 enrich a king's coffers. Texas came into the Union 
 with the bright star of its own sovereignty shining on 
 its brow. Its victorious sword was reddened with 
 the victor blood of San Jacinto. We, of all the 
 States, had- and have forever the right to secede! 
 We were annexed by our unconstrained consent. 
 Yes! It is the most glorious blood of America; 
 the hero blood of San Jacinto! My father fought 
 there. He helped to give this great empire to the 
 Union." 
 
 "A hero's daughter! " cried Manson, as he kissed the 
 slender hand nestling in his own. " It will be hand in 
 hand always, Katie," said he, as they walked out from
 
 172 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 beneath the roses which heard the spirited girl's low 
 reply: " I am yours, but you belong to Texas no\v! " 
 
 Brother Jimmy was so engrossed in presenting the 
 new Mentor to Manson that he noted not the fugitive 
 blushes on the fair face of the proud Texan girl. Jack, 
 now bought for Texas with the treasure of a matchless 
 woman's love, envied not even the heroesof San Jacinto's 
 plain, where the ravens feasted on Santa Anna's fierce 
 followers. 
 
 An impromptu levee followed the .termination of that 
 never-to-be-forgotten feast of Thanksgiving. The 
 captain tried to blush behind the sea-given bronze of 
 his weather-beaten cheek. His name was on every 
 lip. 
 
 " Dudlow," said the Dane, " I will see that permanent 
 beacons are ranged on the channel line before a week is 
 over. Our own vessels often run in here," said he, with a 
 meaning glance at young Leavenworth. It was evi- 
 dent that Manson knew nothing of the mystic private 
 flag of the R. G. Company. 
 
 Nordenskiold was so engrossed with his schemes 
 that he overlooked Manson's ecstatic glances fixed on 
 Katie. Brother Jimmy vaguely wondered, while 
 Alice and that jubilant Confederate, Colonel Tom 
 Bayard, were deep in the mysteries of a sub-rosa con- 
 ference. 
 
 Soon a coterie of excited relatives dragged away 
 Mrs. Wayne Barker, who querulously thanked Captain 
 Ludlow, and piously vowed to keep thereafter several 
 thousand acres of Texan prairie between her and the 
 seashore. 
 
 " I was never a great hand for ships, Cap'n," 
 remarked the old lady, as she remembered her journey 
 from Missouri, in an ox-wagon, to the strange region 
 where her stalwart frontier husband obtained the broad
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 173 
 
 domain her wild sons now chased their countless cattle 
 over. 
 
 With impartially distributed embraces and handshak- 
 ing, the good matron disappeared in "the am'blance," 
 as she termed a covered spring road-wagon, drawn by 
 four steeds, only a whit less fiery than the wild plain 
 horses still careering over her unmeasured, fenceless 
 prairies. In simple fortitude, the frontier wife and 
 mother had often laid herself down to sleep in peace, 
 surrounded by the yelling Comanches, trusting to the 
 rifles of her sturdy brood, but she vaguely distrusted 
 all ships, sails, and steam gear. 
 
 The two sisters jvere reigning as queens of the local 
 gathered women visitors, while Leavenworth, Manson, 
 and Nordenskiold communed over their cigars on the 
 porch. 
 
 Manson slipped away and deciphered his uncle's 
 telegram : 
 
 Trust only Leavenworth, his son, and their lawyer. I will 
 take care of Steele. Remember your safety. Be prudent. 
 Important movements on the frontier expected. Report often. 
 Use the cipher by wire freely. 
 
 " Dear old boy ! " thought Jack, as he wondered how 
 he could explain to cool Mark Manson the unfortunate 
 fracas at the Club. " I'll say nothing unless he finds 
 it out," murmured the new Texan, as he indited and 
 dispatched a brief answer. And, as he turned to rejoin 
 Jimmy and the crowned lady of his love, still the dis- 
 torted face of Ramon Maxan rose between the new 
 friends. 
 
 "For life and love! I will try and be as sly as a 
 Cheyenne scout on his first warpath," resolved Man- 
 son, as he sat down to talk gravely with the two men. 
 
 In ten minutes, Manson had his cues from the 

 
 174 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 Dane. They were " Silence, Discretion, Watchful- 
 ness," for an envious and rebellious few were ready to 
 vigorously contest the great grants and valuable privi- 
 lege of the paper railroad now carried in Si Leaven- 
 worth's pocket. 
 
 "I wonder how I shall like him," mused Jack, and, 
 as Katie's laughing voice rippled out under the rose 
 leaves, Manson added with a deeper concern, "I won- 
 der how he will like me." 
 
 " We will have time to talk things over on the mail 
 yacht, Jack," said Leavenworth. " I will let Katie 
 drive you around Indianola a little, as we leave at 
 daybreak. Colonel Bayard and Alice are going to see 
 his sister at * Las Flores,' a few miles from here. I 
 have written a letter to father. I will send Ximenes 
 cross country with it and ask them not to come down 
 from San Miguel to Corpus Christi to meet us. The 
 girls have written. Nordenskiold says that it is not pru- 
 dent for us to appear to gather and swoop down on the 
 railroad project as a family affair. After you and my 
 father agree on a plan at San Miguel, on approval bv 
 Senator Steele and your uncle, Nordenskiold will have 
 a public meeting at Corpus Christi and then a legal 
 organization can be had. A few figure-head directors, 
 named to satisfy public sentiment, can quietly resign in 
 your favor, and bring me in. That, with my father's 
 vote and Steele's proxy, with Chisholm, will hold the 
 franchise and land-grant safe. 
 
 "And you are, for the present, only a gentleman 
 looking at your uncle's ranch. Everyone knows he has 
 one. I will organize your party and escort so you will 
 be safe. I will go with you on your first trip. If you 
 write a few lines to father I'll send Joaquin off. He 
 will ride the eighty miles before sundown to-morrow. 
 The family carriages and some of our men will come in
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 175 
 
 for us. I wish you to make a show of dallying at 
 Corpus Christi like an ordinary traveller. Nordenskiold 
 will show you the local sights of interest." 
 
 The Dane heartily assented. " I will be responsible 
 for him while with me." The crafty lawyer made no 
 mention of his trip to Washington or his knowledge of 
 Ramon Maxan's enmity. "I hold all sides in my 
 power now!" thought he, for Colonel Tom Bayard, with 
 a grave brow had sketched to lawyer and client, the 
 inside history of the New Orleans rencontre. 
 
 " We will talk it all over on the mail yacht," said 
 Nordenskiold to Bayard. "I can't afford to lose either 
 of these young men. We need them in the country. 
 Manson seems a remarkably fine fellow." 
 
 Gallant Tom Bayard echoed Nordenskiold's views. 
 He admired Jack's manliness, and Katie's strange and 
 sudden happiness indicated to him a nearer tie than 
 mere border comradeship to tie him to the game New 
 Yorker. 
 
 As Jack returned with his letter, Joaquin Ximenes, 
 lightly poised on his steed, awaited the precious packet 
 of letters, the first greetings of the three Leavenworths. 
 His Kentucky blood-horse leaned his clean-cut head 
 toward the fresh prairies. 
 
 "Where did you get him, Joaquin?" Tom Bayard 
 asked, with a horseman's approving nod. 
 
 The plainsman turned his flickering eye toward the 
 veteran. He dropped his gaze and humbly said: 
 
 "There was a Yankee lieutenant killed off him at 
 that fight at Howard's Wells last year, when the 
 Comanches cleaned out the negro cavalry. He's a 
 thoroughbred horse, sir, and 'Antelope Killer' run him 
 over to Mexico for sale. He can't stand an Injun. I 
 bought him at a long price. They couldn't manage 
 him or the chief would never have sold him. I got
 
 176 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 him from the head chief of the Kickapoos over the 
 Bravo." 
 
 As the desperado buttoned the letter safely in his 
 hunting shirt, and knotted a loose handkerchief around 
 his neck, his roving eye rested on Jack Manson with a 
 cold malignity which made Tom Bayard start. Jack 
 was looking into Katie Leavenworth's eyes as they 
 jointly admired the beautiful racer, quivering in intensity 
 to stretch away toward the grassy meadows of far San 
 Miguel. 
 
 " What in thunder can that sneaking devil be con- 
 cocting?" mused Bayard, as he lit a cigar and strolled 
 away. Still eying Jack, the rider seemed to measure 
 his every inch. 
 
 "I have it!" Bayard suddenly grasped the idea. 
 " That devil of a Maxan has posted this scoundrel to 
 spy and dog Jack Manson. He used to hang around 
 Hacienda Maxan till that last rising of old Cortina men 
 swept him over to us. By Jove! Little Mejia would 
 shoot him in a minute without priest or drum-head 
 court." 
 
 At Jimmy Leavenworth's nod, Joaquin loosed the 
 rein, and away bounded the graceful thoroughbred, 
 unmindful of the far Blue Grass Country, and forget- 
 ting, in the luxury of motion, the gallant boy who fell 
 wounded from his back, only to die under the scalping- 
 knife of a jeering Comanche. 
 
 'If you play false, you devil-masked fiend, I'll bore 
 a hole through your carcass with my Winchester." 
 
 Tom Bayard registered his vow in silence. 
 
 Far afield that afternoon, under spreading cotton- 
 wood and green oak, Katie Leavenworth, her slender 
 wrists as firm as steel bars, drove the new Texan behind 
 a pair of half-civilized ponies. Their antics disturbed 
 not the happy lover who drank in every accent falling 
 from the rosy lips of the little autocrat at his side.
 
 1 OR LIFE AND LOVE. 177 
 
 "You are to look at Texas only through tny eyes , 
 sir," she daintily ordered, as she explained some of the 
 salient peculiarities of the landscape of the fringe of 
 the frontier. " After our romantic sail over the old 
 inlets once haunted by the Gulf pirates, you will see 
 one last outpost of civilization at Corpus Christi. After 
 that you will pass wild cattle and horses, gray deer and 
 antelope by thousands, but not a house until you reach 
 San Miguel. I shall laugh at your wonder. It is at 
 once a camp, a plantation, a fortress, and the abode of a 
 patriarch of flocks and herds. But the breeze, sweep- 
 ing a thousand miles from the silvery-peaked Rockies, 
 the mocking-bird's song, the hush of the silent prairie 
 sea at dawn, the long shadows in the moonlight of the 
 forest groves of San Miguel, and and fifty miles to 
 the nearest neighbor," laughed Katie. " There's no 
 land like Texas, no sun as bright, no skies as clear, no 
 glittering stars trembling richer jewels of the night 
 above the lonely rider." 
 
 " You are a romantic lovely Bedouin sprite," Jack 
 replied to this flight of fancy. 
 
 While the tired ponies trotted briskly backward in 
 the dusk, from a rising knoll the stilled waters of the 
 blue Gulf stretched far before them. The Storm King 
 had swept far on in his wild rage to scourge the 
 diamond islands of the Antilles. 
 
 Along the shell-strewn shores, the heaving bosom of 
 the ocean pulsed still in dying throes upon the glitter- 
 ing sands. A white sail here and there flecked the 
 broad expanse. The last dying gleam of day faintly 
 tinged the west. Far in the east the wild gulls still 
 screamed before the gray pall of night-fog crawling 
 landward, and the saucy sixty-ton mail yacht, " Wan- 
 derer," swam, swan-like, on the glassy waters of the 
 lagoon.
 
 178 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "There's our beautiful boat! We will run down 
 seventy miles through that net-work of lovely islands 
 the rarest hiding places. Those boats sail like the 
 wind. Father has all the mail contracts along the coast. 
 There are eight of these boats; some run here, and 
 some to the islands and Havana. They are truly racers! 
 Father had them built especially for speed and safety, 
 and I love to sail on them. He owns them all that is 
 the Company does, said Katie modestly." 
 
 Again 'that mysterious company! It appeared at 
 every turn. Jack Manson forgot for a moment the 
 loving blue eyes at his side to wonder how far its 
 hidden influence reached. 
 
 " That is an extensive business, is it not? The com- 
 pany, I mean," said Manson. 
 
 " They have all kinds of interests from El Paso to 
 San Antonio, and from Point Isabel to Galveston by 
 land and sea," proudly said the young heiress. " Father 
 is going to put Brother Jimmy in charge of all, by and 
 by, and only direct the ranches himself. We send ten 
 thousand cattle to Kansas every year, and you will see 
 a whole vaquero regiment here, mounted on horses 
 with the San Miguel ' crowfoot ' brand." 
 
 While the lady and her lover drove down the grassy 
 slopes, in the gloaming by a rocky spring, thirty miles 
 ?way, Joaquin Ximenes watched his peerless horse nip- 
 ping the tender prairie grass, under the fifty-foot radius 
 of the picket rope. A little camp-fire under a sheltered 
 knoll lit up the messenger's face. Covered with a 
 matchless Chihuahua scrape, impervious to wind and 
 rain, Joaquin smoked, in succession, uncounted papelitos. 
 
 A few bits of toasted jerked beef, cut from a bunch 
 of leathery-looking strings behind his saddle, a draught 
 of aguadiente, and a bed of pulled wisps of bunch grass 
 gave him supper and rest for his limbs.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 179 
 
 "Diablo! Muerte de Dios!" I can't see what Ramon 
 wants to murder this green 'Gringo' for. It can't 
 be the girl ! The stranger certainly hangs around her. 
 Ramon has never met her, if I am right, and yet he 
 tells me to watch him day and night. But if I can 
 make peace with Colonel Mejia by cutting this young 
 fool's throat, it's easy bought." 
 
 And Joaquin Ximenes laid his head upon his rolled 
 saddle blankets and dozed like an animal resting after 
 a chase. 
 
 "I'm to get orders from Pancho at the Hacienda. I 
 suppose Ramon wants to lay this fool's death to the 
 Comanches. The old game." 
 
 The scoundrel chuckled and slept under the sparkling 
 stars of the lonely night. 
 
 By the still inlet, with the wind-blown fragrance of 
 roses blown through her open casement, Katie Leav- 
 enworth's pretty head rested in happy peace. There 
 was a smile on the fair woman's lips. For, as her tired 
 eyelids closed, she murmured, in maiden confession, "I 
 love him, I love him, as he loves me." 
 
 Her fair cheek glowed as fresh as the roses sighing 
 near her, and trembling on their slender stems lest 
 fairies should steal their sister's secret. 
 
 Jack Manson's slumbers were haunted by the recur- 
 ring question of his life. " She is wooed, but is she 
 won ? " for the redoubtable king of the frontier was 
 now foremost in his thoughts. 
 
 The first twittering bird awoke Colonel Thomas 
 Bayard, whose ears were more attuned to the noisy 
 picket-firing at reveille than the songs of the Texan 
 mocking-bird. No larks of morning sang more gaily 
 than the happy girl children of the land baron who was 
 now anxiously waiting at San Miguel for his returning 
 brood .
 
 iSo FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Trooping on board with merry laughter, the San 
 Miguel contingent bade a warm adieu to Captain 
 Ludlow. That worthy mariner gazed on the sapphire 
 zone of bluest water, stretching toward the mouth of 
 the Mississippi, a peerless Bride of Silence. To-day the 
 soft murmur of the lazily rolling surf was not as loud 
 as the song-bird's chant. Yet, high on the sands 
 around them, lay great drifts of sea-weed and the 
 wreckage of the deadly storm ! 
 
 " I'm all right now, I will surely have an extra week 
 at home while they patch up the Gussie. Look at the 
 smooth smiling devil to-day! That placid Gulf! I could 
 paddle home now with a shingle. The Gulf's like a 
 capricious woman, from sunshine to storm, with no 
 sign of change. Lady Bird ! " he whispered to Katie, 
 in adieu, " I hope to take you over on your bridal 
 trip. I'll have the cabin filled with roses for you!" 
 
 Katie's only reply was a brilliant blush and one 
 glance of her eyes, which grew strangely dreamy. 
 
 "Oh, I can keep a secret! A pretty girl can always 
 trust a sailor ! " Ludlow whispered, as the party filed 
 down to the Wanderer's snow-white deck. 
 
 The rattling sails drew tight under a cloud of fleecy 
 canvas, and the graceful yacht sped away, her lines 
 mirrored in the unruffled lagoon, 
 
 Ludlow watched the last fluttering handkerchief and 
 turned to the chief officer. The smoke was now pouring 
 forth from the salt-crusted funnels of the Gussie. 
 
 "All ready, Mr. Bowers? " 
 
 "Yes! sir," answered the mate, with his hand at his 
 cap visor. 
 
 " Take the ship out, sir," ordered Ludlow, as he 
 gazed at the fast receding yacht. " There goes the 
 sweetest girl in Texas, and she's got the fastest thing 
 on the ocean under her pretty feet. Talk about the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. iSl 
 
 old ' Wanderer.' She wasn't a patchin' to this flyer." 
 The stout sailor recalled tales of his youth. Stories of 
 sixteen-knot rushes, as the famous pirate slave-yacht 
 used to stagger under a ship's canvas from Havana to 
 Mobile or Savannah with two hundred Congo negroes 
 chained below, and her rail buried in foam, came back 
 to him. 
 
 " The old pride of the Gulf was a terror, but this one 
 has tricked Uncle Sam out of gold enough to sink her. 
 I reckon some of the old frigate captains opened their 
 eyes to see the slaver leave them, hull down, in a day's 
 run. This chaser can dodge the swiftest steamer the 
 United States navy can boast. Old Si knew his business 
 when he had these skimmers built. I really wonder if 
 the Custom House fellows do not know that boat after 
 boat of these innocent ' mail yachts ' run in here from 
 Havana untouched with a hundred thousand dollars' 
 worth of cigars, silks, and brandy for a home cargo. Old 
 Leavenworth must have an awful nerve and a strong 
 friend at court. I suppose they keep old Wilson Dayton 
 here in free brandy and cigars to shut his eyes. That and 
 a little poker money will blind him as long as he is Col- 
 lector ! Well, it's none of my business," ruminated Lud- 
 low. " But I will bet my life savings that Mr. Jack 
 Manson learns more of life on the border in six months, 
 than he would in six years among the painted Cheyennes. 
 Good luck to him. He has a first mortgage on that 
 girl. I'd laugh to see the old man when he asks for 
 the daughter." 
 
 Ludlow chuckled and went below to inspect his 
 square-case bottle, for the Gussie had slid over the 
 bar as if sailing on a mill-pond. 
 
 While Ludlow attended to his " spiritual " refresh- 
 ment, the fast-receding Wanderer turned in among the 
 bewitching islands, dotted bayous, and inner lagoons
 
 182 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 fringing the Texan coast from Galveston to the 
 mouth of the Rio Grande. On the decks, lulled by the 
 ripple of the splashing waves, Jack Manson was 
 "squire of dames" to the sisters, whose spirits were 
 bounding in ecstasy. At the prow, seated under the 
 sail's shadow, Jimmy Leavenworth discussed with 
 Bayard the fullest detail of Ramon Maxan's madness. 
 
 In grave discourse, the Danish lawyer, alert, noiseless, 
 and active, listened to the captain of the Wanderer, in 
 eager discourse. There were no other passengers for 
 Corpus Christi, and the dainty yacht swept on alone 
 over the silent waters of the Laguna del Madre. The 
 crew were idling in the cock-pit, and with its snowy 
 racing-sails set, the boat rushed on to the far point shut- 
 ting off Aransas Inlet. The blue sea showed between 
 the two outer keys off Aransas Point, and to the west 
 the fringing shores, a half-mile distant, hid behind their 
 graceful trees, stretches of emerald-green billows roll- 
 ing gently toward the delightful valley of the Nueces, 
 with its circular oak openings, the scene of the theat- 
 ric old-time duels between the wild Comanches and 
 the dauntless Rangers. 
 
 Manson caught the words, as the two men paced up 
 and down: "Bark Hesper " "valuable cargo" 
 " missing " " long overdue " " company's flag "- 
 from the earnest captain, while the lawyer's deeper 
 tones replied. The words " Aransas " " telegraph " 
 " report for orders," reached him as he listened to 
 Katie's stories of her beloved natal land of future 
 empire. With smiling faces, obsequious negroes antic- 
 ipated the slightest wish of the heiresses. The crew 
 knew these girls were princesses by right of the 
 " almighty dollar," and their heritage of vast tracts 
 peopled with countless flocks and herds. 
 
 From time to time Manson saw Jimmy Leavenworth
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 183 
 
 and Bayard gravely regarding him. He knew that 
 over the sunshine of their hearts to-day but one black and 
 menacing shadow lingered, the shade of the brilliant 
 and reckless Creole. The balmy breeze, the sparkling 
 waters, alive with leaping fish, and the weird old stories 
 of buccaneer and adventurer, of slavery days and Indian 
 wars,beguiled him. For Katie Leavenworth had caught 
 from veteran and world-wanderer the stories told 
 around the winter fireside in her Texan home, where 
 Silas Leavenworth sat dispensing the patriarchal hos- 
 pitality of the Southwest. 
 
 Road there was none but the open prairie, inn and 
 hotel, save in the towns, were yet unheard of, and either 
 in strong parties of horsemen, or teams of guarded 
 wagons, the anxious wayfarers were forced to voyage, 
 braving storm, privation, the circling Indians yelling in 
 hideous emulation to secure the first scalp, and the 
 attacks of horse thieves, Mexican marauders, and the 
 fugitive desperadoes from the Indian Territory, or the 
 No Man's Land of the three jutting territories of New 
 Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. 
 
 Katie had seen many a wandering stranded scholar, 
 refugee, world waif, government agent, mail carrier, 
 and straggling soldier go forth from the armed camp 
 of San Miguel to die at water-hole, in lonely ravine, 
 or under the overpowering attack of numbers. To 
 Jack Manson these early stories had a weird interest. 
 It had been so far off. It seemed now so real, for the 
 rosy lips of the daughter of the Border King were now 
 painting these old days in truthful colors. 
 
 The breeze freshened and the beautiful Wanderer 
 leaped over the rippling waves, her glancing copper 
 shining like burnished gold. The varied shore seemed 
 to glide by, an endless and diversified panorama. 
 
 Already, a table spread in the after cabin tempted
 
 184 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the select voyagers to an inviting meal. The two-days' 
 trip required the after cabin for ladies, while the for- 
 ward hold was reserved for the men. Racing up to 
 Aransas Head, the yacht sped away toward the distant 
 village of Aransas Pass. 
 
 In merriest mood, Katie sallied forth to summon the 
 two Texans, still in conclave, to the repast. 
 
 "See! "she cried, " Mr. Manson, there's a steamer 
 making for Aransas Pass. It may have letters for us. 
 I warrant Brother Jimmy will now be happy. He may 
 hear from Gertie at Aransas, if we stop for the mails." 
 
 " It must be a stray boat, not the regular steamer," 
 said the captain of the yacht, touching his cap. " She's 
 way off the regular course, Miss. But the storm may 
 have driven her far south," the sailor muttered, as he 
 went below for his field-glasses. - 
 
 In a half-hour, the noonday meal was finished in 
 jovial style, for the still freshening breeze gave the 
 nimble sailors a reefing drill, and the service of the 
 little yacht table took frantic leaps hither and thither. 
 
 Nordenskiold presided with old-fashioned courtesy. 
 He had not yet forgotten the courtly politeness of the 
 days when he wore a sword 
 
 Many another scion of good family, driven on by the 
 storms of life, had found a new name, strange occupa- 
 tion, and a romantic career in the shifting scenes of 
 frontier life. 
 
 Bayard and Brother Jimmy were silent and moody. 
 Their long conference seemed to have brought them 
 face to face again with the realities awaiting them on 
 shore. For eye and brain, heart, hand, and foot, were 
 at the beck of the strangest summons, the moment the 
 men would leave the very outskirts of the two last 
 towns. Danger and intrigue hovered in the very air 
 blown from the debatable shores where stout old Zachary
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 185 
 
 Taylor opened the war which gave to our country 
 the treasure-houses of the West. In anger and ill- 
 concealed aversion, the prowling Mexicans crouched 
 under the jeers of a superior race filibusters, slave- 
 holders, and desperate adventurers. 
 
 "Colonel Bayard! Mr. Leaven worth! come up on 
 deck. I fear this is no steamer, but a ship on fire," 
 sharply called the captain. 
 
 There was a scramble for the deck. Every bound 
 of the staunch schooner brought the burning vessel 
 nearer. Clouds of thick, black smoke rolled skyward, 
 and she was driving straight on shore, with all sail 
 set. 
 
 "Can she make the inlet?" anxiously queried the 
 lawyer, with a strange look in his eyes. 
 
 " I fear not," answered the captain. " Hold ! There 
 goes up a signal to us for assistance." The sailor gazed 
 intently for a few moments and then handed his 
 binoculars to Nordenskiold. 
 
 " What shall we do? Her flag is Union down and 
 she flies the private signal of the R. G. Company!" 
 
 While the lawyer gazed, the driving vessel, a large 
 bark, showed blacker volumes of smoke pouring sky- 
 ward. 
 
 "Ah! the poor sailors! Captain, can we not save 
 them ? " cried Katie Leavenworth, with tears in her 
 eyes. The fair woman had clasped Jack's arm impul- 
 sively. 
 
 " I don't know what to do," cried the captain. " I 
 have the United States mails on board. See here, 
 Mr. Nordenskiold, you and Colonel Bayard must 
 advise me. There goes her signal for assistance and a 
 pilot; the people are on board yet," he shouted, as a 
 large ensign, Union down, was run into the main 
 shrouds.
 
 1 86 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "How far out is the vessel now?" said Norden- 
 skiold, as the village of Aransas hove in sight, ten 
 miles up the inlet. 
 
 " About three miles. But I dare not take the risk 
 of going out without you authorize me. It might for- 
 feit the mail contract for Mr. Leavenworth," the 
 captain said doubtfully. 
 
 "Don't wait a minute for that! I'll answer to my 
 father for this. I will not see brave sailors lose their 
 lives under our very eyes," cried Jimmy Leavenworth. 
 
 His sweet sister Alice softly added: "And our own 
 lives were saved by a gallant sailor almost in sight of 
 these sufferers. Let us help them ! " 
 
 It did not need Katie's impassioned appeal in second- 
 ing her gentle sister, for, at a nod from Nordenskiold, 
 all hands sprung to the sheets. 
 
 The captain took the tiller, and in five minutes the 
 dainty Wanderer was dashing out through Aransas 
 Pass toward the bark which was driving straight on 
 shore. All eyes were glued on the vessel now shrouded 
 in smoke; with glasses in hand the lawyer stood by 
 the captain, his old nautical skill aiding in this crisis. 
 
 " By Heavens, it's the ' Hesper,' one of the Company's 
 boats!" sharply said Nordenskiold. "I know her rig. 
 See! there the crew go in their boats, towing astern. 
 I suppose they have lashed the tiller in hopes she will 
 drive in shore and save the hull." 
 
 " It's a queer mano2uvre, Squire," hoarsely whispered 
 the captain. " I wonder what she has on board. She's 
 been missing some time." 
 
 Nordenskiold shot a savage glare at the skipper from 
 under his bushy gray eyebrows. 
 
 " You are here to save life, not to fight for the 
 Marine Insurance Companies," said the lawyer, with a 
 meaning gesture of silence.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 187 
 
 Eagle-eyed Tom Bayard, who could see an Indian 
 further than any ranger in Texas, shouted from an 
 excited group: 
 
 " They've cut the tow lines! The ship is deserted!" 
 
 It was true. In ten minutes the bark drove by, 
 near them, flames pouring from her hatchway. 
 
 "What are they signalling for?" cried the soldier to 
 Nordenskiold, who was sternly silent, as the captain 
 bore down toward the three boats, now keeping 
 together, waiting to be picked up. 
 
 "There may be explosives on board," said the cap- 
 tain with a grin, as he called out: "Clear away the 
 lines there. We'll tow them in to Aransas." 
 
 The quick-witted castaways had already joined their 
 boats with strong lines as the Wanderer swept up. 
 
 Motioning the mate to take the tiller, the captain 
 yelled: "Stand by for a line! All hands now! Look 
 sharp!" 
 
 At his signal the Wanderer went about, two strong 
 lines were caught by the inmates of the first boat, and 
 the mail yacht sped away, on the other tack, to the 
 smoother waters of the Laguna. 
 
 A third of a mile in advance, the doomed Hesper 
 was rushing onward to the certain destruction of the 
 tossing breakers. 
 
 The mail yacht raced after the abandoned vessel now 
 wreathed in flame. 
 
 A hoarse hail from the leading boat warned them : 
 " Look out! not too near; she's full of powder! " 
 
 The Wanderer bore well away. The flames now 
 leaped up shroud and mast, and while all gazed in 
 eagerness, the bark heaved up, a bright flash of blue 
 and red flame lit up the skies, and far and near the water 
 was covered with wreckage. The fragments of her 
 hull settled and sank as the masts fell sideways, drag- 
 ging along the shallowing water.
 
 lS8 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " It's all over! Thank God! There's no loss of life 
 at any rate," cried the excited Jimmy. 
 
 In an hour the swift Wanderer drew alongside 
 the wharf at Aransas, and the three boats pulled in, 
 with twenty wearied sailors on board. While they 
 related the story of their disaster to a gaping crowd, the 
 fragments of the ill-fated Hesper were grinding to 
 pieces on the sharp sand of the lower key outside the 
 Laguna. Apart, on the deck of the Wanderer, a 
 bearded sailor conversed in low tones with Norden- 
 skiold. 
 
 " We will only wait here long enough for the 
 mails," said the lawyer. " Take all your men up to the 
 hotel and treat them well. I will send the mail boat 
 back for you at once. You had better come down to 
 Corpus Christi, then. I have no doubt the Company 
 will send your people to New Orleans and give you 
 another vessel." 
 
 Such was the lawyer's outspoken disposition of the 
 rescued. Jack Manson wondered at the roving com- 
 mission of the speaker. The mysterious Company 
 again. He would have been astonished if he had 
 known that the Hesper had discharged a hundred 
 thousand gallons of smuggled brandy during her myste- 
 rious absence. The Collector of Customs at Corpus 
 Christi, convinced easily, cancelled the export bond, on 
 the facts, and two dollars in gold, on each gallon, was 
 thus easily earned for the annual "secret fund" of the 
 octopus combination. 
 
 " I hope you saved all of your papers, Captain," 
 remarked Xordenskiold. 
 
 " Every one," briefly answered the mariner, who 
 pointed to two flat tin cases, strapped and cork buoyed. 
 " I made them ready when the fire gained on us. My 
 last hope was to batten the hatches."
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 189 
 
 " On second thoughts let the chief officer take charge 
 of the men. You may as well go down to Corpus 
 Christi with me. You'll get your new ship the sooner. 
 Were you insured ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir," said the captain. " They put twenty 
 thousand dollars fresh on the old Hesper after we 
 refitted this spring. That made eighty thousand dollars, 
 all told." 
 
 " All right, then. You've made no loss for the Com- 
 pany. I know that the cargo was insured. So come 
 along with us, and bring your papers. Here ; your men 
 may want money. There's an order on Lovett, Fox 
 & Co. for what your officer may need. Take this for 
 yourself." 
 
 A peculiar smile played on the lawyer's face as he 
 extended a hundred-dollar bill. " I'll give you half an 
 hour on shore. Don't be late." 
 
 The mariner hastened away to bestow his men, and 
 Olaf Nordenskiold walked to the stern to conceal a 
 glow of satisfaction. 
 
 " The cargo was well insured. That was Chis- 
 holm's smartness. But this scheme to destroy her 
 when empty, in the theatrical way it was done, was 
 worthy of a modern dramatist. I suppose Chisholm 
 will claim a champagne supper for that. Of course, 
 the captain fired a couple of bundles of oakum, well 
 soaked in coal oil, himself, before he closed the hatches. 
 Well, it's money easily made. I'm glad Chisholm 
 plants the insurance on foreign companies. There will 
 he no sneaking investigation. The duty stolen from 
 Uncle Sam is a righteous reward for smashing the late 
 Confederacy. It's a good beginning for next season. 
 A very neat turn." 
 
 Olaf Nordenskiold rubbed his hands in glee, as he lit 
 an especially fine cigar and nodded good humoredly,
 
 10,0 FOR MFE AXD LOA r E. 
 
 as the Wanderer's captain gave the order to cast off 
 and make sail. 
 
 " Rather full of incident, this voyaging along Texan 
 shores," muttered Jack Manson, as he sought a cosy 
 nook near Katie. " What will the interior be if this is 
 only the introduction?" His brow darkened as he 
 thought of Ramon Maxan. 
 
 " That's an unsuspecting chap, young Manson," mused 
 the sly old legal fox. "Somebody will cut his throat 
 here in Texas and he \vont know it. He's not smart 
 enough for Texas. But little Katie may open his eyes. 
 That sweet witch is bright enough to be ' queen of the 
 Texan Rangers.' And yet," he mused, "gentle and 
 refined. I suppose it is her Northern education and the 
 good family stock of her mother. Blood will tell! Old 
 Si Leavenworth is rough as a file, God knows," 
 thought the old lawyer, who preferred his own "suaviter 
 in modo " to the cattle baron's " fortiter in re." 
 
 Nordenskiold indulged his last remaining human 
 passion, " good old gentlemanly avarice," in a smooth 
 and secret way, letting violent natures like old Si run 
 into all the desperate environments. 
 
 " Why force ? Slyness is better," thought he, with a 
 vague regret at the two human lives sacrificed to his 
 now regretted personal ebullitions of passion. " Decid- 
 edly, excitement is always wrong," he concluded, as he 
 paced the deck. " Not always," he quickly added, as he 
 caught a glance of Katie Leaven worth's sweet face 
 crimsoning under Jack Manson's whispered words. " So 
 the breeze sits in that quarter! It will ruffle a little 
 under old Si's cyclone when he asks for that child. I 
 would sooner face a wild panther with a paper-cutter 
 than brave the old devil's anger. A genial old father- 
 in-law to be ! " The man of deeds and oarchments 
 fairly chuckled in controlled mirth, -
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 19 1 
 
 But, as the boat sped along the lagoon, threading the 
 beautiful straits and wooded reaches of the island's, 
 passing here and there a square redoubt, relic of the late 
 unpleasantness, built to protect light blockade run- 
 ners, another sequestered couple enjoyed the romantic 
 hours. 
 
 Colonel Thomas Bayard (late C. S. A.) was earn- 
 estly painting to sweet sister Alice the superior advan- 
 tages of his rancho as a permanent residence. It was 
 a conversation which had been interrupted by the ter- 
 rific gulf storm. Bayard, who had marched up un- 
 flinchingly to the flaming embraces of Battery Rob- 
 binett, was now holding a council of war with St. 
 Cecilia, as to the best method of " regular approach " to 
 capture the granite fortress of her father's heart. 
 
 " You shall have everything you want in the world, 
 my dear one ! " said the frank soldier. " I have waited 
 long enough for you, too long," the laconic veteran 
 said with a sigh. " Marry me before the year closes. 1 
 don't care for your father's money, I have plenty of my 
 own." 
 
 " You must gain my father's consent first, Tom," said 
 Alice, her eyes sparkling. " Mother I am sure of 
 already." 
 
 " Can't you tell your father that you are tired of San 
 Miguel, and like my place on the Nueces better?" 
 simply remarked the colonel. He was dodging the 
 issue ! 
 
 Alice's ringing laughter startled even Katie and Jack 
 Manson. They were soon wandering away in cloud- 
 land again, building castles in Spain. Neither sus- 
 pected the depth of eager love in the soldier's naive 
 proposals. 
 
 " I'm afraid that father would be unapproachable for 
 a week," Alice answered, smiling gaily. " But, Tom,
 
 192 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 you must ask him in some other way. You are the 
 only man in Western Texas not afraid of him." 
 
 " I'll pay old Nordenskiold a good fee and get him 
 to talk the Chief over to see the thing in a reasonable 
 light," mused the Confederate. 
 
 " If you wish to have me preside oVer that famous 
 rancho, you must ask for me yourself '! No substitute, 
 sir. Am I not worth asking for?" said the gentle girl, 
 as she fled away to the cabin for her favorite book. 
 
 Tom Bayard's honest eyes followed her. 
 
 " You are worth every broad acre of Western 
 Texas," he proudly soliloquized. 
 
 " I shall cost you a good deal in repairs, extension, 
 and some comforts for that bachelor den of yours," 
 whispered Alice, when she returned. His eager eyes 
 were a promise. 
 
 " I think that you will be successful," the lady con- 
 tinued, "for with mother I can always gain my little 
 battles,,but I wish you to put father under some new 
 obligation to you. Then he could not refuse." Alice 
 bent her dark eyes tenderly on her lover. 
 
 " I'd lay down all I have for him, save my life," 
 began Bayard. 
 
 " That belongs to me, sir, now and always. I have a 
 plan. Be guided by me. I will tell you when to act." 
 
 Colonel Bayard was fain to yield to the quiet beauty. 
 /As the sun sought the western heavens, by the osier- 
 shaded banks, wild-eyed cattle gazed at the gliding 
 vision of beauty, for the Wanderer was a snowy cloud 
 of canvas. Wild duck and plover whirred awav, and 
 on the little islands flocks of stately wild turkevs ran in 
 sudden alarm. Herds of graceful deer gazed fearless'.y 
 from knoll and grassy mound and trotted a few steps 
 with tossing antlers, as the boat glided noiselessly on. 
 
 Manson, as the prospect varied, listened to Katie's
 
 FOR MFE AND LOVE. 
 
 193 
 
 legends and stories of the early time. The old mail- 
 clad wanderers lived again under her word-pictures. 
 The story of De Soto's lost cavalier, who wandered 
 alone from the Mississippi in 1541 to the Mexican 
 silver-buttressed mountains, and joined the men of Her- 
 nando Cortes four years later, after living (an object of 
 wonder) with the great Indians of the Arkansas, seemed 
 almost incredible. 
 
 " I've read his book, found in an old deserted Mexi- 
 can monastery," said Katie, who lisped Spanish in her 
 infancy as well as her own tongue. " They thought he 
 was a strange god. His armor and trappings mysti- 
 fied them. Those fiery old Spaniards! Their memory 
 lingers in our herds of wild horses, bred from their 
 abandoned steeds." 
 
 Jack recalled, under this fairest of Scheherazades, 
 the little fort built by LaSalle at Matagorda Bay in 
 1679 long after Ponce de Leon and DeSoto had 
 joined the innumerable caravan. The bloody wars 
 between Spain and France for the coveted shores were 
 sketched as well as the legendary story of mysterious 
 San Saba Mission, far in the interior where cowled 
 priest and fiery horsemen fell under the fierce rush of 
 the proud Comanche horsemen, undaunted after three 
 hundred years of battle. The wild coast warfare, butch- 
 ered settlements of even the English, and the lawless 
 rule of the pirates of the Gulf were pictured. Katie 
 proudly wreathed with romance the early days of the 
 century which gave Texas its gallant " Lone Star." 
 Mendoza, daring Spanish prototype of Aaron Burr, a 
 self-elected military despot, dying before the muskets 
 in 1813, after the slaughter of two thousand wandering 
 Mexicans and predatory Americans, even then water- 
 ing the debatable soil with blood, was not forgotten. 
 
 The spirited girl spoke of grim Lafitte holding the
 
 194 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 coast by the pirate's sword, from 1815 to 1821, with his 
 great lair at Galveston a prophetic suggestion of the 
 future. 
 
 "There is Padre Island," cried the glowing girl. 
 " Even to-day its sands, after a storm, are rich with the 
 wave cast-up dollars and doubloons of treasure vessels 
 secreted here by him, in these secret bayous." 
 
 " And where does your inheritance of title come 
 from, my princess?" questioned Jack Manson. 
 
 "Ah! we real Texans succeed to all the rights of 
 Moses Austin. He crossed the Sabine Boundai-y in 
 1820, and bought a huge grant from Mexico. That 
 great Northern schemer began to fill Texas with useful 
 emigrants to aid the wandering Americans. Mexican 
 duplicity in 1830 forbade the further influx of our race. 
 Yet, in 1833, the twenty thousand anti-Mexican dwell- 
 ers here decided to raise the Lone Star,' and conquer 
 or die under it. In 1835, Sam Houston, the greatest 
 frontiersman since Daniel Eoone, a worthy peer of Kit 
 Carson, drew his sword and drove the Mexican 
 invaders out. The world knows the undimmed heroism 
 of the Alamo. As long as the breeze waves the long 
 grass over them, the names of Travis, Crockett, Bowie, 
 and Evans, will be deathless. I am proud that my 
 father joined in that wild war-cry * Remember the 
 Alamo,' when the Mexican flag went down forever at 
 San Jacinto. What matchless men ! Sydney Johnston 
 was a simple soldier, in our ranks; afterwards the 
 South's costly offering on the field of Shiloh. And the 
 deeds of our little navy! Splendid men, from under 
 every flag, joined the heroes on shore. Yes, we have 
 indeed a heritage of glory. It belongs to the whole 
 Union, for Moses Austin was from Connecticut, and 
 in the great days of the Mexican War, Zachary Taylor, 
 a Southerner, marched to the front of the army which
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 195 
 
 fought Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. You 
 shall see the plains which he camped on, to-morrow, 
 for on January 13, 1846, brave old * Rough and Ready' 
 moved out from Corpus Christi to plant our flag in 
 victory at Fort Brown, where it waves to-day. It has 
 its deathless romance, dear old Texas," said Katie, as 
 her dreaming eyes met her lover's. " Every lonely 
 grave of our early settlers should be an altar for their 
 children's children. There should be nothing mean or 
 base in the heirs of such dauntless pioneers." 
 
 The sun sank far beyond the hills, and under the 
 soft starlight the lovers, hand in hand, dreamed of a 
 future brighter than the sunset skies of even. Morn- 
 ing's fresh breezes came with the golden sun leaping 
 up from the blue sea outside the bar. The day-god 
 climbed toward the zenith, as Katie pointed to a distant 
 town crowning rolling bluffs and backed with the swell 
 of the unmeasured prairie. 
 
 " There, far beyond the eye's reach, fifty miles 
 away, lies San Miguel. You are going to my home 
 to the green prairie land where freedom breathes in 
 every waft of the far winds from the Rockies." 
 
 "What fate lies before me here? " mused Jack Man- 
 son. His nerves tingled, his heart beat high, for a 
 gentle hand lay softly nestling in his own the hand of 
 the lovely woman who would be the prairie star of the 
 newer day. 
 
 A convocation of polyglot characters welcomed Ncr- 
 denskiold at the landing, as the Wanderer's sails flut- 
 tered down. That handsome young Texan, Mr. James 
 Leavenworth, was hailed by a circle of sternly chival- 
 ric-looking country leaders, and, with characteristic 
 Southern courtesy, the ladies reached their carriage 
 through a lane of lifted head-gear. At the door of 
 the St. James, the lawyer tore open several dispatches.
 
 196 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "See here, Manson! Wonders will never cease. 
 Read that. Do you know the lady ? " It was signed 
 " Ezra Steele," and said : 
 
 Married to-day to Mrs. Mildred Smiley. Shall pay Chisholm 
 a visit in New Orleans. Can you meet me there in two weeks? 
 Would like to confer before Congress meets. 
 
 Jack Manson stifled an exclamation of surprise. " She 
 is a charming woman; one of the loveliest I ever met." 
 He handed the dispatch to Colonel Bayard, whose 
 soldierly face grew stern. 
 
 "Poor Bob Kenyon!" he muttered, "It seals his 
 forgotten tomb, and closes his sad story!" He passed 
 it back without further comment. 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth's eyes opened widely as he read 
 the lines. " She will be a great aid to Steele in his 
 public career," said the Texan. 
 
 " Yes, and a tower of strength to our Company," 
 mused Nordenskiold quietly. " Now, what is his 
 game ? " he silently reflected, for he knew not that Steele 
 had been deftly snared by the ambitious woman who 
 stood under the Stars and Bars at Atlanta as Major Bob 
 Kenyon's peerless girl wife. 
 
 After reading a few more words, the lawyer drew 
 Jack Manson aside. " I know Miss Katie's impatience. 
 There are four wild demons being harnessed that will 
 take them up to San Miguel in five hours without a 
 break. I must see Leavenworth about this wreck. 
 It's a serious loss," he sighed. " It demands instant 
 action. He will wish his children gathered quietly 
 around him for a few days. Now, do you make your 
 temporary adieux to the young ladies. I will put you 
 in the hands of chosen men here who will 'naturalize' 
 you in a few days. You can trust them with your life. 
 But, silence as to your own business and my intended
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 197 
 
 organization here to secure the benefits of the franchise 
 to our inner circle. Say not a word as to your affairs 
 or past history." He finished with a smile: " It's a 
 way we have in Texas." 
 
 The angel of silence guards yet the passionate good- 
 bye of Jack Manson to the beauty whose bright eyes 
 gleamed through tears as she whispered : " Good-bye ! 
 my heart is yours. My home lies there. My heart is 
 with you here. When you meet me, remember that 
 our future is in your hands." There was a mist in 
 Jack's eyes as the wild racers stretched their lean heads 
 to the smooth prairie paths. Katie, his beloved, was 
 gone! 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A NIGHT AT "JOE GARCIA's " "OUR FIRST CITI- 
 ZENS*' OLD MARK'S .LETTERS MRS. SENATOR 
 
 STEELE MAXAN IN AMBUSH A FRONTIER 
 
 KING. 
 
 " So THIS is to be my future headquarters!" mused 
 Jack Manson, as he gloomily watched Jimmy Leaven- 
 worth dashing away with his wild escort toward San 
 Miguel. "I'll send you in a couple of good men as 
 escort, and a driver. Nordenskiold comes out to-mor- 
 row. You can trust every man he makes known to 
 you, just as he tickets them. Sly old fox!" were the 
 Texan prince's last words. 
 
 Pacing the long porch of the St. James Hotel, Jack 
 gazed on the splendid Laguna, with Padre Island's 
 sand-dunes swept gulfward by the silver surf. The 
 blue waters of the Laguna teeming with turtle, sea 
 trout, mullet, pompono, oysters, and rare fish worthy 
 of a modern Vitellius, was unflecked by a sail. Far to
 
 198 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the south, a bluff a hundred feet high indicated the 
 depth of the virgin prairie soil, with a lean strip of sand- 
 beach at its foot. The plateau of the lonely beach 
 widened where Corpus Christi nestled half below the 
 bluff. Its " upper ten " dwelt on the splendid head- 
 lands, whence a grassy prairie, smooth as a tennis-court, 
 stretched hundreds of miles to the Xueces, Pecos, and 
 San Antonio rivers. Out in the far southwest, the 
 prairie joined the arid sands, cactus groves, gray hills, 
 and bare knolls of the great " arid zone." It is a natural 
 boundary from the mouth of the winding Rio Grande 
 del Norte ("El Rio Bravo") across two great States 
 and twin Territories from Point Isabel, Texas, to San 
 Diego, California. Not a lonely mile of this horrid, 
 burning desert silence which has not had its unwritten 
 tragedy since the " Conquistadores " first crossed it! 
 The unceasing war of the Apaches devastates the west- 
 ern half, the operations of thief, renegade, raider, and 
 wandering criminal make the eastern strip a land where 
 blood flows freer than water. The considerable town, 
 well built, in Southwest frontier style, seemed handi- 
 capped only by the shallow water of the inlet. 
 
 " Some day," mused Jack, pocket-map in hand, 
 "great ocean steamers will discharge foreign cargoes 
 here. The channel must be deepened." 
 
 While Nordenskiold left Manson to the hospitalities 
 of the host of the St. James, he called a secret meeting 
 of his " notables" at the great local " tienda de Joe 
 Garcia," the substitute for a club-house. 
 
 As Jack reflected that General Zachary Taylor had 
 chosen this as the base of his Mexican operations, he 
 noted the situation of the town like the hub of a wheel. 
 A radius of a hundred and fifty miles swept from 
 Point Isabel to Fort Brown, Ringgold Barracks, Fort 
 Mclntosh, Fort Duncan, San Antonio, and near to 
 Austin and Galveston.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 199 
 
 " With a virgin soil, immense cattle herds, countless 
 bands of sheep, undeveloped iron and coal, and the 
 water of the rivers," Manson murmured, " here should 
 be great settlements, thousands of farmers, and thriving 
 trade. Through this circle, the friendly advance on 
 Mexico must be made. Will my paper railroad ever 
 cross these rich plains?" 
 
 Gazing up and down the few streets, Manson noted 
 the lethargy of the easy-going nomadic Western Texans. 
 The only sounds in the blazing sun were the click of 
 billiard balls, or the shouts of idlers in the drinking 
 " saloons." Along the sandy unpaved streets, knots of 
 wild-looking steeds were tied before the flimsy " stores" ! 
 The usual "plaza" was the market place. It had served 
 as the convenient theatre of many impromptu duels. 
 Huge storehouses and " corrals " contained mountains 
 of hides and pelts; pens filled with wild horses and 
 cattle, and by bands of sheep, represented the only 
 exchange medium of value animals alive, or their 
 proceeds when dead. 
 
 Jack Manson gazed on the motley passing crowd. 
 They were Southern borderers, Mexicans, stray negroes, 
 half-bred Indians, stranded sailors, Italian "dagos," and 
 a few suspicious, broken-down-looking Americans of 
 the baser sort! 
 
 He ventured to express some surprise to his com- 
 panion at this singular panorama. 
 
 " It's a d d poor country to come to, this yere Rio 
 Grande," said the hotel-keeper, cutting a lump of plug 
 tobacco with a bowie-knife deftly produced. " An' a 
 mighty -sensible man what gets out of hyar, while he 
 kin pay for a ticket to New Orleans, an' before he gets 
 his throat cut. Come, let's have a drink." 
 
 Jack followed his host. The drink was a brevet of 
 social recognition. The tawdry pictures of Lee and
 
 2OO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Jackson over the long bar were out of place hanging 
 over the fly-infested, poison-filled bottles. A stuffed 
 jaguar and a dilapidated-looking gray wolf ornamented 
 the rear of the bar under a pithy notice: 
 
 GENTLEMEN WILL PLEASE DEPOSIT 
 THEIR WEAPONS WITH THE CLERK. 
 
 " This country does not seem to please you," said 
 Manson, as he broke the ice of local custom with his 
 first drink. 
 
 " The people hyar, suh, are a mixed lot of loafers an' 
 man-killers. I wisht I was well out of the hole. Thar's 
 some rich cattle men in back. They've gobbled up 
 the whole country like old Leavenworth. But the 
 average lot are lazy cusses. I wish the war had swept 
 'em all off. They was too big cowards to fight, an' 
 got rich on swappin' cotton over the Rio Grande." 
 
 "Would not a railroad help you here?" cautiously 
 said Manson. 
 
 " Yas," replied the disgusted boniface. " Ef old Grant 
 would only grab the three border States of Mexico 
 an' turn all these wanderin' Confederit' veterans in to 
 whippin' the ' Greasers,' it would start us up." 
 
 " What are ' Greasers'? " innocently queried Jack. 
 
 "Oh! Mexicans! That's what we call 'em. 
 They're like Injins only good to kill! Now, ef this 
 yere Rio Grande Company," the host began, as he 
 motioned for a duplication of the fiery cocktails Jack's 
 eager attention was here cut short by a warning glance 
 from Nordenskiold, who filed in at the head of a crowd 
 of friends. They were, indeed, a strange assembly ! 
 
 " Our leading citizens," Nordenskiold whispered, as 
 he drew Jack away from the loquacious landlord.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 2OI 
 
 Don't speak of the Company to a living soul," he 
 muttered. " That landlord is dangerous. He trains 
 with the opposition crowd." Manson was puzzled. 
 He advanced to meet the "leading citizens "in a strange 
 frame of mind. Did the too communicative host run a 
 mysterious " company " of his own ? Was he a special- 
 ist in occult operations from smuggling to fancy throat- 
 cutting ? Queer people these " leading citizens" ! 
 He saw before him in the almost shabby daily undress 
 of the ambitionless Southron several middle-aged men. 
 
 Xordenskiold said gravely: "Gentlemen, I hope to 
 meet you all this evening at a little supper at 'Joe Gar- 
 cia's.' I wish you to know Mr. Jack Manson, my 
 friend. He has been on the plains in Dakota. Now, 
 I have to go and look after my shipwrecked sailors. I 
 have a telegram telling me they will be in before night. 
 Colonel Hodges, you will kindly take charge of our 
 young friend." 
 
 Jack grasped the offered hand of the new cicerone. 
 He was a stunted, grizzled man of fifty-five. His head 
 was fastened forward by a seeming injury, but two 
 coal-black eyes blazed over his grizzled beard, and his 
 step was as light as the velvet-footed panther. Every 
 one knew cut-faced Hodges a cattle rwillionaire, a 
 veteran of the Mexican War, a ranger, and the father 
 of some desperate children, born of a Spanish mother 
 whose dower in lands was that of a duchess! All 
 Texans hailed him as the hero of countless encounters, 
 and his historic wound was a slashing machete cut, 
 severing the neck muscles. Yet, simple and quiet in 
 manner as a school-boy, two bull-dog pistols were 
 always carried in the pocket of his loose sack-coat. 
 From El Paso to the sea, his quickness in planting 
 their deadly balls into the falling antagonist was 
 known.
 
 2O2 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 He said simply: "Glad to know you, Gentlemen. 
 Let's have something." 
 
 Jack soon knew Judge Ketcham, hulking, vulgar, 
 greasy, shabbily-genteel, with a Bardolphian nose. 
 
 " Our Federal District Judge, sir." So he was, and 
 a better judge of whisky than law. "I'm told that you 
 know my friend Senator Ezra Steele," he lazily 
 remarked, for he too was a " carpet-bagger," floated 
 up in the time of the disqualification of the competent 
 rebel jurists. Manson gazed and briefly acknowledged 
 the honor. 
 
 " Queer running mate for Steele. Three grades 
 lower in vulgarity," he thought. " Probably a port- 
 able human whisky-tank. Yet, he sways here the bal- 
 ances of Justice, blind indeed, in these days of the 
 unsettled war upheaval," Jack decided. 
 
 " My friend, Colonel ' Rip ' Ford, said Hodges 
 warmly. Jack's eye brightened. Here was a real man; 
 tall, fair, silver-haired, he bore his sixty years with a 
 slight stoop. An honest blue eye, a kindly smile and 
 a simple, frank, soldierly manner were a passport to 
 respect and confidence. 
 
 "I'm right glad to know you," said the old veteran. 
 He extended a crippled right hand, and Jack Manson, 
 gazing in his honest eyes, knew he had met the typical 
 Texan. He could still ride eighty miles a day, sleep 
 under the stars, and face death as calmly as when he 
 followed Sam Houston as a boy at the Texan field of 
 honor, San Jacinto. As a Ranger, he had chased the 
 wild Comanches through the glades of the Nueces and 
 Pecos. The whole frontier knew of how Captain Ford 
 twisted round when his right hand was nailed to his 
 saddle by a Comanche lance, and slew Gray Eagle, a 
 giant chief, with his Texas Colt revolver held in the 
 left hand, as their mad steeds raced side by side. Major
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 203 
 
 Ford had followed General Taylor to Buena Vista to 
 see his old foe Santa Anna, the greatest' of Mexican 
 generals, flee before the Stars and Stripes! And, sim- 
 ple minded, when Texas "went out," Colonel Ford, C. 
 S. A., followed the waning Stars and Bars and rode in 
 the last fight of the war, on Palo Alto's sacred field, 
 where, strange to say, the last battle of the war, fought 
 after Lee's surrender, was a final gleam of victory 
 before the night of defeat blotted out the Southern 
 Cross for ever. Simple, frank, abstemious, generous, 
 a devout Christian, only gently partaking of the habits 
 of "old-time gentry," dear old "Rip" Ford's word 
 was his bond and his heart was true to the great grow- 
 ing State he had fought for in its dark hours its throes 
 of crystallization into the gallant "Lone Star." 
 
 "I suppose you surely know Mr. Leaven worth?" 
 hazarded Jack, as his heart warmed to the quaint old 
 Ranger. 
 
 " We've rid thousands of miles together an' fought 
 the Comanches an' Mexicans, side by side, fifty times! 
 Many's the time one blanket has covered us two in a 
 freezing 'norther,' when the mustang horses whim- 
 pered from cold. I'm at home at San Miguel that 
 is, when I!m not ridin' the perara," he concluded. 
 
 Major von Blucher and old Henry Miller were the 
 next notables. The major, a bullet-headed, square- 
 jawed old Prussian, with gleaming spectacles, was the 
 pride of the frontier. A self-exiled German noble, he 
 spoke all languages. Short and sturdy, a grim philos- 
 opher, he dropped the student's cap at the University of 
 Berlin to plunge into a wild Texan career. Surveyor, 
 engineer, lawyer, translator, scientist, and adviser, his 
 trenchant tongue was a flail to the unlearned. In his 
 quaint bungalow, at the head of the canon, a gentle 
 German lady presided over his home. Her graceful
 
 204 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 daughter portrayed the mother's refinement, his two 
 stalwart boys were Texan copies of the sturdy von 
 Blucher. Instruments, books, classic works, curious 
 specimens, and uncanny gear lumbered up his house. 
 He mingled all languages, from the fragments of 
 Horace, never altogether forgotten, with the dialects of 
 Kickapoo, Seminole, and Comanche. Fearless, sturdy, 
 and fate-defying, he smoked, drank, philosophized, and 
 fraternized with every border passer-by from Caballo 
 Blanco, the great Mexican bandit, to the round-faced 
 Catholic priest at the little town, with whom he fought, 
 over the dinner table, the battles of orthodoxy and of 
 agnosticism. 
 
 At this moment, the old Prussian was watching his 
 favorite drink being compounded under the eyes of 
 jovial Henry Miller, who, in feudal times, would have 
 been the rosy cellar-master of some jolly set of monas- 
 tery roisterers. At Brownsville, in face of Matamoras, 
 by the rushing river, across which the shells from Fort 
 Brown silenced the Mexican guns, Henry Miller was 
 the landlord par excellence. Poor and rich had of his 
 best. The " stranger within his gates " was even cared 
 for like a brother, and easy-going old Henry calmly 
 nursed friend and stranger, in the awful days of yellow 
 fever scourges, with a heroism worthy of placing a halo 
 around his kindly old face. Dear old Henry sleeps 
 to-day by the murmuring river he loved, but his mem- 
 ory is green! 
 
 Mr. Beriah Mott, the ferret-eyed banker who plotted 
 around Milly Smiley's table, was also added to Jack Man- 
 son's gallery of friends, his partner Bainbridge, and the 
 Collector of Customs, a faded and inert politician who 
 lived only by official blackmail, skillful poker, much 
 internal suction, and sported a snappy-looking, over-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 205 
 
 dressed, black-eyed "wife," vaguely suspected of belong- 
 ing to some other forgotten Menelaus. 
 
 " If I am not to be a three-bottle man, I must try some 
 strategy," finally Tack decided, as the grave ceremonies 
 ended. 
 
 " I hope to meet you this evening," said Jack to the 
 gentlemen. " I think I will take a little drive." 
 
 " Let . me show you around," said Hodges, and to 
 Jack's relief a pair of bounding half-tamed horses soon 
 whirled him away to where, from the tops of the rolling 
 green prairie swells, he could follow, by Hodges' whip- 
 stock, the air line of fifty miles dividing him from the 
 blue-eyed woman he loved. 
 
 Deft questioning brought out a fund of anecdote as 
 to Si Leavenworth's romantic life. Manson groaned 
 inwardly as he thought of the redoubtable old " Giant 
 Despair " he must face before Katie Leavenworth's 
 slender hand would wear his wedding ring. The state 
 of the border was painted briefly by the old ranchero. 
 
 " Yes, sir," said Colonel Hodges, as the foaming 
 steeds trotted back exhausted, for his thin wrists were 
 firm as steel bars, " it's a queer country, this Western 
 Texas. You see, many men come here with new- 
 fangled notions about Northern ideas and a whole lot of 
 nonsense. If a man comes in with us, and lets politics 
 alone, and makes himself neighborly, he can do well 
 here, if he's civil and a leetle careful." His voice took a 
 fatherly and prudential tone: "No, our people won't 
 stand any meddling." 
 
 "And if he should meddle?" said Jack good- 
 humoredly. 
 
 " Then most likely he'd get shot right off by some- 
 body," said Colonel Hodges very simply, as if effective 
 shooting was a sort of natural " clearing-house " pro, 
 cess for the removal of human busy-bodies.
 
 2O6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Don't they ever hang anyone down here ? " said 
 Jack, quite amazed, as they drew up before Joe Garcia's, 
 for the supper hour was nigh. 
 
 "Oh, yes. The 'Regulators' hang a good many 
 fellows prowling around the cattle ranches, and there's 
 been a good many ' niggers ' hung, but it's too much 
 trouble for our young fellows. They mostly shoot 
 them ! There were some few Northern men hung here 
 about war time. I'm sorry to say they were mixed up 
 in politics." 
 
 Plain old Colonel Hodges' voice sank in a pensive 
 regret. It was with a vain effort to prevent a smile, 
 that Manson said seriously, as he dismounted: "I 
 meant regular trial and hanging by law. Legal execu- 
 tions, you know. Criminals." 
 
 Colonel Hodges looked in wonder at Jack, who 
 actually burst into laughter, as he said: 
 
 " Certainly not! Those fellows mostly light out for 
 Mexico if they raise a rumpus. Nobody bothers with 
 them. It costs too much. Somebody fills them full of 
 lead if they are fools enough to hang around after hoss- 
 stealing or killin' a good man." 
 
 The word " Mexico " recalled Maxan. 
 
 " Do you know a rich young fellow over there- 
 Ramon Maxan? " said Jack, as Colonel Hodges finished 
 tying his horses. 
 
 The old man wheeled with a sharp glance of aston- 
 ishment. He said slowly: " He's the biggest liar and 
 sneak among those fine gentry of the Zona Libre. He's 
 got a poor girl, Panchita Lopez, walled up there in his 
 hacienda. He run her off from the convent up at 
 Laredo. Poor Panchita! If I was ten years younger, 
 I'd take a gang of the boys and run over there and 
 hang him in his own ' paseo ' and burn the robber nest. 
 He's not so safe on this side of the * Bravo,' " said
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 2O7 
 
 Hodges. " I knew Panchita's mother," and a look of 
 the old times drifted over the old borderer's eyes the 
 shadow of a lost and perished love. A memory of his 
 old times of " storm and stress." Poor girl ! Poor 
 dead mother! 
 
 "I think I see now why Mrs. Milly Smiley married 
 Senator Steele, and follows up this reckless young 
 devil," mused Jack, as Hodges led him into the resort 
 of the cattle princes, where lively Joe Garcia served 
 the smuggled champagne, his white teeth flashing 
 under smiling lips. 
 
 " But how the dickens did the Washington beauty 
 ever find out about 'Panchita'?" Jack thought, as he 
 answered Nordenskiold's bow of welcome. 
 
 He began to see the tangled threads of the web of 
 life, stained in wine and blood, broidered in fool's gold, 
 twisted by the hands of the Fates, with fair women's 
 jeweled fingers playing in the meshes, stretching from 
 Texan camp to Cabinet on the Potomac, from Hacienda 
 Maxan to royal San Miguel, and from Havana and 
 Liverpool to New York ! 
 
 Here in the presence of these queerly-assorted lay 
 figures, he mused as he sat at a rich feast, wondering 
 how deeply these sly, secretive adventurers were in the 
 secrets of a company which swayed the Texan legis- 
 lature, owned Federal judges, dominated banks and 
 telegraphs, and reached up to New York's millions 
 and smooth pharisaical merchants, and farther on into 
 the United States Senate, through the bewitching 
 "Empress." 
 
 Why had Senator Steele married this waif of the Stars 
 and Bars? Who was the hidden No. 4? A secret 
 powerful protector who could reach even the secrets of 
 the White House portfolio? Was he in the Cabinet? 
 Did the railroad franchise, the princely grant, the mur-
 
 2O8 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 murs of "a movement on the frontier" mean a dash on 
 Mexico as cowardly as when President Polk loosed 
 Scott and Taylor in the march to the Halls of the 
 Montezumas? 
 
 The young engineer's head swam. How far had he 
 his uncle's confidence? Did Katie Leavenworth's ten- 
 der eyes lead him on to fortune, or a forgotten grave in 
 the cactus-bearing sands trodden only by bandit or 
 relentless Comanche? As he listened to wit and 
 wassail, old stories, war reminiscences, and freer allu- 
 sion, as the wine flowed and loosened tongues on all 
 sides, he saw ever the sphinx-like face of Olaf Norden- 
 skiold, calm, stony, self-possessed, rising out of the 
 smoke wreaths. The gulf oysters, dainty fishes, wild 
 turkey, filets of grass-fed beef, and saddle of venison 
 were discussed, and every liquor and wine which the 
 daring "contrabandistas" could smuggle in, were spread 
 in profusion before the polyglot circle. And this was 
 the Rio Grande country the open gate beyond which 
 bold riders took their lives in their hands. In a 
 moment of observation he noticed that Nordenskiold's 
 eyes never left him long. 
 
 "I have it!" he realized, in his heart of hearts. 
 ' Milly Smiley and this man know all the dark secrets 
 of this strange Inner Circle. Leaven worth and Uncle 
 Mark are pillars at the east and west, but Senator Steele 
 is the 'open sesame' to the mystery of No. 4; and it 
 was to solve that enigma the beauty gave herself to that 
 senatorial Silenus. Ramon Maxan would dominate all 
 through her passionate love! He failed her and now 
 she hates him!" Jack's blood chilled as the sweet face 
 of Katie rose between him and his unseen foe. He 
 would strike all through her. "It is his life or mine, 
 now!" Jack swore in his heart. "I am glad I will 
 have letters from Uncle Mark and Mrs. Steele before I
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 209 
 
 go to San Miguel," was Manson's inward comment. 
 "I think I will adopt the manner of William the 
 Silent. I think that I will not let a soul know I can 
 speak Spanish here. I may catch some local scoundrels 
 off their guard. I am sure of Bayard, Jimmy, and old 
 Colonel Ford here. Hodges and Blucher are wise and 
 wary. I will meet them half-way. Every other man 
 here I will hold guilty till he proves himself innocent! 
 As for prairie craft, we'll see if I have forgotten the 
 tricks taught me by the buffalo-killers of the Black 
 Hills." 
 
 " I am glad to see that you do not drink to excess," 
 said Olaf Nordenskiold, as they walked under the 
 silent stars toward the St. James. 
 
 " Many a good fellow has told his story in his cups 
 here, and has been followed, or artfully ' removed ' at 
 the right time," said the old lawyer. 
 
 The sound of revelry followed them from the supper- 
 room. Von Blucher and Henry Miller were singing 
 the " Wacht am Rhein," and the sound of wild baccha- 
 nalian laughter drifted out on the night. The lawyer 
 bent his steps toward the wharf, and handed Jack one 
 of his private cigars. 
 
 " Let's take a turn around," he said, "we are alone." 
 There was no sound but the soft swish of the phosphor- 
 escent waves on the shingly beach. A silver moon 
 painted the waves of the Laguna with its broken 
 reflections. 
 
 "What do you think of them, our 'leading citi- 
 zens'?" said Nordenskiold. His sharp-cut features 
 wore a sneer like Mephisto in his scorn of the louts 
 carousing in the cellar. 
 
 " I can't make them out. Are those the real Texans?" 
 said Manson. 
 
 " No," sharply said the lawyer. " The nearness of
 
 210 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 the Zona Libre attracts all sorts of human flotsam and 
 jetsam. Here intrigue is always rife! I brought you 
 here alone to tell you that Ford, Blucher, Hodges, old 
 Henry Miller, and Tom Bayard are men to 'tie to.' 
 Distrust and watch every man else whom you meet 
 for a year, and above all be guarded with Si Leaven- 
 worth. He's a man who is staunch and true. He 
 would die for you if he fancied you, but his temper is 
 fiendish when aroused! No man but Tom Bayard 
 ever bearded him in anger. Bayard is the only 
 man alive who ever took a bottle away from him! 
 Never speak to him on business unless you are alone. 
 Never speak of him at all. He's as grim as the ' Black 
 Douglas,' and as watchful as the tyrant of Syracuse. 
 He never pardons an indiscretion, never forgives an 
 injury, and reigns as unchallenged a king of the border 
 as if he wore a trumpery crown in Europe. His heart 
 is open only to Jim (who is as frank as the day) and his 
 tiger-nature softens to but one thing, the voice of Katie. 
 It is 'Una and the Lion.' The little maid alone can 
 twist him around her finger. ' She is a sly little puss." 
 
 Jack Manson's brain was at its highest tension. He 
 knew well that the searchlight of Nordenskiold's intel- 
 lect was turned on him now. A sudden inspiration 
 caused him to murmur: "Silent above all to you, my 
 legal friend ! Major Blucher has asked me to drive 
 with him to-morrow. Shall I go?" he said, changing 
 the subject. 
 
 " Certainly. You are safe with the men I named. 
 You asked me for the real Texans. They abide 
 between the Sabine and the Nueces and as far north 
 as the Staked Plains. Simple, hardy, and hospitable, 
 they try to live no nearer each other than a hard day's 
 ride. Averse to manual labor, they are unrivalled 
 horsemen, guarding their flocks and herds. Great
 
 FOR LIFE AND- LOVE. 211 
 
 land-getters, they live by the increase of their stock. 
 Their homes are quiet, their women loyal and unpre- 
 tentious, they disdain the written details of small traffic 
 and correspondence, and seldom trouble the civil law. 
 Equally at home camping alone or riding in armed 
 bands, their word is their bond! An entire devotion to 
 the South, a plenitude of useless profanity, and an 
 Arabian hospitality are the natural result of their sur- 
 roundings. Jealous of their personal honor, a blow, 
 an insult to the aged, or a stain upon a woman's name 
 is atoned by blood alone! With those primitive people, 
 plain in dress, taciturn and hearty, a man of prudence 
 can live his life with neither open quarrel nor secret 
 enmity. But, here on the banks of the Rio Grande, 
 the five senses are not enough. Eternal vigilance is 
 hardly sufficient. Each bush may have its concealed 
 assassin, any day bring some tumult, Indian raid, or 
 Mexican inroad. Unpunished marauders lurk every- 
 where, and the eye of distrust, the hand of violence, 
 the snares of malignant devils are around you every 
 day. I would not dare to be seen talking habitually 
 even with you alone! This silent night is our safe- 
 guard. 
 
 " As for a typical Texan, in the best form as to him- 
 self and his home, Colonel Tom Bayard is an exemplar. 
 At his ranch on the Nueces, his quiet, sweet-faced 
 old mother is the household deity. For a great frontier 
 establishment, San Miguel is a model. Neither it nor 
 Bayard's ranch can be approached without scores of 
 wary stock-men, riding the range, spying even a single 
 intruder. 
 
 " To realize what a Texan wife and mother can 
 be, you must observe Si Leavenworth's noble help- 
 meet. Her plain home-made gown covers, a heart as 
 pure arid true as a crystal. For fortitude, kindness,
 
 212 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 long-suffering, and a patient, self-supporting struggle 
 against uncouth surroundings, she is a star of her sex. 
 Quiet, watchful, self -controlled, she has the modest 
 dignity of nature's nobility. Withal, her immediate 
 surroundings are dainty. Though poor, her father, a 
 model Southern clergyman, was of gentle breeding. 
 Her education, a little antique, is yet sound, and she 
 would, in her unobtrusive merit, grace any station. To 
 do old Silas justice, her slightest wish is his law in her 
 own province. Alas! He has had an unending fight 
 a wild battle with fortune. I have all his affairs in 
 my hands, as legal adviser. I expect to see him some 
 day brought to my door, dead in his travelling wagon. 
 It is a steel-clad, portable fortfication, and his personal 
 arsenal is a wonder. His life has been attempted 
 twenty times. So far he has foiled all attacks. I 
 think one reason that he wishes to encourage the rail- 
 way is to bring in a little army of reliable citizens 
 around his baronial grant. But like all frontier kings, 
 he can not see the benefits of sub-division, and assisting 
 small farmers. The error of the South has ever been 
 to look down on independent, honest labor. There's 
 no medium here yet between the * ranchero,' or great 
 planter, and the poor white trash. Wherever the rail- 
 way touches, worthy people come in. Here on the 
 border," said Nordenskiold, with a sigh, " only Leaven- 
 worth can afford to keep a private army of retainers to 
 fight Comanches, horse-thieves, and the lawless mon- 
 grel wanderers." 
 
 The two men paced up the wharf, and Jack Manson, 
 watching the silver moon swinging west to San 
 Miguel, thought fondly of the little Texas princess 
 safe within the guarded lines fifty miles away. " A 
 queer, strange land of every future promise. To-day, 
 it is under the ban," he muttered, as the wild stories of
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 213 
 
 the night's revelry led him far out into the dim future. 
 It was a devious path, by unknown ways, yet along it 
 shone the loving eyes of Katie Leavenworth, brighter 
 than the argent moon far above him in the blue ether! 
 
 There was a grim smile on Major Blucher's face 
 as Mr. Jack Manson surveyed the stout buckboard 
 and two gaunt, vicious mules, which formed the exiled 
 noble's equipage, when he drove up next day. Manson 
 was amused. It was a queer outfit. 
 
 " Donnerwetter! They're not so handsome, but they 
 can smell an Indian a mile away, and need no whip. 
 Jump in," cried the jovial Teuton, as he reflected he 
 had a bottle of " cocktails " to sustain him. " I wished 
 to bring along Henry Miller, but, between you and I, 
 he's been playing poker ever since you left us, over 
 at Joe Garcia's. Ah! he's a wonder! He takes all our 
 loose money away. I wish we had him here, not 
 thrown away on Brownsville. He's too good to live 
 at that smuggling hole." 
 
 With much Teutonic interpolation, and occasional 
 Spanish objurgations directed to his mules, Blucher 
 piloted his guest. He was a fiery character, and 
 remarked, in explanation of his cursing, in recondite 
 Castalian :" They seem to go better when I swear in 
 Spanish. I've tried all languages. Spanish suits these 
 stubborn fellows best ! " 
 
 " It is a little strange, Major, that Mr. Leavenworth 
 did not come down and meet his children on their 
 arrival," said Manson, who wished to reap the benefit 
 of Blucher's sagacity. 
 
 "You think so!" laughed the German. " The last 
 time he came down, he got here safe, for he had a good 
 guard. But going home they waited for him. A dozen 
 fellows hid in the big Arroyo, and fired into his ambu- 
 lance. They killed a young German who was going
 
 214 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 out to survey the new ranch lines. The horses ran 
 away and there was a bad time. That's why he keeps 
 quiet a little." 
 
 " Was he hurt? " said Manson, with a show of inter- 
 est. 
 
 " Oh, no, he just lay down and fired out of the rear of 
 the wagon. He emptied a Winchester into them." 
 
 " What was it done for?" Manson queried. 
 
 The Major smartly cut his rebellious mule, and slowly 
 said, with an air of indecision: " Old Si had been mixed 
 up in hanging a lot of men found skinning cattle on 
 his ranch. I suppose they were these fellows' friends." 
 
 Blucher's voice was very unconcerned. Manson was 
 amazed. " For skinning cattle? " he said. 
 
 " Yes, the old man has a ' matanza' of his own and 
 kills ten or twenty thousand cattle now and then to thin 
 out the herds. The hides, horns, tails, and tallow are 
 all he saves. The meat is fed to swine which the 
 poorer Mexicans buy and drive away." 
 
 "What became of the young German?" Manson 
 was interested in the poor stranger. 
 
 " We buried him by the road ! " Blucher replied, and 
 added, with pardonable pride. " I wrote a nice letter to 
 his mother in Nuremberg!" 
 
 " It was not on account of the Rio Grande Com- 
 pany ? " said Jack, after pondering a moment. 
 
 " Himmel! my lad," roared Blucher, " If you want to 
 keep out of trouble, don't talk freely here about the 
 Company. Best drop the subject! It has its friends 
 and enemies," the Prussian sharply said. " I tell you 
 this for your own safety." 
 
 Manson reflected: " An agreeable field for a rising 
 young engineer! Where is the nefarious side of this 
 Company? Has Mark Manson sent me here on a 
 fool's errand, or is he hoodwinked?" He was puzzled.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 215 
 
 The old German resumed more kindly: " I will 
 tell you, my boy, all is under the rose here! Things 
 are not what they seem. It has been so since 
 1846. Every gambler in New Orleans flocked here 
 after Taylor's army. The United States was betrayed 
 through the War of the Rebellion. There was 
 no real blockade here. I was Major of Artillery; we 
 had only one old thirty-two pounder at Corpus Christi 
 to defend the town. We did not dare to fire it. We 
 had a blockade of an old Yankee sailing bark, the 
 ' Sachem.' You may judge of the fierceness of the 
 war here! We captured the commander on shore 
 down at Flower Point trying to buy some butter- 
 milk."- Blucher roared, "We gave him buttermilk! 
 We put him in the log slave pen at Corpus, with a 
 sign, 'A Yankee Pirate,' and sent him up to Libby 
 Prison to get buttermilk nearer home. Now," the 
 Prussian's keen gray eyes flashed, "a hundred mile 
 from there, I saw on the Mexican side of the Rio 
 Grande, at Bagdad, a pile of commissary stores a mile 
 long, marked 'A. C. S. U. S. Army, New Orleans.' 
 The same vessels which slipped through the papef 
 blockade with them went back, loaded in exchange with 
 Confederate cotton." The jolly old ex-rebel roared: 
 " It was an opera-bouffe war here. We got arms, medi- 
 cines, ammunition, and all we wanted the same way. 
 Many cases were marked ( New York ' and ' Boston.' 
 Somewhere there was a great leak in the Union lines! 
 The war made the border rich. Look at old Leaven- 
 worth. He and his partners were the biggest rebels 
 here. They took the oath at the surrender! They 
 bought a dozen river steamers from the Yankee 
 quartermasters for the price of the ropes and cabin dishes 
 alone, and went at once to hauling freight up the 
 river for Uncle Sam."
 
 2l6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Was it possible!" Manson said in astonishment. 
 
 " Certainly," said Blucher, lighting a fresh cigar. 
 
 " The quartermaster and commissaries, I suppose 
 retired with fortunes when the cruel war was over." 
 
 Blucher laughed heartily. 
 
 " Old Si bought seven thousand mules and horses at 
 an army sale here. They were pastured on his ranch. 
 The boys lamed them with horse-hair cords tied around 
 their fetlocks. In lots of a hundred they were con- 
 demned and sold at a dollar apiece. The 'disease' was 
 soon cured, and Si made the Government pay for their 
 pasture ' during treatment.' That was a joke on Uncle 
 Sam." 
 
 "What did he do with them? " Jack merely asked; 
 " start an army of his own?" 
 
 " Xein," said Blucher, " he took contracts to haul the 
 army freight at enormous rates to all the new posts 
 with these steamers and animals. He got the wagons, 
 too. They bought a railroad twenty-three miles long, 
 for the price of the spikes, from Point Isabel to Browns- 
 ville. Ah, yes, Texas is full of simple people like my 
 old friend, Si Leavenworth, and his partners." 
 
 Jack Manson thought of No. 4. "Was he also a mys- 
 terious war veteran?" His head was swimming. 
 
 "Can these stories be really true?" he said half- 
 aloud. 
 
 The old major roared at his simplicity. 
 
 "I'll tell you the best yarn. Two blockade runners 
 were chased ashore in Padre Island at the close of the 
 war. They were really consigned by Fraser, Trenholm 
 & Co., of Liverpool, to Si Leavenworth, Foley of 
 Monterey, Park, and Jimmy Mulvain. Old Silas 
 was 'loyal' after taking the oath. He bought them at 
 auction. One of the boats was hauled off, the 
 other was dismantled. The cargoes were all saved.
 
 FOR MFE AND LOVE. 217 
 
 The old iron in one week paid for all, and the boys 
 divided seven hundred thousand dollars. I got a few 
 thousand dollars for the engineering, and twenty boxes 
 of the best champagne I ever drank. Ah, yes, it pays 
 to be loyal now ! Old Si is loyal. He furnishes the 
 beef, carries the mails, hauls the freight, sells the mules 
 and horses to the army, and contracts all the hay and 
 forage west of San Antonio." 
 
 " I should think that his accounts would betray him," 
 said Jack, as No. 4 loomed up in his mind. 
 
 " Dey keep no accounts," remarked Blucher. " Old 
 Rudolf Harbeck burns his books once a year, and 
 Chisholm, at New Orleans, keeps the hard cash all 
 get a dividend! Every army purchasing agent down 
 here drives better horses than old Si himself. As for 
 money, bah! It is nothing. They roll in it." 
 
 " It's a nice country ! " said Manson, with some sar- 
 casm. 
 
 "Yes! to get out of," rejoined the saturnine Blucher. 
 " This railroad charter was rushed through the same 
 way. Olaf Nordenskiold has got the Texan legislature 
 in his pocket. He will organize the road. Si Leaven- 
 worth and a few friends up North will grab the lands 
 for the mere price of the survey. I suppose they will 
 square him with the Government men and divide these 
 pickings." 
 
 Mr. Jack Manson felt the scales falling from his eyes. 
 
 " There's the mail boat," joyously said Blucher, as 
 they drove down the main street. His " cocktail " 
 bottle was empty. " I could tell you some real strange 
 things if I had time," the major concluded as the team 
 drew up at the " St. James." 
 
 " I don't doubt it a moment," replied the neophyte, 
 with some dryness of tone. " It is a very interesting 
 country, I am sure."
 
 2l8 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Oh! Decidedly! You will find it so, my young 
 friend," remarked the old surveyor cheerfully, as he 
 led the way to the bar for a solemn libation. 
 
 Before Manson escaped from the clutches of the 
 hilarious German, who often neglected to visit " Castle 
 Blucher " on the hills for days, while he contemplated 
 the adornments of the St. James bar-room, Norden- 
 skiold entered. 
 
 " Come up in the upper verandah. I have letters for 
 you," he whispered, as he chose a cigar. 
 
 Jack's hand trembled, as he opened a letter sealed 
 with a crest. He allowed even Mark Manson's cipher 
 letter to lie unheeded as the perfumed sheet he held 
 was eagerly scanned. It was unsigned. 
 
 I am now a wife. My telegram will have told you whom to 
 fear. From this day, my interests are only those of the man 
 whose name I bear. Steele has told me all, and one 1 will not 
 name, wrote from New Orleans. I know that human tiger. 
 He has imprudently exposed his plans. He vows vengeance on 
 you, on Leavenworth, on the girl you love! Find out if he 
 knows your side of the river. Search his past history. Watch 
 for his friends and spies. Distrust anything happening, not 
 clearly explained. He will be behind it all. You do not know 
 yet a Creole's revenge. Pray God you may never! The Sena- 
 tor has told me all, for Chisholm held nothing back. Watch 
 even the shadow by your side. There is danger in the very air 
 you breathe. I know the rage and resentment of your foe when 
 he will learn of my marriage. Write me under my old name at 
 my residence. S. trusts me in all; 1 have his every secret now. 
 Whatever I may be to others, you will always find me the same. 
 Send me a safe address for your letters. Had 1 not better con- 
 fide in your uncle and let him advise me? He can telegraph you 
 in cipher. I will go to New York and see him alone. Ladies 
 have always " metropolitan shopping" to do. If you wish me 
 to, telegraph only the word "Yes" to the address I send. Do 
 you not think I am at heart true? I will know if you answer 
 by telegraph. A woman's friendship is not to be lightly thrown 
 away.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 219 
 
 "Would she tell me the secret of 'No. 4'?" Jack 
 questioned, as he folded the letter. " Mark Manson 
 will divine it, if he knows it not already! A strange 
 guardian angel!" There was a shadow on his brow as 
 he opened his uncle's brief lines. 
 
 Steele's marriage astounds me. I learn of it by the telegraph 
 announcement in the journals. I shall try and fathom the 
 mystery by seeing her. He is a waxen mask. She has married 
 him for reasons of her own. What they are 1 know not now, 
 but 1 will, soon. The air is full of border rumors. Some great 
 movement is- imminent. Urge on the organization. Do not 
 vary my instructions. If Leavenwortli and his lawyer act 
 openly and deal with you as I wish, all is well. Send news by 
 the wire of t.he completed formalities. Money and materials 
 ready. When the details warrant, go out and thoroughly 
 examine the line. Then, lose no time. Use every dollar and 
 man needed. Watch over your own safety for your own future 
 and the sake of your 
 
 UNCLE MARK. 
 
 " I'll burn my ships," said Jack, as he rose to saunter 
 away to the telegraph office. 
 
 " One moment," whispered Nordenskiold. " I leave 
 at once for San Miguel. No one here knows I am 
 going. I apparently take a walk. My team awaits me 
 hidden on the hill. We will send in for you. Distrust 
 anything but Jimmy's hand or a letter from Bayard 
 or myself. Be prudent. Don't say good-bye." 
 
 " So even this Machiavelli sneaks away unknown to 
 his friends. Nice country!" ejaculated Jack, as he 
 ran against Major Blucher at the foot of the staircase. 
 
 " See here, do you know a man named Ramon 
 Maxan ? " The Prussian drew him into a dark corner. 
 He hoarsely whispered : " A dangerous, slippery devil ! 
 A human jaguar! He sneaked around the Mexican 
 border and helped in those dark deeds of the war I told 
 you of. That combination had to use him, and he
 
 22O FOR T.IFE AXD I.OVF. 
 
 knows too much. He keeps away from here. His 
 knowledge of languages and graceful appearance 
 helped him. He played off as a rich young Cuban, 
 and he slid in and out of New Orleans, Matamoras, 
 Havana, Paris, and Liverpool during the whole war. 
 He was paid a good deal and stole more! If you 
 should ever have a word with him, shoot him first and 
 explain afterward," said the wily philosopher. "-They 
 don't care to murder him openly over the Bravo, for he 
 has lodged papers abroad implicating high Mexican 
 officials. His * hacienda ' is a tiger's den. Its walls 
 hide many secrets! He is hand and glove with every 
 scoundrel here from No Man's Land to ' Las Cuevas,' 
 the robber - crossing. He will not live to be a 
 patriarch!" oracularly remarked the major, as he 
 remembered his hungry mules, now lifting their voices 
 in protest. 
 
 Manson, with bowed head, clutched the slip of paper 
 with the pencilled address. He sent a dispatch as indi- 
 cated : 
 
 Yes, see him at once! 
 
 " I will write to her and Mark and then trust to love 
 and luck!" 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 AT SAN MIGUEL " FOR MY SAKE " WITH THE WILD 
 
 RIDERS A FIGHTING TRINITY THE TIGER 
 
 BALKED OF HIS PREY. 
 
 IT WAS midnight when Manson threw down his pen. 
 
 " There, I can do no more," he cried. " Every bower 
 anchor is out now. I must ride out the storm of Texan 
 life."
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 221 
 
 Roused at eight o'clock, he sauntered over to the 
 post-office. He had taken the precaution to cover both 
 his letters to his uncle's banker at Washington. Nor- 
 denskiold had wained him of the local mysteries of 
 mail transit. " I have brought them both en train 
 now. My route is clear. San Miguel, the survey, and 
 my report! Then, the construction of the road! Or 
 do they only wish to do enough to secure the land? 
 I must drift along with the tide which bears me nearer 
 to Katie." 
 
 He returned to the hotel, his letters safely mailed. 
 
 When Jack left the breakfast room, the clerk said : 
 " I have a box of cigars sent to you." Passing into the 
 office, Manson carried it to his room. The card bore 
 " compliments O. N." "Ah! some .sign to me. I'll 
 look therein." Opening it, a folded slip bore the words: 
 
 Not one imprudent word. You are now alone. When we send 
 for you leave quietly as directed by the messenger. He will bring 
 your luggage. Say not when you go. Your hotel accounts have 
 been provided for. You will meet friends outside the town. Wait 
 in patience. It may be a week. 
 
 The signature was the lawyer's. 
 
 " More mystery," growled Jack, tossing the box on 
 the bed. " Is there nothing straight-forward and above- 
 board here? I must find some means to kill time, to avoid 
 that beastly drinking-room, with its blinking caricatures 
 of the heroes of the Lost Cause, its noisy cowboys, 
 drunken loungers, and dust-begrimed wayfarers. 
 There are weapons enough carried around the old 
 billiard table to fit out a pirate ship." An inspiration 
 came to him. Several of the sailors awaiting orders 
 were lounging around. Selecting two of the most 
 intelligent, he cruised far and near in a stout sail-boat, 
 sketching the harbor, studying maps furnished by the 
 mystified Bluch'er, and thus gained a local insight into
 
 222 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the port's features. At night, alone, he smoked his 
 cigar on the verandah and waited for his summons. 
 While thus seated, a week after Nordenskiold's depart- 
 ure, he started in surprise as two men near him care- 
 lessly began to canvass the name of Ramon Maxan. 
 " I'll play listener. All's fair in Texas," he decided. 
 
 Several visits to the " bar " had made the strangers 
 loquacious. " Where did you see him ? I thought he 
 was in Europe," began a cavalier in local riding cos- 
 tume. 
 
 " At his ranch. I came over with the buck-board 
 from Brownsville. He's just up from Tampico," the 
 other replied. 
 
 "What were you looking up?" said the first care- 
 lessly. 
 
 " I wanted twenty or thirty good cattle horses. I'm 
 sending a drive up to Kansas soon. Maxan always has 
 lots of good horses over there," the traveller continued. 
 
 "Yes; if you don't look into the brands," chuckled 
 the speaker. " Did you get bargains? " 
 
 " I made out pretty fair. I'd 'a done better if the 
 d d yellow Jaguar himself hadn't 'a come home on 
 the sly. I'm solid with his major domo, old Antonio. 
 He's a rare scoundrel ; so's his master." 
 
 " Right you are. Is that pretty gal from Laredo, 
 over yonder yet. You know; the one he run off," the 
 drawling borderer continued. 
 
 " Yaas; an' ole Antonio keeps her precious close! I 
 couldn't get a sight of her. That depaitment is kept 
 like a fort. J y/ouldn't give much for a man's life who 
 fooled around there. But the 'Jaguar,' as them 
 ' greasers' call him, has some big scheme on foot. He's 
 gettin' a band of about twenty or thirty of the worst 
 scoundrels together I ever laid eyes on." 
 
 " What's up? " was the brief query, as the speaker bit 
 off a huge piece of tobacco.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 223 
 
 " He's strikin' out for Eagle Pass, an' I suspicion he's 
 goin' to run over some silver, or make a big contraband 
 crossing. He's doing the dirty work for all that crowd 
 of Mexican generals. They're thicker than flies on the 
 border. I suppose he'll meet some of them outcast 
 devils from No Man's Land, up on the Pecos, with a 
 lot of fine stolen horses from the Indian Territory or 
 New Mexico, and when he works back he'll run off a 
 good band of our fat cattle." 
 
 " That's about his game. I heard he was operatin' 
 with that hatchet-faced thief, Caballo Blanco. Some of 
 the boys back from the river told me so," said the 
 second. 
 
 " Now that's strange," the first replied with an air of 
 decided interest. " This Mexican ' blood ' is rich and 
 puts on lots of airs. I suppose he's dodging old man 
 Leavenworth and Nordenskiold." 
 
 " Old Si would hang any fellow from the other side, 
 with a band of cattle, even if they had bills of sale 
 painted on their sides. As for that lawyer devil, he's 
 afraid of nothin' livin'. He's got it in for him about 
 Panchita. The old fox used to be very sweet on her 
 mother." 
 
 " You're right, Bill. I fancy Maxan's crowd would 
 take in most anything that comes along, and yet he's 
 been playin' a sly game. He likes to put up his jobs 
 mostly by other fellows in his train. If he's a comin' 
 to this side, there's blood on the face of the moon some- 
 where." 
 
 " You bet there is, an' it's something special. He told 
 me if I wanted any more horses to send a note to him to 
 ole man Castro, up at .San Diegita, any time in a month 
 or so. That's just off Leavenworth's ranch, you know, 
 the fandango house," said the speaker. " Let's get a 
 drink."
 
 224 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 As they unsteadily toiled down-stairs, the other said: 
 " He is a cunning devil for cards an' women an' throat- 
 cutting. I've known him since Confederate war times, 
 an' never knowed the first square thing in him ! I wish 
 to God some fellow would take his sign in.'' 
 
 "Amen!" silently added Manson, as the prairie lords 
 vanished. "I must make a note of this. Leavenworth 
 should hear this at once. It looks ominous. Maxan 
 is hovering around already ! " 
 
 Jack stepped to his room. The clerk stood at the 
 door. "There's a man in there with a message for you. 
 It's all right; he's Mr. Jim's private ridin' messenger." 
 
 Manson entered his room and by the single flickering 
 candle saw a tall, raw-boned scout of fifty standing, hat 
 in hand. He silently gave the engineer a scrawl in 
 Jimmy Leavenworth's well-known hand: 
 
 This is Basilio, my own man. He will give you a sealed 
 letter. 
 
 The curtains were drawn and Jack motioned the old 
 man to a seat. He was a sun-bronzed Mexican half- 
 breed, with the lank, straight hair of the Indian. Two 
 pistols and a knife ornamented his belt. Drawing a 
 pouch from his goatskin riding jacket, he gravely made 
 a cornhusk cigarette, ceremoniously depositing his broad 
 sombrero and heavy silver-mounted rawhide quirt at his 
 feet. 
 
 Jack ran over the letter. "Good!" he cried. "I will 
 be there." 
 
 In very fair English, Basilio announced that he would 
 await Manson at the head of the bluff at daylight. He 
 then noiselessly disappeared. 
 
 "Ah! moccasins! I suppose he's a half Cherokee or 
 Xickapoo. Now for San Miguel, for Katie, and to out- 
 wit 'el Jaguar,' " cried Jack, as he sat down to study 
 the letter. "Even if we are not bandits, Bayard,
 
 FOR I. IKK AND LOVE. 225 
 
 Jimmy, and I will try the old Three Guardsmen's 
 motto, ' One for all and all for one.' It's for Katie's 
 sake," he mused, as her fair young face beamed on him 
 in fancy again, as delicately lovely as when she 
 trembled in his arms when the white-veiled spirit of 
 Death sought her in the Gulf cyclone. 
 
 Manson sprang to his feet at dawn, for a light tap at 
 his door roused him. 
 
 "Your man has been here already!" said the sleepy 
 clerk. "Pack your little things. I will send your break- 
 fast up. As for your trunks, Don Basil io will get them 
 from the tienda on the hill. I'll send them up in 
 the ox-cart, when my lazy niggers wake up. Then slip 
 out quietly; they are ready. Here's an eye-opener." 
 The roughly amiable Texan deposited a mixture on the 
 table, calculated to unsettle the good resolutions of a 
 saint. 
 
 The Texan frontier cocktail, like the border pistol, 
 is heavily loaded, and of utmost potency. Civilized 
 drinks are to it in the ratio of an ant-hill to a budding 
 pyramid. 
 
 Slipping out in the gray of the dawn, Manson turned 
 his back on the misty Laguna, and reached the head of 
 the gorge unobserved. 
 
 Don Basilio, a spectral-looking Don Quixote, sat 
 his rebellious charger with the air of Cervantes' great 
 hero. His gentle sadness was not disturbed by the 
 frantic bucking of his wall-eyed, raw-boned mustang. 
 The deep lines of his face never changed. With a 
 graceful flourish of his whip, he motioned Jack into 
 a side alley of the Mexican adjunct of Corpus Chris. i, 
 vulgarly called " Greaserville." 
 
 " It's the white men they wish to hoodwink, not 
 the Mexicans," thought Manson. " The great Com- 
 pany's enemies arc of their own envious neighbors."
 
 ?26 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 l-.\ a '.ong spring wagon, double- seated, with four 
 superb wiry mules as motive power, Colonel Tom 
 Bayard at the reins, Manson recognized in the other 
 muffled passenger, the indomitable Hodges. 
 
 "Jump in, Jack," cried Bayard gaily. "Here's your 
 chariot. You will have your coffee poured by Miss 
 Katie, at San Miguel to-night. Basilio will send on 
 your trunks in another team." With a bound, the 
 Spanish-bred mules briskly trotted away. As they 
 drew out over the broad prairie, through which the 
 spring grass was peeping, Manson noted the armament 
 of his companions. Huge revolvers and knives were 
 swung from their cartridge-filled belts. A Winchester 
 carbine lay beside each seat, save Hodges' nook, where 
 his old reliable " army gun," a cut-off Springfield 
 breechloader, was in readiness. 
 
 " You prefer the old service gun, Colonel," said Jack, 
 as he smilingly waved away a flask of three-star 
 Hennessey. 
 
 " I can kill a Mexican with it a half-mile off, if I can 
 sight him fair," quietly said the grim old borderer. 
 
 Manson understood his peculiar smile when Bayard 
 told him later that Hodges' life had been one long pot- 
 hunt after that fated class since a band of guerrilhis 
 had murdered his parents at the outbreak of the Mexi- 
 can War. " They have paid dearly for failing to cut 
 his own throat scientifically. He is insane in his unsatis- 
 fied revenge," said the soldier. " He has already killed 
 a couple of dozen of his enemies. They call him 'El 
 Terror.' " 
 
 The mists of morning rose from the far-rolling 
 prairies. Before them not a tree was in sight. 
 Hundreds of hares fled affrighted, and stray deer and 
 antelope bounded across the road, leaping out of the 
 low shrub bushes.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOV:-:. 22*7 
 
 Colonel Tom Bayard whispered : " I will not repeat 
 all the hospitable messages I bring. You will soon 
 hear them. We will travel along easily." A light 
 spring wagon soon overtook them. Beside the boy; 
 driving the baggage, rode Joaquin Ximenes on his 
 beautiful steed. Jack caught a vicious glance from his 
 furtive eyes. 
 
 " What is that unhung wretch doing here with us? " 
 Manson demanded of Bayard. 
 
 " I suppose," said Colonel Tom, " he rode in for 
 Rudolf Harbeck. .He carries all the confidential 
 business dispatches. He is very thick with the old 
 book-keeper, and I suppose they both pick up crumbs 
 from the Company's table. Harbeck knows too much 
 to be set adrift. This fellow is under his special pro- 
 tection. He rode down yesterday with Basilio for 
 company. Now, there's a man as true as steel. He 
 can throw a bullock as well as our best. He is a 
 perfect rider. I've known him to take a canteen, his 
 'papelitos', and a couple of pounds of 'pinole' and do 
 a hundred and ten miles in a day in the Indian country. 
 He can spot a moving form on the desert, and tell you 
 what it is, further than you can see it with a glass. 
 Utterly ignorant of books, he is a walking map of 
 Texas. Hardly a corner of its two hundred and 
 seventy-five thousand square miles he does not know. 
 He has seen Texas grow from thirty thousand to nine 
 hundred thousand in population. In twenty years more, 
 Jack, we will have peace, railroads, and two million 
 people. But one thing can stop it. That would be 
 a cowardly war on Mexico! Why do we need to 
 attack a weaker republic? The North will frown 
 down a needless Mexican war. General Grant's 
 immortal phrase, 'Let us have peace,' is the new 
 gospel. I believe him as wise in the days of calm as
 
 228 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 he was brave in war and generous in victory. I only 
 hope he can rule himself! " 
 
 " What do you mean?" said Manson astonished. 
 
 " There are fools already plotting, in view of Grant's 
 triumphal re-election, to tempt him to a third term, a 
 military regency over the United States and conquered 
 Mexico. The unemployed Northern floating veterans, 
 and the yet unreconciled Southern soldiery would 
 tender him the crown of Mexico on their bloody bayo- 
 nets. But not till the last armed Mexican went down. 
 They have learned modern warfare thoroughly in 
 whipping the French." 
 
 " You dream, Colonel Bayard," said Jack indignantly. 
 "Grant's pure citizen-bred greatness is above any such 
 crime! And the spotless integrity of William Tecum- 
 seh Sherman would lead the great General of the 
 Army to hurl anyone from a dictator's seat." 
 
 "You think that I dream," Bayard gravely said. 
 " Manson, the Knights of the Golden Circle are 
 neither all dead nor supine. There is" even Northern 
 money and railroad kings behind the treasonable plan." 
 
 Jack Manson thought of No. 4, veiled in mystery! 
 Was the great conqueror of Lee to be fed with the ful- 
 some flattery of a Caesar? 
 
 While they parleyed, Hodges, cigar in mouth, blurted 
 out: " There goes your greaser spy, Tom." Like an 
 arrow shot from a bow, Ximenes' lithe racer stretched 
 away over the firm red wagon track till he was a mere 
 blur on the rolling prairie. 
 
 " You or I will have to kill that fellow some day in 
 Leavenworth's interest," the old planter growled. 
 
 "I resign in your favor, Colonel," said Bayard 
 politely. ' I have other thoughts!" So he had. Alice 
 Leavenworth's brown eyes were daily tempting him 
 to a quiet home by the shady banks of the beautiful
 
 FOR LIFF. AND LoVH. 22O, 
 
 r-siieces. Far before them roiled the great swelling 
 prairies. In its hollows the grass v/as already rich. 
 The fringe of trees behind them dwindled to a dark 
 line. A fresh breeze moved the pure prairie air. 
 Distant bands of deer raced away in elastic strides, 
 yellow antelope danced away, flickering patches of 
 light against the green, and the stray horses and cattle 
 increased in number. It was the glorious prairie ocean 
 of America! 
 
 " What a land! " Bayard proudly said. " Spaniard, 
 Englishman, Frenchman, Mexican, the Indians, Ger- 
 man colonists, and all have given way to us. The 
 ' New Philippines,' Spain called it LaSalle's old 
 rusty guns still lie honeycombed at Matagorda. But 
 the Bourbons lost it. This shall be the home of the 
 planter, the farmer, the miner. Manson, I have ridden 
 over Texas from border to border. It is an empire. 
 The east will give us cotton and sugar; the middle and 
 north ship-timber, general farm product?, iron ores, and 
 coal; the west, cattle, sheep, and horses, in millions. 
 Across these plains the entire Mexican trade will roll 
 on steel rails not yet made." 
 
 " You paint a rosy future," said Manson, whose eyes 
 followed the spy. Why had he ridden on in front? 
 Jimmy's letter said : 
 
 Watch Ximenes; keep him well out of ear-shot. We must 
 trap that scoundrel. I wish to get rid of him. 
 
 " Will timber grow here? " said Manson, his eye rov- 
 ing over the plains. 
 
 " There is unfailing water twenty-five feet below the 
 plains. Small settlers will raise an abundance of trees," 
 Bayard said. "We have scattered forests of oak, 
 cypress, pecan, cedar, ash, walnut, hickory, and pine, 
 with the alluvial trees. We have coal, silver, lead,
 
 230 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 iron, marble, and other minerals. No man yet has 
 even skinned over the unused treasures of the State. 
 We need good people only." 
 
 " Your border unrest must cease first," replied Jack. 
 
 " Then give us peace and railroads, with American 
 shipping, then Texas can feed the world ! " 
 
 The young engineer smiled as Bayard broke his team 
 into a changing run. He little dreamed that twenty 
 years would more than verify the boasts of the ranchero. 
 But time has worked all these wonders! The out- 
 lines of a heavy wooded arroyo loomed up by noon. 
 
 " There's a nice spring in this canon. We'll lunch 
 nown there," said Bayard, as he drove down into a 
 dense wood, sunk two hundred feet below the plain. 
 "Here's where they attacked old Si." He started as he 
 spoke, for the shrill neigh of a horse broke the silence. 
 
 Hodges threw up his heavy rifle ; his eyes were lit up 
 with eagerness. 
 
 " Pshaw, only a stray mustang ! " said Bayard, driving 
 merrily along. 
 
 There would have been a rain of bullets poured on 
 the unsuspecting travellers, if Ximenes, hidden in the 
 bushes, had not restrained " Caballo Blanco." For 
 twenty murderers awaited the chief's signal near them 
 in hiding! 
 
 "He said: ' Don't kill him unless alone.' You see 
 Bayard and Hodges' death would bring out every 
 Texan," the hidden spy whispered, as the team dashed 
 out of hearing. " I only want you and your men to 
 mark that face. The big Gringo the young fellow. 
 After this, kill him whenever you get him alone! 
 Five thousand dollars is ' El Jaguar's ' price to the man 
 who does it. He will come back in a week or so. 
 He's going out with the old man's boy to see the 
 border. After he leaves San Miguel kill him, but
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 231 
 
 not before. If at night, make sure of every one with 
 him. Now scatter! I will ride up the arroyo and get 
 in to San Miguel first. You can cross lower down 
 and get over to the South." 
 
 " I hardly like this place. Too much cover. Many 
 a man has been killed here," said Hodges, as he lay at 
 rest on a scrape, after the noon halt in the deep canon. 
 The mules, with a good roll while unharnessed, 
 freshened up in the shade. 
 
 " Pooh, not a bit of danger now," said the fearless 
 Bayard, and, even as he spoke, the black rascals in hid- 
 ing were begging " Caballo Blanco " to let them wipe 
 out the party of five. 
 
 " Madre de Dios! Fools! It's easy enough to kill 
 them. I want the money," said the bandit leader, a 
 coarse-looking young Mexican of thirty. " But, Maxan 
 must be obeyed. You see it might get him in trouble." 
 
 So the human bloodhounds slunk away in the coppice. 
 
 It was four o'clock when Jack Manson said, looking 
 at the sinking sun, as the team trotted briskly along, 
 " When' do we reach the Rancho San Miguel line?" 
 
 " You've been on old Si's land for an hour," answered 
 Bayard. "A few thousand acres near the ' home place ' 
 arc lightly fenced, but the tract is not closed in." 
 
 " How large is it? " said Jack in wonder. 
 
 " Three hundred and forty thousand acres in four 
 counties, with seventeen lakes and ponds, one river, and 
 about two hundred thousand more acres of pasture 
 which no one will ever take up for twenty years," 
 simply said Bayard. 
 
 "Why not? " questioned Jack. 
 
 "Old Si has located and fenced and paid for every 
 pond, spring, and water-hole, so the land is under his 
 control," Bayard replied, beaming in admiration of the 
 frontier king's slyness.
 
 232 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 "How could he do that?" Jack eagerly said. 
 
 " There are no United States land surveys in Texas. 
 Don't forget we were annexed as a sovereignty. None 
 of your factory-made States," laughed Bayard. " Major 
 Blucher. made the surveys, and Nordenskiold got the 
 land patents." 
 
 "So money does wonders, even in Texas," remarked 
 Manson, quite enlightened. 
 
 "Yes; just as wit and hard cash do everywhere,"' 
 Bayard replied, with a resigned smile, as the glories of 
 the three children's heritage \vere revealed. 
 
 " Leaven worth has nearly three hundred thousand 
 cattle, sheep, horses, and mules on this range, and there 
 are two hundred men riding it always. It's a great, 
 a princely estate," Bayard said. 
 
 "Do they live wellr" measuredly queried Jack. 
 
 "With the easy simplicity of wealthy Southern 
 families," his friend answered. "And now, Mr. Jack 
 Manson, I can give you a sight of the house." 
 
 Manson's heart beat high as he discerned toward the 
 west a rich fringe of varied trees. On a raised pla- 
 teau, fifty feet above the plain, was a huge masonry 
 square keep, three stories high. And, at some little 
 distance, a great, roomy Southern planter's home rose 
 from bowered gardens, and in the rear an extensive 
 series of offices, with immense stacks of prairie hay, 
 rising unhoused toward the blue skies. Down into a 
 rich valley, Bayard lashed the team, for several riders 
 were cantering along the slope below to meet them. 
 Manson schooled himself to the conventional, as a beau- 
 tiful chestnut Kentucky thoroughbred raced up, bearing 
 proudly the little queen of San Miguel. 
 
 "That's two dozen gloves, Brother Jimmy," remarked 
 the glowing Amazon, as Leavenworth's eocrel blood- 
 horse bounded up, a few lengths behind.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 233 
 
 With a silent greeting of her dancing eyes, Katie 
 leaned over her saddle as Jack Manson touched the 
 tips of her fingers. The little hands were gauntleted, 
 but Manson could have pressed them to his lips in secret 
 
 joy. 
 
 "Welcome to San Miguel! You are now my pris- 
 oner, sir!" laughed the fair one with the golden locks. 
 
 Colonel Bayard's deep voice was murmuring to 
 brown-eyed Alice, whose dignity of bearing in the 
 saddle was regal. Under this fairy escort, the party 
 swept up to the twelve-foot porch, where the redoubt- 
 able master of San Miguel waited to greet his guest. 
 
 "I am glad to see you," said Silas Leavenworth, 
 scanning Mr. Jack Manson's handsome proportions. 
 "How is your uncle? You must make this your home 
 and feel it such. I leave the details to Jim. My 
 wife, sir," said the old borderer. 
 
 " Mother, here's our young friend Mr. Manson. I 
 shall hold you and the girls responsible if he does not 
 like San Miguel." 
 
 Jack's heart went out at once to the quiet, thoughtful- 
 faced woman, whose gentle greeting charmed him. Her 
 modest dress, smooth brown hair, with its few silver 
 threads, and slightly apprehensive eyes, denoted the 
 unobtrusive and beloved Southern woman of position. 
 
 Eager blacks swooped down upon the wagons, and, 
 while Hodges and Silas Leavenworth fell into a chat, 
 Jack Manson's eyes drank in the beauties of the lovely 
 scene. From grove and copse the song of birds rose, 
 and far and near, in countless number, great flocks and 
 herds dotted the plain. The flowers of my lady's garden 
 were a token of home's graceful employments; corn- 
 fields and gardens stretched far beyond. With surprise 
 Manson noted the absence of orchards and many other 
 usual farming features.
 
 234 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE 
 
 "We Texans only raise wild cattle, sheep, and horses," 
 laughed old Silas. " We're not ' gentlemen farmers'! 
 We even get our general supplies from New Orleans. 
 Our people are so lazy, but farm produce should grow 
 here like in the Garden of Eden. You will see many 
 things to astonish you, my young friend. Sometimes 
 we have hardly any milk or cream." Even the placid 
 mother joined in the general laugh. 
 
 " But you always have horses to ride" replied 
 Manson. 
 
 " Yes, if one can stay on them, or the Mexicans and 
 Comanches don't steal them," answered the ranchero, 
 with a grim touch of humor. 
 
 Manson gazed in surprise at the quiet-mannered, 
 compact, medium-sized man in plain dress who ruled 
 this domain. A steel-gray eye, a slow, deliberate 
 speech, a furtive, repressed activity of movement, and a 
 mouth as stern as a Casar, marked the hero of a hun- 
 dred desperate adventures. His eyes were seldom 
 lightened, and his smile was as wintry as the gleam of 
 the blue pole-star on the lonely Arctic seas, where 
 eternal silence is king. 
 
 " To-night you and I and Nordenskiold can have a 
 chat. He's working up our papers. It will take him 
 a few days. In the mean time Jim can show you the 
 ranch and you can look into our quiet ways of killing 
 time out here." 
 
 Old Silas never hurried, but his eagle eye, reten- 
 tive brain, and lynx-like ear never missed in their 
 secret activity. Already, in his stern presence, Manson 
 felt a steel spring bearing down on him with .steady 
 pressure. He eagerly embraced Katie's invitation to 
 join her mother and inspect the " Castle Dangerous," as 
 she laughingly termed her home on the outskirts of the 
 wild border. Colonel Bayard and Alice were walking
 
 KOR J.1FE AND I.OVE. 235 
 
 in the rose alleys, and Jack failed not to notice Silas 
 Leavenworth's eye following the stalwart Confederate. 
 
 " His future is safe. Mine is in my own hands now," 
 he thought, as he walked over the threshold of the 
 great low Southern house. 
 
 It was a tender flash from heaven's own sunlight, the 
 glance of Katie's eyes as she turned and silently bade him 
 welcome. The gentle dissembler had not yet dared to 
 breathe her momentous secret to the dear mother by her 
 side, but a dangerous loving glance made her eyes tell- 
 tale blue jewels of the soft evening. Jack started in 
 surprise as he gazed around the ranchero's home. For, 
 not even Mark Manson's palace was more superbly 
 adorned. Unpretentious in its exterior, the great low 
 plantation house was a very dream of refined luxury. 
 
 " It is evident that the ladies rule within these walls," 
 was the stranger's comment, as he passed up the great 
 hall, through a forest of the trophies of the chase. 
 Strange robes and skins covered the polished floor, and 
 heads of unfamiliar beasts grinned from the walls. 
 The " Big Horn," superb elk and deer antlers, antelope, 
 spikes, great bison heads, and the open-jawed trophies 
 of bear, panther, jaguar, wolf, and cat surrounded him. 
 
 " Products of the country ? " said Manson, smiling, as 
 his chum led him up the stairs to his rooms, where one 
 of eight guest chambers was allotted to him. 
 
 " Yes," cried Jim gaily. " You can shoot a buck 
 in our cornfield any day. Wild turkeys, by the drove, 
 wander in our home woods, and bird and beast without 
 end. I will give you object lessons in our woodcraft, 
 but first I must get you up a real Texan outfit. This 
 is your boy while you are here. I picked him out. 
 He was my own boy before Abraham Lincoln finished 
 slavery with an immortal pen-stroke. Strange that 
 both the President and Czar Alexander II. of Russia
 
 236 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 met a violent death at the hands of the assassin. The 
 world's thanks for freeing serf and slave! Bob is a 
 good plainsman; he knows every inch of the border. 
 I can't give him to you, / could have done so once / 
 but I will lend him till further orders," said the hos- 
 pitable Texan. "Give him all your keys, Jack; he 
 will fix you up. This is your headquarters now." 
 
 The smart colored lad grinned at his master's com- 
 mendation. Maxan nervously hastened his simple toilet. 
 
 " Let me show you our own special corners," Katie 
 said as Manson descended the stairway. Under her 
 guidance the glories of the home place were explored. 
 On all sides, every adjunct of wealth and taste 
 books, rare pictures, and the thousand. and-one evi- 
 dences of woman's sway. A foreign air marked the 
 general decoration and furnishing. 
 
 " We had everything brought in by the blockade 
 runners in war time," Katie merrily said. " Our . 
 French and English agents sent out commissioners to 
 Bagdad, and from the Rio Grande our own teams 
 brought the goods in. I am told that the old Mexi- 
 can families have their haciendas royally adorned. 
 You can get anything in Matamoras, through the 
 Zona Libre. But I must show you my curios some 
 day. See! we are quite antiquarians." In cases, in the 
 great rooms, were countless treasures picked up in 
 the Rio Grande Valley Mexican silverware, orna- 
 ments, and pottery; superb embroidery, and knightly 
 saddle-gear; minerals, Aztec relics, rare carvings; 
 Indian spoils in endless profusion, and an extensive 
 collection of weapons, personal ornaments, and masses 
 of old books, religious ornaments, and costly vessels. 
 
 Manson's frankly expressed surprise was great at 
 beholding such treasures! 
 
 " You don't know how many friends I have. All
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 237 
 
 our people bring me queer things, from the city of 
 Mexico to Mazatlan, and from the Zuni Villages to 
 the Staked Plains. Dear old Major Blucher saved all 
 the rare books and goods you see when the furious 
 Mexicans dismantled the churches, monasteries, and 
 convents. He gives me all that he can find. Mr. 
 Nordenskiold knows everything he is so learned 
 and he helps me arrange them, and so do Alice and 
 mother. This is my ' curiosity shop'. I have a real 
 Watteau fan, given by the Empress Carlotta to Prince- 
 Salm-Salm's wife. There is one of the ten gold 
 pieces which brave Maximilian gave to each of the 
 firing party ; a Mexican general gave it to me. But I 
 wont tire you further to-day. There is the dinner- 
 bell." 
 
 Preceded by the master of San Miguel, the familv, 
 through a covered corridor, walked out to a long dining- 
 hall (a separate house), similarly connected with a 
 long servants' department. At the patriarchal table 
 the grave lawyer was already seated, with a ferret-eyed 
 man of years, whom Manson knew as Mr. Rudolf 
 Harbeck, the silent accountant. By his side a bronzed, 
 fearless-looking man sat. Hiram Elam was the right 
 hand of the chief, and ranch foreman. Devoid of 
 ostentation, the table was yet worthv of a noble. The 
 wines and service were faultless. Mrs. Leavenworth 
 silently directed, as old Silas never appeared personally 
 in matters large or small. But his slightest wish was 
 instantly executed! 
 
 Jack ventured to compliment the ranchero upon the 
 cuisine. 
 
 " Old Ned is the best cook in Texas. He directed 
 the establishment of the Bishop of St. Louis until he 
 became too haughty. I bought him before the war, 
 and thus saved him from flourishing a hoe on the
 
 238 FOR LIFE AND I-OVE. 
 
 Red River. He was too saucy for the good Bishop ! 
 I have to touch him up a little myself now and then. 
 He samples my best cigars and wines, and he is a rare 
 old scoundrel. I put up with him, for, smart as he is, 
 he can not believe yet that he is free, and he fills the 
 place admirably. My wife and the girls are a little 
 too kind to him, that's all," said the autocrat, as he 
 glanced with almost a loving look at the poor clergy- 
 man's daughter who had been the blessing of his 
 life. Rude, and wholly wrapped up in his schemes, 
 Silas Leavenworth still was truly devoted to the modest 
 woman who had given to him the children of his heart. 
 Generals, diplomats, foreigners, army officers, rich 
 traders, explorers, judges, and governors thronged his 
 board, and none failed to admire the simple elegance 
 of the Lady of San Miguel. The nearest neighbor 
 was forty miles away, and rich and poor, with beast 
 and burden, were sheltered within the open gates of 
 San Miguel. Repayment was sternly refused, and a 
 bachelor's den of a dozen rooms adjoined the great 
 masonry fortress and store-house, where Leavenworth 
 kept a year's supply of outfitting for two hundred men. 
 Over this, Harbeck and the ranch superintendent pre- 
 sided, with a corral master to watch the coming and 
 going of wayfarers. No one ever crossed the invisible 
 line drawn around the " home place," as it was simply 
 called, unless bidden, and twenty messengers, Cowboys, 
 and Vaqueros lounged within the great door-yard of the 
 " Ranch House," as the depot building was termed. 
 From its roof, fifty miles of prairie could be swept by 
 telescope, and behind its barricaded doors, with the 
 arsenal within, Silas Leavenworth could withstand any 
 attack unsupported by field-pieces. The alarm-bell at 
 any moment would bring a hundred men, Winchesters 
 in hand, to the bidding of the grim chief of San
 
 AND LOVE. 
 
 239 
 
 Miguel. Not a man, save the house servants, but 
 curried his Colt's frontier and belt of copper cartridges 
 on his person. Under the long sheds, fleet prairie 
 steeds stood saddled day and night in uneasy squads. 
 
 " To-morrow, Jimmy will show you over the ranch a 
 little. The girls can drive you around, but I don't 
 fancy them going too far away. There's a dozen 
 rattlesnakes to every acre and the woods are too 
 near. Some bad men might be loafing around us. 
 We've got a few panthers also who drop in and pick 
 up lambs and calves now and then. They are ugly 
 devils and extremely fond of my blood colts. They 
 pick out the very best." 
 
 When Mrs. Leavenworth rose, after a quiet glance 
 at the i ooms, Silas led the way, followed only by Nor- 
 denskiold and Manson, to a small brick building detached 
 from the main house. As the sisters sought 'he broad 
 portico of the mansion, Katie cast one wistful glance at 
 her father. 
 
 " Remember that we are to have some music, padre! 
 Don't be too late." The border chief smiled as he 
 opened the door with a private key. The visitor looked 
 around in surprise. The room was but twenty feet 
 square. Its thick walls were each broken by but a single 
 window ; the sills were laid breast high from a high 
 knoll, wherefrom the whole surrounding country was 
 visible. Heavy iron shutters and a folding iron inside 
 door matched the ponderous safe against the farther 
 wall. A large square table, built with drawers on all 
 sides, gave seating-room for eight. Besides a strong 
 couch and several easy chairs, the only other decorations 
 were racks of a dozen Winchesters, Spencers, and heavy 
 Springfield riflesy with several rows of revolvers. The 
 whole appearance justified its title, " The Den," for 
 spite of the cheerful lamps, the room looked like an 
 incipient fortress or a prison guard-room.
 
 240 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Sit down; I'll get some cigars," curtly said Silas, 
 as he disappeared toward the mansion. Decorations 
 there were none, save in a glass case on the wall 
 a tattered Confederate flag, shot-torn and ragged. Its 
 faded silk, its blended stars and bars bore the gilded 
 legend, 
 
 "FOURTH TEXAS INFANTRY." 
 
 "Ah!" said Nordenskiold, as Jack regarded it gravely, 
 "Colonel Tom Bayard gave that to Miss Alice. His 
 heart went with it. It's all that he brought back from 
 the war." 
 
 " What are these? " said Jack, noticing three well- 
 polished bell-pulls on the wall. The lawyer laughed. 
 
 "They are 'House,' 'Depot,' 'Corral'; old Silas 
 can summon fifty armed men in an instant by touching 
 these. He has wires buried in pipes for these simple 
 alarms. The house is similarly furnished, with special 
 bell-cords in the rooms. The old wolf needs every 
 safeguard here. He could defy anything in this retreat 
 until his retainers would swarm in." As they spoke the 
 ranchero returned. 
 
 " Now, gentlemen, we'll have a few words," he 
 said, his manner as alert as a general at the moment of 
 sending away his reserve on the last charge. He 
 unrolled his maps and plans. 
 
 'Mr. Manson, I will leave it to you to discuss the 
 purely engineering features of the road with Norden- 
 skiold. I am not competent to judge such matters. 
 But as to what we wish to do practically with this 
 frontier, it is only the matter of a few moments. 
 Nordenskiold has all the plan of organization and will 
 explain all. You can look it over with him. I would 
 like you to ride over the whole line of the road with 
 Colonel Bayard and my son. That can be done in ten 
 days. Then, when you have approved the papers and
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 2[T 
 
 plans, you can make your suggestions and \ve will 
 jointly endorse them and send them on to your uncle. 
 Ho has already generally joined in my plan of organ- 
 ization, as well as Senator Steele. There are their 
 letters. 
 
 " Now, while you and my son look over the ranch 
 a little, I'll get your party ready, and you will learn 
 more in a trip to Laredo and Eagle Pass than in six 
 months' study alone. When you return, I can give 
 you a good assistant and draftsman. He's a nice fellow, 
 an Austrian engineer who came out here for his health. 
 Poor fellow! he got a cross of honor and a bullet 
 through his lungs at Solferino. Harbeck also has a 
 good working office and a set of instruments here. We 
 have Brother Blucher up often to trim out our lines 
 and lay off what our land business calls for here. 
 Strange to say, the old man is as accurate as the coast 
 survey, and his maps and drawings are the best I ever 
 saw. Even if he does take his 'toddy,' his mathemat- 
 ical brain seems unaffected by 'three-star Hennessey.' 
 I tried to get some 'four-star' for him, but that is 
 'above proof and the edition is exhausted!" 
 
 Silas laughed and showed a set of teeth as fine and 
 white as a pra rie wolf's. 
 
 " We can look all these things over in a day or so. 
 When can you start?" 
 
 " Whenever we are done. I've been on the frontier 
 for years," Manson replied. 
 
 "Good! That's the talk! Look over these two let- 
 ters and we will join the ladies." 
 
 When old Silas swung the doors of his prea! sife and 
 replaced the letters, he murmured as he turned out the 
 lights, "I like that young fellow's looks. There is 
 some snap and life in him." 
 
 Jack Manson, entering the parlors, would have been
 
 242 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 glad to know that his few answers and comments had 
 satisfied Silas. 
 
 " A practical and experienced young fellow. He will 
 be decent company for Jim," thought the millionaire 
 ranchero, as he glanced around his lordly possessions 
 in the mellow moonlight. 
 
 "I'm late! Must be late!" said Manson next morn- 
 ing, when he was awakened by a babel of cries. He 
 laughed as he threw open his windows, for the morning 
 sun was but peeping over the prairie. Already pacing 
 the lawn, Silas Leavenworth was in conference with 
 his superintendent. His morning coffee and cigar were 
 already dispatched. 
 
 " If we were bound for the prairie we would be 
 already miles away," Jim gaily said, as he joined him. 
 " We will take only a social breakfast to-day and ride 
 over the home place. To-morrow I will show you our 
 outlying camps. We can ride far enough to get a 
 good view of our topographical surroundings. There's 
 one bluff which gives a great prospect. A bit of hunt- 
 ing may fall in our way. I want to show you some 
 rough riding, roping horses and cattle, the ' matanza,' 
 and have had a hundred horses got up to pick out a 
 couple for you. I have six or eight kept up, but I wish 
 to suit you." 
 
 "How many 'broken' animals do you keep up?" 
 said Jack, amused. 
 
 " About five hundred. We use up two or three 
 hundred every year, and the boys are always picking 
 out the best." 
 
 "And what do you do with the worst?" said Jack, in 
 a bit of raillery. 
 
 "Oh, sell them to Uncle Sam for the army! Any- 
 thing goes for a trooper. We use all our home-bred 
 mules for teaming," Jimmy carelessly answered.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 243 
 
 "And for plowing ? " Jack seriously queried. Leaven- 
 worth laughed loudly. 
 
 " Texans don't plow, my boy ! A dozen horses can 
 do all the plowing we need. We live on hoofs and 
 horns here. We actually buy nearly all our grain." 
 
 In the fresh, magnetic morning air, Jack Manson 
 fairly started at the beauty Miss Katie's appearance lent 
 to the growing day. The subtle telegraph of love told 
 her that all was well. For the sweet witch had gained 
 Alice's steady support in her plans to lead her father 
 up "to see things rightly." Colonel Bayard kindly 
 lent himself to a scheme to engross Silas the evening 
 before, as the music of the fair sisters closed the intro- 
 duction. Manson adroitly laid gentle siege to the 
 affectionate regard of Mrs. Leavenworth. Therein, 
 Brother Jim had made the way smooth. He had love 
 schemes of his own! 
 
 Miss Katie, en Amazone, was ready for the ride. 
 
 "I only go with you," she said imperiously, "because 
 I am responsible for my prisoner." Her pretty feet 
 peeped out from her habit, and she was a moving 
 picture of grace as she led the way to the early repast. 
 
 " Now, sir, let Jimmy provide your accoutrements 
 only. I have ordered my 'Lexington' saddled. Brother 
 always said he was too tall and strong for me." 
 
 Every drop of Jack's blood tingled as he sprang on 
 the splendid dark-brown Kentucky horse, who nibbled 
 a bit of sugar daintily from his mistress' hand. *~ The 
 white star in the forehead, keen eye, and delicate nostrils, 
 told of the Blue-Grass land. 
 
 " You are at last a Texan," merrily cried Katie, critic- 
 ally regarding Manson's dress, as he appeared fully 
 supplied from Jimmy's trappings. Both were armed, 
 and behind the party of three, Don Basilic, grave, and 
 smoking a precarious-looking papelito, ambled along,
 
 244 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 his lariat, pistol-belt, and Winchester, in its Comanche 
 sheath, under his leg, giving a modern air to the sad 
 countenance of the typical Don Quixote. 
 
 With the easy elastic bounds of equine perfection 
 the three swept along. Jack was not averse to display- 
 ing before the dainty queen of San Miguel his superb 
 horsemanship gained in the wild buffalo runs on the 
 Platte. 
 
 " You will do, sir ; you need not remain in the primary 
 class" said Miss Leavenworth. " You need only pass 
 the thirty-third degree of Texan ' bronco ' riding ; you 
 are then quite au fait." 
 
 With the woman he loved by his side, in the glorious 
 morning, Manson's exulting spirits rose to the zenith. 
 
 " Ramon Maxan may meet me now with as stern a 
 welcome as he cares to give ! " Gazing on Katie's fail- 
 face, he vowed himself to a ceaseless vigilance. 
 
 Crowds of lithe, alert young borderers, with a dark 
 back-ground of half-breeds, were moving in all direc- 
 tions. Teams going afield, wagon teams drawing out, 
 ringing smith hammers, and all the bustle of a fixed 
 camp interested Manson, when he could not use the 
 intervals of Jimmy's side excursions to exchange a few 
 low, passionate words. 
 
 " Patience, for my sake," the spirited girl enjoined. 
 " Remember my father's eagle eye, his unbending 
 character." 
 
 The little cavalcade passed wild herds of spreading- 
 horned cattle, their eyes glowing fiery red in the 
 harassing charges of men "rounding them up." In 
 great enclosures, the duels of the centaur-like " lasso " 
 hands were living, changing tableaux of fight between 
 man and beast ! Shouts and yells arose on the silence 
 of the morning. Bands of sleek mules, lazily dusting 
 themselves with whip-like tails, wandered in the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 245 
 
 sunlight. As far as the eye could reach, horses and 
 cattle in piebald confusion of color covered hill and 
 knoll. Far away as they rode on, great bands of sheep 
 hobbled along, the gaunt Mexican "pastores" following 
 them with long wands. The horse corrals, where a 
 score of swarthy fellows were roping, blinding, hob- 
 bling, or chasing fifty frantic "broncos," rivalled the 
 very maddest rush of a Spanish bull-fight. 
 
 " Those horses seem to have mingled quicksilver and 
 fire in their veins," cried Jack, as he watched one or two 
 exemplars, who had been lassoed, thrown, their legs 
 tied, until with bandaged eyes, they staggered under 
 the heavy saddle, and screamed under the first cruel 
 tearing of the " ring bit." When the riders, vaulting 
 fearlessly on these equine demons, signalled for the 
 bandage to be slipped, every variety of rearing, plung- 
 ing, rolling, and tremendous panther-like bounding and 
 " bucking " proved the " original sin " embodied in 
 these wall-eyed, thin-chested, vicious brutes. 
 
 With an amused smile they rode on to the "ma- 
 tanza." A two-mile run brought the rich blood to 
 Katie's cheeks as, her lover by her side, she led the 
 way on " Starlight." 
 
 " I could ride on forever ! Now I feel at home again, 
 on my own plains." She was peerless in her graces, 
 this Flower of the Border! 
 
 Great V-shaped picket-fence walls led out of a huge 
 corral toward a long building, half-buried in a glen 
 where a flowing brook furnished water for tanks and a 
 steam engine. As Jack rode up, he noted the easy 
 grace, the splendid attitudes of the dozen riders, who, 
 at a signal, cut out bullock after bullock from the 
 bellowing herd, as, game as prairie deer, they scented 
 the blood of their fellows gone before. Dashing for- 
 ward and whipped on by footmen, a wild plunge
 
 246 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 
 
 under an overhanging plank platform, led them within 
 reach of two naked-chested, half-breed matadores. 
 
 A razor-sharp broad knife, set in a long pole, with 
 unerring aim, severed the spinal cord behind the horns, 
 as the animal passed beneath the " killers." Prone, 
 with a crash the steers fell, rolling down an incline, 
 within reach of the hooked rope of a steam wind- 
 lass. In an hour, hides, horns, and tail were added 
 to the piles, and the tallow vats received the car- 
 casses for rendering. The thoughtless waste of the 
 rude process struck Manson. 
 
 " Oh, we only kill those we can't drive North," said 
 Leavenworth, carelessly. "A few thousand culled out 
 never diminish our herd. There is a rough system in 
 it all." 
 
 Away, through dell and opening, threading mes- 
 quite groves, where buck and doe bounded away in 
 jerky gallop, past copses, where rushing flocks of 
 wild turkey scattered in noisy confusion, on beyond a 
 chain of dimpled lakes, priceless here, the merry trio 
 sought the highest knoll in sight. 
 
 " It is a royal domain," Jack Manson said, as from 
 his panting steed, his eye swept far away to the beautiful 
 oak openings of the Nueces, and far down below them 
 the glories of San Miguel lay unrolled. To the west, 
 wooded ravines and arroyos cut up the prairies, flecked 
 with thousands of grazing animals. Far away south- 
 ward, a yellow strip of gray, spotted with cactus groves, 
 swept toward a far-winding dark band. It stretched, 
 an emerald snake in endless twists, beneath the distant 
 beautifully pencilled profile of the Monterey Mountains. 
 
 "They are a hundred and fifty miles away," cried 
 Jimmy, as he regarded his horse, " and over there, within 
 those willow and cotton wood groves, cut up with 
 islands and fertile bends, the Rio Grande runs. Between
 
 FOIl LIFK AND LOVE. J.j/ 
 
 us and it lie the 'bad lands', and there man and beast alike 
 lie in wait for the lonely traveller." 
 
 "There's no such fair land, 720 place like Texas! " 
 Katie positively decreed, her eyes sparkling as she 
 flourished her riding whip. Manson's glasses, pocket 
 map, compass, and sketch-book were soon in requisi- 
 tion. Seated, with the fair face of the woman he 
 loved bending over him, Jack dashed in a panoramic 
 outline. 
 
 In an hour, with the sagacious counsel of his chum and 
 reference to the skeleton maps, the two comrades had 
 fixed their route of exploration and laid out the young 
 engineer's first ride on the border. 
 
 " There's a wounded deer below us there! Look!" 
 said Katie, as a buck limped painfully along the 
 side-hill, a hundred and fifty yards away. 
 
 " Yes, and a gray wolf after him! " added Manson, as 
 he picked up Leavenworth's carbine, and, quick as a 
 flash, fired, rolling the gray marauder over neatly, with 
 a ball through his shoulders. 
 
 " Well done!" cried Jimmy. " Where did you get up 
 that snap. shot practice?" 
 
 " Out shooting for antelope and black-tailed deer in the 
 Black Hills," laughed Jack. 
 
 "Let me see! You ride pretty well," Miss Katie 
 began. "You can shoot a little! I think you will do 
 for the Rio Grande, but I must examine your revolver 
 shooting. I am hard to please." 
 
 Miss Katie gracefully accepted, on their return, a 
 five-spot of spades, which Manson neatly punctured 
 with five shots of his revolver, knocking out the pips, 
 when Brother Jim took them out to his range to try 
 a half-dozen rifles and carbines for the flying visit. 
 
 " You are now accepted as a candidate for the crown- 
 ing honor of being declared, in due form, a Texan.
 
 248 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 But that is only bestowed when you have ridden the 
 Rio Grande. You must do it for my sake!" the heiress 
 cried, happy in her lover's unsuspected prowess. 
 
 " I'll ride it, Miss Katie," Jack replied, his eyes meet- 
 ing hers meaningly. " I will cling to my old Sioux 
 trophy also ' for your sake,' " he thought, as he replaced 
 the weapon he had won from a gallant Indian warrior 
 in fair fight. " I may not be a Texan yet, but I think 
 I can learn" he resolutely exclaimed. 
 
 Three days of conference enabled Silas Leavenworth 
 and Nordenskiold to lay out the general line of the 
 projected road, with the aid of Jack Hanson's practical 
 talents. Jack was astonished at the old ranchero's sagac- 
 ity and depth of mind. Boundary survey maps, coast 
 survey charts, State maps, sketches, reports, projects, 
 and a mass of invaluable data were ready at hand. 
 
 "How could you get all these together?" said Man- 
 son, in wonder. 
 
 " I know but /////, but I know enough to have compe- 
 tent men around me," said old Silas. " Senator Steele, 
 Chisholm, Nordenskiold, Blucher, and the army head- 
 quarters' people at San Antonio, give me all the points. 
 All our State surveys here are run and tied on to my 
 own lines." 
 
 " You should have been an engineer, Mr. Leaven- 
 worth ! " cried Manson in admiration, as their final dis- 
 cussions ended. 
 
 " I began life practically; shovelling coal for the 
 steam engineer of a quartermaster department steamer 
 in Florida, when I was a workman attached to the 
 army. I never got into the 'Topographical Corps,'" 
 said Silas, with a grim smile. The arch-millionaire 
 was certainly no snob! "If Jimmy is ready, you can 
 run over the line now and sketch it out. Then we 
 will organize. We will all slip down to Corpus 
 Christi. We need there all our votes."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 249 
 
 As Silas finished speaking, an express rider galloped 
 up to the door of the den. His horse, flecked with 
 foam, staggered as he dismounted, handing the million- 
 aire a letter. " From Major Blucher!" he said, as he 
 waited Silas' orders. 
 
 Old Silas tore open the envelope. Leavenworth's 
 eye was flashing when he pulled the depot bell-handle. 
 The superintendent dashed across the court-yard on 
 the run. " Hitch up your best double buckboard and 
 swiftest team. Have Harbeck over here in five 
 minutes. He must go to Corpus Christi as fast as 
 the animals can be urged. Send 'Texas Pete' and 
 'Prairie Joe' to escort him. Let Bill Haley drive. I 
 may need a few good men down there. You must 
 take good care of this messenger. I will have letters 
 to send down by him to-morrow." 
 
 The rider thanked Silas, as the cattle king thrust a 
 Mexican doubloon in his hand. 
 
 Turning to his friend, Silas sharply said : " We will 
 put off the preliminary examination of the line for a 
 week. The Corpus Christi Gazette has a whole page 
 stirring up a wild opposition and attacking the Com- 
 pany. I wish you, Olaf, and Jim to take the big 
 ambulance and half a dozen good men, and leave in 
 an hour for the bay. I will keep Mr. Manson with 
 me, and we will get there somehow," he said, with a 
 peculiar smile. Go all to your own house; don't go 
 near the hotel, or show up. Nordenskiold ! get hold 
 of Blucher; keep him steady, and send out for Colonel 
 Rip Ford and your best men." Touching the house- 
 bell, a negro briskly trotted over. " Send Mr. James 
 to me at once!" he cried. 
 
 No handsomer son ever stood before a proud father 
 than the hero of San Miguel as he dashed in. 
 "What's up, padre?"
 
 250 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 In two minutes Jimmy had his orders: "Take six 
 picked men, Jimmy, and be careful. By the way, let 
 Ximenes and a half-dozen of his fellows ride on ahead 
 and clear the road. Keep them all in sight. I'll take 
 Basilio. Of course, Tom Bayard goes with you. Get 
 away as quick as you can, Nordenskiold," Silas con- 
 cluded. "We must act at once. We will organize and 
 have a special election at once, and get a half-million 
 county bonds also to improve the harbor. These oppo- 
 sition fellows have only waked me up!" 
 
 In half an hour, the ambulance dashed away over 
 the prairie, and Silas Leaven\vorth, smiling, handed 
 Jack the glass. " Pretty good gait," he said. 
 
 It was a good gait! But Joaquin Ximenes, riding a 
 mile ahead, grinned as he knew the half-naked Mex- 
 ican boy he had sent ahead, racing along under cover 
 of the straggling mesquite groves, would reach Caballo 
 Blanco's camp first ! 
 
 " The old man is going to sneak down to town after 
 dark. I will wager that the big Gringo comes with 
 him. If the boys only shoot straight, I'll earn Maxan's 
 five thousand to-night, and pay off old Silas too for 
 many an insult the old dog! If I make sure of this 
 Jack, I will then cut away and join Caballo Blanco and 
 Maxan." 
 
 When dusk drew down, and the prairies were dark- 
 ened, Joaquin Ximenes, at the further outlet of the 
 arroyo, sat composedly smoking, his double revolvers 
 and charged Winchester ready. His noble horse 
 nipped the grass, tossing at the restraint of a twenty- 
 foot picket rope. 
 
 "I know Silas! the old fox! He will dash along in a 
 few hours. He always travels secretly. As Mr. Jim 
 left me here to warn them of this wash-out across the 
 road, I can't be blamed if they are attacked on the
 
 FOR LIFIi AND I-OVE. 25! 
 
 other side of the canon. It's a full quarter of a mile 
 across. How lucky that last rain cut out this 
 hole. If any one comes this way I will warn them. 
 They will have to drag the wagons over by hand if 
 they cross. Caramba! I'll surely see these two dogs 
 dead to-night. Caballo Blanco's party is in position 
 now. The Gringos can not escape!" 
 
 While the gloating traitor lay in wait, and the con- 
 cealed robbers at the head of the glen on the west side 
 awaited in ambush, with their animals at a safe distance, 
 the nimble lad who had borne Ximenes' message lay. 
 waiting in the road leading to San Miguel to warn 
 the murderers, of the approach of Silas Leavenworth's 
 flying double team. 
 
 . There was solicitude in Mrs. Leavenworth's kindly 
 eyes as she pressed her husband's hands on his 
 departure. 
 
 "Do be careful, Silas! I will have no rest till I know 
 you safe at Corpus Christi." 
 
 " Don't fret, mother. I'll show them a Texan trick." 
 
 "Yes; but there is that awful canon! It is so danger- 
 ous." 
 
 As husband and wife parted, Jack Manson stole a 
 dozen kisses from Katie's rosy lips, in a friendly 
 shadow. 
 
 "Do be watchful every instant! Standby father for 
 my sake," she w r hispered. "The robbers have vowed 
 to take his life." 
 
 " I'll die with him, Katie, beloved, for your own dear 
 sake." 
 
 With a last embrace Katie slipped away, a sweet, 
 white-faced apparition. 
 
 "All ready!" rang out Silas' voice, as two splendid 
 steeds dashed up. A strong road-wap^on, with a serv- 
 ant's place behind, was provided with Winchesters 
 and revolvers under every seat.
 
 252 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Three heavy-hearted women watched them dash 
 out of the gate. There were no lights to guide. 
 Behind the men, " Colorado Bill," a gray-eyed, lithe 
 plainsman, sat ready, his revolvers lying across his 
 knees, his rifle at his side. 
 
 Katie's eyes were full of blinding tears as she threw 
 herself fondly on her mother's breast. 
 
 " If anything should happen to dear father and 
 Jack," the little heiress murmured. 
 
 Her gentle mother easily divined the maiden's secret. 
 She knew, at last, what glowing inner heart-love had 
 tinged the roses on Katie's cheeks with deeper royal 
 richness. And in her faithful arms the darling of her 
 heart told the sweet story of a first love! 
 
 Jack started as a dozen dark forms swept by the 
 travellers, a gaunt rider before. Even in the gloom he 
 recognized that angular Castilian, mediaeval-looking 
 relic, " Don Basilio." 
 
 " That's only a little Texan Joke. I'll have Basilio 
 go on and prospect the canon a little," said Silas dryly, 
 as he noted Jack's movement. " Some of my friends 
 might fancy I was really coming alone." 
 
 There was no sound but the sighing of the night- 
 wind across the lonely prairie! Excited by his parting 
 promise, Jack saw goblins of the night in every clump 
 of bushes. His revolvers well to the front, his Win- 
 chester ready, he watched Silas guide the flying steeds. 
 Half-way to the arroyo, he spoke: " I wonder how you 
 can lead such a life here with vour family." 
 
 Silas said simply: " I like the South. I like Texas. 
 I have a large property here. I wish my children to 
 be secure in their future. I shed no tears over the 
 fallen Confederacy. But if your Northern friends think 
 that our country will hold together always, you are mis- 
 taken. The natural interests of the sections are opposed
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVK. 253 
 
 to permanency! Look at it! You have the Middle 
 and East given up to capital and manufacturing; the 
 Mfssissippi Valley to agriculture ; the great Northwest 
 to timber, stock, and wheat; the Pacific Coast and 
 Rocky-Mountain States to mining. The great money, 
 iron, coal, and transportation banded interests prey on 
 the people. For convenience of those who have 
 snapped up all the valuable franchises and are rich 
 employers, the ruling element throws open the doors 
 of America, and its too-easily won citizenship, to the 
 ruff and scruff of Europe. I wish my children to live 
 in a strong community, governed by white^ native 
 Americans. We know how to treat the negro prac- 
 tically. You do not. Northern sentimentalists always 
 fail to understand or handle the black. In the day, my 
 boy, which you may live to see, of natural disintegra- 
 tion, the great West, Northwest, and Pacific States will 
 break away and the East and Middle States will stick 
 together. Our Southern States, led by pure American 
 statesmen, will stand by the Union, in a spirit of real 
 devotion to the Constitution; the Southwest, from nat- 
 ural sympathy, will go with them, and the future battles 
 against communism, anarchy, socialism, and imported 
 pollution will be fought by our representative South- 
 ern men, who will work up into the national councils 
 again ! 
 
 " There is no real devotion to the Union or our home 
 institutions in a section where the Dollar alone is God! 
 You are daily drained of your heart's blood by the 
 enormous influx " of undesirable foreigners. In fifty 
 years the American character will only exist in the 
 South and Southwest* I wish my son to be a repre- 
 sentative man, true to the real Union, even if his father 
 ivas a 'rebel''. No, sir! The war did not decide the 
 fate of the Union, The great battle is yet to be
 
 254 FOR IAVF - AXD J-OVE. 
 
 fought. It is against hostile Europe; its influences, 
 its pauper classes, its rotten social schemes, and its 
 bitter hatred of us! Your Northern people can not 
 fight it alone!" 
 
 Jack Manson was astounded at the depth of feeling 
 shown by the old Texan. 
 
 " Here I will stay! Here I will leave my bones! " he 
 cried, as he halted his steeds a quarter of a mile from 
 the canon. " Texas is the future Empire of the Gulf." 
 
 In a moment Basilio reined up beside the wagon. 
 
 " Here, Bill, look out for the horses. I'll change seats 
 with you," Silas directed. 
 
 Receiving a few whispered injunctions in Spanish, 
 old Basilio disappeared. The ranchero briefly gave 
 " Colorado Bill " a last word of advice. 
 
 "If there's any hornet's nest in there to-night we'll 
 run over it," sternly cried Silas. "All ready no~w ! Go 
 ahead. Should there be an alarm, we will keep on at 
 full speed. If there's firing, jump out and join me 
 behind the team," he said to Jack in a low tone. 
 
 In the darkness of the night Manson's relaxed nerves 
 thrilled as the winding road to the head of the canon 
 was reached. All was silent. In the dense woods of 
 the arroyo a pair of lonely owls boomed out their 
 mournful call. Suddenly Jack noted four of their escort 
 close in at the head of their team. He gripped his 
 loaded Winchester tightly. Its seventeen cartridges 
 could be flashed out in a fusillade of less than a minute. 
 
 On the brow of the hill at the cut, Basilio and his raw- 
 boned charger were revealed clear-cut for an instant 
 against the starlit sky, backed by two followers. At a 
 wave of Silas Leavenworth's hand they briskly dashed 
 down the slope. A wild figure darted away from 
 under their very feet. It was the boy spy ! 
 
 "Shoot quick!" Silas yelled, firing as he spoke.
 
 BOOK IV. 
 THE JAGUAR'S DESPERATE STRUGGLE. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 MANSON'S MATCHLESS STEED A HARMONIOUS DIREC- 
 TORY AN HOUR IN A WASHINGTON BOUDOIR A 
 STRANGE WARNING. 
 
 THE TWO guns roared out together, followed by a 
 snap shot from Bill's revolver. Before a yell of pain 
 subsided, the thicket on the south blazed with the dis- 
 charge of twenty rifles. A wild cry was borne back 
 as the advance guard dashed through the ambush. The 
 four men on the crest opened a rapid fire on the low 
 bushes. 
 
 "Empty your guns! Fire low! Shoot by their 
 flashes!" called Silas, whose voice never changed tone. 
 The old man was "game!" 
 
 In a few moments the rattling fire from the ambushed 
 bandits ceased. 
 
 " That will do," said the ranchero, shortly, as Jack 
 dropped his heated gun from his shoulder. "Cease fir- 
 ing!" he called in Spanish to his faithful escort, who, 
 with Sharp's rifle, musket, and revolver, were, from the 
 crest, sweeping the now silent wooded belt to the south. 
 "It's always safest after a storm," Silas chuckled, as he 
 blew the smoke out of his repeating rifle and reloaded 
 it. Manson had refilled the chamber of his rifle. 
 "Keep your revolver ready! Let's pick up this chap;
 
 256 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 I want him for subsequent investigation" Silas coolly 
 said. "Drive as near as you can, Bill." The groaning 
 fifty yards off continued. "I think thatyott winged this 
 fellow, Manson! You are the right sort!" said Silas, 
 revolver in hand, gazing at a prostrate form. "Quien 
 es?" sternly challenged Silas, poking his revolver near 
 the face of the wounded spy. "Strike a match, Jack! 
 Devil take it! It's that peon boy Jose! By God, 
 what's that?" 
 
 Three or four sharp shots rang over the canon from 
 the other side ; then the echoes died away ; all was 
 ominously still. 
 
 "Jack, watch these horses ! " cried Silas. Bill, hold the 
 head of the road with these four men! Let them dis- 
 mount and lie down. It may be that the thieves have 
 formed up again over there. What will we do with this 
 fellow? I see it. There's some treachery at the 
 Ranch ! He sneaked away from us and put up this job. 
 Standby on guard, Jack!" Manson with joy noted 
 these familiar words. 
 
 Jack's ready rifle covered the road. A horseman 
 loomed up in the darkness, leading an animal. 
 It was the unmoved Don Basilio, who, in a few words, 
 reported to Silas Leavenworth, who stood at bay, 
 revolver in hand. 
 
 " Well, I will be d d if I don't hang every loose 
 'greaser' between here and the Rio Bravo! Fetch 
 the horse here. Jack," he called, " come here." Basilio 
 took the impatient steeds in hand. 
 
 " I will now give you the best horse in Texas, my 
 boy," said Silas, as he handed him the bridle rein. 
 " You will do me a favor to shoot Ximenes on sight if 
 you ever see him again. The mean sneak put up this 
 whole job. He fired on Basilio's advance party him- 
 self! But they dropped him from the saddle. I sup-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 257 
 
 pose the felons ne posted here lugged him off safely! 
 He betrayed us. But why? " 
 
 Jack Manson's heart beat wildly. Then Silas 
 Leavenworth did not know yet of Ramon Maxan's vow ! 
 Even in the robber's canon Katie's fair face beamed 
 on him. Her gentle lips seemed to murmur: "Stand 
 by my father for my sake." 
 
 " This helps us," said the ready ranchero. In five 
 minutes the wounded boy was lashed on the rear seat, 
 Jack was mounted on his royal charger, and the 
 unflinching Basilic led the way through the canon. A 
 trusty rider was already racing back to San Miguel to 
 bring twenty men to hold the arroyo till after the mill- 
 ionaire's return. 
 
 " Search the ground and lug all the dead robbers 
 back to the ranch. I will get the truth out of this poor 
 fool if I have to hang him." 
 
 At the farther brow of the hill Silas left Basilio on 
 guard with three men. 
 
 " You will patrol the canon steadily ! Twenty men 
 will join you here in four hours. Then come on to 
 Corpus and report to me, leaving them on guard." 
 
 " Bueno!" answered the spectral Don, as he pocketed 
 a handfu. of Silas' best cigars. He was not astonished ! 
 Xothing t broke his habitual calm! 
 
 "AW 1 , Bill, turn her loose!" Led on by Jack Manson 
 on his matchless racer, with two riders as rear guard, 
 the undaunted cattle-king swept along in safety 
 through the hushed night, to draw rein only at Norden- 
 skiold's door on the hill at Corpus Christi. 
 
 " Not a word of the attack ! " cried Silas, as the aston- 
 ished trio saw the wounded man. " Another jump at 
 the old place! Don't let a man go into the town." 
 
 In a quarter of an hour the old ranchero was sleep- 
 ing like a child. " Texas Pete," and "Bronco Bill " were
 
 258 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 merrily laughing as they rode away to trail the robbers 
 and locate their headquarters. They were light-hearted, 
 for Silas growled: "I'll give you a ranch and stock it, 
 boys, if you will run down this gang and bring me 
 ' Caballo Blanco's ' head. Go where you want to. You'll 
 find old Rip Ford and the rangers somewhere between 
 Eagle Pass and Ringgold. Take some of the men 
 from the canon, and get what supplies you want any- 
 where. I'll square the bill. Don't spare money or 
 horseflesh!" 
 
 "All right, squire," the happy scouts answered, as if 
 they were bidden to a picnic. 
 
 By the dying fire, in Nordenskiold's snuggery, Tom 
 Bayard, Jimmy, and the new Texan communed 
 briefly. Nordenskiold listened in silence. 
 
 " We must have this Ramon Maxan and Ximenes 
 shovelled under, before you and I can ride the border 
 safely. A Creole always keeps his oath of blood 
 revenge," said the sturdy son of a dauntless sire, as 
 Jack Manson sought his couch. " You have won the 
 best horse in Texas, anyway. Good-night, old boy. 
 The 'padre ' tells me you fitted the situation to a hair! 
 It's a good deal for him to say." 
 
 There were lovely eyes beaming on the sleeper from 
 misty dreamland, and Jack saw the sunlight of the 
 future from behind these clouds! 
 
 Silas Leavenworth was quietly comparing notes with 
 the stony-faced lawyer when Manson was awakened by 
 the sun peeping over Padre Island. He rubbed his eyes. 
 
 " Well ! a night on the prairie may be followed up 
 by a wild day at Corpus Christi. It is a lively country." 
 
 His first care was to go to the stable and look at his 
 beautiful trophy of the fight at the arroyo. Jimmy, 
 in low tones, at the breakfast-table run over the details 
 of the abortive attempt at murder.
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 259 
 
 " They must have 'laid' for you and father! Now, 
 Jack, you know why we have not fully warned my 
 father before. We must do so now, but he would have 
 found out, anyway, the reason of Maxan's enmity." 
 
 The "we" was evidently Katie and her brother. 
 The two lovers clasped hands in silence. Jimmy was 
 thinking of that beloved one far away in her ancient 
 Virginia home. 
 
 "When we get back, you and I, with mother and 
 my sisters, will have a private understanding. I see 
 clearly that we must hunt these fellows down and not 
 let them 'pot' us, like a couple of prairie chickens. 
 But I do not wish to arouse my father's ferocity. He 
 will hang every suspected wanderer for six months. 
 He is no man to fool with." 
 
 " I should say not," said Jack, dryly, as he thought 
 of old Silas pumping out his Winchester cartridges as 
 deliberately as if firing at ground-squirrels. 
 
 "Don't show off your new 'caballo^ yet, young 
 man," said Silas, good-humoredly, as he shook hands; 
 *' I am keeping this whole thing quiet. My men are on 
 the trail now, and I never admit these attempts on my 
 life here; it might encourage others. Besides, they may 
 have Mexican chums here to warn them. Now, be at 
 hand all day; I will need your professional advice. I 
 have sent for the editor of the Gazette. I will have a 
 special edition of the paper printed to-night. To-mor- 
 row it will go fifty miles around. We will organize 
 to-morrow morning, and to-morrow night a grand public 
 meeting will make them all wake up. I will make 
 these three counties too hot to hold any one who fights 
 the road or the Company." 
 
 "We will have a full through mail to-day, Jack," 
 remarked Jimmy, glass ^in hand. " There is the 
 Wanderer sweeping down with a cloud of canvas."
 
 26O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " By the way, what have you done with your ship- 
 wrecked crew ? " Manson asked Nordenskiold, as he 
 took the glass. 
 
 " Put them on the 'Ariel,' a new bark Chisholm had 
 bought for the Company," said the lawyer, with a side 
 glance at old Silas, who was calmly studying his 
 cigar. " I had a telegram that they sailed yesterday 
 from the Spanish Main and Tampico." 
 
 " Well, I wish them better luck this time," said the 
 engineer simply. 
 
 " Oh, a neiv ship seldom gets lost ! " the advocate care- 
 lessly rejoined. 
 
 By the evening a wonderful revolution in public 
 sentiment had been wrought. The press was throwing 
 off a triple edition of the special issue, and four hours 
 of close conference, and the deft fingers of Norden- 
 skiold had closed up the legal organization of the rail- 
 road company. 
 
 " You see, I will detain the mail boat until we send 
 the whole set of papers away, registered. One set to 
 Houston, our State capital, the other certified set to 
 your uncle, for himself and Senator Steele, a third to 
 Chisholm," said Silas. 
 
 "It is nearer to Houston by land, is it not? "asked 
 Jack. 
 
 " True. But our Dogtown and Uvalde boys occa- 
 sionally nab our mail-riders on the way and rip open 
 the mails. ' The longest way round is the safest way 
 home,' " smiled old Silas, who was now in good humor. 
 
 " What do you suppose those funny devils once did? 
 Last year a special Treasury Agent went overland from 
 the Rio Grande to San Antonio. He had got up a 
 lot of spy information and papers, and proposed to 
 realize 'Civil Service Refprm ' here. He found out 
 later that the boys had quietly examined his valises at
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 261 
 
 Brownsville. On the way over to San Antonio the 
 buckboard was stopped, his team and property taken, 
 and he made the last forty miles on foot to San 
 Antonio, and left for Washington cursing Texas! He 
 was a pompous fat man, and he has asked 'for another 
 sphere of duty.' " 
 
 Who did that? " laughed Jack. 
 
 " Oh, I suppose it was ' Mexican marauders,' " Silas 
 murmured as simply as a child. He did not know that 
 Father Blucher had bragged of this very trick to Jack! 
 " In vino veritas," is applicable even in the land of 
 cactus and wild horses! 
 
 Before the swift Wanderer swept away to Inclianola 
 with her precious freight, Jack Manson's cipher tele- 
 gram announced to Mark the good news of the com- 
 pleted legal organization. 
 
 In four hours an answer da,ted Washington, D. C., 
 contained private directions closing: "Address me 
 Arlington Hotel." 
 
 "See here, Manson, noru that we are partners, I wish 
 to give you the private tip to be kept a secret between 
 your uncle, you and I. I see you have sketched out 
 your road about one hundred and thirty-five miles. I 
 wish you to survey it up to measure two hundred and 
 eighty! " The ranchero was driving Jack dinnerward. 
 
 Manson stared in amazement. 
 
 " Why it's unprofessional and wasteful " the economic 
 student hotlv said. 
 
 " Yes" Silas slowly answered. " My boy, you are 
 not yet up to our simple frontier ideas. I had Nor- 
 denskiold fix up that bill. It is now a law, and my 
 property, our property ! We get twenty miles square 
 of alternated land on either side, for merely 'perfecting 
 the survey and visibly locating and mapping the line.* 
 This extra one hundred and forty-five miles, which
 
 262 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 by running hither and thither you can gain, gives us 
 an extra slip of land amounting to two thousand nine 
 hundred square miles, or a million eight hundred thou- 
 sand acres. That will build the road in itself! But 
 it is an extra profit for you and I our private interest / 
 We are no fools!" 
 
 Manson began to grasp at Silas' sagacious trickery. 
 
 " But you can not secure it unless you build the line" 
 Manson affirmed. 
 
 "See here, my boy!" Silas handed him a printed 
 copy of the law. " There is a clause enacting that 
 where lands have been taken up along the line as 
 built, we can locate in lieu all we are entitled to in 
 other places. Now, we earn it by simply surveying 
 and locating. There is also a clause permitting us to 
 shorten and alter (in the public interest) later. Now, 
 I have located all the land along our real line myself." 
 
 Jack's eyes were widely staring. 
 
 " I have the tracts we wish to cover all mapped out! 
 Our lieu selections take precedence of all other Texan 
 grants in the interest of the public." There was a 
 comfortable grin on Silas' face. 
 
 " Did Nordenskiold do this ? " he asked. 
 
 "No; he only put the laiv through as I wanted it; 
 but Blucher mapped my lands, and these we want. 
 I had the old chap six months at it, and everything is 
 now locked up in my safe. I have to pay these two 
 old files heavily, and I keep them always blind to each 
 other's work." 
 
 " It's a wonderful law," said Jack, rapt in admiration. 
 
 " It is a pretty good law. I paid three thousand dol- 
 lars a man for 'niggers' and 'carpet-baggers' enough to 
 vote it through. You see," said Silas modestly, " it 
 was when we were under the heel of the Federal 
 Government, just after war time, I devised this!"
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OYli. 263 
 
 " You should have been a chief justice," Jack vent- 
 ured to say in compliment. 
 
 " Yes, probably it would have been easier to be at a 
 law college than shovelling cOal on the old 'Planter' 
 as a quartermaster laborer. But here we are at din- 
 ner." 
 
 Jack Manson began to realize the mental calibre of 
 the cool, self-made frontier king. 
 
 " You must inform your uncle only by word of 
 mouth or cipher of this. I am frank with you, my boy. 
 He must provide the iron, cars, and funds. He can do 
 it. I can not. I am land rich and money poor. I am 
 sending a drive of ten thousand cattle to Kansas and 
 the market in a month. I will not get that money till 
 next spring; but I will have a million dollars loose 
 then. If I did not wish to build the road at once, I 
 would do it then alone / But I want your uncle with 
 me. These fellows may kill me any day, and Jim 
 needs more experience than he has. Old Steele is only 
 good to keep me ' square ' with the administration. 
 I'm not popular up there. Too big a rebel" said 
 Silas, leading on the way to the table. 
 
 "Do you not think Southern sentiment will change 
 in time?" said Jack, with curiosity. 
 
 "Never!'' sternly said Silas. "Whatever anyone 
 may say to you, we are as big rebels as when we 
 poured over Hancock's stone walls at Gettysburg! 
 The growing children drink secession with their 
 mother's milk. Our women are implacable, fiery, 
 unyielding, and untiring. They sneered the men ' to 
 the front' when they could not wheedle them into 
 danger, and they're now whipping the 'lost cause' 
 into their children. Wait, my boy! You will see our 
 Southern statesmen crawl slowly on top. They will 
 work twenty years to weaken the North, and cut the
 
 264 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 West off. Then we will regain the balance of 
 power ! " 
 
 "Do you believe it?" Jack doubtfully said. 
 
 "I know it! It is written in the stars!" said the 
 ranchero, as he compounded a mysterious beverage 
 which sealed the secret intimacy between the young 
 man and himself. Jack drank to Katie in silence! 
 
 While Silas Leavenworth was closeted with a rider, 
 who dashed up after dinner with reports from the 
 canon, and Nordenskiold and himself were later inter- 
 rogating sternly the wounded Mexican boy, who had a 
 severe thigh flesh wound, Jack Manson read, with 
 intense delight, a few words from Katie: 
 
 You have won the way to father's heart now. You hold 
 mine forever! Be careful for my sake! 
 
 Below the bluff, where Nordenskiold's residence 
 dominated the town, the one great hall over the market- 
 house was ablaze with light. Crowds of excited fron- 
 tiersmen were assembling to listen to addresses sug- 
 gested by the lawyer, and trimmed up by the crafty 
 ranchero. 
 
 The collector, the judge, the editor, Colonel Bayard, 
 Major Blucher, and other prominent citizens, in due 
 sequence, demolished every iota of suspicion and objec- 
 tion. The throng of six hundred swarthy, bearded, 
 pistol-carrying plainsmen shouted themselves wild under 
 the glare of swinging oil-lamps in assent, and unani- 
 mously howled their approval of the half-million-dollar 
 bonded harbor subsidy. A set of resolutions, skillfully 
 prepared, were rushed through "nem. con.," and the 
 Corpus Christ! Gazette was also requested to blazon 
 the sentiments of the meeting forth at once, to awake 
 the attention of the interior and reassure the Northern 
 capitalists.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 265 
 
 The presence of the local schoolmaster, priest, the 
 Baptist preacher, some progressive German-Jewish 
 merchants, the only banker, the freight-handlers, the 
 coasting sailors, and the few working mechanics united 
 all Corpus Christi in a golden circle of unity. 
 
 Alas! the uninitiated could not see the foxy hand of 
 Silas and his lawyer in this great "outburst" of enthu- 
 siasm, but the whole town did appreciate the "Pansaje" 
 or general "blow out" which followed. 
 
 The hand of Rudolf Harbeck, the astute financier, 
 was deftly employed in opening, gratis (on account of his 
 master) the St. James, the Magnolia Saloon, the " Plant- 
 ers' Hotel," "Joe Garcia's," and every place for the dis- 
 tribution of the "wassail bowl" to all comers. The 
 flaring light of tar barrels, the music of the polyglot 
 "band," and the shouts of the joyous revellers, reached 
 Silas Leavenworth, as he left the " Star Chamber." 
 
 "I hope that the boys will not overdo this spon- 
 taneous demonstration," remarked the ranchero, as 
 Jimmy, Manson, the lawyer, and himself sat at their 
 ease. 
 
 "Those low-bred fellows in Indianola, Brownsville, 
 and the interior, might gibe at us a little. They are up 
 to these tricks, but only in a poor way. They have no 
 'style' about them!" Silas was in a flood-tide of com- 
 placency. He had already extracted from the terrified 
 boy spy all he knew, and chewed in anticipation the 
 sweet cud of revenge! 
 
 Within six months many a lurking prowler around 
 .San Miguel met short shrift; the nearest mesquit, a 
 handy lariat, and a volley of bullets, to make sure, 
 easily settled their prejudged cases. 
 
 ** Young men, you may look around town a little 
 to-morrow. I want to talk things over with my 
 banker and the editor. Then we will go home in
 
 266 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 daylight, openly, as I have men enough here. The 
 canon is now clear. They found three fellows dead 
 in the ' chapparal '. So, Mr. Caballo Blanco did not 
 4 make the trip ' this time ! " Silas rose, and going on 
 the porch, dropped into the earnest hum of business 
 conversation with his lawyer. Nordenskiold knew, 
 that much as Silas trusted and feared him, he could 
 never thoroughly fathom the depths of the inscrutable 
 ranchero. Manson watched the two cold schemers at 
 work. 
 
 "You can't tell where a man will finally turn up, 
 my boy," Silas had remarked. "Keep the whip-hand 
 on everybody. It's all right; if they wish to be your 
 enemies, you are ready. As for friends, any man's 
 your friend as long as it pays him to le" Jack 
 Manson did not wonder at this pearl of frontier wis- 
 dom, for Silas had grown up in the hard school of 
 adversity. 
 
 While the railroad triumphed over the cabals of its 
 envious enemies on this memorable night, at Washing- 
 ton, old Mark Manson was seated in the room where 
 Mildred Smiley had once opened her passionate heart 
 to Jack Manson. 
 
 The luxury of the residence was unchanged, but 
 during the dinner and at the tete-a-tete following, Mrs. 
 Senator Steele was the ideal senatorial consort. Ezra 
 Steele rode calmly on the tide of political success, and 
 seconded by his argus-eyed wife, was now a leading 
 feature of the incoming administration. A certain 
 stately, dignified silence became him well. He was 
 now more honored for the things he did not do than 
 those he did achieve. And, daily, Mildred Steele was 
 building a wall about the past of Mildred Kenyon 
 Smiley. No keen eye had traced, as yet, the particu- 
 lar 'prominent Southern family' to which she owed
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 267 
 
 the blue blood coursing in the delicate veins under her 
 dazzling, tinted flesh. "I only feared Mrs. Marshall's 
 eye," the beauty owned to her mirror, as she gazed at 
 her own loveliness. "She had a quiet, searching look 
 which always shook my nerves. Never mind; I have 
 'arrived!' as the French say. And Mrs. Marshall, 
 has no real cause to hunt me down." 
 
 There was a gleam of satisfaction in her eye as the 
 senator gravely departed for a special " conference 
 committee caucus." 
 
 " The public business," he mournfully said, with an 
 old-time wave of his hand, forgetting that he could 
 not impose upon the old financier, and that his able 
 wife had already honeycombed his conceited nature in 
 a resolute search for every secret. She possessed them 
 all. Even the whole intrigue, the fatal knowledge of 
 No. 4 a dangerous discovery ! 
 
 Mark Manson's ashes of life warmed a little in a 
 flickering old-time glow when the "Empress" said: 
 " Now we can have a cosy evemng in my den." His ' 
 nerves thrilled a little at the nearness of the beautiful 
 social " carpet-bagger." 
 
 "By heavens! She's too good for that oaf," mur- 
 mured Mark, with the easy egotism of man's submis"- 
 sion to throbbing, sentient physical beauty with its 
 adjuncts of royal dress, burning passion, and gentle, 
 half-suggested dalliance. " She is thrown away on 
 him. What a woman! As calm now as the lovely 
 Caribbean. I would like to see her in a tornado of 
 feeling! " 
 
 Mark was destined to note only her sunny hours, 
 like an antique sun-dial. 
 
 " I will have you in my power. I will not be led by 
 you, pleasant as you are!" thought Milly Steele, waving 
 her filmy fan over a matchless bosom.
 
 268 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " If I can get the secret of No. 4 from this successful 
 'lost pleiad,' it is worth as handsome a necklace as 
 Tiffany can furnish. By Jove! I could clasp it on 
 myself." Mark was now within the "danger line!" 
 
 Mrs. Steele was happy at last! Her table was 
 thronged with the cards of even the great " unap- 
 proachable." She had passed beyond the penumbra of 
 social uncertainty into the clear glow of the "inner 
 circle." " Old family " representatives might sneer, 
 but the senator's wife was planted in the ring sur- 
 rounding the White House. In duty bound the admin- 
 istration ladies must fight her battles, and no one dared 
 to touch her golden shield with the sharp point of the 
 lance. But one man she feared! It was Ramon Maxan. 
 For, hidden in her bosom, she carried the words of 
 Maxan's latest scrawl: 
 
 Your finesse leads you to betray me through marriage. Remem- 
 ber, when I strike you it will be to the heart. I will slake my 
 burning revenge in Mansoff s blood. His promised bride may 
 sit in shadow many a day and recall my name in her bitter tears. 
 It is now war to the knife! 
 
 " He would never dare to attempt violence toward 
 me. I am safe. His deeds have shut the door on him. 
 He will never return ! " The superb woman, in her 
 royal loveliness, could not hear the noiseless spinning of 
 the thread. The Fates, unswerving, unrelenting, give 
 no sign! 
 
 " Mr. Manson," the beauty murmured, as she toyed 
 with her jewelled coffee-cup, " I hope that you will 
 realize how devoted I am to the Senator. His every 
 interest is dear to me, and I wish the benefit of your 
 powerful friendship and your frank advice. I can do 
 much to cement the union between you as well as the 
 Leavenworths. Our interests are naturally the same."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 269 
 
 Perfectly understanding the key of this little social 
 prelude, Mark Hanson decorously played second violin. 
 Gravely on his guard, the financier, in an hour's gentle 
 fencing, became assured that No. 4 would not be dis- 
 closed in his obscurity, unless some pact were made 
 with the beautiful sphinx. After exhausting his special 
 knowledge of the Company the secret projects and the 
 future Mark felt that his fair antagonist was much 
 better armed, at all points, than himself. Her knowl- 
 edge was far beyond his as to the mystery of Texas. 
 The clock struck ten. Its silvery chime reminded Mark 
 that Senator Steele's imposing form might bear the in- 
 visible " toga" homeward any moment. Manson knew 
 that the lovelorn Samson had yielded his locks warily 
 under the charmer's graceful manipulation of the shears. 
 
 " I am so sorry you must go," Milly's flute-like voice 
 intoned, as she gave him a delicious cordial. " I have 
 written your nephew many things to guard him. I am 
 deeply interested in him. In these graver matters, I 
 might have things of moment to confide to you. I am 
 now tied to new duties. If your nephew confided in 
 you in cipher, you might confer with me. But it must 
 be secretly. He will have the inner confidence of old 
 Silas, soon. You can guess why," she said, with a 
 rare smile. " But Senator Steele is sometimes uncer- 
 tain! He is venturesome in politics. I look to his 
 permanent future interests, and my own. And yet, 
 he must not know how deeply I confide in your sagacity. 
 Although I have no secrets to conceal, it would be dan- 
 gerous for us to correspond. A messenger could not 
 be trusted. I am trying to look keenly into the future 
 of this growing Mexican scheme. If I knew the 
 way " she faltered. 
 
 " You could come to New York ! " cried Mark Man- 
 son, now eager, as he grasped her hands. " You kno\\
 
 270 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 what I wish to know. Who is No. 4? I must have 
 an independent hold upon him. I will see that your 
 visits are made safe in every way." 
 
 Milly's smile fascinated the financier. " I know only 
 that there is power, place, millions to be divided. I 
 wish to plant myself on a rock above the storms of pol- 
 itics. Senator Steele does not see what I observe. I 
 know that the negro foundation of Southern repub- 
 licanism will melt away under the men now in power. 
 The astute, dominating men of Dixie will regain con- 
 trol! Steele may be left without influence, a stranded 
 man. He has been very kind to me. I love luxury; 
 it is the breath of life in my nostrils. I fear his heavy 
 party contributions, and the public burdens attached to 
 his place. The laurels of the war are already fading. 
 A practical home government alone will settle the 
 Southern question. Shall we work together? " 
 
 "Will you tell me what I must know ? " Manson 
 cried, his grasp on her jewelled hands tightening. " It 
 will ensure your future." 
 
 " I may tell you in New Tork" she answered, 
 flashing back the promise of her brilliant eyes, as she 
 sought her cabinet and handed him a card. It was a 
 simple address. " If you need me write or telegraph," 
 she said, in a whisper. "And you, how shall / com- 
 municate? " 
 
 The ebony escritoire was soon locked on another 
 secret. 
 
 "We are comrades, are we not? " Milly said archly. 
 
 Mark Manson stooped and kissed her jewelled hands 
 with unnecessary fervor for a mere business association. 
 
 "For life!" he said. "We understand each other. 
 I think my lady will have that necklace," Mark solilo- 
 quized, as he greeted the returning senator at the door 
 on his exit. Milly Steele sweetly smiled an adieu to
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 271 
 
 one, and a welcome to the other, as she stood under 
 the arched frescos. 
 
 " I am secure now. I can defy poverty and chance. 
 I am safe forever!" thought the siren. " 
 
 "She will not be caught with mere gew-gaws. I 
 must make her half a million! " ruminated the retreating 
 Midas. 
 
 "A good evening's work !" proudly cried Steele to his 
 wife. For a great measure was in the " becalmed " 
 region of his committee, and an all-powerful lawyer 
 had whispered over a bottle at the Arlington : " If you 
 can only see this thing rightly, you will be one of us, 
 Senator." 
 
 The brooding peace of work well done, and the happy 
 consciousness of judicious and well-placed effort blessed 
 the slumbers of the worthy trio just parted. 
 
 So the subtle influence of magic " gold," the dazzling, 
 dreamy fascination of easily made money, spread its 
 trail, a bright comet from New York's buttressed 
 mansions to the distant borders of the Rio Grande. 
 
 For gold and the lust of gold the soldier has bled, the 
 mariner dared the pathless sea, friend betrayed friend, 
 blood conspired against its kindred, youth struggled, 
 and age schemed since the world began! Hardly won 
 and lightly held ! It has bought the smiles of blushing 
 beauty since Jupiter blinded Danae with the golden 
 cloud ! 
 
 " There's not a horse in Texas like him," said Jimmy 
 Leavenworth, patting Manson's new acquisition, as the 
 heart brothers strolled out under the moonlight to the 
 stable to see their animals well bestowed. " What a 
 scoundrel Ximenes turned out! I am sorry; for he 
 knows our whole system and inner lines. You see, 
 Jack, the devil was such a peerless courier, that we kept
 
 272 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 him against good judgment. My fear is he may keep up 
 disaffection among our men and betray either of us. If 
 you ever clap eyes on him, kill him like a dog! He is 
 merciless, and a really dangerous fellow." 
 
 As Jimmy spoke, a tired rider entered the stables. 
 Well, Bill ! " The young Texan had a pleasant word 
 for the scout who had been away on a secret mission 
 for Silas. 
 
 " I have a letter for you, Mr. James. Don't ask me 
 when or where I got it. It was up Dogtown-way 
 though. The gentleman said you knew him in old 
 times." 
 
 Bronco Bill placed his pet horse in comfort and 
 watched Leavenworth read the letter by the stable 
 lantern. 
 
 " Poor old Wes Hardin ! " he said, with evident con- 
 cern. " Come in, Jack, I wish to talk to you." As 
 the gallant fellow walked he murmured: "Out alone! 
 On the prairie! A price on his head! It's pretty hard! 
 But he's game to the last!" 
 
 In their room, Jimmy handed Jack a brief scrawl. 
 It was in pencil, on the backs of old envelopes, their 
 addresses torn off, and it was fastened with a buckskin 
 string: 
 
 DEAR JIM: 
 
 I've been hanging around to see some one of your people. 1 
 know Bill is square, and wont put anybody on me. Take care 
 of yourself, Jim. You were always good to me. Maxan, el 
 Jaguar, offers five thousand for your head, and same for your 
 friend. Caballo Blanco got cut up in the fight, and swears he'll 
 do the business himself. Ximenes was shot in the shoulder, and I 
 struck them at the Fandango House, above Los Angeles. They've 
 taken him away. He swears to kill that stranger to get his horse 
 back. Look out! If anything happens, strike red-hot for Las 
 Cuevas. They always cross the Bravo there. If you have to 
 follow, run them clear to his ranch. Take a good gang. He has
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE, 273 
 
 / 
 
 a hard crowd. Don't be off your guard a minute. This is dead 
 square for old days. Good-bye, Jim. I slipped away to warn 
 you. 
 
 JOHN WESLEY HARDIN. 
 
 "There's a man with a good mother, and a fine old 
 Baptist preacher for a father. He was shoved in the 
 Confederate Army, a mere boy. When he came back, 
 father gave him a show, as my old schoolmate. He had 
 to kill a quarrelsome rancher. The man had a lot of 
 enraged relatives. Poor old Wes! He took to the plains, 
 and that lean-faced boy (he's only twenty-four) has 
 killed a dozen men. Hunted like a dog, there's a big 
 price on his head. Every one is gunning for him 
 Rangers, deputies, and troops. I ran on him once. 
 We had a talk! I begged him to leave the country. 
 He has too much pride. And he sends me now this 
 warning. Jack, I am sorry for you. This hangs over 
 us both! I've got to be used to it, but it is a doom 
 you did not seek. It's really no quarrel of yours. 
 Poor old Wesley! He is kindly at heart. If those fel- 
 lows knew what he did, they would broil him on a 
 cactus fire." 
 
 Jack Manson read the simple words. His eyes 
 flashed. 
 
 "Jimmy, I'll stay through this thing with you," and 
 two voices joined in the heartfelt words, " For Katie's 
 Sake." 
 
 Two days later, in leisurely style, Silas Leavenworth 
 departed under the knightly escort of his son, Bayard, 
 and Jack Manson. A strong squad of his retainers 
 enabled them to laugh at attack. 
 
 " I'll see you safely over the canon and then go off to 
 my ranch," said Bayard, who had a pair of lank Texan 
 lads of wolf-like appearance in his train. 
 
 Riding in advance, the three friends discussed the
 
 274 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 canon affair, Ximenes' treason, and the warning. " I 
 would tell your father the whole situation at once, 5 ' 
 said Bayard. 
 
 Father and son communed an hour as they leisurely 
 travelled along, for Silas was conveying the crippled 
 prisoner to his ranch. As the train approached the 
 arroyo, the son, with glowing face, joined his friends. 
 
 " The padre will leave half a dozen men here, now. 
 Next week he will send a band of sheep down here. 
 The pastores, with two or three good men, can build a 
 permanent guard cabin here, and the grazing will war- 
 rant it. It will break up any chance of an ambush here. 
 On the prairie any of us alone can stand off a half- 
 dozen of these sneaking thieves. It is a good idea." 
 
 An hour's rest for luncheon at the spring brought Col- 
 onel Tom's companionship to an end. " I'll be over every 
 two or three weeks to see you," he said, as he shook 
 hands with Silas. "I have got to look over my cattle a 
 little now. If you want me, send an express rider. I'll 
 show up as quick as old 'Baldy' will bring me." Wiih 
 a few last words the chivalric soldier rode away. Jack 
 Manson well knew the sweet, dark-eyed St. Cecilia 
 was the magnet drawing him "every two or three 
 weeks" toward the stately domain of San Miguel. 
 But Alice herself knew that the beautiful oak-shaded 
 knoll of the Nueces was being beautified for the home- 
 coming of his promised bride. 
 
 "There goes as gallant a man as ever sat a horse!" 
 said Silas, as the party moved on toward home. 
 
 On the porch at San Miguel, a happy circle waited 
 for the returning travellers. Silas Leavenworth's grave, 
 gentle wife kept up her usual composure, until alone 
 she threw herself on his neck in fond emotion. 
 
 Manson's heart beat with all a lover's pride as Katie 
 whispered, in the tumult, "You are now my oivn Texan,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 275 
 
 sir. You have won my father's heart. To-night, you 
 can walk under my roses with me. For five minutes 
 only ! Remember no longer." 
 
 " Katie," said Jack, " have you forgotten the roses 
 at Indianola?" With one fleeting glance of tender 
 love, the conquered maiden disappeared. 
 
 After dinner, Silas addressed his son: "Jimmy! you 
 can now organize your party. I am going to give you 
 twenty good, picked men, to take Jack here over the 
 line, and I wish you to go out one way, and take your 
 time. ' On your return, push hard, and come back on a 
 different trail, at least twenty miles away. I may have 
 a telegram to go to New Orleans and sign the railroad 
 bonds. I will take Nordenskiold with me. Of course, 
 I would sooner have you at the ranch when I'm gone; 
 but we will start the big drive, and then you can go. 
 I will send a rider out to meet you when I start if 
 you are on the prairie." 
 
 Jack Manson blessed the happy chance of Silas' with- 
 drawal to his den. Under the starlight, the roses heard 
 Katie Leavenworth's sweet lips frame again the words 
 which thrilled her lover's heart. 
 
 " The roses are our friends," she whispered, as their 
 graceful vines shaded the two lovers, for the little 
 queen's heart was beating close to the breast of the 
 man she loved. "Good-night! Good-night again!" 
 was the soft refrain of the two whose eyes met in the 
 pledge of the love of a life! 
 
 Three days later, Manson had verified every prepa- 
 ration for the border ride. As he rode out to see 
 the "big drive" start away, the mail-bag arrived. He 
 thrust his letters in his breast, save one which bore the 
 handwriting of his self-elected guardian, the senator's 
 fair wife.
 
 276 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 The bitter letter of Ramon Maxan was enclosed. 
 Milly Steele's pithy words touched him. 
 
 You are fighting for me now; I am for you. Your uncle and I 
 are agreed as to joint action. 1 see, now, that Maxan wished to 
 control the Company by governing my husband through me, or 
 by marriage with your promised bride. His quarrel has made 
 the one impossible. My union with the senator broke the other 
 chain! Now, his revenge embraces the Leavenworths and you; 
 and his plan also includes my disgrace. I again warn you. 
 He will strike like the blind rattlesnake in summer at what 
 is nearest and dearest. For my sake, beware! Continue your 
 private correspondence with me. Be warned in time! 
 
 "Jimmy, that scoundrel is entirely too near us at 
 present! Why, Los Angeles is only thirty miles from 
 your home in a direct line," said Manson. 
 
 " That's true, Jack, but we can not break up that vil- 
 lage. There are some decent people there, as Mexi- 
 cans go; but every one of them will shield a malefactor 
 of their race. Time alone will sweep them over the 
 Rio Grande. We must strike the gang on their raids, 
 or catch them crossing the river. It is hard. They 
 scatter like quails when surprised: I will have one of 
 our four companies of State Rangers ordered down 
 here, to cover the zone between here and Brownsville, 
 Ringgold Barracks, Laredo, and Eagle Pass. The 
 regular troops are good enough, but the raiders avoid 
 them. It is like chasing will-o'-the-wisps. Our cav- 
 alry along the river has been diverted by false raids, 
 and enormous trains of the most valuable goods are 
 often smuggled over while they are away. The 
 customs inspectors riding the Rio Grande, two and 
 two, from its mouth to El Paso, have lost twentv- 
 three men by ambush and murder in the last two 
 years! A telegraph might help us, but it would be cut 
 everywhere. Your road will bring in settlers, and 
 only then will we be freed of these scoundrels."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 277 
 
 " I see your great difficulties," said Jack reflectively. 
 
 " Yes. At home, in the comfortable North, people 
 can not see why we are forced to take the law in our 
 own hands. An alert and indignant people do make 
 mistakes in their fury; but what can we do? Our 
 homes can not be pillaged. And look at the whole 
 Texan situation! Sweeping emancipation has thrown 
 the improvident negro on his own resources. The 
 worst of them were formerly carted to the Red River, 
 or fled over here. A few bad negroes cause our 
 sullen, impoverished youth to attack the respectable 
 blacks right and left. The disorganization of the war 
 has torn the South to pieces. In time, it will settle 
 down. No sane people wish to brutalize their patient, 
 subordinate laborers. We do not. But the South 
 resents negro-suffrage. By fair means or foul, the 
 whites will make the negro-vote ineffective. When 
 the generation which knew slavery and fought the 
 war has disappeared, to the last man, then the negro 
 will assume his secondary place in quiet. You had 
 slave markets once in New York City; and now 
 you wish negro equality elsewhere. Look at the hub- 
 bub over one colored cadet at West Point! How 
 would you like to live in a Louisiana parish with five 
 hundred whites and two thousand blacks? The North- 
 ern man is \hzjirst to howl when he is forced to put 
 up with it. We know how to treat the black. Your 
 ideal philanthropy f,ails. God alone knows where the 
 black will stand in fifty years! We have the unsettled 
 frontier, the negro problem, and the Indian raids to 
 meet. It is like sleeping on one's arms. We will wipe 
 out the marauders, drive back the Indians, who raid in 
 now from the open Northwest and the big bend of the 
 Rio Grande, and the negro will finally gravitate into 
 his quiescence. Twenty years from to-day smiling
 
 278 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 homes will reach from Brownsville to Eagle Pass, 
 and over to San Antonio. Your railroad is the har- 
 binger of peace and prosperity. But here's the drive!" 
 
 From a rising knoll, as far as the eye could reach, 
 ten great bands of cattle, each under control of thirty 
 or forty riders, with tossing horns, wild, hoarse bellow- 
 ing, and thundering hoofs, made more noise than an 
 army taking position for battle. Separated by a half- 
 mile, each band had its captain and its little wagon- 
 train. Armed to the teeth, their kits lashed behind 
 them, the lithe riders, with easy sway, glided among 
 the maddened beasts. 
 
 "You have here our wild country life! There's a 
 sight worth coming from Paris to see. Discipline, 
 experience, foresight, every resource of self-reliance 
 are here. These men march, guard, drive, repair, and 
 move along like the main train of a field army. Over 
 the great trail across the northeast part of the State, 
 over the Indian Territory to Kansas and the fattening 
 pasture, this great animal crop carries itself, and in 
 good condition, next spring, will be a month's sub- 
 sistence for Chicago or New York. Ten miles a day 
 for four months is their route." 
 
 " Do you lose many ? " Jack questioned 
 
 " We allow five per cent for food, wastage, and acci- 
 dent. Let us go back ; they are under way." 
 
 A distant rumbling thunder, the shouts of three 
 hundred men, and the firing of signal shots announced 
 that a half-million dollars moved slowly along in the 
 tossing horns, sleek hides, and wild charges of the 
 doomed spoils of the Texan prairies. 
 
 " To-morrow, Jack," said the heir of San Miguel, 
 " we will draw out at noon, and make a start! Pll 
 have a few out-riders skirmish over our whole home 
 place. I will keep pickets riding around us incessantly.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 279 
 
 In daylight we can whip a hundred marauders. At 
 night, I'll have a ring of sentinels to prevent anyone 
 sneaking up on us. Now, Jack, I will occupy the 
 ' padre ' to-night," said his friend, a little maliciously. 
 " I fancy that mother and Alice will have some of 
 their usual occupations to engross them. If you wish 
 to say anything to Katie, I would suggest a sort of 
 private * musicale ' in the great parlor. I believe that 
 my father is not devoted to music. I will entice him 
 to the 'Den'!" 
 
 "Thanks, old fellow," said Jack, blushing under the 
 fast deepening prairie bronze of his handsome face. 
 " Do you work similar tactics at Arundel House?" 
 
 " Oh, Gertie and I have a ' safe conduct ' already. Our 
 Rubicon is passed, as far as her mother is concerned ! 
 But you and I are still in the same uneasy predica- 
 ment as to our brides, Jack. / have to creep gently 
 on the 'padre's' outworks. Tou will be all right. He 
 will surrender to Katie. She rules his heart. But 
 he does not know my Gertrude." 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE ON THE WILD PRAIRIE MRS. 
 
 MARSHALL'S LETTER SILAS' VOYAGE AT HACI- 
 ENDA MAXAN PANCHITA THE JAGUAR ON THE 
 
 TRAIL A THUNDERBOLT LOST KATIE FIRST 
 
 BLOOD FOR JACK A CAPTURED MESSAGE. 
 
 "WELL, young man, are you all ready for the road?" 
 calmly remarked Silas Leavenworth, as the official 
 circle began to drop away at the close of the dinner. 
 
 " Right as right can be," merrily answered Jimmy, 
 but the lines of his face hardened as he caught a glance
 
 280 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 from Katie's eyes, shadowed with anxiety. " We ride 
 out at daybreak, sir," concluded the young man, while 
 he finished his coffee. 
 
 " Bring Harbeck and the foreman out to my office, 
 James. I wish to have them understand my instruc- 
 tions to you, if I am away, so that we can all work 
 together. Mother, you and the girls can entertain 
 Mr. Manson. I know it's dull enough for him here." 
 
 Katie's mother nodded her head demurely, while St. 
 Cecilia gazed steadily at Miss Katie, who was strangely 
 indifferent in her manner. 
 
 "Then it's all settled now," said the ranchero, rising. 
 " I will inspect your outfit before you go. Take the 
 best stock and no poor break-down rig." A grave 
 anxiety marked Silas Leavenworth, for, since the canon 
 attack, he felt that his enemies were ever prowling near. 
 
 " Don't wait for me, Jack, but turn in when you wish. 
 I will be some hours at the 'Den' to-night, I know. 
 I'll wake you myself in the morning!" whispered the 
 heir of San Miguel. 
 
 Jack Manson flashed one grateful look at " Katie's 
 brother," who evidently was determined to make this 
 night session a memorable one. 
 
 Manson strolled over to the house with the ladies. 
 The broad portico invited the usual half-hour's general 
 gathering. The witching moonlight began to silver the 
 knolls around the home place. A gentle silence was 
 accentuated by the tinkle of the distant herd -bell. Miss 
 Katie was distraught, while Jack Manson, with un- 
 wearied politeness, sustained the most unmeaning con- 
 versation of his life with Sister Alice and her mother. 
 Grave, gentle Alice's thoughts were far away on the 
 Nueces. She was deeply interested in certain extensive 
 "improvements" of Colonel Tom Bayard's home. 
 
 "I will let him have his way. I can change all -very
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 281 
 
 easily" thought the gentle girl, whose steadfast heart 
 was fixed on the amelioration of the social surroundings 
 of the gallant veteran. " I will write him, though, not 
 to give ' carte blanche ' orders to strangers North for 
 things I do not need. He is so generous, so anxious to 
 please me." It was even so! But Colonel Tom's ideas 
 of luxurious decoration were derived from certain gor- 
 geous Mississippi River steamboats he had voyaged on 
 during the late Confederacy, and some fantastic stage- 
 settings at New. Orleans! 
 
 " I have letters to write," calmly remarked Alice, as 
 she rose to leave. 
 
 " I suppose I know to whom" said Katie, with fatal 
 audacity, as her queenly sister moved out of the circle. 
 
 " You are fortunate, Katie, that you have none to 
 write at present" quietly said Alice, pausing at the 
 door. 
 
 For once the madcap heiress was silent. Jack Man- 
 son heaved a sigh of ecstatic relief as Mrs. Leaven- 
 worth said : " I find it a little chilly ; I think that I will 
 go in." 
 
 " Of all nights, the night for a walk in the garden! " 
 cried Katie, with sudden decision, for she had felt in 
 her heart of hearts the graceful riposte of Alice. 
 
 " Do not linger too late, my child," said Mrs. Leaven- 
 worth, with a meaning inclination of her head toward 
 the "Den," where the " council of war" was already 
 convened. 
 
 Jack Manson felt assured that the grave, dark-eyed 
 woman was already his friend. But the variable, impe- 
 rious Silas! 
 
 Down the rose alleys, side by side, the lovers walked 
 in silence. The parting hour was coming! When 
 Katie's bower was reached, the little household tease 
 threw herself into the open arms of her lover.
 
 282 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " My God ! How can I see you go out upon this ride ! 
 I have the strangest forebodings. Jack, my Jack! 
 Have I led you into this wild land ? " The girl's sobs 
 thrilled Manson's inmost soul. 
 
 "Dearest! my Katie! Why? What risk can there be 
 with Jimmy and twenty picked men? We could 'stand 
 off' the whole Mexican border till we could get help/' 
 Manson was astonished at her depth of feeling. 
 
 " It is so cruel ! I can hardly speak to you," the 
 passionate girl cried. "And I have had such dreams! 
 That fiend who seeks father's life will follow you and 
 Jimmy. My God ! Be careful. I know this fearful 
 land." Katie was clinging to him in loving emphasis! 
 
 Manson folded her to his breast. " Sweet one! It is 
 now a struggle for Life and Love! Your brother is 
 resolute. I am no child. If that lurking assassin 
 hounds us, he will meet the sternest reception. Jimmy 
 has not wished to alarm you. We can not attack him 
 in Mexico, but if he falls into our net, it is war to the 
 knife! I know Creole revenge. He will meet the 
 penalty of his mad folly. Let me think of you only as 
 bright and happy, my own heart's darling. ^Till we 
 meet again, I will bear your smiling face in my heart. 
 You are a Texan girl, remember." 
 
 Katie's tears lingered on the lashes shading her eyes 
 until the impetuous flow of her lover's tenderness 
 chased away the haunting phantoms of Ramon Maxan! 
 
 It was an hour, a brief, happy hour, too short for the 
 hearts beating each to each, when Katie cried, with 
 her arms around the man to whom she had shown the 
 whole intensity of her ardent soul: " We must go in! 
 I shall see you, my heart's darling, in the morning. Do 
 not look at me when I look at you; I should break 
 down. But I will ride out with you, and say good- 
 bye. My life goes with my love. By all you hold 
 dear, be not one moment off your guard."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 283 
 
 The roses alone saw the lovers' parting. There was 
 the supreme moment, as when the warrior falls into 
 the waiting line. But there was not a tremor in brave 
 Katie's voice as ten minutes later she said "Good- 
 night" in the parlors. 
 
 Jack Manson was glad to escape the keen, gray eye 
 of old Silas, and his hasty reference to " an early 
 reveille " was the signal of departure. 
 
 While they slept, the wounded boy spy was steal- 
 ing furtively through the mesquit bushes beyond the 
 men's camp, with a brief scrawl hidden in his rags. It 
 read: 
 
 The two young Gringos leave for Eagle Pass to-morrow, 
 early. Make sure of them. 
 
 Away toward the hamlet of Los Angeles, the boy 
 dashed in mad fear, for a stolen bridle, thrown on the 
 first half-tamed " cow-horse " he met, gave him the 
 means of reaching Ximenes' hiding-place before day! 
 For the wounded and baffled traitor only waited his 
 coming to send his waiting riders to warn Maxan in 
 his safe eyrie across the Rio Bravo. 
 
 The gray of morning lingered over the fair slopes 
 of San Miguel, as Jimmy laid his friendly hand on 
 Jack Manson's shoulder. With a bound the engineer 
 was on his feet. 
 
 "Our men are already breakfasting. The wagon is 
 ready, and our horses wait at the door." Such were 
 the brief words of the Texan. 
 
 As Jack Manson entered the breakfast-room, there 
 was a general movement of surprise. Clad in his 
 fringed suit of Indian Valley tan buckskin, the supple 
 form and manly beauty of the young lover were dis- 
 played to striking advantage. His soft, gray frontier 
 hat, and belt with his hunting-knife and the tried
 
 284 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 pistols, were the finishing touches of a becoming attire. 
 His noble face, serious and calm, was shadowed with 
 mingled expectancy and resolve. 
 
 A nod from Silas, a gentle smile from the mother, 
 was the greeting received by Jack, who felt his heart 
 bound, as Katie Leavenworth, in riding costume, 
 entered with her frank-faced brother, whose sun- 
 burned countenance was eager and bright. Sister 
 Alice was the last to join the circle. 
 
 "Well, Lady Bird! are you, too, going to Eagle 
 Pass?" said Silas, in genuine astonishment. 
 
 "I will give my horse a morning gallop," said the 
 wilful heiress of San Miguel, as she tossed her whip 
 and gloves on a side table. Her thrilling beauty was 
 heightened by the high courage shining in her stead- 
 fast eyes. One flashing glance told Jack that the 
 woman he loved had, in her night vigils, followed his 
 dangerous pathway! The roses were faint tints this 
 morn on the dauntless Texan girl's face. The courage 
 of her race and time shone through a complexion as 
 pale as alabaster, tinged only with the repressed current 
 of her heart's blood. 
 
 Grave-faced Mrs. Leavenworth shyly glanced at the 
 darling child of her heart. A fond mother's love told 
 her that her beautiful girl now knew the lot of the 
 frontier woman in riches or poverty, to wring blood- 
 less hands and wait till every lurking peril would ue 
 passed! When Manson forced himself to speak, he 
 started at the unfamiliar sound of his own voice. 
 And yet, the two lovers, with hearts surcharged with 
 burning, unspoken tenderness, ran the gauntlet of 
 crafty Silas Leavenworth's keen gray eyes. 
 
 Half an hour later, Jack Manson, as he put Katie on 
 her splendid horse, heard joyously her brief whisper: 
 "We will have ten minutes to say good-bye at the edge
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 285 
 
 of the me"sa!" She glancea gratefully at Brother Jim. 
 Katie's diplomacy! 
 
 The tall Texan youth's head towered above the dark- 
 robed matron whose head rested on his bosom. 
 
 " Dear mother, you must not worry. Why, I've 
 made this same trip dozens of times! Besides, a rider is 
 in with news that McNally's Rangers will patrol for a 
 month from Ringgold to Eagle Pass. I have taken 
 our best men, and I am ordering in some extra boys to 
 scout around our march. We will be just as safe as you 
 at home here! " 
 
 For all these cheering words, Silas Leavenworth's 
 face was troubled as he said: "Now, my son!" and, 
 with a silent grip of his boy's hands, led the wife and 
 mother weeping to her room. Though it was a 
 shadowed parting, the old ranchero gave no special 
 admonition to his lion-hearted son when he galloped 
 away! The cavalcade was already a half-mile away, 
 winding along the edge of the mesquit thicket, stretch- 
 ing to the groves of the sweet lakes " Los Olmos." In 
 the early freshness of the day the slim gray deer 
 bounded easily across the path. Hundreds of long- 
 earecl hares were saluting the morning sun. The wild 
 turkeys rushed noisily across little openings, and at the 
 point of the timber Jimmy Leavenworth turned back 
 and gaily swung his broad sombrero! The anxious 
 parents walked into the great house. 
 
 " Did Katie take any ong to bring her back ? " said 
 Mrs. Leavenworth to Silas. 
 
 The old ranchero paused and briefly said: " Yes, I 
 sent on a couple of the stockmen to watch the edge 
 of the timber for any prowlers." His heart was full of 
 the last ringing " good-bye " of his gallant son. But 
 he paused once more. His eagle eye swept the kingly 
 domain which called him "Master!" He divined his
 
 286 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 patient wife's uneasiness. " I wish we really could get 
 farther from the timber here, but the water is our only 
 salvation for stock. That long patch of elms and 
 mesquit from lake to lake gives too much cover for 
 these cowards." Silas was not wise in his generation. 
 He eyed the dry, sweeping knolls a few miles out, now 
 covered with his cattle and horses. Twenty years later 
 they were blooming gardens with wind-mills pouring 
 the never-failing underlying water out freely. Yet he 
 said: " Now, out there, mother, if we had water, no 
 one could approach us for miles without discovery. But 
 nothing ivill grow there! " He checked his forebod- 
 ings, for his pale-faced wife was gazing steadily down to 
 where their brave young rider had waved his knightly 
 adieu ! 
 
 "There's Katie coming!" joyousiy cried the reassured 
 matron. For, with far-flowing mane and wild leaps the 
 little lady's blood horse was bearing her homeward. 
 Her henchmen followed fast behind, their broncos vainly 
 coping with the elastic stride of the gallant Kentucky 
 blood steed she guided with her dainty hand. 
 
 "She rides like the wind," the gentle mother said, 
 But Mary Leavenworth did not know her spirited 
 child was murmuring, as she urged her horse forward: 
 
 " I hope the breeze will dry these tell-tale tears. Xo 
 one must know." 
 
 It was bashful maiden art! For, as the generous 
 brother Jimmy, after foldi/ig her to his breast, spurred 
 away to the head of the column, whispering, " Ten 
 minutes only, dear Katie, happier days will come 
 to us both soon ! " Jack Manson had sprung to his feet 
 when they were alone, and covered her dainty hands 
 with kisses as he lifted her from the saddle. In his 
 strong arms, her head nestling upon his throbbing breast, 
 the brave girl smiled through her tears as her lover
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 287 
 
 stole a wayward curl from the wind-blown tresses of 
 the frontier princess. The dull forebodings of her heart 
 were hidden as she dropped in his hand her one school- 
 girl ring! 
 
 " You shall have mine in return. I'll take yours, 
 now 7 , Katie, for love! But you shall wear mine for 
 life." 
 
 " For Life and Love," she whispered. " Now ! " after 
 one last embrace, she grasped her steed's reins, as Jack 
 swung her to the saddle. Her blue-veined hands were 
 bare, for he had thrust her dainty gauntlets in his 
 bosom, and the brave girl never turned her head, as she 
 swept homeward, for she knew that Jack Manson would 
 linger on that hallowed spot as long as she was near. 
 Setting his teeth, as he gave his captured steed a cut, 
 Jack Manson dashed away on the wild prairie, to 
 rein up beside Katie's brother. A mist, not of the 
 dreary morning, lingered in Jack's honest eyes. His 
 heart was beating wildly, for the dearest voice on earth 
 had whispered: "Come back to me! Be watchful 
 over my brother! Come back and claim me for Life 
 and Love!" 
 
 In varied rides with his associate, Manson had 
 sketched and mapped in the environs of the ranch. 
 The old Prussian engineer's careful and exact maps 
 connected San Miguel with the exquisite work of the 
 coast survey at Corpus Christi and the Gulf. 
 
 So, following the general course dictated by the 
 sagacious Silas, from his private reports and the glean- 
 ings of years of expectancy, Manson, sketch-book, 
 compass, and aneroid at hand, was busied till the set- 
 ting sun saw them nearing an elm-shaded spring in the 
 centre of a mesquit opening, two hundred yards in 
 diameter. Before the chill of evening settled over the 
 prairie, the camp was in order. The twenty lithe,
 
 288 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 quiet, active riders, dividing the duties of guard, picket, 
 stock-herding, and wood and water finding, were now 
 resting by the blazing camp-fire. Two active Mexi- 
 can lads, and a cook of the blackness of the tartarean 
 shades, with the dexterity of practice, offered a substan- 
 tial meal. Jack Manson appreciated the delicacy with 
 which Jimmy Leavenworth simply said : " I know this 
 is a new country to you. I will inspect the guard ! You 
 turn in and have your rest." While Jack Manson, worn 
 out with repressed feelings, with a pain of parting which 
 was a revelation, muttered a prayer for the sweet girl 
 grown now so strangely dear, as his tired head fell on 
 his blanket pillow : stern Jimmy Leavenworth, his Lone 
 Star revolver at his feet, gazed into the watch-fire, 
 and saw in the flickering blaze the patrician face of 
 sweet Gertrude Marshall, far away, where the old 
 oaks of Arundel shaded her ancestral home. 
 
 And neither brave Jimmy Leavenworth, alert and 
 soldierly: watchful Silas Leavenworth, in his guarded 
 stronghold: nor sleeping Jack Manson, could dream 
 that across the harsh gray sands, tearing through cactus 
 bramble and sneaking through mesquit groves, the 
 waiting riders were now speeding away to tell Ramon 
 Maxan that his prey was out on the lonely wastes. 
 For the wounded lad had safely reached Ximenes, and, 
 dog-like in submission, delivered his note, and slunk in 
 with the aimless crowd hanging around the frontier fan- 
 dango house at the squalid village of Los Angeles. 
 
 Day after day passed, the cavalcade pricking along 
 with care over the tortuous line marked out by Silas 
 Leavenworth's greed of land-grabbing. While Jack 
 Manson, with growing map and busy pencil, filled his 
 note-books with data, and stored his mind with the pho- 
 tographic impressions of a skilled road- builder, Jimmy 
 Leavenv/orth, hawk-eyed, guarded and directed the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 289 
 
 line of march. Twenty-five miles a day, over varied 
 scenes now canons, me'sas, flinty hillsides, and dry 
 plains, breaking into broad, rich prairies they drew on 
 toward Eagle Pass. 
 
 A straggling clump of jacales (Mexican dog-like 
 huts), an abandoned cattle-camp, here and there a ranch 
 house of adobe, were the only variations of the scene. 
 It was in varied wind and storm, in blinding storm and 
 chilling norther, they pressed on to their goal. One 
 day, the flashing of trappings betrayed the approach 
 of a military express of a corporal and three men. 
 
 " This is rare good luck! Jack!" cried Leavenworth, 
 who was now as brown as a Comanche, " I have a 
 note here from the commander at Fort Duncan. Two 
 of the best companies of the Fourth Cavalry are 
 ordered to patrol the river between Eagle Pass and 
 Ringgold Barracks. Lieutenant Buller commands one. 
 He's the ideal of a frontier soldier. He knows more 
 about the Comanches, Lipans, and Kickapoos than the 
 whole war department, and he can nose a desperado, a 
 horse thief, or a smuggler a mile away. This will be 
 a great protection for our road-building and the ranch 
 and stock. Buller is the only regular officer I ever 
 knew who was a good frontiersman. He's as game 
 as a knife and a right good fellow. We'll ride into 
 Ringgold on our way down and see him." 
 
 The corporal and his alert troopers trotted away 
 briskly, not without refilled canteens and handfuls of 
 the best cigars of San Miguel. 
 
 Two days later, as Jack Manson dreamed, in the sun- 
 set, of the graceful girl who fled like a Scythian prin- 
 cess from his arms, a dusty rider dashed into the camp. 
 It was Bronco Bill. In silence he handed Leavenworth 
 a packet of letters. While friendly hands cared for 
 his horse, Bill joined the mess around the generous
 
 290 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 board. For the prairie deer and turkey, fat beef and 
 sheep from the countless herds passed through, gave a 
 larder to be envied. The unerring marksmen stalked 
 the game as they rode. With ready lasso and revolver 
 a beef fell before them at need. The hide stretched 
 on the nearest tree or rock was left as a tribute to 
 frontier hospitality. Countless " mavericks " or strayed 
 cattle were roaming at the disposition of the travellers, 
 and the stock was almost as wild as the gray wolves 
 howling at night around the lonely camp. 
 
 "Anything for me?" queried Jack, in despondency. 
 
 "Nothing yet," his voice grave and troubled, as he 
 pored over several documents. " I want to talk to you 
 by and by," said the Texan. " Several suspicious 
 things have occurred near the ranch, and my father is 
 away at New Orleans. I'll send old Basilio in as soon 
 as I can write. Bill has ridden up in three days." 
 Jack Manson turned away, his heart full. Was he 
 then so soon forgotten! He wandered away to the 
 edge of the camp. A touch on his elbow made him 
 start. 
 
 Bronco Bill stood beside him. He held a packet in his 
 outstretched hand. 
 
 " Beg pardon, captain. I was to give you this in 
 private. I hadn't no show till now. Miss Katie's 
 orders, you know, sir. Must obey the ladies ! " 
 
 With rough courtesy the plainsman was gone. And 
 Jack Manson knew that the proud and shy woman who 
 had given him her impetuous love, sought to shield its 
 avowal from all but the eyes of the chosen lover of her 
 heart! "Katie!" The very name thrilled his heart. 
 And fingering the pages, he sought the one shelter- 
 tent to read the precious lines and await the Texan's 
 confidence. 
 
 It was half an hour before Jack raised his headt
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 29! 
 
 Every word of his darling's womanly confidence was 
 clearly fixed in his mind. Each girlish phrase of love 
 and endearment thrilled his lover heart. The perfume 
 of the flower of love, the growth of one happy day of 
 magic power, intoxicated the youth who had fed " on 
 the honey-dews of Paradise." Yet his brow was clouded, 
 for the clear-headed Texas maiden had written: 
 
 For my sake, for Life and Love, dearest, be ever on your guard! 
 Father and Nordenskiold are gone to New Orleans to perfect 
 the railroad bonds. He had telegrams from your uncle; also, 
 from Senator Steele. Jimmy will tell you all. But the boy who 
 was wounded at the canon has disappeared. 1 fear treachery. 
 Some lurking parties have been chased away by our stockmen. 
 1 do not wish to alarm mother or Alice. The ranch, of course, is 
 safe. We have fifty armed men here always. But I fear they 
 may cut in behind you. I dread your return journey. For my 
 sake, beware! I can not bear to walk here in safety and think of 
 your dangers. I am sleepless for your sake! Never forget these 
 words! Colonel Tom Bayard can not take charge of the ranch 
 for these two weeks, as he is closing his business at Brownsville, 
 at the District Court, and will come home by Ringgold Barracks. 
 You may meet him. Alice is in ecstasy, dear old solemn angel, 
 for Colonel Tom has arranged with father that their marriage 
 will occur as soon as possible. The Colonel is State Senator, and 
 will look after all father's interests at Houston this winter. His 
 pay is "nothing" for Alice is all he wants. She will be a star at 
 our Texas capital, and, so timid as she is, will be happier there. 
 1 am glad at heart that Bayard's ranch is so much farther from the 
 Rio Grande than ours. Alice needs a safe home and a protector. 
 
 Jack's eyes fell on Leavenworth, whose face was 
 stern as a Roman sentinel, 
 
 "Come here, Jack," he said, and the friends paced 
 by the dying fire in soul communion. Around them 
 lay their fearless guards, and now and then a wary 
 rider, swathed in his Navajo blanket, circled the camp, 
 for the night was chill and the rising wind began to 
 howl over the prairie.
 
 292 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Manson was soon a partner of all Jimmy Leaven- 
 worth's news and feelings; he was sad and depressed 
 as he finished. 
 
 "What's the matter, Jimmy?" said Jack tentatively. 
 "No bad news from Virginia?" He laid his friendly 
 hand on the Texan's shoulder. 
 
 Jimmy turned, his voice softened with emotion. " It's 
 about Gertrude, you know. I may never get Mrs. 
 Marshall's consent to bring her here to the Rio Grande. 
 I have letters from both of them. She's a strange 
 girl. Her brother's and father's deaths have shadowed 
 her womanhood. Her loving heart is centered on those 
 she cherishes as dear. She is almost clairvoyant now. 
 She writes me of an awful vision! It is all born of her 
 anxiety over this trip and this project. How can such 
 a woman ever be happy here, even with the luxury of 
 San Miguel? I cannot avoid these dangerous trips. 
 Half my time must be spent on the border. I can not 
 shirk the risks and duties of my position; I must stand 
 by my father. As for flinching from the duties of 
 Texan life I will not. I would be sneered at as a cow- 
 ard. Jack," he said, with impulsive energy, " if I lose 
 that girl, I will blow my brains out!'''' 
 
 Manson grasped his hands. "And if she loses you, 
 it will kill her!- Think of that! Now, my dear 
 Jimmy, it is this rising norther, and the news of the 
 second-sight business unsettles your nerves! Take a 
 good pull of coffee and you will be all right at day- 
 break." The cowboy coffee-pot was ever in requi- 
 sition, and Manson signed to the colored boy, who 
 never slept while his young master was on foot. 
 
 Rolled in his blankets, as the wind rose, and the keen, 
 icy blast cut like a knife, Leavenworth told Manson of 
 the loving Virginia girl's vision : " Strange forebodings! 
 Woman's mysterious double nature is life's riddle! She
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 293 
 
 sees me, you, and strangers, in a far-away hostile haunt. 
 Katie, too, is there! And soldiers and fighting." His 
 voice was sacf. 
 
 "And the outcome?" broke in Manson, who wished 
 to energetically dispel this cloud. 
 
 "Always the. same! I am lying in the arms of a 
 strangly beautiful woman, and and dying!" Leaven- 
 worth was silent a moment. " And her mother," he 
 resumed, "writes me privately that this vision always 
 haunts Gertie, whose dear face is transparent as alabaster. 
 Her singular mind recurs to this, and struggles through 
 the clouds to see the rest of this devil-painted picture! 
 She wears her vital force out. But all is dark beyond 
 that! Mrs. Marshall begs me to break this morbid 
 spell cast on her by coming North. She says Arundel 
 House shall be my future home. I have wealth, you 
 know, Jack. It is not that. I can not abandon my 
 father in this great project. I know his credit and 
 vour uncle's is involved. As for living North impos- 
 sible! I could make San Miguel safe, but will her 
 mother give her to me? Could she live among such 
 daily scenes as you have had glimpses of?" His voice 
 died away, and only the sound of the sobbing blast was 
 heard. 
 
 " Leavenworth, you must rouse yourself. This is 
 mere delusion," said Jack with vigor. " Why, look 
 at the other side of the picture! In three months Alice 
 will be Tom Bayard's wife. He will guard the west 
 and north. Our road, if pushed, closes up, with its 
 telegraph, the south and east. The opening toward 
 the frontier will be guarded by the road itself. You 
 have told me McNally's Rangers and your cavalry 
 friends will be scouring the desert strip here for months. 
 It will be a general 'round up.' I will have strong 
 working parties out at once, if the road is pushed, and
 
 294 p OR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 you shall ride the Rio Grande no more." Jack Manson 
 paused, and said, with softened tone: "When I win 
 Katie, you shall be made to obey our 'wishes! Take 
 your station then at San Miguel, and run the whole 
 thing. Your father is getting old." 
 
 "That's all true!" moodily replied Jimmy, "but he 
 has a dozen private schemes and connections I know 
 little of. They are legacies of the war. He will not 
 give them up till some great disaster occurs. I have 
 always feared it." 
 
 " I see that you really could not settle in Virginia," 
 said Jack, wishing to divert his friend's mind from the 
 haunting vision. 
 
 " You and Tom Bayard could easily manage the 
 estate, but I would not live under Northern influence. 
 Virginia is only a lonely graveyard. The fact is, 
 Jack, the North must have us as a counterpoise to 
 foreign influence, for socialism and anarchy will follow 
 your throwing open your ports to the men who shot 
 down native-born Americans to gain your ' bounty '1 
 I'm not bitter, but I will give you a few plain truths. 
 No commercial, trading, and manufacturing nation ever 
 kept pure blood. I'm no aristocrat! But the woman I 
 love is patrician born. Now here, our family take 
 rank in the higher classes. We are farmers, planters, 
 drovers, herdsmen, and horsemen ! We do not look to 
 the slow returns of manual labor, to the petty tricks of 
 trade, the shifts of capitalistic and skilled-labor strug- 
 gles. We have a patient, docile, secondary race, the 
 negro. He serves us. He shall. He must I All your 
 reconstruction and carpet-bag governments will fall of 
 their own weight. Once in the higher classes, lauded 
 and socially recognized, a man is held up here. At the 
 North, changing turns of fortune's wheel make the 
 servants of one generation the mistresses of another!
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 295 
 
 Your alien classes, robust, hard-working, and clannish, 
 eat into your political circles. They breed and save ! 
 You ivaste, and in Yankee egoism, dread large families. 
 Your great centres of population thrust all real Amer- 
 ican feeling ouj: of your circles, your marts, your 
 journals, and your homes. 
 
 "Deny it as you may, you worship the dollar! 
 You truckle to it, you flatter it, you marry it! Your 
 German, Irish, Hebrews, and other foreigners are 
 toadied to in business, flattered in your elections, and we 
 native born must yet overthrow your temporary control 
 of the heritage we were all born to. In twenty years 
 these swarming people will fill the cheap lands of the 
 West. We don't want them South. We will not have 
 them. We will work together in opposition! Strange 
 as it may seem, the sons of the rebels of Appomattox 
 will be truer friends, wiser sons of loyalty and liberty 
 than your ' truly loyal ' freedom shriekers. 
 
 " Wounded and bleeding, we need no help. We 
 scorn your pity. States' rights we bled for. We 
 hold sternly to State pride. You give your daintily- 
 bred daughters to the man of the dollar. We marry 
 in our own race and blood. Decade by decade the 
 South will quietly gain. Backed by our prolific and 
 docile negroes, we will control the land from Rich- 
 mond, Louisville, and St. Louis to Denver and El Paso. 
 
 " The Southern Cross will be firmly fastened in our 
 country's flag, when the East, North, and West, torn 
 by your quarrels of capital and labor, millionaires and 
 anarchists, may fall away from the Union! The North 
 will be the home of every 'ism' that greed, craft, 
 fraud, and socialism can invent. You are pledged to it 
 by your political adherence to the social equality of 
 man.' It filled your Northern armies, but it will ruin 
 the Union yet " A fusillade waked the echoes!
 
 296 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " My God!" yelled Leavemvorth, as a volley of 
 bullets tore through the tent. Louder than the howling 
 of the storm the crack of Winchester rifles roused 
 the indomitable Texans. 
 
 "Don't get up! I'll give the word," sharply cried 
 Jimmy, pushing Manson a rifle. " They are shooting 
 high." 
 
 Rolling over behind the blankets, the two comrades 
 opened fire on the copses whence the volley had come. 
 A chorus of defiant yells rang out as Leavenworth's 
 men, from behind the wagon, or with bended knee, 
 rained a platoon fire into the bushes right and left. 
 
 " Xow, Jack!" cried Jimmy, springing out. A knot 
 of brave riders was already formed behind the wagon. 
 The firing was over. The camp was a hornet's nest! 
 The attack had failed ! 
 
 " Xo danger now. These scoundrels never run in," 
 laughed the young Texan. " Here, Walton, a half- 
 dozen of you, scatter this fire, " and the Cowboys ener- 
 getically kicked the smouldering brands over the 
 prairie. 
 
 " No pursuit! " sharply said Leaven worth, as his two 
 leading scouts sat ready to lead the riders into the 
 chaparral. "The dead vi\\\ be there in the morning. 
 The living' are a half-mile away now. Double the 
 guard. Let all lie on their arms. Any one hurt? " 
 
 In five minutes the damage was found to consist of 
 several wounded animals, one or two slight flesh 
 wounds to a couple of the videttes, and the well-riddled 
 tent-fly covering the comrades. 
 
 As Leavenworth lay resting, his head pillowed on 
 his saddle, behind the wagon, Manson was near him. 
 The wind rose to an icy gale, yet no fire was lit. Its 
 tell-tale gleam had betrayed their location. 
 
 " Indians or Mexicans?" queried the young comman- 
 der, of the head herdsman.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 297 
 
 " Mexicans, d n them ! " sententiously said the dis- 
 gruntled Cowboy ; I'll ." He did not finish his 
 
 imprecation, as he walked away in disgust at the 
 sneaking wolves of night. 
 
 The heir of San Miguel never concluded .the political 
 harangue, to which Jack Manson had listened in patience. 
 His charmed life was safe from loyal Jack's outraged 
 Republicanism. He was Katie's brother. 
 
 "Hello! what's this? It was a close call!" Jimmy's 
 hands were warmed by a trickling stream from his 
 temple. "Just grazed me! I'm glad my head's all 
 right." 
 
 " Well, your heart is, anyway," said Manson, cheer- 
 fully. " That's in Virginia ! " 
 
 "Jack," replied Leavenworth seriously, "we are fol- 
 lowed on your account alone! That volley was aimed 
 at our tent. Some devil knew we two would be there; 
 that's why I yelled not to rise. You can always see 
 better and shoot safer from the ground. If we had 
 jumped up, one of us might have got his billet, or both ! 
 You saw that my men fought 'coyote fashion'; I will 
 fool these devils. I will light a half-dozen camp-fires 
 after this. I will put two or three men in ambush near 
 them ; we will pitch no tent, and I will cover our main 
 body in some hollow or little arroyo. Besides, I will 
 send old Basilic down to Laredo. He can telegraph 
 from there to Mrs. Marshall that we are, so far, safe. 
 The ladies can laugh at the vision. I will send a dis- 
 patch to Buller and McNally to look out for these 
 fellows. Besides, if. Basilic meets ,Tom Bayard on his 
 way back, I will ask the Colonel to join me abreast of 
 Las Cuevas, and we will scout the country back 
 together. Old Basilio can rest, and ride back to tell us 
 of Tom's march; he has a dozen picked men with 
 him." The wearied speaker slept heavily after the 
 exciting episode.
 
 298 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 As soon as the gray dawn made it light, Leaven- 
 worth was astir. Dividing his party into four strong 
 bands, the circling bushes were searched. Shouts and 
 yells announced the finding of two saddled horses tan- 
 gled in the bushes by the trailing gear, and, staring up 
 from the sward by the now blazing fire, where the 
 servants hastened the morning meal, the stiffened corpses 
 of two villainous-looking Mexicans lay, wide-eyed and 
 cold. 
 
 "Just as I told you, Jack! From the other side; no 
 one knows them. Now, I'll get the dispatches ready 
 while the men break camp." Leavenworth's stiffened 
 fingers could hardly hold the pencil, for the roughened 
 coats of the horses, the whimpering of the negro serv- 
 ants, and the sullen movements of the blanketed riders, 
 proved how bitter was the norther, now at its height. 
 A cold line of ice seemed to mark every bone of the 
 exposed plainsmen. From their concealment, whisky 
 canteens were suddenly produced, and gallons of steam- 
 ing coffee followed these "morning nips." 
 
 "The needle is dancing so I can't do anything till 
 the wind calms down," said the engineer. 
 
 "All right, Jack! I'll move camp to the best place, 
 post some sitting guards, and we will wait till this blows 
 over. I'm sorry, for we are short of rations, and these 
 terrible northers are often followed by floods." 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth selected a choice horse for Don 
 Basilio, who received, in Spanish jargon, his orders. 
 Carefully secreting his letters in a buckskin band he 
 wore in lieu of 'undergarment, with a couple of 
 fresh rounds of cartridges, a flask of whisky, a box of 
 matches, a few yards of dried beef in strings, and his 
 Navajo blanket tied behind his saddle, the old servitor 
 lightly touched the rowels to his bounding steed and 
 was soon lost on the prairie. His mournful eyes never
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 299 
 
 moved, as with a corn-husk cigarette defying even the 
 wild norther, Basilio struck forth, in Indian style, trav- 
 elling so he could not be seen from a distance. 
 
 " There he goes! Wherever a weasel, fox, or a tiger 
 can go, old Basilio is safe. He is the best plainsman in 
 Texas next to Rip Ford ! Now we'll move camp." 
 
 Manson sprang on his captured steed and the com- 
 mand moved out to a spot selected by Leavenworth. 
 
 "What has become of the bodies?" said Jack, as a 
 half-hour later they lay at ease in one of a half-dozen 
 quickly made "wick-i-up" brush shelters. 
 
 " The wolves and coyotes are the guardians of that 
 valuable property," said Leavenworth grimly. " The 
 strangers came to my camp uninvited. I left it to 
 them." 
 
 From the knolls near them four men watched, rifle in 
 hand, the approaches to the new camp. A careful ride 
 around the new position had enabled the now doubly 
 watchful friends to prevent a recurrence of either sur- 
 prise or covert attack. 
 
 Toward noon the fierce, chilling wind, which had 
 driven the stray cattle for miles into huddled bands 
 crouching in dell and arroyo, suddenly flickered, fell, and 
 finally ceased. From the northwest a growing patch 
 of dark clouds drove down rapidly. An unearthly 
 hush replaced the hissing wailing of the dry, icy norther! 
 
 " I am afraid we are in for it," gravely remarked Leav- 
 enworth,as he ordered the spare rations, ammunition, and 
 heavier arms to be stored in the one wagon with its 
 heavy cover. Before "slickers" and rubber " ponchos" 
 were adjusted, a perfect cloud-burst broke around them. 
 The far summits of the Monterey Mountains folded 
 themselves in gray mantles of thick, wet, gray fog, and 
 the winding course of the island-dotted Rio Grande, 
 with its cottonwood groves, its elm, and maple-shaded
 
 3OO FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 banks, was veiled from them by torrents of blinding 
 rain. One straggling fire alone was kept up under a 
 jutting rock where busy hands had piled a huge mound 
 of dry mesquit and fallen scrub oak. 
 
 "Only two days from Eagle Pass, and in these 
 times when I should be at the ranch! This is dread- 
 ful ! " chafed the Texan, as he folded his rubber cloak 
 closer under the shot-riddled tent-fly. " If you had tied 
 your line on to the Boundary Commission's monuments 
 at Eagle Pass, we might scout quickly down in a circle, 
 and swing back toward the ranch. I could show you 
 the route, even in a storm." 
 
 "That's true!" replied Jack, though the rain was' 
 pouring from his frontier head-gear. " But I must 
 keep up the chaining, sketching, and road-measuring, 
 with our odometer. I can easily lay down a railroad 
 where anyone can drive a wagon without locking 
 wheel or using brakes. The first hundred miles is 
 as level as a parlor floor, and, even here, a few turns 
 will pass any obstacle so far. But I must be able to 
 make a handsome, completed map, and secure the gen- 
 eral advantages, as well as length of route your father 
 has dictated." 
 
 " We may be here a week," ruefully replied Leaven- 
 worth. " If we had a schooner, we could sail almost to 
 Eagle Pass in the waters of these rolling pockets." 
 
 Five days later, chilled, stiffened, and benumbed, the 
 party were still beleaguered by flood, swollen streams, 
 and impassable arroyos. The violence of the tempest 
 was beyond memory, and scanty rations of coffee with- 
 out sugar, dough cakes baked in the ashes, and the half- 
 cooked flesh of the straved cattle, were the only means 
 of subsistence. Manson and Leavenworth had relapsed 
 into a gloomy silence. Each harbored anxieties and 
 cares which wrapped him as a mantle. It was,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 30! 
 
 indeed, a cheerless camp. The drenched cattle, hover- 
 ing near, became too weak and chilled to fly from the 
 men groping through rain and knee-deep water-pools 
 to put a bail through the unresisting bovines. On the 
 morning of the sixth day, the sun at last broke through 
 its veiling clouds. Far and dim, the exquisite profile of 
 the Monterey range hovered in the dim blue air. 
 
 " It will take us a day to dry out our camp, and I 
 shall now send eight men, with pack animals, over 
 to San Pedro Springs. We must have flour, coffee, 
 sugar, and bacon. It's only eighteen miles north!" 
 So joyously spoke Leavenworth, his good humor 
 returning. As the men briskly trotted away, Jimmy 
 turned to Manson: "Now, Mr. Engineer, run your 
 work into Eagle Pass as soon as you wish. I will lead 
 you a dance down the valley, on our return, that you 
 will never forget. I feel that I am needed at the 
 ranch." 
 
 By dusk, the return of the messengers gladdened all 
 hearts. By the blazing fires, the good cheer and fra- 
 grant coffee enlivened all. Tobacco, man's best friend 
 on the march, reappeared, and the replenished canteens 
 circulated gaily, as the men drank "adieu to Camp 
 Calamity." 
 
 " There is no use to deny that we are under some 
 shadow of bad luck !" growled Leavenworth, as he closed 
 the first decent repast of the weary days. " Walton tells 
 me that the military express rider, passing San Pedro 
 Springs for the Pass, warned everyone the whole lower 
 border is swarming with horse thieves, desperadoes, and 
 roving Mexicans, gathering up stock and horses strayed 
 south, driven before the great storm. They have killed 
 several well-known citizens. We must break camp at 
 peep of day, and only rest and refit a single day at the 
 Pass."
 
 302 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " You will find me sharp for work," cheerfully 
 answered Manson. " Then, my boy, we'll see if any 
 Texan can do better than an old plainsman of the 
 North in a forced march home." 
 
 The friends sought their brotherly bivouac-couch, 
 and while the moon sailed high above the tranquil 
 scene, only the boom of the prairie owl, or the hoarse 
 yell of a snarling gray wolf, broke the stillness of the 
 night. Through the softened night a single swarthy 
 horseman rode along toward Las Cuevas at full gallop 
 over the sandy sward from which the waters had dis- 
 appeared as if by magic. 
 
 "I wonder what the Jaguar's game is?" the half- 
 breed spy murmured, as he drove the rowels in with 
 Mexican ferocity. For he had sighted the distant hut, 
 whence a fresh messenger would bear on the tidings 
 that the " Gringos " had broken camp to push into 
 Eagle Pass at last. " Well! I'll soon know if he crosses 
 with fifty men. Carajo! There is always fandango 
 and aguadiente, monte, and pretty women after El 
 Jaguar works a scheme. He treats us like a royal 
 'coutrabandista.' But he is risky. So risky, that some 
 day these 'diablos, los Tejanos' will wipe us all out!" 
 
 While the dark-browed villain rode, pistol in hand, 
 and the heart brothers waited in their distant camp 
 for the dawn, Ramon Maxan sat in a vaulted room in 
 the great old rumbling stone hacienda which called 
 him its lord. In the midst of splendid groves and 
 bowers, in the rich foot-hills of the Monterey hills, it 
 overlooked the little town of Zacate. No fairer bower 
 nestled in rich Nueva Leon than this splendid old two- 
 story mansion. Around it spicy groves and orchards 
 breathed their budding richness. The heart of the 
 Zona Libre is a paradise of natural beauty. 
 
 The moonlight streamed in from an open window,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 303 
 
 heavily grated, and the sound of a woman's voice, 
 ringing high above the tinkle of a guitar, floated in, 
 borne by the night breeze. 
 
 "It is a royal spot," mused Maxan, as he pushed 
 back a map and strode to the window. "Old Juarez 
 was right to kick the Churchmen out of these splendid 
 places! They surely found snug nests for their retire- 
 ment. I wonder if my predecessor, the Bishop, ever 
 enjoyed secular music here! Who knows! Very likely 
 some fair one queened it here before Panchita. Ah, 
 yes! I must tell her some convincing pack of lies. 
 Why does the report not come? If I had it, I would 
 leave at daybreak. It's hard to keep fifty cut-throats 
 quiet, even in luxury. Let me see." 
 
 El Jaguar turned to his maps again. Seated at 
 the table, the high intelligence of his nature shone in 
 his delicately chiselled face. His dark eyes beamed 
 with earnestness and he was the ideal of supple ele- 
 gance, as he gracefully tossed off a "petit verre" and 
 lit a regalia. His green jacket, buttoned with golden 
 half-ounces, rich leggings, and crimson silken sash, 
 marked the man of highest local rank. A pair of 
 richly chased silver spurs, a revolver belt, and the 
 bullion-decorated gray sombrero lay on a table near, 
 with a heavy loaded riding-whip. On the tiled floor 
 lay a saddle, bridle, and housings, fit for a knight at the 
 Field of the Cloth of Gold. With a score of armed 
 retainers, a troop of servants, and a village nestling 
 under his heavy-walled castle, Ramon Maxan, in a 
 stolen hacienda, lorded it over a horde of devil-may- 
 care bandits, watching great flocks and herds of the 
 choicest animals, stolen from even the Indian Terri- 
 tory, and passed on by criminal and smuggler. 
 
 "Now," he soliloquized, "eighty miles to Fort Dun- 
 can, forty to Laredo, twenty to Las Cuevas and the
 
 304 FOR LIFE AND LOVE, 
 
 Rio Grande, and only ninety miles from the border 
 to San Miguel. Those two curs are at Eagle Pass, 
 two hundred and fifty miles away. I can easily hide 
 my party in the cactus groves on the edge of the bad 
 lands. If I sneak in with ten men, I can keep covered 
 in the lake woods near the ranch. The old man is still 
 at New Orleans, with no sign of return. Thank God 
 for the telegraph! If I can grab the girl, I can have 
 her run over here; she's safe then as in the grave. 
 Then, with my whole party, push up the valley, take 
 the band of Caballo Blanco from Los Angeles, and 
 waylay those two fellows. Madre de Dios! It will 
 do! They have four miles to travel to my one. I 
 will have five men to their one. They will be off their 
 guard. I'll bring these fellows' heads over here. That 
 proud devil shall say 'Good-morning' to her lover's 
 head! And I'll make Panchita tame her down if I can 
 excite her jealousy. By God ! if the messenger " he 
 paused and smiled, for the clatter of a horse's hoofs 
 waked the echoes of the paseo. 
 
 "Send him up, Antonio," Maxan called out, as the 
 major-domo entered. In five minutes Ramon el 
 Jaguar had read his dispatches, dismissed the tired rider, 
 and sharply said : " I leave at daybreak, Antonio ! 
 Have every man ready ! I'll tie up any man who is 
 not ready for the road ! " 
 
 " Bueno, Senor," said a shaven man of middle age, 
 whose eyes burned steadily with restrained intelligence. 
 
 " By the way, Antonio, send word in to Senorita Pan- 
 chita that I am coming to see her." 
 
 The major-domo bowed in silence. 
 
 " A cool devil ! They spoiled a first-class bandit 
 when he became a hanger-on of the priests. I can trust 
 him to hold this place, at any rate. Now, for Miss 
 Panchita, then for my revenge ! " He shook his fists
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 305 
 
 in rage. " I'll make you feel the tiger's claws, proud 
 Katie!" His cheek still burned where Manson's blow 
 had marred its beauty ! " And I'll have his heart's 
 blood!" 
 
 Striding through a long corridor, he pushed aside the 
 curtains from the door of a richly furnished room. 
 A woman leapt to her feet. The exquisite form of 
 the young beauty was accentuated by the clinging 
 white robe she wore. Deep, rich, dark, burning 
 Spanish eyes, a cheek crimsoned with the glow of 
 excitement tinting its faintly shaded olive, and silken 
 hair flowing in jetty waves to her shoulders, gave her 
 the air of a queen, as her slender hand, flashing with 
 jewels, clasped a heavy golden cross, rising and falling 
 on her panting bosom. 
 
 "I am going away, Panchita! I leave at daybreak. 
 I shall be away two weeks. Antonio will tell you the 
 rest. I have much to do. I came to say adios!" His 
 voice had the callous ring of indifference, for his blood 
 burned within him to be on the road! Revenge was 
 near at last! He slowly moved toward the door, as 
 the startled woman spoke in a dull, hopeless voice: 
 
 "And our marriage your promise? " She leaned 
 forward in eagerness. 
 
 " Later, when I come back ! There's always time for 
 that," Maxan sneered, as he noted her defiant mien. 
 She dropped into a chair without a word. The hand- 
 some Creole's face darkened. " Another fit of 
 heroics." He threw aside the curtain and sought his 
 room. At early dawn, armed to the teeth, he led his 
 waiting cut-throats, by an easy defile, to the Rio 
 Grande. As he rode down the gorge he never turned 
 his head to where Panchita lay in the slumber into 
 which she had fallen in sobs and tears. 
 
 The Jaguar was on the trail at last. His resolute
 
 306 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 
 
 mind was fixed on the blood-red star of Creole honor 
 Revenge! As brave as cruel, he recked not of the stal- 
 wart foes in front. As cruel as brave, he cared not for 
 Panchita, the white blossom languishing in his harem 
 prison ! 
 
 As he dashed along at the head of his plunder-thirsty 
 fellows, an ingenious thought came to his mind. " I'll 
 hoodwink that cross-grained devil, Panchita. When I 
 come back I'll make Antonio marry us. I will swear 
 that he is a priest. He knows enough of their jargon to 
 outwit her. She is capable of anything if aroused. 
 She might try her hand at some of the Aztec poison on 
 me. These romantic girls always have some old 
 beldame crooning their deviltry slyly into love-sick 
 minds." 
 
 With the skill of an old captain of free lances 
 Maxan led his lean followers on like sleuth-hounds, to 
 sneak across the Rio Grande before dark. The first 
 cactus grove, the nearest mesquit thicket, would cover 
 his movements, until in the darkness, under guidance 
 of his well-trained desperadoes, he could push forward 
 to gain a lodgment near San Miguel. 
 
 " There's a dozen here who have worked at the 
 ranch as refugees from our revolutionary troubles or 
 while dodging across to save punishment. I am not 
 strong enough to storm the house! I do not care to 
 destroy it and leave a trail. If* the devil serves me 
 now, I'll carry the girl off, if she leaves her garden 
 walks alone." 
 
 Ramon Maxan exulted in the possession of a map 
 of the grounds, and a sketch with directions made by 
 Ximenes in his hours of slow convalescence at Los 
 Angeles. 
 
 Four days later, Leavenworth and Manson rode out 
 of the parade at Fort Duncan, Eagle Pass, in the fresh
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 3^7 
 
 morning, with all the haunting shadows lifted from their 
 brows. The magic telegraph had spoken to the Texan 
 from the white walls of Arundel House. Gertrude was 
 now aware of her lover's safety. From New Orleans 
 the anxious son learned that his father had sailed for 
 Indianola on his way home. Jack Manson, by dint of 
 night labors, had sent a duplicated tracing of his map, 
 one copy to San Miguel and one to be forwarded to 
 New Orleans for New York, via the mouth of the 
 river, for a relay military express rider was to dash on 
 with important dispatches in four days. Mark Man- 
 son's cipher enabled Manson to commune with his 
 uncle at New York, through the courtesy of the mili- 
 tary telegraph. 
 
 " Now, Jimmy," said Manson, " you do not need me 
 professionally any longer. If I should be knocked over, 
 your father could secure his grants by simply pegging 
 off this line. Uncle Mark could, after a day's examina- 
 tion of my papers, safely contract the road by divisions 
 and not waste five thousand dollars. It is a marvel- 
 ously easy and practicable route. So double up our 
 marches, my Texan friend. All I will do is jot down an 
 itinerary and run off a reconnoissance sketch-line in my 
 pocket-book as we hurry along homeward. You are now 
 the leader. The sooner you take me back to Katie the 
 nearer you will be to the waiting beauty of Arundel. 
 Thank God, Gertrude Marshall's prophetic vision was 
 only a fevered dream of womanly anxiety!" 
 
 Dashing steadily, yet warily, along, swinging and 
 curving down the sandy bad lands, the little troop 
 pressed on homeward. Their way led through stony 
 wastes of sterile sandy bluffs, tenanted by coyote and 
 huge rattlesnakes. They threaded great cactus groves 
 scores of miles in extent, where in dawn and eve, a 
 thousand richest colors of purple, cream, and azure hid
 
 go8 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the cruel thorns of the serrated leaves. Daintily the 
 timid steeds picked their way past Spanish bayonet lines 
 almost impregnable. The light, powdery red soil rose 
 in choking clouds from under the low, brittle boughs 
 of the mesquit groves, and deer and antelope fled before 
 them. A simple bivouac at night sufficed them. Lightly 
 their clatter enlivened the passing hours. A weird 
 silence wrapped the desert wastes and whitened skeletons 
 of cattle, and here and there only a lonely grave, marked 
 with stones, indicated the presence of man or his belong- 
 ings. -A deserted shepherd's hut or mud-walled adobe 
 indicated the uttermost frontier fringe of nomadic life as, 
 a week later, they neared Ringgold Barracks, having 
 swept past Laredo in a great inward curve. 
 
 Camped on the border of a seventy-mile stretch, 
 without water, Leavenworth communed with his stal- 
 wart companion. 
 
 " To cross this 'Jornada de los muertes,' we must 
 pull out four hours before dawn. This is the last good 
 water-hole. There is one unreliable one in a stunted 
 grove of trees in the middle of this baking plain. If 
 cattle have been driven by, it may be choked and dry 
 for weeks. We can rest the animals there a couple of 
 hours, and, by making a push, reach the outer side 
 to-morrow night. I'll have water for the team mules 
 taken. It is my custom to inspect canteens, and watch 
 my men, for the sun's reflection is so hot here. I've 
 known men to be found dead, black, and swollen, in 
 seven hours, from over-exertion, in trying to hasten 
 over it. I wish to get across, for old Basilio is getting 
 too stiff in the joints to cross it safely. We ought to 
 run into Tom Bayard's party beyond it, from his dis- 
 patch to me at Eagle Pass, from Brownsville." 
 
 The stars were shining as the camp was roused from 
 their early nine o'clock evening rest, at the hour of two.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 309 
 
 In thirty minutes the cavalcade moved out steadily over 
 the gray waste. When the fiery red sun leaped up, in 
 half an hour, the frontiersmen were riding with bared 
 breasts. In silence the column plodded on loosely, the 
 horses lowering their necks, and a flickering mirage 
 tantalizing the riders. Hour after hour wore. on. With 
 parched throats the train pushed toward a scrubby patch 
 of stunted trees in a hollow before- them. As the tired 
 animals drew near the oasis, a band of wild, thirst- 
 maddened cattle charged down on them at a furious 
 run. Their tossing horns and hoarse bellowing alarmed 
 the jaded steeds. In an instant the quick-witted young 
 leader was ready ! 
 
 "Form line!" he cried. "Every other man dismount 
 and open fire!" His voice rang out not a moment too 
 quickly. The thirst-crazed beasts were thundering on. 
 As the fusillade of carbines opened, the reserve men, 
 with yells and cries, aided the stampede of the now 
 divided herd. 
 
 Leavenworth laughed as the wild steers tore by at a 
 frenzied run. "Cease firing!" he called out. "That 
 band will be lying panting in death on the sands in an 
 hour. They will run till they throw themselves and 
 never rise again! Jack, ride down and see if there is 
 any water at the hole. I fear they have trodden it 
 down ; we must make a dry camp and push on later." 
 
 Slipping his Winchester in its sheath under his leg, 
 Manson dashed by several prostrate animals, his racer 
 bounding in fright. As he approached the grove, by 
 mere instinct his hand dropped on his heavy belt pistol. 
 It was the salvation of his life, for, as he pushed up to 
 the cover, a wild figure rose and quickly^opened fire at 
 point blank on man and horse. The frightened thor- 
 oughbred bounded sideways, as Manson, snatching his 
 revolver, fired three quick shots. The would-be assas- 
 sin, pitching heavily, fell forward on his face!
 
 310 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 In a moment, Leavenworth and half the column 
 pulled up beside the still amazed engineer. "Here, 
 Walton, search the whole grove! Send four men to 
 ride around it. This fellow must have had a horse; he 
 has spurs on ! " 
 
 Flinging himself from the saddle, the Texan, aided 
 by a scout, searched the wounded man's clothing. 
 
 "Ah, what's this?" almost screamed Leavenworth. 
 He was gazing blankly at a piece of paper, torn from 
 a blood-stained envelope. Hanson's ball had pierced 
 the Mexican's lungs. 
 
 Jack was at his side in a moment. 
 
 Meet me at Los Olmos. I've got the Gringo girl. I'm going 
 up now to catch the two young fools. If you can't get there by 
 to-p ! ght before daybreak, push on to Las Cuevas, and hide and 
 wait for me. 
 
 It was addressed "A mi amigo, Caballo Blanco," and 
 signed " Ramon Maxan." 
 
 Leavenworth shrieked " Am I going mad ? " as he 
 gazed from side to side. Walton came galloping up. 
 The men had spread under cover and the wagon was 
 drawn under the scanty shade. 
 
 " Come, for God's sake! Old Basilic lies out there 
 wounded, dying, perhaps. Bring water, whisky." 
 
 Jack Manson pointed to the already retreating man, 
 sprang on his horse, and Leavenworth, the fatal note 
 in his hand, rode beside him. 
 
 "My God! Katie or Alice, which?" he groaned. 
 
 But Jack Manson set his teeth and hissed: "All depends 
 on your coolness now. We must revive old Basilio. 
 He knows. There has been a fight here!" 
 
 A little group was already gath'ered around the old 
 scout. A ball through his shoulder had crippled him, 
 and it was a ten minutes of agony before his glazed eyes 
 opened. Carried in under the shade, his face freshened
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 3!! 
 
 with the precious water, a swallow of whisky forced in 
 his mouth, he feebly moaned, in Spanish, to Jimmy 
 Leavenworth, kneeling by him. It was an eternity 
 to Manson's bursting heart, when Leavenworth rose, 
 cool and collected. His voice sounded as if echoing in 
 a tomb. 
 
 " Walton, keep the wagon, the five heaviest men, and 
 all the articles, save our canteens, ammunition, and 
 weapons. Let each man fill his saddle-pouch with food. 
 Take double ammunition belts. Leave everything else 
 cached behind here. Equalize the water. Strike for 
 Ringgold Barracks with the wagon. Leave Basilic 
 there with the army surgeon. Refit and push for Las 
 Cuevas for your life then. Send a company of cavalry 
 down there. Tell Lieutenant Buller that Maxan car- 
 ried my sister Katie away into Mexico! " 
 
 A hoarse yell from the men rose. Leavenworth 
 cried: " For God's sake, Jack!" But Manson was a 
 hundred yards away. 
 
 "Where are you going?" screamed Jimmy, racing 
 up to him. 
 
 Manson hoarsely cried: "There! Over there! to 
 find her, Katie. My God! My own darling! " 
 
 Leavenworth caught his bridle rein. " See here, 
 Jack! I know how you love my sister. For her sake, 
 wait a half -hour! We'll breathe the horses, wash their 
 mouths out, pick our men, and I will lead you over 
 this waste. It must be! Otherwise we would break 
 down! And Katie!" 
 
 Jack Manson glared sternly at him as they rode 
 back. 
 
 Lying on the sand in the shade, while the men, with 
 nimble fingers, prepared for a life and death quest, 
 Jimmy told the story, as the tears ran down his bronzed 
 face.
 
 312 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Basilic camped alone abreast of Las Cuevas. 
 When he got to Laredo he sent my dispatches. The 
 back country was filled with thieves and raiders, and 
 the commanding officer sent him down to meet Tom 
 Bayard's party under escort. At Ringgold he left the 
 escort. Waiting for Bayard, who had started, moving 
 slowly up from Brownsville, the old man hid his horse 
 in a canon, and was going to the spring for water, 
 -when this fellow and another rode up. He listened in 
 hiding to their talk. Maxan had sneaked over the 
 river, and lying around San Miguel, captured Katie 
 walking near the house below the gardens. A light 
 ambulance was hidden below the hills, furnished by 
 some of his Mexican-border friends. Striking for Las 
 Cuevas, on his way to his place, he sent these fellows 
 for help to attack us. In trying to get away, they saw 
 Basilio. He opened fire on foot; killed one, and the 
 other fled. The old man was delayed saddling his 
 horse, and only caught up with the fleeing scoundrel 
 here. The fool would not leave his horse to hide, but 
 he ambushed Basilio. In the exchange of shots, Basilio 
 killed this fellow's horse, and was himself brought 
 down with a ball in his shoulder. The spy then tried 
 to catch Basilio's horse, which ran away and may be 
 dead on the desert. I suppose that he was driven to 
 cover by the wild cattle. When you came up, the 
 robber thought you were alone, and tried to murder you 
 to get your horse. Now, you know all I" 
 
 "All ready, sir," reported Walton, as he held out a 
 canteen to the young leader. " We have enough water 
 left." The two friends rose, and their men filed by, 
 each face alive for vengeance. 
 
 "We'll follow you to the death, Captain Jim," cried 
 one. A yell followed.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 313 
 
 "Come on now, Jack!" cried Leavenworth, with a 
 wild stare in his eyes. "It's for Life and Love now 
 to the last drop of our hearts' blood ! Seven o'clock, 
 we will strike the well at El Jicaro. There we take 
 three hours' rest, and I'll start our lightest man to Ring- 
 gold Barracks and two to meet Tom Bayard. When we 
 start, we'll strike that robber-crossing, Las Cuevas, on 
 a run without drawing rein. I'll not leave a man alive 
 I find in it!" 
 
 Jack bowed his head and set his eager eyes toward 
 the distant Rio Grande. 
 
 Leavenworth lingered a moment. "Walton, can 
 that wounded Mexican travel?" The scout shook his 
 head. Leavenworth rode on, with a significant gesture. 
 Walton nodded, and muttered: "Count on me joining 
 at Las Cuevas before you leave." He strode through 
 the bushes past the trampled water-hole. 
 
 A heavy report rang out as Leavenworth reined 
 up beside Manson at the head of the plodding column 
 of avengers. 
 
 " What's that? " said Jack, in a dazed voice. 
 
 " They are only killing a dog," coldly said the young 
 Texan, as he motioned to the front. 
 
 And the rescue party, grim and silent, nursing every 
 movement of their steeds, drew out toward the grassy 
 slopes and cool, running stream at El Jicaro.
 
 3 '4 FOR LIFE AND LOVEj 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE AVENGERS DAYBREAK AT LAS CUEVAS JIMMY 
 
 LEAVENWORTH'S FANCY SHOT OVER THE BOR- 
 DER THE RANGERS STORMING THE WOLF'S 
 
 DEN COLONEL MEJIA's WAY PADRE ANTONIO 
 
 A DANGEROUS NURSE. 
 
 THE pitiless sun beat down on the mute rescue party. 
 Hot and blinding the powdery, gray dust rose under 
 the horses' feet. It was the same unvarying alterna- 
 tion, nopales, cactus, Spanish bayonet, and here and 
 there a carcass torn by coyotes, or a grossly swollen 
 rattlesnake blind in the desert sun. 
 
 Leavenworth, the gray dust clinging to his eyelids, 
 glared forward as sharp-eyed as a mountain condor. 
 He was silent, yet now and then his shoulders twitched. 
 As a tear stole down Jimmy's bronzed cheek, Bronco 
 Bill touched Jack Manson's elbow. 
 
 "Don't notice him. You'll break his trance! I've 
 seen men go mad on the desert. He's just wild about 
 Miss Katie. By God !" he hissed, " there's a reckoning 
 coming! I never saw the boys roused this way. 
 They're took awful hard with this!" 
 
 Jack Manson turned his eyes kindly toward the plains- 
 man. 
 
 " We are in this to the death," said Bill. " You'll 
 come out all right." 
 
 Manson's eyes alone -spoke his gratitude, for he knew 
 now that the rough riders had divined his secret. 
 
 As the oasis sank behind them, the two leaders, bear- 
 ing south, descried Walton's party, moving in a bee-line 
 for Ringgold. Not a sign of life was visible, and the 
 blue vault of heaven showed only here and there a 
 fleecy white puff.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 315 
 
 The admiring cattlemen noted the two youths at their 
 head with pride. Jimmy Leavenworth, lean, light, 
 sitting his horse with the easy grace of Forrest's invin- 
 cible riders, and responsive in the graceful sway of every 
 muscle to the dainty steps of his mount. Jack Manson, 
 his eyes to the front, calm and manly, guarded his 
 matchless racer with the skill of a Pawnee, and his set, 
 clean-cut face was as full of grit as beloved Charly 
 Lowell on that sad day of victory when he rode down 
 the Virginian troopers at Cedar Creek. Manson was 
 benumbed at heart. His steady eye was fixed on the 
 dark-green line, growing nearer every half-hour, where 
 El Jicaro's waters freely ran. 
 
 The men chewed lead bullets when the last drops of 
 water were gone. As the sun neared the horizon a 
 waft of breeze drew out of the woods two miles 
 away! 
 
 " Thank God!" burst out a chorus, as the flaming disk 
 dropped below the western sands. Two or three" of 
 the strongest horses sniffed the air and began an uneasy, 
 restless trot. The deer-like animals scented the water. 
 
 " Steady, men," was Leavenworth's only word, and 
 with an infinite patience, they moved on at the fast 
 plodding walk which had taken them safely over the 
 " Jornada de los muertos," 
 
 As his horse struck solid ground at the edge of the 
 grass, Leavenworth threw up his hand and dashed on! 
 Ten minutes later man and beast were under the grassy 
 shades of El Jicaro Creek. A half-dozen videttes 
 scoured the timber, and, on their report, the unsaddled 
 horses were rubbed down after their freshening roll on 
 the turf. Drinking sparingly and bathing their heads 
 and breasts, the riders waited the welcome coffee 
 bubbling at the camp-fire.
 
 3l FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "How long? "was Bill's brief query, as he looked 
 at Leavenworth prone on the turf. 
 
 *' Two hours, Bill," quietly replied the leader. " I'll 
 lead you down as quick as we can get to Las Cuevas." 
 
 "Will you go in before daybreak? " said Bill, his 
 voice shaking a little. 
 
 "No, we can not see to shoot before then!' I don't 
 want a thief to get away. Besides, the cavalry may 
 get down. I will leave a couple of men on the road to 
 stop them and lead them in. When I give the signal to 
 fall in, Bill, you can inspect every man's arms, and not a 
 word on the march after we leave. We'll hide till 
 dawn. Those fellows come back from the Rio Grande 
 side at daybreak. Tell all the men this. I want 
 you to take five men across and stop the fugitives on 
 the other side." 
 
 After Manson and Leavenworth had broken their 
 fast, and drained their cups of steaming coffee, Leaven- 
 worth said, "Jack, come out here a minute." 
 
 They stood alone \mder the evening stars. 
 
 The Texan spoke, in a hollow voice: " I wish you to 
 know what to do. Gertie's vision may come true. I 
 do not care, for even then I shall see Katie." His 
 voice broke in sobs. " But you will lead them out! I 
 will save a couple of boys, or a woman, and cross the 
 river and push on to that devil's den. We can not wait 
 a minute. If he is there, it may be too late if we delay. 
 Troops or no troops, I can hold his ranch if he is not 
 back. I think he went up on our trail. I do not know 
 if Buller would dare to take his men over. But we will 
 follow on the trail, and if we get her, then, come what 
 will, take her back at once over the Rio Grande. Take 
 her to Ringgold Barracks. There are ladies there. 
 With an escort and an ambulance, push home at oncej
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. JI^ 
 
 for mother and Alice will be frantic. I know but one 
 man who could take us into this place beside old Basilio. 
 That's Rip Ford, but he, I think, is at Houston. Too 
 late to wait for any one. Depend on Bronco Bill. 
 He is as game as steel." 
 
 "Jimmy, you speak ." Jack's voice faltered. 
 
 "As if I were doomed? Yes, I do," said Leavenworth, 
 wringing Jack's hands. "Tell Gertie no, not a 
 word. By heaven That girl knows my last drop of 
 heart's blood beats for her alone. She 'will know! She 
 never could doubt me if an angel plead." 
 
 There was a sad pride in Leavenworth's voice, as he 
 resolutely strode back to the little fire. An hour and a 
 half had elapsed. The men were even now ready. 
 
 "Put out that fire," said Jimmy quietly. " vScatter 
 it. There not a light or match struck till daybreak. 
 Boys," he cried, his voice ringing clearly in the hushed 
 night, " I will not talk to you. You are all Texans 
 but my brother Jack here. Follow me now. Don't be 
 too eager. Pick your men. If I'm hit, follow him! " 
 He pointed to Jack. 
 
 There was a murmur of suppressed voices, as the 
 men swung lightly into their saddles. Twenty-five 
 miles of grassy turf before them was nothing now to 
 the freshened animals. The two young men, pistol in 
 hand, rode in advance, and Bronco Bill, at five paces, 
 minutely directed the cavalcade by his pistol arm. 
 
 The spectral line of horsemen moved briskly and at a 
 safe distance from the main road, which stretched 
 across the bends of the Rio Grande, distant from two 
 to five miles. Every half-hour Leavenworth sprang off 
 and listened, his face to the ground. It was two o'clock 
 when he led his men down toward a little valley fringed 
 with thick, flourishing trees. Halting and throwing up 
 his hand, Jimmy called Bronco Bill in an undertone,
 
 318 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " I'll hold your horse. Worm down and take a look 
 around ! " 
 
 Bill disappeared in the long grass, sneaking forward 
 like a panther. 
 
 " These Las Cuevas fellows never come here," he 
 whispered to Jack. "They hide along the river-bank 
 so they can swim across to either side at will. All are 
 smugglers along the Bravo, many horse thieves, but not 
 all murderers. With the Las Cuevas gang there's no 
 mistake." 
 
 " How far is the crossing? " queried Manson, glad to 
 break the unearthly stillness, and to divert Leaven- 
 worth's brooding mind. 
 
 "About three miles due south. The re-entrant of 
 the bend is toward Mexico. All the boys know the 
 crossing." 
 
 " Is it fordable? " continued Jack. 
 
 "No! The river is about two hundred yards wide. 
 It's fairly high water now. It is fifteen feet deep, with 
 a good current. But there are always dug-outs there. 
 If we can't find a flat, we will unsaddle and swim the 
 horses over. They can all do it." 
 
 As he spoke Bronco Bill came racing back, breath- 
 less and with no attempt at disguise. 
 
 " Tom Bayard and Rip Ford, with fifteen men, down 
 in the hollow!" he almost shouted. 
 
 The San Miguel party dashed down into the pocket 
 valley. Five minutes later the gray-haired ranger chief- 
 tain, Tom Bayard, his sturdy frame quivering with rage, 
 and the two lovers had closed a brief council of war. 
 
 "See here, Bill!" said Colonel Bayard, in an 
 impressive voice. " I had a dispatch that McNally's 
 rangers are at Carrizo, before I left Brownsville. Now, 
 you ride up there as quick as your horse will take you,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 319 
 
 and tell him from me to circle round by Aiguilares and 
 swing in here as quick as he can. Stay ! I'll give you 
 my horse. He is fresh. You can make it in four hours." 
 
 There was a dead silence. 
 
 " Do you hear me? " said Bayard, with a little sharp- 
 ness in his tone. 
 
 " Colonel Tom," said the cowboy quietly, " I'd die 
 for you if you told me to, but I'm d d if I stir an 
 inch till I've seen Las Cuevas burned down! I'll fol- 
 low Miss Katie, if I go alone^ and I'll get her if I go 
 to the City of Mexico." 
 
 Tom Bayard grasped the rough fellow's hand. 
 
 " You are a dead-game fellow. Bill, I'll never for- 
 get you! Now, I'll make it fair. I'll send the lightest 
 man." 
 
 "Thank you, Colonel. There's Pony Tom. He 
 never missed a fight before, and he knows McNally; 
 he was one of his men." 
 
 "Will you go, Tom?" said Bayard, as Bill made 
 way for a delicate-looking stripling. 
 
 " Well, sir, if I can't fight for the lady, I'll ride a 
 good race for her." 
 
 " That's the style ! You can call my place your home, 
 if you find me the rangers," said the Confederate, 
 handing him his flask. "Here, Tom, it's a cold night! 
 Bring up that horse." 
 
 Tossing aside his rifle and loosening the heavy saddle, 
 the light plainsman bounded on Tom Bayard's horse. 
 A single pistol in a belt, a well-muffled canteen, with 
 the heavy frontier knife, were the messenger's equip- 
 ments. Throwing up his hand, the light rider pressed 
 the brave steed with his sinewy knees. Away, like an 
 arrow from a bow, the willing beast bounded ! 
 
 " There's five thousand dollars' worth of horseflesh to 
 be ruined. Well, if we don't save her, I have no use
 
 320 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 for horses or a ranch, cither" philosophized Bayard. 
 " I will never show my face on the Nueces, if we fail. 
 Now, young men, you know what is before us! Both 
 of you have had a hard day. Ford and myself will 
 stir you up in time. Sleep a couple of hours; you have 
 two colonels in command." 
 
 Jack Manson courted sleep to quiet Leavenworth. 
 In half an hour they slept under the stars, while the 
 silver-haired Ford glided among his watchful pickets, 
 or murmured in low tones to Bayard. Tom sat on his 
 saddle, his eyes glued on the lightening east. 
 
 "When it's light enough to travel, it will be good 
 enough light to shoot by when we get there. Ford, you 
 had better pick a man to take a squad over below the 
 ranch and meet Bill's men crossing above. Pick out a 
 cool fellow one who wont be eager enough to drown 
 his men crossing, or excitable enough to shoot into our 
 own men. You give him his orders; don't let him 
 turn aside for anything, but get across ! Let him pick 
 his own men. I'll warn Bill; we will give them ten 
 minutes' start of us. They must hide on the other 
 side and not close in till they hear our firing. Then, let 
 them hold the farther bank." 
 
 "All right. That's a good plan," said the sententious 
 old ranger, and in half an hour the warned squads were 
 ready for the word. The night breezes died away into 
 the hush of dawn. From the rich, low woods the 
 chirping twitter of birds began to sound. As the first 
 faint red streak tinged the east, Tom Bayard rose from 
 his couch. 
 
 "Rouse your men, Bill. Saddle up. Let the boys 
 make coffee and take a bite." 
 
 Colonel Ford's good gray head lay elevated on his 
 saddle, and a gentle droning sound indicated the peace- 
 ful sleep of the veteran taking forty winks,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 321 
 
 Leavenworth and Manson were awake at a touch. In 
 a few minutes the camp was in motion. The sentinels 
 had kept the coffee-pots in trim at a covered fire. The 
 men stood to horse. In a group the four leaders stood, 
 while on right and left the first detachments were 
 ready, in the saddle. 
 
 "Who is to direct this morning's business?" said 
 Bayard, as simply as if it were a peaceful call. 
 
 All eyes turned to Ford, as he stood modestly in their 
 midst. 
 
 Well, I suppose it's the old thing," he said placidly. 
 With a few words to Bill and the other squad leader, 
 he dismissed them at a trot. Watch in hand, he gave 
 the vanished pickets the full ten minutes, A faint 
 streak of morning-light lit up the old man's serious 
 face. 
 
 "Now, gentlemen, it's for Las Cuevas! Pass the 
 word," he said. " Take in everything that can handle 
 a gun or machete. Look out for the women and chil- 
 dren." 
 
 The command moved in two squads of fours, Colonel 
 Ford and Leavenworth on the right, Tom Bayard and 
 Manson leading the left. Not a word was exchanged 
 as ten minutes' brisk trot covered half the distance to 
 where the swarthy river-vermin lay in the robber lair 
 of Las Cuevas. Many a wild fandango there had 
 celebrated the murder of a picket party, the cutting 
 off of a pair of the doomed Customs Inspectors, or 
 the slaying of some incautious merchant or ranchero. 
 Haunting the lonely roads, these merciless bandits used 
 ambush and cruel stratagem to effect a victory when 
 they feared the desperate bravery of the hardy Ameri- 
 can traveller. Watch and trinket, chain and gewgaw, 
 bedizened their sullen-eyed, brown-skinned paramours. 
 A floating population of thirty to a hundred filled the
 
 322 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 duplicated dens on the two banks of the bloody Rio 
 Bravo. For there, in the elastic, invisible, middle 
 thread of the turbid stream, was the dividing line, 
 across which Taylor fired the first cannon of the Mex- 
 ican War. 
 
 Without discovery, the stealthy riders reached a point 
 within half a mile from which the smoke rose in thin 
 blue wreaths from the thatched huts. 
 
 "Just a nice shooting light," said Bayard, turning 
 his head toward Jack, whose stern gaze was riveted 
 on the distant huts now visible. "Ha! we're off!" 
 shouted Bayard, as Ford waved his hand, and the right 
 column sprang forward on a dead run! The men lean- 
 ing lightly forward, their heavy revolvers at a poise, 
 bounded over the turf, their horses straining every 
 sinew. 
 
 " Easy ; don't blow your horses. Spread out," called 
 Bayard. As he turned his eyes to the front, from 
 a glance at his men, he saw that Jack Manson was 
 fifty yards in advance of the charging line. Driving 
 the spurs in his own horse, Bayard rode into the ranch 
 as a straggling fire began from behind its hedges and 
 corrals. The ringing crack of the Colt's revolvers 
 woke the morning echoes as the maddened Texans rode 
 on their foes. Yells and howls of pain sounded high, 
 and the plaintive wail of women and frightened chil- 
 dren swelled the din. 
 
 "Watch the bank, Jack!" shouted Bayard, as the 
 firing slackened and a few half-dressed wretches threw 
 themselves over the steep banks into the muddy 
 stream. 
 
 Already the ranch houses were blazing, and, with 
 execrations, the dismounted searchers dragged out of 
 hiding-places a half-dozen wretches. Two of the 
 rangers lay dead, their friends crowding around, while
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 323 
 
 several staggered away out of the fight with ball or 
 machete wound. 
 
 "Secure every living thing! Separate the woman 
 and children," shouted Bayard, as the helpless crowded 
 in terror into every possible hiding-place. 
 
 A line of excited men were shooting rapidly at the 
 swimmers in the river. One or two had seized logs of 
 wood and were swimming on their backs. From the 
 other side a fusillade was now opened on the desperate 
 wretches struggling for their lives! The revolver balls 
 of the plainsmen tore up the water around the fugi- 
 tives. The farther bank was covered with fringing 
 bushes, gullies, and holes, into which the fugitives 
 might crawl and baffle pursuit, unless at once picked off 
 by the men under Bronco Bill. 
 
 " This will never do," cried Jimmy Leavenworth 
 dashing up and springing from his horse. " Get your 
 rifles." A dozen rushed for the Winchesters, hanging 
 on their saddles. The horse-holders tossed them down 
 in haste. 
 
 " Here ! " cried Leaven worth, snatching the nearest 
 rifle. The ping of the rifle-balls sounded shrill as the 
 daylight brightened. Of four men in the river three 
 sank, throwing up their arms. 
 
 One powerful swimmer, clutching a log of wood 
 which he held between his head and the rain of rifle- 
 balls, floated down the stream. He was over two 
 hundred yards away. He seemed to bear a charmed 
 life. In a minute more he would be around a bend. 
 
 "Who's that swimming?" demanded Leavenworth, 
 as a ranger, pistol in hand, dragged up a villainous- 
 looking youth, a prisoner. He was sulky. Leaven- 
 worth raised his hand. The mei-ciless captor clapped a 
 revolver to the fellow's ear. 
 
 "Alia estael Caballo Blanco," he whimpered. Jimmy
 
 324 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Leavenworth set his teeth and dropped on one knee. 
 He followed the swimming bandit with the long rifle- 
 barrel, keeping the sight trained on the floating head. 
 A dozen anxious men held their breath. The word 
 "fire" was trembling on their lips. Leavenworth 
 crouched as if carved in stone. A current bore the 
 swimmer on a shallow. With one wild spring he 
 darted toward the bushes not five yards away. As his 
 arms rose, the Texan deliberately fired, and the fugitive 
 sprang in the air, crashing down prone on the pebbly 
 beach! Leavenworth dropped his smoking rifle without 
 a word. He turned, as a wild yell of triumph rose from a 
 trio of rangers opposite," who reached the shelving point 
 where the body lay. 
 
 It was indeed "White-Horse" Caballo Blanco, a 
 fiend on whose head a price was set. 
 
 " That was a fancy shot, Jim," cried Bayard. 
 
 "Gather in our men; we'll get over," said Leaven- 
 worth, in a cold tone. "We have no time to lose. Stop 
 that shooting now, for God's sake!" for the volleying 
 crack of a dozen pistols had told of some recognized 
 marauder's doom, while the force on the bank was 
 clearing the river. 
 
 " Stand to your arms! " he yelled quickly, as a body 
 of horse bore down from the mesquit grove above 
 them. The startled Texans sprang to their defense, 
 but a shout reassured them. With a cheer thirty caval- 
 rymen dashed up, stout Lieutenant Buller at their head. 
 
 "Ha, Jimmy, the work is over! What can I do? 
 We came down on the run." He grasped Leavenworth's 
 hands as he swung from the saddle. 
 
 " Buller, let a sergeant and ten men hold these 
 prisoners. We will cross at once. You know all." His 
 voice was trembling with excitement. 
 
 Bayard strode up. " I've got a flat here and the first 
 party are crossing now. There's two dug-outs also."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 325 
 
 "Have you searched the whole ranch?" said Buller 
 coolly. 
 
 "There's nothing in the burning huts," quietly 
 answered Colonel Ford. Ten killed, three prisoners, 
 besides those shot in the river. Some women and 
 youngsters here. Three of our men too badly hurt to 
 ride. Anderson and Ellis are gone. No help! " The old 
 ranger looked grave. 
 
 "See here," said the quick-witted cavalry officer; 
 " leave your wounded with my sergeant's guard. 
 Let us take all the male prisoners over. We will keep 
 every one of the others till you're back. I'll see they 
 don't starve. I've got a wagon coming. We'll force 
 the truth out of these fellows and take one along as a 
 guide, or two if needs be." 
 
 In half an hour the whole Texan party was on the 
 Mexican side of the river. The united force had, in all, 
 seven prisoners. A rough ordeal of questioning forced 
 the truth out of the frightened bandits. 
 
 " Pick out your two men as guides," said Buller, 
 as he rapidly made his plans. " I'll send three 
 men back to the fort. It seems Maxan divided his 
 party. He evidently went to his lair with your sister. 
 The other gang are making a diversion to throw any 
 rescue party off their guard. He did not know you 
 were so far down the Valley. Now, we will start out a 
 company to cut off their retreat, and send two or three 
 express riders to post McNally. They will be between 
 two fires. Sergeant! Take these fellows over, tie 
 them up, shoot them if they try to escape ! Come back 
 for the note to the Commander. Be quick, for we will 
 be off soon !" 
 
 Tom Bayard had already rallied the Texans, and their 
 animals were resting, while the men searched the huts 
 on the Mexican side for food, anc 
 pouring coffee for the tired rangers.
 
 326 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Get Bayard and Ford and bring Manson here; we 
 will have a talk alone." 
 
 Jack's heart warmed to the keen-eyed young trooper. 
 As they sat in a deserted hut, Buller passed around his 
 flask and cigars. "It's now ten o'clock; nothing has 
 got away from here to carry the news. But this fellow 
 Ramon is no fool. He will be on the lookout till it's 
 dark. If we moved right on his place, we would 
 arrive tired and wearied. About ten or eleven o'clock 
 to-night is the time to storm his place; I know it well." 
 
 "You!" cried all the listeners in amazement. 
 
 "Yes, I do!" said Buller. "Two years ago, I went 
 over on a secret mission to watch the Kickapoo and 
 Lipan camps, about fifty miles above here. We really 
 drove those fellows over on the Mexicans. Colonel 
 Mejia and myself took a look at their surroundings. 
 He had secret orders, through Minister Romero, and 
 General Ord detailed me. Now, we went incognito. 
 Maxan was in Europe and I rested a week at the old 
 Bishop's palace. You see, I had a three-hundred-mile 
 ride to San Antonio before me to report to General 
 Ord. Colonel Mejia was in command at Matamoras 
 and had to report there. I staid there, and I slipped 
 over the river quietly near Ringgold Barracks. There 
 was a decent fellow named Antonio there, who, I really 
 think, was a priest left to watch over the place when 
 the clergy were driven out. There is property proba- 
 bly buried there, which they could not remove. It's an 
 old trick of the Padres." 
 
 He paused and took a draught of the flask. I've got 
 an army commission to lose. I can not bring troops over 
 here, so if you don't recognize my men when they cross, 
 do not laugh. We will picket this bank. I'll put a 
 herd-guard over the horses. At five o'clock we will 
 start. I will lead you up into the canon I came down,
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 327 
 
 and about ten o'clock we will drop in on the 'Jaguar', as 
 they call him. I will show you the way. Now Colonel 
 Ford and I will do the fighting. You three pick three 
 more men and make a dash straight for your sister! 
 Maxan is brave. He'll defend the 'paseo,' and you 
 may have your sister in your arms before the gate is 
 forced, if you do as I say. What do you think?" 
 
 " Duller, do you mean to say you will really do this??' 
 Jimmy Leavenworth bowed his head, and the tears 
 rained down his cheeks. 
 
 " Nonsense, man! don't you remember I danced the 
 Virginia Reel with your sister when she was ' little 
 Katie' and wore a school-girl braid. Why, I've broken 
 your bread! She's Miss Katie now! God bless her!" 
 
 " Amen," said his listeners. The gay young soldier 
 rose. There was a lump in his throat. He tried a 
 diversion. He could not hear the agony of the two 
 friends. 
 
 " See my ragamuffins," he merrily cried. In fact 
 that crack troop of the Fourth Regulars looked like 
 the advance guard of Fra Diavolo's bandits. Clad in 
 caught-up raiment of the Mexicans, in borrowed jackets 
 of the rangers, or in their gray shirts, with every class 
 of head gear, save the army cap, they were gaily com- 
 menting on each other's appearance as they crowded 
 the flat-boat. 
 
 " I have given them individually a day's furlough, and 
 the sergeant and bugler are at my military headquarters. 
 The only risk I do take is their desertion, but no man 
 has ever left K troop's ranks on such a mission ! " 
 
 With fatherly persuasion, Colonel Ford persuaded 
 the anxious youths to try a siesta, as hammocks 
 swung in the lonely huts. The long afternoon droned 
 away, the only sound being the tinkle of the herd- 
 bell and the distant wailing of the women and children
 
 328 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 on the farther bank. The command was ready at last 
 to move. 
 
 "Buller," said Leaven worth, who was now cool and 
 hopeful, "send word over to your sergeant to give these 
 poor women a half-wagon-load of rations, and I will 
 see they have some money, if I live," he said gloomily, 
 for the vision of Gertie Marshall hovered before him 
 always. 
 
 Thanks to the bad character of the' Las Cuevas cross- 
 ing, all respectable Mexican travellers up the Rio Grande 
 gave it a wide berth. The sixty men in three squads 
 moved steadily out, bearing southwest toward Hacienda 
 Maxan; at the head of each flanking column a prisoner 
 rode beside a man bearing a cocked revolver. The 
 stern orders were, "Death in return for treachery!'' 
 Buller led the central squad, the flankers guiding upon 
 his movements. Ten miles from the river they entered 
 a thick forest, where the afternoon sun was veiled by 
 the spreading branches. Nothing but a stray steer was 
 met, or a wild peccary, perchance a deer bounding 
 from the covert, and, rising from the plain of Nueva 
 Leon, the rescue party climbed a gentle slope of nearly 
 two thousand feet. It was nine o'clock when Buller, 
 enjoining silence, turned abruptly to the left and led the 
 command carefully through a little notch in the hills. 
 The word "Halt!" was passed. Enjoining every care 
 as to horses and arms, the hawk-eyed lieutenant walked 
 forward to a shelving rock with the Texan leaders. 
 Below them, in a turn of the valley, the white walls of 
 Hacienda Maxan were plainly visible! A mile below, 
 on the hillsides, a few lights indicated the tributary vil- 
 lage of Zacate. 
 
 " The Padres never liked the vulgar to live too near 
 them," said Buller musingly. " Let me see. I never 
 knew a Mexican establishment to keep late hours. It's
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 329 
 
 after nine now ! If Maxan is there, his march and the 
 cares of his prisoner, as well as his dispositions for 
 guard, have tiled him. He will naturally guard the 
 Zacate road. Now Bayard, Manson, and Jim, you can 
 see that long front looking down the exquisite 
 valley of Zacate. The state apartments are the second 
 floor facing the river. I have no doubt the main gate 
 of the paseo is well guarded by sentinels, perhaps even 
 barricaded. The heavy garden sweeps up to the broad 
 platform, along the river-front. The great windows 
 open to the terrace. There is a rear doorway to the 
 corrals and pastures wherein four men can enter abreast. 
 My plan is to ride down in the rear, and leave our 
 animals with fifteen horse-holders. You will take ten 
 men (removing your spurs and canteens). Keep only 
 your pistols and knives. I'll send two trusty fellows 
 with you. I've made some rag fire-balls with kerosene 
 and some tatters I picked up. There are two feed- 
 lags full of them. Gain position near the terrace. 
 When you "hear our first firing, burst in the terrace 
 windows and rush upstairs. I leave the rest to you. 
 Maxan has no one whom he can trust! He will dash 
 out at the first alarm and rally his men from the front 
 gate-way to meet us. We will give them a cool volley 
 as they rush out. Our first fire will be only an alarm 
 as we take post in the paseo. Don't fret about us. 
 We will finish them up. Never you mind Maxan. He 
 may escape! I will run him down later! As for the 
 Zacate villagers, they are a poor-spirited set of unarmed 
 peons. We will push back at once to the Rio Grande 
 if your sister is there. If she is not, we will twist the 
 truth out of these devil's necks, and race along like 
 devils on the trail." 
 
 " Let us go on ! " hoarsely cried Jack Manson. 
 
 " Remember, not a move, not a shot, till I send you 
 on your way!"
 
 330 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 In single file the riders descended the easy hill, and 
 before ten o'clock, were formed in a dismounted line 
 five hundred yards behind the corral wall. 
 
 "Dismount!" was passed from man to man, and, led 
 by the light-footed Buller, the avengers stole on, in 
 shadow and under cover, to the junction of the corral 
 wall, the building, and the low hedge of Spanish bayonet 
 around the deserted garden where the sleek priests 
 were wont to pace. 
 
 "Thank God, the wind favors us! If our horses 
 should neigh, they would think it their own stock," 
 thought Buller, as he pointed out the way to the 
 Texans, whose pulses were now throbbing in repressed 
 excitement. 
 
 The heavy white walls gleamed ghostly in the star- 
 light, and not a sound escaped from the Wolf's Den! 
 
 While the storming party for the front filed silently 
 by, led by Bronco Bill, and Buller exchanged a few 
 last whispered words with Manson, Bayard, and Leaven- 
 worth, Colonel Ford's silver head was bared as he 
 warmly pressed the young men's hands and then stole 
 away to hold the eager men quiet in their line behind 
 the paseo entrance. 
 
 Pacing up and down like a caged tiger in the great 
 hall of the hacienda, not fifty yards away, Ramon, 
 " el Jaguar" watchfully gazed down the winding road 
 to Zacate. The light from his open windows streamed 
 out over the terrace and lit up the broad road, paved 
 with irregular stones, leading to the river entrance to 
 the paseo. On the table near him his Winchester 
 lay ready, and on his person two heavy revolvers and 
 a bowie-knife hung from his riding-belt. His jacket 
 was tossed aside, and he showed every grace of his 
 splendid torso as he smoked uneasily. His furtive 
 glances ever sought the silent roadway.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 33! 
 
 " I was a fool, a blind fool! " he mused, " to let those 
 two women meet. I do not care for Panchita's tantrums; 
 she will be cured of that by and by," he sneered, with 
 a sinister smile of dark prophecy.. " But her mother, 
 old Nordenskiold's friend of years ago! Her convent 
 life at Laredo! D n her jealousy! I should have 
 sent her away. But where! Can I trust any one? I 
 should have let Antonio take her away to Monterey, 
 and kept Caballo Blanco here to hold this place! Then 
 I could have tamed this young hawk at my leisure! 
 Over in Monclova or Chihuahua I could have hidden 
 her with his friends. I could demand my terms or a 
 ransom. But that beast Mejia at Matamoras would 
 have beaten up this camp if he dreamed that Caballo 
 Blanco lingered here. He never forgets a feud! That 
 comes of my killing his brother Andres for mere spite! 
 
 " Now, my scouts will give me instant warning of 
 any more up the road from Matamoras, or the river. 
 I am tolerably safe for a week. Caballo Blanco's 
 united band, when the up-country fellows come back 
 to Las Cuevas, will make fifty good fellows there. 
 The lazy Gringo troops will not mix up in this. They 
 would have to have official permission to cross! The 
 natural jealousy of our river people will cause them 
 to notify Mejia if the Texans should be mad enough to 
 come once in a body. But, spies, assassins, treachery ! 
 They have money. This fool of a Panchita! Would 
 she smuggle any news over to the other side ? Not after 
 the ceremony of last nig Jit ! She thinks that I have 
 run the girl off for a ransom. I will send the Texan 
 girl up into the mountains when Caballo Blanco comes 
 back." 
 
 Maxan shivered. " The air is chilly," he muttered, 
 as he closed one window. Draining a glass of brandy, 
 he gazed on his map. " Yes! The fellows leading the
 
 332 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 pursuers a dance ought to be back at Las Cuevas now. 
 By to-morrow night Caballo Blanco will be here. I 
 will send the Texan girl away. I can then slip away 
 with ' Sefiora Maxan ' if the enemy approach. Reverend 
 Antonio can tell the story: I am at Tainpico on busi- 
 ness. Thank God I came over here, instead of chasing 
 those fellows up country. There are no witnesses to 
 this girl's kidnapping. No blood was shed. No traces 
 left. She will never live to tell this story! That mock 
 marriage has quieted Panchita. But, am I safe in 
 leaving those women together? It seems to me that 
 the sex has a capacity for sudden love, or hatred", which 
 is astounding. 
 
 " Panchita, the love-sick fool, wanted to knife her 
 at first. Now, they are doing the sisterly comedy ! " 
 He threw away his cigar. " There never was a 
 woman to be trusted ! As -varying as the sea and clouds ! 
 Sleek devils! 
 
 " But / trust gold, and a good knife ! " He wheeled 
 quickly. " I must reward Antonio for this mock mar- 
 riage. He has just enough priestcraft in him to have a 
 greedy palm ! Goldior the man,fattery for the woman ! 
 I'll set him to watch them both. I'll call him and give 
 him a sack of yellow ounces. He shall have more if 
 he fools the woman and tells a smooth lie to Mejia if a 
 row is kicke*d up about this. They will find only an 
 empty house." He laughed as he lifted a red floor-tile 
 behind the first window recess and drew out a heavy 
 sack. " The bishop, I suppose, kept his love letters and 
 his scheming letters to Rome hidden here! Now for 
 Father Antonio. I'll tickle his greed and promise him 
 a golden harvest. He is the man! I'll send off the 
 Texan girl; then, Sefiora Panchita, I'll put you where 
 you will not bother me, as I go to Monclova. That's 
 a little bit of fine art in the Rigoletto style 'of my own!
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 333 
 
 Jesus Maria!" he cried, dropping the gold, as a ringing 
 volley and a chorus of yells rose on the still night air. 
 He grasped his rifle and rushed down the broad stair to 
 the court-yard. 
 
 "The Indians! The Kickapoos have attacked the 
 corrals! Alerto! Alerto! Todos!" he yelled, as he 
 dashed into the broad court-yard. 
 
 Smooth-faced Antonio rushed into the upper cor- 
 ridor, as the yells alarmed him, only to hear two 
 women's voices in wild shrieks add to the clamor. For 
 the crash of glass and wild cries below proved that the 
 main hacienda had been forced! 
 
 A chorus of yells "Los Tejanos! Los Tejanos!" 
 recalled Maxan to his senses. Throwing down his rifle, 
 which he was firing at the crowd swarming into the 
 back entrance, he leapt back like a panther. "Out- 
 witted, by God! Follow! Follow me!" he cried, as 
 the guard of the front postern swarmed toward the 
 stairway. By the light of a blazing fire-ball, he saw 
 through powder- smoke the face of his deadly foe! 
 The man who struck him down at the Club was firing 
 into the advancing retainers! 
 
 Half the gate-guard were now struggling in a wild 
 melee with the troops led by Buller, and up the stair 
 and in the upper corridor, the invaders and the Mex- 
 icans reeled in deathly struggle! "Go on! Go on!" 
 rose the clarion voice of Buller, as he swept into the 
 lower hall with his men loudly cheering! 
 
 Springing along the hallway, Jack Manson followed 
 the sound of the voice which he had heard raised to God 
 in appeal in the crisis of the storm ! Dashing through 
 the curtained archway, Manson clasped Katie in his 
 arms, as she fell fainting on his bosom ! 
 
 Tom Bayard wheeled at the door, as he faced the 
 last of the Mexicans now hemmed in, for Buller had
 
 334 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 cleared the hall. Bayard threw down his empty pistol 
 and drew his knife, dashing at Maxan, who stood at 
 bay near an open window! As Leavenworth wheeled 
 to raise his reserve pistol, Maxan's revolver rang out 
 sharply. Jimmy staggered, and fell in Tom Bayard's 
 arms, as Maxan, leaping lightly through the open case- 
 ment to the paseo roof, disappeared in the darkness! 
 
 "After him! After him! "yelled Bayard, as he knelt 
 by the wounded man. A dozen soldiers, with Buller 
 leading, then rushed down the stair. 
 
 There was a pause, broken only by the groans of the 
 dying and the cheers of the victors. The Hacienda 
 Maxan was won! Colonel Ford's clear voice was heard 
 ringing out below: "Search the house! Put out the 
 fires! Bring all the prisoners into the court-yard! " 
 
 The light streamed out of the room where Katie 
 Leavenworth was clinging to Jack Manson's bosom 
 and wildly crying! Beside her stood the dark-eyed, 
 gentle Panchita, her raven hair flowing over a gown 
 not as white as her own ghastly face! 
 
 Bayard, his bosom heaving in sorrow, aided by 
 willing hands, Bronco Bill at their head, bore the 
 wounded brother into the only lighted room. And as 
 they laid him on a couch, Jimmy Leaven worth's sister 
 threw herself on her knees beside him. 
 
 "Speak to me, darling! For God's sake, only speak, 
 Jimmy!" Over him bent the beautiful stranger, her 
 hands crossed on her exquisite bosom. 
 
 Jack Manson, smoke-grimed, and with staring eyes, 
 faltered: "The vision! The vis?on!" and threw him- 
 self down at the feet of Katie's brother. 
 
 "My God! A doctor! A doctor!" cried Bayard, as 
 he loosened Leavenworth's hunting-vest. The pallor 
 of death was on the Texan's brow, and from his right 
 side the warm life-blood was oozing.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 335 
 
 "Antonio! Antonio is a doctor!" cried the Spanish 
 girl, awaking from her trance. "Call el major-domo!" 
 
 "Bring him, Ford. Is he here?" said Bayard. 
 
 In a moment the grave- faced intendant entered the 
 room, followed by Buller 
 
 "I know this man; it's all right," he hastily said, as 
 he laid his hand on Leavenworth's pallid brow. 
 
 Quiet now reigned, and lights were lit over the 
 hacienda. Colonel Ford had posted his sentinels, and 
 the main body of the besiegers was rallied in the paseo. 
 Buller, returning from his vain quest for the vanished 
 scoundrel Maxan, had thrown out pickets and set 
 guards on the gates. 
 
 " Quiet, all ! " said Antonio, with dignity. " I must 
 have free hands and my own people to help." 
 
 Bayard drew Panchita away for a moment. 
 
 " Buller, single out the house-servants from the 
 prisoners and let them pass one by one through the 
 lower hall with a guard. Tell me the ones you want," 
 he said, as Panchita moved away with him. 
 
 Bayard, pistol in hand, watched the simple peasants, 
 as the lady of the hacienda indicated them. Their 
 docile faces told the story of innocence. 
 
 " Go to your places and obey Antonio only," said 
 Bayard kindly. 
 
 The room where Leavenworth lay in collapse was 
 quiet as the two re-entered. Antonio, in brief Spanish 
 words, directed Panchita, who glided like a beauteous 
 wraith in and out on his behest. A draught of brandy 
 and the strongest restoratives were administered by the 
 quiet man of the crisis. No one dreamed now of doubt- 
 ing Antonio's skill. His self-possession proved a long 
 experience ! 
 
 The wounded man groaned as Antonio cut away the 
 blood-soaked clothing around the wound. With a
 
 336 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 grave air, the examiner followed the course of the ball, 
 and noted the color faintly returning to the Texan's 
 face. 
 
 Ford had examined the second story of the hacienda, 
 and his headquarters were established in Maxan's great 
 hall. One by one the spectators withdrew to their 
 duties. The old mansion was wrapped in silence. In 
 a deep chair, with Panchita at her side, Katie Leaven- 
 worth silently awaited the verdict! Her little hand 
 clutched Jack Manson's bronzed fingers as he exchanged 
 a whispered word with Buller. 
 
 "Got clean away. Maxan knew every turn! We 
 were nearly all strangers to the place. I could have 
 headed him off, but I was clearing out that robber riff- 
 raff. He dropped off into the garden and is now in the 
 hills. But we'll have him yet. See, Tom," the cool 
 soldier whispered, " the blood only oozes. No jetting. 
 Now, if he does not bleed internally." 
 
 Antonio, with uplifted fingers, hushed the friendly 
 murmur. Passing his hand around the sufferer's chest, 
 Antonio smiled as Leavenworth half-opened his eyes 
 and cried: "Lookout! You torture me." 
 
 The major-domo turned to the waiting circle. " In 
 the back muscles! Much pain! A great shock! The 
 ball is heavy and was fired at short range. Little 
 danger if he does not catch cold. I 'will answer for 
 his life." 
 
 "You shall have his weight in gold if he lives!" 
 cried Tom Bayard, as he threw his arms around Katie, 
 whose eyes shone with an ecstasy of thankfulness. 
 
 " No more tears, Katie. Our boy will live. Now, 
 Lady Bird, we will guard your sleep, and to-morrow 
 to-morrow, homeward!" 
 
 "I'll not leave Jimmy, never!" faltered the white lady, 
 as she smiled through her tears at Jack Manson.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 337 
 
 "Well, you'll have to give him up to Gertie by and 
 by. You may as well learn to live 'without him" 
 whispered Bayard, smiling, as Panchita led the way to 
 the chamber hastily arranged for the ladies. 
 
 "One moment. This is a father's duty!" gravely 
 said the gray-haired Colonel Ford. "I've daughters 
 of my own. I'll just reconnoitre your room. Good! 
 No one can reach it from without. I have three men 
 already posted under the windows. I'll spread my robe 
 and sleep before your door, and there'll be a sentinel 
 in the hall. I'll kiss ye good-night, for I held you on 
 my knee when you were a babe. Your father and 
 mother must see you again as quick as wheels will 
 travel!" 
 
 " And Jimmy? " the reluctant girl murmured, as she 
 paused at the threshold. 
 
 Panchita, standing with a light shining on her deli- 
 cate loveliness, shading with one transparent hand her 
 liquid eyes, softly said: "7 'will nurse him!" 
 
 Colonel Ford rubbed his silver locks uneasily. "Ah, 
 yes! I see! Very good. A dangerous nurse" he 
 grumbled, as the young beauties dropped the heavy 
 leather curtain of their room. "A. very dangerous 
 nurse! Too good-looking for safety," grumbled the 
 old man, as he laid his replenished pistols within reach. 
 
 With friendly officiousness, Bayard, Manson, and 
 Buller had agreed to watch the hacienda for the rest 
 of the eventful night. They were mindful of the old 
 veteran's stiffened joints. It was nearly midnight. 
 Escorted by four soldiers each, their arms at a ready, 
 the three friends made the rounds. A huge fire blazed 
 in the middle of the paseo, and, guarded by four men 
 with cocked revolvers, a score of villainous-looking ras- 
 cals crouched on the stony floor of the court. They 
 were tied together, back to back, and by no gentle 
 hands.
 
 338 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 " How far out are your pickets on the road, 
 Duller? " said Bayard, as the three heroes of the night 
 strolled up to look at the howling prisoners. 
 
 " About a half-mile. I have five men and a good 
 corporal there. There is an ambushed reserve, too, of five 
 of your men. I gave orders for them to seize and dis- 
 arm any one passing in either direction. There are 
 four mounted men patrolling from our main post 
 here to that picket. There will be no rescue. I 
 have looked these fellows over," he said in a low voice. 
 " I know that a half-dozen of them merit instant death ! 
 But, I have no official power here. The killing of prison- 
 ers might be inquired into. I might turn them over to 
 Mejia at ^Mutamoras. Then, by Jove! I'd have to tell 
 him ho'W I got them, and where I nabbed them! " 
 
 Bronco Bill strode up and, in an agitated voice, 
 demanded of Bayard: " Will he live? " Bill's face was 
 convulsed with rage. There were murmurs from the 
 mixed crowd of plainsmen and soldiers now glowering at 
 the bandits. Three soldiers and two cowboys lay dead, 
 and a half-dozen severely wounded waited the care of 
 Antonio, whose fame had been noised around. " A 
 doctor priest, a real scholar ! " so the tale was bandied. 
 
 " It's a bad wound and will be a sore one, Bill," said 
 Colonel Bayard, " but the ball ran round on the ribs 
 and is in the back muscles. This chap says he'll take 
 it out, as soon as daylight comes. There'll be a couple 
 of weeks of stiffness and soreness, but the boy will live 
 to dance the Virginia Reel at San Miguel when he 
 brings that pretty girl down from the Potomac!" 
 
 All right, Colonel. I'll take your word for it. The 
 boys allowed they would kill all these prisoners if 
 Leavenvoorth died!" 
 
 "Bill, for heaven's sake, no noise to-night! The 
 racket might finish Jimmy ! He's very weak from loss
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 339 
 
 of blood, and the women are frantic! I suppose we'll 
 have to take that pretty Mexican girl over the river 
 with us! " 
 
 " We can't leave her here in this lonely roost! Ah! 
 they're at it again below!" quickly cried Bayard, his 
 quick ear catching the report of a couple of dropping 
 shots. 
 
 "Don't move, Colonel! My pickets will have a 
 report here in five minutes," quietly said Buller. " They 
 have probably caught a straggler or one of this vanished 
 scoundrel's messengers." 
 
 " Buller, you are a wizard ! " said Manson, as ten 
 minutes later two of the Texan reserve led in a stunted- 
 looking scoundrel on a pony. His hands were tied 
 and he cowered under the pistol of one guard, while 
 the other held his horse's halter. 
 
 " Oh, the frontier is about the same from Guaymas to 
 Tampico. The same deviltry, only at different times 
 and places. What's his story?" said the cavalryman 
 carelessly. 
 
 " This fellow clattered up the road in a panic and ran 
 slap into us!" said a hard-faced Texan. "We had to 
 kill his horse to get him. He claims to be a soldier! 
 He says Colonel Mejia is coming up the road with a 
 battalion of the Lancers!" 
 
 " Glorious ! Great God ! I am now all right /" shouted 
 Buller, dancing around in glee. " It clears me of all 
 responsibility." 
 
 " What do you mean? " cried Bayard and Jack Man- 
 son in a breath. 
 
 " First, Mejia's a thorough soldier," gleefully said the 
 snappy officer; " second, he'll relieve me of all these 
 prisoners. I will ask him to send a dispatch over the 
 Mexican military telegraph everywhere proclaiming 
 Maxan as an outlaw I They will soon chase that scoun.
 
 340 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 drel to Yucatan or over the big bend of the Rio Grande 
 into No Man's Land! If he goes Mere, sooner or later 
 we'll get him ! I can say that I crossed at Mejia's request. 
 I will have him send a military courier and telegraph 
 to Matamoras and Corpus Christi the news of Miss 
 Katie's safety." 
 
 " That's thoughtful! By to-morrow night the San 
 Miguel people will know the good news! Say, too, I'm 
 bringing her home," cried Bayard. 
 
 " Then Mejia and I will plant some of his men in 
 quiet ambush on this side of the river. We will leave 
 a company hidden here. I will dash across and stir up 
 those bandits on the other side, and we will break up 
 that half the gang. Colonel Mejia will send a com- 
 pany to escort you and Miss Katie to Ringgold. It's 
 your easiest way home. As soon as I've arranged our 
 stories I'll start two men to report to my commander 
 and get carriages ready for you. Get Miss Katie 
 across the river. I wish to know from her how she 
 was ever carried off from such a place ! " 
 
 " Well, the morning will tell us all. It's two o'clock 
 now. See here, Bill! You and the sergeant take 
 charge here. We three will ride down and meet Mejia's 
 column," said Tom Bayard. " There might be stray 
 firing or a squabble." 
 
 " Right you are," said his listeners in chorus. 
 " Our men might be taken for a raiding party of 
 ranchers." 
 
 Ten minutes later, a little thin-lipped horseman, with 
 a huge dangling sabre, and a princely equestrian skill, 
 rode in at the open gateway. Chatting with the three 
 Americans, he threw away his cigarette, as he rode 
 straight to the camp-fire. A dozen of his escort and 
 two guides were with him. He sprang from his horse 
 and sent an orderly officer to camp his battalion in four 
 lines around the hacienda,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 341 
 
 " Turn half the horses out on the potrero under 
 guard, Juan. Let the other horses be fed in the corral." 
 
 As the young officer saluted, Mejia's eagle eye fell 
 on the prisoners. " Ladrones! " he hissed, " how many, 
 mi amigo," he said, with a cruel smile to Duller who 
 was the negotiator. " Let me deal with him," the 
 lieutenant whispered to the Texans, " then it's all 
 official. You are blameless for what will happen!" 
 
 " Sefior Colonel, I count twenty-three," said Buller, 
 as the guards stirred up the shivering wretches. 
 
 " Send me the adjutant!" sharply remarked Tomas 
 Mejia. The line of frightened wretches huddled 
 together. 
 
 "What's up? " said Manson and Jack in an under- 
 tone to Buller, who gazed at the adjutant hurrying up. 
 
 " He's a man of queer ways is Commandante 
 Tomas Mejia. Don't interfere. They are his own peo- 
 ple!" said Buller. The bedizened adjutant, brilliant in 
 lace, gazed respectfully at his stony-faced chief. The two 
 Mexican guides approached the little Aztec warrior, for 
 Tomas Mejia was of the mystic "sangre azule" of that 
 weird race which has a storied past but no future! 
 They whispered a report and retired. 
 
 " Give el Sefior Teniente Buller a written receipt for 
 twenty-three ladrones, adjudged malefactors, taken in 
 arms /" said the Mexican commander. The adjutant 
 saluted. 
 
 "And the men, the prisoners, sir? "said the young 
 officer, his voice shaking slightly. There was a solemn 
 silence! The night wind howled wildly over the open 
 court and scattered the blazing brands. 
 
 Mejia signed to the two guides, who sprang forward. 
 "Todas malos?" he coldly queried. The uncovered 
 scouts bowed in silence. " Take them out and hang 
 them! No noise. Take them down the road! Report
 
 342 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 the execution instantly! You will find me in the dining- 
 hall. Use the machete if you need. No pistols!" 
 
 The adjutant was shaking like a leaf. " What com- 
 mand shall I take, sir? " 
 
 " First company. Throw these fellows into the canon 
 when you are finished!" The adjutant fled away into 
 the night. 
 
 "Shall we go in, Senores?" said the Mexican col- 
 onel. " I want a cup of coffee and a few hours' sleep." 
 He motioned with Castilian grace toward the hacienda. 
 
 " That's Mejia 1 s way/" whispered Buller, as he fol- 
 lowed the pitiless Aztec soldier. 
 
 Bayard and Manson followed in dumb amazement. 
 Before the quartette had finished their coffee, a tramp- 
 ling of feet and shuffling announced the departure 
 of the doomed captives. 
 
 " There they go!" said Mejia carelessly. ''And a bad 
 lot they are!" He spoke simply, and with no passion. 
 With punctilious ceremony, he escorted his guests to the 
 door, for the three friends were bent on sleeping on the 
 floor beside good old Ford. " I have to be up at day- 
 break. You will pardon me." Mejia smiled and waved 
 his papelito in adieu. 
 
 Jack Manson rubbed his eyes as the singing bugles of 
 the Lancers woke the morning echoes. Was it a dream ? 
 A vision born of a disordered mind? No! The life- 
 blood bounding to his heart told him that the fair girl 
 he worshipped was now circled with a band of invincible 
 defenders. He moved his stiffened limbs. His eyes 
 rested on Tom Bayard who had been watching his 
 slumbers. Buller and Ford were gone! 
 
 " The old man is an early riser. Let us go down." 
 The friends sought the paseo. In the early gray of dawn, 
 the overjoyed soldiers and Texans were recalling the 
 events of the night. Under a horse-shed, a line of stiffened
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 343 
 
 bodies, loosely covered with saddle blankets, was proof 
 of the deadliness of the night attack. The trim Mex- 
 ican adjutant, heavy-eyed, was inspecting and gathering 
 the details for a conscientious official report. 
 
 "It's all up! Mejia will see you well fixed. I 
 leave as soon as my men take breakfast," said Buller as 
 he grasped their hands. " Ford has got your men all 
 in comfortable ease. Mejia gives me an escort of his 
 men! Now join me at coffee, and then good-bye till we 
 meet at Ringgold Barracks. I will get right over the 
 river. After that, I do not care what happens! My 
 shoulder-straps are safe. I do not want to lose my cap- 
 taincy in the Fourth Cavalry. I think that I'll have 
 two bars on each shoulder at the double wedding." 
 
 " You will have to have devilish qtiick promotion ! " 
 said Tom Bayard, with a meaning smile, as he glanced 
 at Jack Manson, who seemed to find no words. They 
 strolled over to the dining-hall where a green-jacketed 
 sentinel stood guard. a The mocking birds were singing 
 from the dense groves whose friendly shade covered 
 the abysmal canon where the dead robbers lay. Seated 
 at the table, Colonel Mejia pleasantly beamed as he 
 motioned to his visitors. 
 
 "Join me, my friends. Senor Padre Antonio, you 
 know these gentlemen already ! " 
 
 Buller grasped the hands of the grave intendant, who 
 was seated in confidential intercourse with the thin- 
 faced Draco of the night. 
 
 " I knew that you were a good doctor, but, a priest, 
 you astonish me !" said Colonel Bayard in the fluent 
 Spanish which, as well as English, is the duplex dialect 
 of the Rio Grande. 
 
 " Gentlemen, Padre Antonio has made some disclos- 
 ures which are of vital benefit to my government so 
 important that I will not trust them even to dispatches.
 
 344 POR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 A special messenger, my adjutant, will leave at once for 
 the headquarters of General Trevino, and proceed to 
 the City of Mexico to see President Lerdo. In the 
 mean time Padre Antonio, as Senor Antonio, will 
 remain in charge here. I shall leave a captain and a 
 company here. I will be responsible for the safety and 
 transport of Se or Leavenworth. I know his father 
 well. A great, a wonderful man! " 
 
 "I wouldn't care to be Mejia's adjutant," briskly 
 interjected Buller, sotto-voce, as he applied himself to 
 the breakfast. He signed to his friends to follow his 
 example. 
 
 " It is a strange story. This old bishop's palace," 
 Mejia continued. " I should properly tell you, as you 
 leave your friend's life in his hands, that Padre Antonio 
 has voluntarily assumed the civilian status to hold a 
 legal occupancy of the old domain. He is an honorably 
 ordained priest. Now, gentlemen, the rest of the story 
 is the property of my Government alone!" 
 
 "And the beautiful lady, Panchita?" said Colonel 
 Ford, as he seated himself at table, for Mejia and 
 the Texan Nestor were " compadres," to use the friendly 
 social term. 
 
 " Ah! mi amigo! Exactly! That is also a part of my 
 adjutant's mission. He leaves at once. This scoundrel 
 Maxan ' el Jaguar' has been carrying on many schemes 
 from here. Caballo Blanco, who fell under your 
 friend's rifle, lurked safely here at need. Now, to 
 deceive the poor girl upstairs, Maxan pretended to 
 have Antonio marry them I Unknown to him^ it was 
 legal, for, though the church property is secularized 
 and sequestered, Padre Antonio has his certificate from 
 the Bishop of Monterey. It rests with the President 
 to determine her rights. If she is a Texan, it may be 
 for Senor Romero and your minister to adjust. If she
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 345 
 
 is a Mexican borri, the President will decide. She will 
 be rich, for she is Maxau's lawful wife!" 
 
 Mejia rose, for the bugles were sounding. 
 
 " I must see Nordenskiold about this," mused old 
 Colonel Ford, with memories of a sweet-faced woman 
 once at Laredo. Panchita's mother's sad story returned 
 to his mind. The old ranger walked slowly away. 
 
 " I'll try and make that sleeping beauty upstairs a 
 lawful widow" thought gallant Buller, as he lit a 
 cigar. " She is handsome enough for that interesting 
 station, and I don't care to have her practice long as a 
 Florence Nightingale over my young friend Jim! A 
 man would have to be pretty dead to stand those eyes!" 
 
 " A nice place for a young soldier to acquire the 
 habit of military coolness and gain experience. Mejia's 
 adjutant, a midnight hangman!" mused Jack. "A 
 morning ride to the City of Mexico a hundred leagues! 
 It beats the Sioux warpath. I am afraid I would not 
 like Mejia's way ! "
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 THE LAST THROW OF THE DICE LOVE WINS! 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 KATIE'S STORY MAXAN'S REVENGE BOB KENYON 
 
 SEES THE LIGHT AT LAST AN UPHEAVAL THE 
 
 COMPANY'S DOWNFALL NO. 4 DRAWS OUT THE 
 
 RAILROAD BUILDERS BLACK CLOUDS OF TROUBLE 
 
 THE JAGUAR IN HIDING. 
 
 " GENTLEMEN, one word," said Buller,as his orderly 
 reported the command ready. Manson and Bayard 
 walked aside with the hardy lieutenant. Colonel Mejia 
 was curiously watching Buller's men, already filing 
 down the road. 
 
 " I have helped you in your quest for Life and Love! 
 Now, I shall not say good-bye to that simply stunning 
 widow l in posse] and I dare not rouse Leavenworth ! 
 I will leave it to you^ Manson, to make my adieu to 
 Miss Katie. I shall recross the river and meet Mejia 
 officially as soon as I can get my fellows in Uncle Sam's 
 dingy blue once more. So, farewell! Good luck, and 
 don't forget the Fourth Cavalry if a hungry trooper 
 ever passes your home!" 
 
 " By God ! I'll give the whole regiment the freedom 
 of my ranch," began the ex-rebel, but laughing Buller 
 waved his hand as his nervous roan dashed through the 
 portal. 
 
 " These fellows look like your regular soldiers," 
 s.iid Colonel Mejia, approaching.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 347 
 
 " They are a lot of ex-army men picked up by us 
 all," said Bayard. His white lie was pardonable. 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," said the Commandante, with 
 a queer smile. " I should not otherwise have been able 
 to report officially that you came and asked my aid as 
 citizens merely. The lieutenant tells me that he left 
 his command at Las Cuevas." 
 
 " So he did, Colonel," said Manson, with alow bow. 
 " Their clothes, I mean" he mentally added. 
 
 The official fiction was understood tacitly by the 
 three. 
 
 "I would suggest an immediate move nowtoRinggold 
 Barracks," cautiously said Mejia. " Miss Leavenworth 
 would only excite her brother. I wish her out of the 
 reach of this mad outlaw. I will send a troop down 
 with you at noon. Colonel Ford will draw off all your 
 men. As for the lady, my adjutant has arranged the 
 team and a good ambulance here. I will have Senora 
 Panchita send a couple of the least idiotic of these 
 women along. They will fall into a new existence at 
 some of our river camps. In other words, gentlemen, 
 if I must say it politely, I do not 'wish to see yozi here 
 after noon^ for my official report will be dated then. 
 I will take leave of the lady. In fact, ride a mile with 
 you. Ah! Excuse me, my adjutant is ready to 
 depart! I shall have to name a new orderly officer." 
 
 The little Aztec spit-fire vanished. 
 
 "Jack," said Bayard, "you are not a military man! 
 You may be! Let me give you a piece of advice. 
 That poor devil of an adjutant has had no sleep, but has 
 been playing wheelwright and wagonmaster, and now 
 starts off for the City of Mexico! I'll bet that he has 
 had no breakfast. Never be an adjutant!" 
 
 "Certainly not Commandante Mejia's!" laughed 
 Manson. "I think that poor chap lives on gold lace 
 and cigarettes, and sleeps in the saddle."
 
 34^ OR Ht'E. AXD LOVE. 
 
 "Let's go up and prepare Miss Katie for departure," 
 said Bayard. "I know these sly Mexican devils! Mejia 
 has unearthed something! He wants us all away. I 
 will wager he and Padre Antonio will dig up a cord of 
 the Bishop's Mexican dollars and divide it 'on the quiet!' 
 Antonio may know where Maxan has buried his loot!" 
 
 Preceded by Ford, whose role of Brevet Father 
 well became his silvering crown and venerable appear- 
 ance, the two young men exchanged a few words with 
 the Beauty of San Miguel. Fair Katie had evidently 
 already had a favorable report from the volunteer sur- 
 geon, for her eyes sparkled as her pretty head peeped 
 out from the leather curtains, with just a glimpse of a 
 silver shoulder. 
 
 " I will be ready. God bhses you all for your 
 bravery!" 
 
 " We will all meet to say ' good-morning ' to our 
 wounded captain, then off for home! The doctor will 
 notify you when he wakes." 
 
 Three hours later Colonel Mejia stood by Leaven- 
 worth's bed, the centre of an affectionate circle. " I 
 will see your friends through my lines. One troop is 
 already gone to Las Cuevas. Another escorts your 
 sister and her friends. I shall leave one here in garrison 
 with Captain Cristobal in charge, for to-morrow I go 
 to Matamoras with the Fourth. I shall see you 
 to-night. You may listen to your sister ten minutes, 
 speak to her but twenty words, then 'Vamonos!' Home- 
 ward bound!" 
 
 Jimmy smiled faintly. Senora Panchita, a picture of 
 dark loveliness, brought Katie forth, as the cortege 
 waited. The weeping girl pi'essed the Mexican beauty 
 to her heaving bosom and cried, "My home is yours I 
 Remember your promise!" 
 
 Colonel Ford, in stately dignity, occupied the ambu-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 3 JO, 
 
 lance with the rescued Katie, and Bayard, Jack Manson, 
 and the lynx-eyed Mejia were a knightly escort. 
 
 Passing through Zacate, the Texans riding at ease, 
 the fluttering banderas of the Mexican Lancers gave 
 Katie's flitting the air of a mediaeval princess' journey. 
 
 When the last gaping villagers were left behind, 
 Colonel Mejia, with florid courtesy, took leave of the 
 heiress of San Miguel. " Rest at home in peace, 
 Senorita," he said reassuringly. " Our military tele- 
 graph announces Ramon Maxan as a declared felon and 
 outlaw! If your people use ordinary prudence at the 
 ranch, there will be no further danger. This fellow 
 will either clear out to Europe or join the renegades 
 and hostile Indians. I will see that he never sets foot 
 in his old haunt again. I will answer for your brother's 
 return with my life! 
 
 " Gentlemen, you are brave cavaliers. I salute you. 
 You are all my brothers." 
 
 With a flourish of his gold-banded cap, little Mejia 
 was gone. He was followed by a fortunate neophyte, 
 who had drawn the temporary prize of adjutant. As 
 Jack Manson admired the exquisite horsemanship of the 
 wily officer, he turned to Bayard. " Tom, I believe 
 you are right! Mejia and Padre Antonio wish to secure 
 the robber's hoard. This slyboots dashes back to see 
 that Antonio does not secrete it all. I wonder if he has 
 set the handsome Mexicana on to watch in his absence? " 
 
 Jack was partly right and partly wrong. For as 
 Katie Leavenworth, at the halt for luncheon and refresh- 
 ment, told her story under the shade of a great oak, by 
 a bubbling spring, Mejia and Antonio were gloating 
 over the treasure under the tiles; but Panchita, seated 
 by the sleeping Texan's coach, kissed his brow lightly 
 and whispered : " You have broken the chain of my 
 bondage! " For the true character of Maxan's followers
 
 550 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 was now revealed and his bandit schemes exposed " I 
 will go back, back to Laredo, where I heard the Angelus 
 with the pure heart of a girl, and where my mother lies 
 within the old convent garden!" 
 
 The wayside luncheon was a joyous one. But Katie 
 Leavenworth's eyes were wistful. In the presence of 
 Colonel Ford and her sister's lover, the sorrow-shaded 
 girl avoided Jack Hanson's eager eyes. 
 
 Frank and open among her bowers at home, fearless 
 and trusting on the ocean wave, Katie felt now, in the 
 ardent gaze of her adoring lover, a sense of asserted 
 proprietorship^. As her sapphire eyes dropped before 
 his burning gaze, the blood surged back to her heart! 
 
 "I can not tell him all yet! Not until the friendly 
 roses alone listen." 
 
 The maiden's first heart-confidence was for the 
 mother who bore her, for St. Cecilia, and for the father 
 hastening home in ignorance of Maxan's fell swoop! 
 It was only after this, on Jack Manson's breast alone, 
 she could reveal all the dark menace of her captive 
 hours. 
 
 But it was necessary to recount her movements. Tom 
 Bayard frankly asked her if she could bear the strain of 
 a recital. 
 
 " We may wish to make some dispositions at once for 
 the devil's punishment for your future protection. We 
 will call Colonel Ford and you can then briefly tell us 
 what you can remember now. If we wish details we 
 will question you, for we will act as soon as we reach 
 Ringgold. There we will have our own telegraph, the 
 troops, and news of McNally's Rangers. It is vital to 
 run this beast to bay at once!" 
 
 With great delicacy the old ranger had withdrawn to 
 leave the young people alone 
 
 " I am of another day. The heart will bind them all
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 351 
 
 closely together. My life's battle is nearly over. But 
 the Zona Libre! Shall I ever see it under the Stars and 
 Stripes?" 
 
 The scarred veteran watched the rings of blue smoke 
 rise from his Tepic cigar and vanish in the clearest air 
 on earth. A stone's throw away the streamlet flashed 
 in the rocky canon, the narrow, winding gorge behind 
 them opening fan-like in its descent to the varied, rolling 
 plains below. The hills, rising two thousand feet in air 
 behind, through their open notches showed the dim 
 summits of the blue Monterey peaks. Behind, tinkling 
 herd-bell echoes and the song of birds swept down from 
 the dreaming village of Zacate, where in low, one-story 
 stone huts or thatched jacales, the frightened peons 
 cowered out of sight of " los soldados," as well as the 
 fierce Texans. Their own green-coated "defenders" 
 were ruthless foragers and laid heavy hand on man and 
 maid. 
 
 In delightful varying beauty of woodland, " mesa,'' 
 " alameda," and " potrero "below them, lay the rich fields 
 of Nueva Leon, stretching far to the dark-green wind- 
 ing line, marking the Rio Grande. Beyond it the shim- 
 mering mirage rose from the sweltering, dry sands of 
 that arid zone, really the border. 
 
 " Great Scott! " said Ford, " our people should have 
 left that strip from Ei Paso to Point Isabel for a coyote 
 pasture to amuse these ' greasers,' or else, grabbed Coa- 
 hiula, Nueva Leon, and Tamaulipas. We will have it 
 yet, but I will be in my silent grave before the Stars and 
 Stripes wave here." His aged eye noted the beautiful 
 hacienda enclosures below, the fertile fields, the delight- 
 ful forests, and scattered villages. It was a tranquil 
 landscape of exquisite beauty. Turning his eye to 
 the distant mountains, their silver caverns buttressing 
 the fabulously rich " Bolson de Mapimi," Colonel Ford
 
 352 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 rejoined his friends. " It's a clear shame," he said, as he 
 answered Tom Bayard's hail, " old General Taylor only 
 did half his work. He should have fortified a line and 
 kept the border as far as Buena Vista. I remember that 
 day well." The old veteran's wounds of the glorious- 
 victory twitched, as he recalled the lance-thrusts received 
 on his first great battle-field. 
 
 " Tell us exactly what happened, Katie," said Bayard, 
 with a brother-in-law-like fondness. " Not your feel- 
 ings, but we want Ford to judge of the scheme. There 
 may be traitors still at the ranch." 
 
 With a glance at Manson, Katie began: " It is really 
 very simple. I never was timid in walking or riding 
 around the ranch, though mother always begged me to 
 tal^e escort. I wanted to be alone" (here a little peep 
 at Jack). " I walked out of our garden, by a break in 
 the hedge, toward the point where Jimmy waited for 
 you, you know," she said, flashing a glance at Jack. 
 It was the parting spot where the lovers had sealed 
 their tryst for life and love! "I was absent-minded 
 father's voyage, your journey, Alice's preparations for 
 her leaving" (here Tom Bayard blushed as all eyes 
 were turned on him), "and, as mother and Alice were 
 busied conferring about some matters, I wandered along 
 alone. It was about ten in the morning. I forgot that I 
 was mounted when I went out to say good-bye to you 
 and Jimmy " (here Jack Manson's cheeks flamed 
 guiltily), " and I was really tired before I was half-way 
 to the point of timber. 
 
 " I sat down on a log to rest for a few moments, 
 thinking and wondering where you were on your 
 way ! Suddenly a Navajo blanket was thrown over my 
 head. My wrists were seized. I was borne bodily by 
 four men to a little opening in rear of the edge of the 
 trees. I could not scream. I was almost stifled, and
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 3^3 
 
 when I struggled to my feet two stout Mexican women 
 pushed me into an ambulance. The men aided in no 
 easy way. Four wild horses were in the team, and the 
 driver started away at a mad run! The curtains of can- 
 vas were dropped, and while the rough women tied 
 my hands and arms with their head handkerchiefs, they 
 simply laughed at my stupid screaming. It was all we 
 could do to keep from being thrown out of the team. 
 We were flying over hillocks and the rough holes they 
 call * hog wallows' down here. I could only get a 
 glimpse of a half-dozen fearful-looking armed Mexi- 
 cans on horseback. Worn out with exhaustion and 
 struggling, for they had to bind my knees and ankles 
 with a horse-hair lariat, I fainted away!" 
 
 Jack Manson ground his teeth at this recital and 
 his hand clasped his revolver. The Recording Angel 
 made a quick entry in his book ! 
 
 " The cool of evening was around when I recovered 
 my senses. I was drenched with water over my 
 shoulders, and I was half-choked with fiery brandy 
 which filled my mouth. I opened my eyes and Ramon 
 Maxan stood before me. I was still on the Texan 
 side of the Rio Grande. There were Louses." 
 
 "Describe them," said Colonel Ford, his eyes glisten- 
 ing with rage. The girl began her pictured recital. 
 
 "That's enough! Las Cuevas! \vejixed that ranch 
 forever. Go on!" he said kindly, as the girl gave a 
 few further sketches of the place ! 
 
 "' I will now take you over where you will be more 
 comfortable,' Maxan said," continued Katie, her eyes 
 flashing. " Spite of my protest and appeals, he forced 
 me in a boat. The ambulance was crossed over in a flat; 
 about thirty to fifty men helped." 
 
 "They are nearly all now in their graves, or lying 
 dead in the canon!" cried Bayard sternly.
 
 354 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Katie shuddered and continued: " In the dark, I was 
 ariven along by fresh horses. Maxan and the t\vo 
 women were in the wagon. When we arrived where 
 you found me, I was speechless with fatigue and railing 
 at that devil, who simply leered and grinned at my 
 appeals and threats. I was carried up into the room, 
 and the two stout mestizo women laid me on a couch 
 and offered refreshments as I lay helpless, but unbound. 
 I simply motioned in disgust. The hags sat down, 
 cross-legged, on the floor at my side. They paid no 
 attention to my raving when I could talk. I knew that 
 present escape was out of the question. I looked for 
 something to kill myself with! The cowardly kid- 
 napper did not come near me. I heard loud voices in 
 quarrel in the next room a man's oaths. 'Twas Maxan ! 
 A woman's sobs and pleadings, I know not whose ! I 
 knew I was in some robber -den, where I knew not^ 
 for I was rapidly driven in the dark, and counted not 
 the hours. But alone in Mexico, in the power of that 
 snake, I thought of my home, of my absent father, of 
 mother and Alice, of Jimmy's heart-sorrow, and and, 
 I broke down." 
 
 Jack Manson's steadfast eyes read a tender, unspoken 
 message from the rescued girl. 
 
 " I finally sobbed myself to sleep. I was awakened by 
 a hand clutching my throat. I could not speak. But my 
 eyes fell on the handsomest woman I have ever seen 
 Panchita ! A dim lamp burned on a distant table. In 
 her long white robe, she looked ghostly. Her left 
 hand grasped my throat, her right held a fearful knife! 
 'You shall not live!' she hissed. 'I "will have no 
 Gringo mistress here!' The maddened woman pressed 
 the blade of the knife against my bosom. I screamed 
 then in affright, and I saw, as I lost consciousness, only 
 the two drowsy women grappling the midnight visitor,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE- 
 
 355 
 
 and Maxan, followed by Antonio, rush into the room, 
 then all was dark ! " 
 
 The three listeners held their breath in excitement. 
 
 " When I awoke the next day, I was so weak I could 
 not move. I opened my eyes as a pair of soft, white 
 arms caressed me. It was the wild woman of the night 
 before. She was weeping and her fond kisses warmed 
 my hands. Of course you all know I can even think 
 in Spanish. When I had taken some of the varied 
 nourishments forced on me by the passionate would-be 
 assassin of night, now the very gentlest nurse, I learned 
 that Maxan was busied with his followers. Grown 
 doubtful of the 'whole world, I listened to the strange 
 woman's story. For while I lay in unconsciousness, 
 Ramon Maxan, to still Panchita's rage, had been mar- 
 ried to this woman by the old man, who seems to be a 
 priest in hiding from the popular Mexican clamor 
 against the clericals." 
 
 " What is the cause of this rage against the church? " 
 said Jack Manson, as Katie paused. Her memories 
 were exciting and exhausting! 
 
 " The Catholic padres aided Maximilian, as a rule," 
 said Ford. 
 
 " Now you know nearly all, gentlemen," said Katie, 
 with a faint blush. " I learned much of the Mexican 
 girl's history, and I can only tell it to my mother; but 
 I will tell you that she had been two years at the 
 hacienda. Maxan has explained all peculiar occur- 
 rences on the ground of revolution and troublous 
 times. Her frantic jealousy was awakened by my 
 arrival. In his need of freedom to fortify his place, 
 watch the river, and organize his men, he had no time to 
 approach me. He hit on the temporary expedient of 
 this marriage to reassure her, and to blind her, he told 
 her I was carried off for a ransom by his friend,
 
 35 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Caballo Blanco, and that he wished to guard me secretly, 
 and, dividing the ransom with pretended robbers, make 
 friends with my father by pretending to return me. I 
 kept my own counsel, for I dared not trust her varying 
 moods. She never left me until three days later your 
 attack ended all. I think his design was simply venge- 
 ance and his mad passion! 
 
 "His arrangements made, I think he intended to carry 
 me away into the interior. Perhaps to get rid of that 
 poor woman by secret murder. The great ranch is his 
 own, she tells me, and I think it is too near Matamoras 
 for him to play the open bandit. That is all I can say 
 now. If you wish to ask me I will try and tell," she said. 
 " It is a horrid dream ! All that fighting, the noise, 
 the blood!" 
 
 The frightened girl covered her eyes with her hand, 
 the tears streamed through her nerveless fingers. 
 
 " Lady Bird," said Colonel Ford, " don't worry all 
 our hearts! Be as cool as you have been brave! " 
 
 The team was waiting, and at a nod from 
 Bayard, the tired heiress re-entered her carriage. With 
 pillows and cushions piled around her, she rested in 
 uneasy slumber, the roses faded from her pale cheeks. 
 
 Jack Manson gazed like a wolf-hound on the chase, 
 at the distant Rio Grande banks, as the train pushed 
 smartly on. He swore a silent oath which convulsed 
 his very being. Falling back a few moments with 
 Bayard, he listened to Ford's cautious comments. 
 
 " There would have been fearful work if we had not 
 reached the place before he was fortified and had 
 thrown out pickets all round his place. That devil 
 would have killed both these women to cover his tracks, 
 cut old Antonio's throat, and, burying his heaviest 
 treasure, or starting it on in teams, would have got away 
 to Tampico and Cuba! We never would have solved the
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 357 
 
 mystery. But, who aided him at San Miguel? The neat- 
 est jobs of this kind are the simplest. I have always 
 noted the common-sense plainness of the most success- 
 ful Indian strategy! Educated whites put too much 
 machinery in their plans of crime. They always try to 
 stop off a thousand possible clues. But in this plot, there 
 was information conveyed. Ximenes, of course, made 
 Maxan acquainted with the whole surroundings of the 
 place; but the time, the knowledge of her father's ab- 
 sence, the dogging her steps! Who are the traitors 
 at the ranch? " Ford mused. 
 
 " Whenever you have a Mexican or a half-breed 
 around, you are in constant danger," finally remarked 
 Bayard. " I don't care where the men came from around 
 my ranch, or what drove them to Texas, as long as 
 they are 'white men. No fancy dark strains for me!" 
 
 "Why, look here, gentlemen!" said Jack Manson. 
 "Katie told me that wounded boy had cleared out when 
 we did." 
 
 "Ah! There was the weak spot! News was sent 
 to this devil that we were all away. So he sneaked 
 over on general principles," cried Ford, " and took a 
 quick advantage of the peculiar situation. We two at 
 Brownsville, you up the river, Silas at New Orleans, 
 and the ranch people following their daily work, it was 
 the devil looking out for his chicken! That's all. This 
 fellow had both education and social experience enough 
 to know that the employes would be unusually delicate 
 in intruding on the family while the men were away. 
 All these unexplained happenings, when responsible 
 people are away, come from a quick advantage taken of 
 happy or unhappy chances. I would not care to be 
 around Si Leavenworth when he gives the ranch super- 
 intendent his opinion of him. By heavens! he is capable 
 of flaying a man alive. Well, thank God, he knows,
 
 358 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 they all know, she is safe now! If the wires are not 
 down, the courier Mejia sent last night had the dispatch 
 at Corpus before four this morning. An express rider 
 could do the trip to the ranch in three hours. But we 
 must sweep every one off the border now. Clean it up 
 for once and all!" 
 
 Ford was wolfish. 
 
 "I never was particular about 'drawing' on a doubtful 
 Mexican, but I will lose what scruples I ever had," 
 dryly remarked Bayard " that is if Si Leavenworth's 
 hangings leave anybody to practice shooting on! He 
 will be like a madman in his suspense. Why, he rounded 
 up seventeen men skinning his cattle two years ago! 
 The Grand Jury found that the ' Regulators ' hung 
 them, but I happen to know the ' riatas ' used were San 
 Miguel raw-hide lasso ropes. Ah, yes, he is a terrible 
 man! " Tom Bayard sighed. 
 
 " Do you not think, Colonel, it would help to pacify 
 this region, if Silas were to turn over the ranch now to 
 his son's handling ? " queried Manson, as they rode down 
 on the level plain. Ford was at the head of the 
 column, soldier-like in caution. 
 
 "Jack, we will take these sweet girls away from him," 
 Said the ex-rebel confidentially. " When our marriages 
 give us a right to talk, I shall ask you "to help me show 
 to old Silas that his chance of dying in his bed 
 depends on abdication ! He does not care for money ; it 
 is only the pride and habit of control. It is the very wine 
 of life to him. But that darling girl in the ambulance 
 can talk him into tenderness. Jimmy will be all right 
 in a month, and I shall force my wedding day on rapidly ! 
 I leave you to direct your own action ! I will tell you that 
 you had better break the news of your demand for Katie, 
 while he feels he owes her life to you! We waive our 
 glory in your favor. Let's push on. D n the Rio
 
 FOR LIFE AND I.OVE. 359 
 
 Grande! I wish I could cut it' out of the map and 
 dry up the valley. A river-line is a fatal boundary. 
 Here, take a drop of Maxan's best to an early double 
 wedding!" 
 
 Jack, even preoccupied as he was, laughed heartily as 
 he grasped Bayard's old war flask. 
 
 " We can keep each other's secrets. Colonel, here's 
 to the new home on the Nueces!" 
 
 Where can that renegade be ? " thought Tom Bay- 
 ard. " There will be a sharp hunt for his life. Well, 
 thank God, we will be at Ringgold Barracks in two 
 hours. The ' regulars ' are not the greatest warriors in 
 the world, but people do not steal ladies from then- 
 parade ground. It is a keen cut to the pride of the 
 wariest old ranchero in Texas to lose his pet lamb out 
 of the fold in open day!" 
 
 Bayard urged the column on, while Katie, in the 
 delicious self-surrender of security, slept till the ambu- 
 lance halted at the muddy international ditch, across 
 which the pleasant mansion - quarters of Ringgold 
 clustered around a tall mast, bearing the colors of sturdy 
 old Uncle Sam. The reclaimed Confederate hailed the 
 once unwelcome sight with tears of joy! What thrills 
 an American like the flag of his country floating in 
 God's free air! 
 
 Colonel Mejia, as night fell, furthering his secret ends 
 in comfort, free from prying stranger eyes, pondered at 
 Hacienda Maxan over the whereabouts of the vanished 
 "Jaguar," now veritably a hunted beast. From his 
 previous knowledge of the quasi - criminal, Mejia 
 thought the upper Rio Grande around the Great Bend 
 would be his lurking-place. From there Maxan 
 could reach No Man's Land on the Texan border, 
 Sonora, and the Pacific Coast, or, disguising himself, get 
 down to Tampico or Vera Cruz and reach any one of
 
 360 FOR LIFE AND LOVE* 
 
 a hundred islands of the Cariboean, or make his way 
 to the Mecca of cosmopolitan rascals, Central America. 
 
 The doughty little Aztec would have bounded in 
 rage had he known that his energetic adjutant, the 
 bearer of every sudden extra military burden, had ridden 
 in ignorance, past the very camp where Ramon Maxan 
 lay, perdu, nursing now a demoniac thirst for vengeance! 
 
 It was true. Sixty miles from where Ramon Max- 
 an's captured stronghold lay, a straggling camp of Con- 
 federate self -exiles were vainly trying to, at once, raise 
 coffee and solve the hopeless problem of Communism ! 
 Broken and embittered soldiers, haughty planters ruined 
 by the war, ex-officials of the civil service, and a few 
 Quixotic adherents of the " last ditch " frenzy, were aim- 
 lessly talking, planning, and toiling in a foreign land 
 to gain a living free from the overshadowing of their 
 native country's victorious banner. A few clear-headed 
 men among them already began to see that self-expa- 
 triation is not profitable, " per se ; " that the former 
 planters, unused to personal exertion, were powerless 
 without the unpaid labor of their docile negro slaves, 
 now freed by a sweep of dead Abraham Lincoln's 
 pen! Tender women, high-souled, but saddened, men 
 of good character, and sullen wearied youths grow- 
 ing up without education, were " hostages of fortune " 
 in this disastrous enterprise. Sadly as the Brazilian 
 confederate emigration plans failed, this fruitless 
 scheme, almost in sight of home, was heart-sickening. 
 Each day was a round of vain regrets, of wasted hours. 
 Dividing into little knots, they clung but feebly to each 
 other. In the remote cabins of their straggling settle- 
 ment were darkened lives men given over to sodden 
 dissipation, or those fearing punishment for military 
 misdeeds or yet unforgotten crimes of violence. Each 
 man, was a laiv to himself, and while tacitly avoiding
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 361 
 
 the bad element, the better Southern colonists suffered 
 their presence, for the dull-eyed, zealous, suspicious 
 Mexican natives cordially hated the whole colony! 
 
 In any attack, even these black sheep might fight 
 vigorously. Ramon "el Jaguar" had always kept up a 
 possible line of retreat in coming trouble. Several shady 
 characters in the camp had been known to him in his 
 youthful exploits in the bayous of Louisiana during the 
 war. Smugglers, spies, cotton agents, go-betweens, and 
 criminals, cast out by both armies, these fellows lived in 
 a remote corner of the Confederate village spoken of, 
 under the breath, as Murderer's Row. 
 
 When Maxan, in his escape, crawled in the darkness 
 from the low roof he sprang on, dropping on all-fours 
 into his garden, he slipped along to a little paddock, 
 where three or four blood-horses were separated from 
 the vulgar herd on the potrero. A mozo, always sleep- 
 ing in a hut near, was cowering in fear in his thatched 
 shelter. Indicating a huge tree in the near forest, 
 Maxan bade the man throw a saddle on the nearest horse 
 and bring him there. Grasping the man's machete and 
 serape, he picked up the peon's sombrero and darted 
 into the forest shade. His pistol and cartridge-belt 
 were with him, and he wore a money-belt beneath his 
 jacket. Bidding the^ frightened servant steal back, and, 
 with a halter, follow him bare-back on another horse, 
 the fearless horseman raced along in the shadow of 
 the great mountain-trees, till out of range, he waited 
 his man. 
 
 "It's a good' idea to take him. He can not betray 
 me. I leave no trail, and if he demurs, I'll put a pistol- 
 ball into him and leave him to the coyotes. Now for 
 Santander! I can hide there a week." 
 
 There were no questions asked him next morning as 
 Maxan rode tip to the door where "Alligator Charley,"
 
 362 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 an old companion, lay in a hammock, under the shade, 
 in the Southern camp, a mescal bottle near, and a low- 
 browed mestizo woman ready always to hand him a 
 coal for his cigar. 
 
 "Hello, Ramon! You here! What's up? Trouble?" 
 cried Charley, with lazy interest. "Light down! Is 
 your man to be trusted ? " 
 
 " Yes," said Ramon, as he sprang off and grasped 
 Charley's hand. " I've had a devil of a race." 
 
 "Ah, I see! Had to get out quick! "said Charley. 
 "Are you bringing any one down on the camp? " 
 
 "Oh, no! "said Maxan, accepting a cup of mescal. 
 "No one knows the road I travelled." He lay down in 
 the hammock. 
 
 " That's right," said Charley, as he slouched over and 
 directed the woman to get some meat and coffee for the 
 visitor. Maxan signed to his man to take care of the 
 horses. 
 
 " I am not in favor, Ramon, with the judges and col- 
 onels in * Quality Row,'" sneered Charley, as Maxan 
 told him he had been driven away temporarily, from 
 his stronghold, but prudently omitting mention of Katie 
 Leavenworth. 
 
 "Well! I have a good place to hide you here, and 
 I know you always have money and a nest-egg some- 
 where. You are a devilish sly dog, old boy! Now, 
 you want to get square with the whole world, you say. 
 I will show you a cabin here where I laid out a little 
 den for myself. You can be made comfortable there. 
 Your man can get one of these Indian women to cook 
 for you. There's a sort of a harmless chap, an old 
 friend of mine, there. He's a little peculiar, is Bob 
 Kenyon. He got a clip on the head from a shell in the 
 war, but he's good company when his spell isn't on 
 him. I'll attend to all your confidential things. I've
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 363 
 
 got the time. I could go to Tampico or Mexico for 
 you, back to the Rio Grande, or even to New Orleans. 
 I'll stick to you." 
 
 "You're the very man, Charley; I want to deal a 
 bloiu to some dirty sneaks up North, and I'll tell you 
 later where I have a few Bank of England notes stored 
 away." 
 
 " That's the talk," heartily answered the disreputable 
 Figaro. " I fancy you don't wish these grandees of 
 the ' Lost Cause' here to know much about you. Will 
 you ride over to the cabin with me? ' 
 
 "I had better not be seen around here generally," said 
 Maxan, with some caution. " I have had a bit of 
 trouble with the Mexican authorities over some smug- 
 gling and cattle-raiding of friends whom I've given shel- 
 ter to! But I must lay quiet for a few weeks. Don't 
 mention me at all, Charley." 
 
 Oh, if it's a little bit of the ' contrabandista,' that 
 can be easily squared," laughed Charley. " You can 
 buy the whole gang of Mexican customs officials for 
 five hundred cart-wheel dollars." 
 
 " It's that and more, Charley ! I must get even with 
 a few dirty villains North and South who have tried to 
 throw me overboard in money matters." 
 
 " I will bet you will square the account," lazily 
 grinned Charley, who had ordered up the horses, swal- 
 lowed a can of coffee, refilled his flask, and, buckling 
 on a loaded army revolver, grasped a handful of planta- 
 tion cigars, which his poor Mexican drudge was twist- 
 ing up deftly. 
 
 " You used to be a dandy ! I am afraid you left 
 home rather suddenly," leered Charley, as he gazed at 
 Maxan's uncouth garb! 
 
 The Creole's face flushed! The vulgar familiarity 
 galled him. " I did I I went out through a window
 
 364 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 with a half-dozen six-shooters cracking away at me!" 
 His face blackened. " But, by God, I'll have the 
 hearfs blood of the two curs who hounded me!" He 
 checked himself, as Charley, who scented the loose 
 change of the Bank of England notes, drifting his 
 way, said good-humoredly : 
 
 " Well, you can act from here and think things all 
 oyer! I can get you any rig you want from a 
 Comanche Indian's to the uniform of a Major-General 
 in the Confederate States Army. 
 
 " D n the Confederate States and their army!" said 
 Maxan decisively, as he sprang on his horse. 
 
 " Easy," said Alligator Charley, "you must curb that 
 temper of yours a little down here. These chaps are as 
 proud as they are poor. Bob Kenyon, who will be your 
 messmate, is a crank on that subject and about his beauti- 
 ful wife who vanished or was swept away in the war. 
 It's the only thing he raves about! He's a thorough 
 gentleman outside of that. Now, keep cool. Study his 
 little peculiarities. He's as brave as a lion, watchful 
 and true, and will be a guard for you, as he sleeps little. 
 No one approaches him for he often gets excited about 
 the missing beauty he lost. So it's a godsend to a retired 
 gentleman like you. You can tell me what you want. 
 I'll get it. I have arms enough for a dozen. I am only 
 short of ready money." 
 
 They rode in silence along the shores of a lagoon to 
 a cabin, sheltered by three great mahogany trees. A 
 lazy Mexican boy was fishing from a log, and a few 
 ponies grazed around. Whooping loudly, Charley dis- 
 mounted, as a finely-built man of thirty-five appeared in 
 the door. His clean-cut face showed thought and 
 refinement, though a furtive wandering of his gray eye 
 indicated mental suffering. His semi-military garb 
 conformed to the mixture of Confederate and Mexican 
 riding-attire, generally worn by the political emigrants.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 365 
 
 "Major, I've brought you here my friend Mr. Preston, 
 who is looking around for a coffee and sugar plantation 
 place." Maxan greeted the lonely man who was courtesy 
 itself in his welcome. 
 
 " It's a poor place, sir, but I'm glad to see you," said 
 Kenyon in a gentle, abstracted way. Alligator Charley 
 was anxious to settle Maxan's status. Having rebaptized 
 the Creole, he remarked: " Mr. Preston and I are old 
 Louisiana friends. He does not wish to be talked to 
 death by schemers, and I am going to post him, in the 
 two or three weeks he will be here." 
 
 "I am glad of your company, sir," said Kenyon, 
 with true Southern hospitality, calling the boy. 
 
 In a half-hour, around a table spread with a trop- 
 ical breakfast of fish and fruits, with good coffee, 
 and Charley's flask, the three were soon in thorough 
 accord. 
 
 "I will now leave you, Preston," said Charley, with a 
 wink. "Ill send your things up from Santander, in an 
 ox-cart to-morrow, and let me know what else I can 
 do for you." 
 
 "Thank you!" said the newly-baptized Preston. He 
 admired Charley's ready wit. "I did have a rough ride 
 up from Tampico, and I lost my way once or twice. I 
 should have brought a guide instead of trusting to my 
 own man. He's a fool, but honest!" 
 
 Before a week had elapsed, Maxan, in the silence of 
 his hammock, dreaming and plotting, had evolved 
 the scheme of a comprehensive revenge. His com- 
 panion was exactly suited to his mood. Kenyon was 
 reserved and silent. Riding alone in the forest, read- 
 ing over old letters and papers, smoking and idling in 
 his hammock, he was one of the wrecks of the "Lost 
 Cause!" When the Stars and Bars went down in 
 battle and storm, the chapter of life was closed for
 
 366 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 him. Reticent and watchful, he never alluded to his 
 private sorrows. Maxan and he got on famously, and 
 Alligator Charley had already provided the hiding 
 Jaguar with writing materials, and enlightened him as to 
 the telegraph, mail, and public facilities of Santander. 
 At night, while the fire-flies lit up the Mexican forest, 
 the two lonely men talked idly of old times and scenes. 
 They were contrasts in nature. Maxan's busy mind 
 distilled only the poison of venomous intrigue. Robert 
 Kenyon, bearing a life's disappointment, and nursing his 
 private sorrows, dreamed along" the world forgetting, 
 by the world forgot." 
 
 Subsistence was to be had almost gratis, and Maxan was 
 a generous provider, for of his Bank of England notes, 
 a few crisp examples were sev^ed in his belt one of 
 them marked 100 sufficed to make him a local cap- 
 italist. Magic power of money! Its concrete force 
 opens almost every door in life. 
 
 Ramon " el Jaguar " chuckled ; " Let them now ransack 
 the old Casa Maxan! My deposit at the Bank of Havana 
 and Credit Lyonnais of the last year's dividends on the 
 Rio Grande Company are a start for life! I could 
 even take the chances for a couple of years on the 
 diamonds and notes I have sewed in my waist-band." 
 
 He mused under the great mahogany trees, and 
 resolved on action. " It is folly for me to risk braving 
 these fellows openly on the Rio Grande. I can not hope 
 ever to face Mejia and these border officials. I can 
 blackmail old Steele and Milly out of any money I 
 want later. He is re-elected for six years. President 
 Grant must sustain him as a party leader, and he has lands 
 and a big share of this railroad. Shall I clear out and go 
 to Cuba? I dare not show up again in Texas or on the 
 Rio Grande. I could crush the Leavenworths by inform- 
 ing on them. The Rio Grande Company! Ah! what
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 367 
 
 a blow I could deal. To inform the Secretary of the 
 Treasury of the smuggling, to give away the whole 
 chain of customs officials, to throw a bomb-shell into 
 Chisholm's camp. Yes ! It would be a crushing revenge ! 
 I can not face them. That girl's baby face has spoiled 
 my chances. Should I pull down Steele and Milly with 
 that crowd ? No ! The old fox is too crafty. By Jove ! 
 I will send Jose" over to Matamoras and see if Milly has 
 any heart left. She may have written me, and he can also 
 spy out the situation at the ranch. Alligator Charley 
 can go, too! He is free, and I will play one spy off 
 against the other. It's a good scheme." 
 
 In the cool of the next evening, Charley rode away, 
 followed- by Maxan's men. 
 
 " I will cultivate Kenyon in the week they are gone," 
 mused Maxan. Young, energetic, and with surging 
 passions, he dreamed of a new life in the smaller Latin 
 republics where he would be a man of mark. "I could 
 work the State Department through old Steele; Milly 
 will control him blindly. But to leave that hound 'who 
 struck me, yet alive! To let go the revenge of seeing 
 Katie's only brother fall under my rifle! To know her 
 heart-broken. Panchita, the mad fool, has surely told 
 her all. There I was feeble! I should have killed her 
 before I brought that baby-faced Texan to the haci- 
 enda." The thought of Manson's triumphal return, 
 of the almost inevitable wedding maddened him. He 
 clenched his fists and raved in his wanderings. " I have 
 to fly like a coward and leave these lovers the inherit- 
 ance, the girls, the railroad, and the Rio Grande Com- 
 pany! When Manson is married he will fall into the 
 old man's secrets." 
 
 Ramon Maxan groaned in helplessness. His bitter 
 heart hesitated between revenge and safety. " Did 
 the brother get a mortal wound? " he pondered. " I'll
 
 368 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 know that when they come back." In these vain 
 musings he awaited the return of Charley. The seventh 
 day dragged along to a close. Maxan had exhausted 
 every bit of small talk, and Kenyon, growing daily more 
 moody, relapsed into silence. The 'Jaguar' did not dare 
 to approach the main settlement, and, warned by the 
 boy, always retired to a mahogany-cutter's hut, at the 
 head of the lake, when any stranger approached. 
 
 " I must get out of this death in life. I must decide 
 soon, for Alligator Charley will be here before mid- 
 night. I should go mad here like poor Kenyon." 
 Maxan was seated at a table, his eyes really watching the 
 bends of the road, but trifling with a note-book he 
 always carried in an inner pocket of his vest. Several 
 memoranda and notes, unintelligible to the stranger, 
 spoke to him of the now precious deposits. Manson 
 gazed at Kenyon, lying in his hammock, his eyes fixed 
 on the surface of the lake where the ferocious cayman 
 hid in the reeds and the flamingos waded for the slug- 
 gish fish. All was as dull as the banks of Lethe's 
 stream ! His romantic and artistic nature revolted at the 
 inane silence, the .vulgar surroundings, his mean and 
 supine flight! His active brain ran over the world's 
 map. "A foreign service! Bah! To be the lackey 
 food for powder of a prince! Never! Central America! 
 Death, defeat, assassination follows temporary success! 
 South America! Distant and over-run with advent- 
 urers! The Northern States! To live under Yankee 
 rule. No! And yet, and yet, if Milly had a heart I 
 might rule, I might rise with her help." He opened a 
 flap of his pocket-book. Her picture glowed before his 
 eyes. A gaze of love in the days of his Washington 
 social career. " Wonderful woman! Can she afford to 
 ignore me? Is she, too, a cold egoist?" As he gazed, 
 a clatter of hoofs aroused him. Alligator Charley, his
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 369 
 
 unkempt hair streaming in the wind, drew upon a 
 foaming horse. But he was alone! 
 
 "Quick! Not a minute to lose! Here's my pistol 
 and belt! Gallop to the wood-cutter's hut! Concea! 
 your horse! Soldiers are on your trail! That d d 
 adjutant of Mejia's regiment captured Jose and tort- 
 ured the truth out of him. I gave them a hot race, but 
 they have trailed me. I'll come to you! Lay low! 
 I'll bring all you need! I'll whistle three times the old 
 swamp call. Go!" 
 
 A cloud of dust rose around the bend of the road. 
 Maxan dashed away, pistol in hand. The forest tangles 
 had hardly closed over him before the pursuers 
 appeared. 
 
 "Help me hide these things, quick!" Charley called 
 to Bob Kenyon, who had left his hammock. The 
 recluse swept the articles on the table into his hammock 
 and lay down. Charley dropped lazily on a raw-hide 
 couch. 
 
 " Silence for our lives! You know nothing! " whis- 
 pered Charley, as the eager adjutant dashed up at the 
 head of a dozen wolfish-looking troopers. 
 
 "Where is he? Give him up!" cried that ubiquitous 
 officer, his pistol cocked, his keen eye glittering. 
 
 " What is wanted ? " said Charley, in lazy indifference. 
 
 " Ramon el Jaguar, the outlaw! Five hundred pesos 
 on his head, dead or alive! Search the place !" cried 
 the officer. 
 
 Alligator Charley wondered if Maxan had ridden on 
 the trail. " He's a gone coon if he did. This chap 
 means business! " 
 
 Ah, no! The Creole, with lightning reasoning, had 
 urged the tired steed into the forest, and ridden far 
 out in a circle toward the head of the lake. There 
 were no tell-tale hoof -prints on the trail!
 
 370 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Where is your own horse?" demanded the adjutant. 
 
 "Boy out hunting meat," rejoined Charley stolidly. 
 Every moment was precious. Kenyon gazed blankly 
 at the soldiers. Questioning him was in vain. Charley 
 tapped his own forehead and murmured: "Enfermo! 
 Calentura! " 
 
 The officer recoiled from a possible fever patient. 
 After ten minutes of fruitless search, the angry soldier 
 sternly said: 
 
 "Why did you fly from us?" 
 
 "I took you for 'ladrones,' road thieves, and I rode 
 in here to give the alarm." Charley was a past-master 
 in the art of lying! 
 
 " I will flay you alive if I find you lying," said the 
 officer. 
 
 He could not break Alligator Charley's calm. 
 
 " I shall see the Jefe Politico about this outrage. I am 
 a registered emigrant," the stubborn rebel said stub- 
 bornly. 
 
 "But the man whom you had with you?" the 
 doubtful soldier persisted. 
 
 " I met him on the road from Matamoras. He was 
 afraid we travelled for company. Do / look like a 
 peon ? " 
 
 "I shall summon you before the Governor. You 
 will be shot if you are deceiving me! Give him up! " 
 
 Alligator Charley said calmly : " I know the Gov- 
 ernor, and you will only make a fool of yourself. I 
 never even saw your man. I have not left here for 
 two years, save on this trip to order some goods." 
 
 "I will get back and start out the rural guards," 
 thought the adjutant. "I must go on with my report 
 to Mejia." With curses and bravado the patrol rode 
 away, 
 
 "A close call! "said Charley, as he took a fresher.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 371 
 
 " See here, Major, those devils might come back. If 
 I were away they might drag you off to prison. You 
 had better go up, as soon as it is dark, to the old cabin. 
 Sound the call three times, thus." Kenyon nodded. 
 " I will make a pack for my friend and send the boy up 
 at midnight with his horse and an outfit. He had 
 better strike out for the upper Rio Grande. They will 
 catch him sure if he stays here. I know they will 
 return. I'll write him a scrawl, and there's two letters 
 to give him that I got from the post-office at Mata- 
 moras." 
 
 A groan startled Alligator Charley as Bob Kenyon 
 dashed to the flickering light of the candle, gazing 
 eagerly at an object clutched in his thin fingers. 
 
 What's up? " cried Charley. 
 
 "Nothing!" said Kenyon. "I will go! Let the 
 woman catch my horse." He folded his arms and 
 gazed out silently on the darkened lake. 
 
 " Off his head again ! I can't do better though," mused 
 Charley, as he selected a bundle of articles useful in 
 Maxan's flight. " He must have got deeply into dirty 
 work. Well, he can lay low, escaping over the National 
 Road, and work out by El Paso or Presidio del Norte. 
 Ramon had better strike for Arizona and the Pacific 
 Coast. The jig is up here." 
 
 As Kenyon rode away, Charley noticed that he held 
 a drawn pistol in his hand. "He's a queer fellow; a 
 fearless soldier, and yet timid in the evening shadows. 
 He has one of his turns on! Well, I'll thank God to 
 be rid of Maxan. He's a very lively visitor." 
 
 By the darkened shores of the lake, Kenyon halted 
 his horse at the lonely hut. All was silence. The 
 erratic messenger paused. " Shall I do it when he 
 comes? No," he thought, with cunning. I'll make 
 him talk first, then, I'll kill him. He stole her from
 
 372 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 me! Fate brought him into my power." Sounding 
 the call three times, it was softly answered, and Maxan 
 appeared, pistol in hand. 
 
 "Not now! not now!" muttered Kenyon. He 
 spoke earnestly to the fugitive and gave him the letters. 
 
 Maxan raged like a wild beast at bay, while Kenyon 
 moodily watched him. He seemed to have no words 
 beyond his message. " I must send word back to Char- 
 ley. It may be my last chance to use a trusty friend. 
 I'll have to strike for No Man's Land. There, rifle in 
 hand, and a horse under me, I am any man's equal! 
 There's no cursed law, rank, or character there. 
 Major Kenyon," he said slowly, " I am in trouble. 
 I have but little time. Follow me. I've found a little 
 arroyo here with cover. I can light a fire there, read 
 these letters, and send word back to Charley. You 
 can mark the place to tell the boy where to come. If 
 any one should follow us, you can stay by the fire. I 
 will escape by the arroyo into the forest! " 
 
 Kenyon nodded silently. " I'll kill him and bury 
 him there under the leaves," the distracted man plotted, 
 as he followed. He almost laughed aloud. " And 
 Charley will think the Mexicans slew him if he ever 
 finds him ! " 
 
 Unconscious of his impending doom, Maxan strode a 
 few paces. " I've got my horse hidden up there in the 
 forest!" 
 
 "Good!" said Kenyon, with a cheerful face. 
 
 Maxan busied himself at gathering dry leaves and 
 branches, and soon a fire leaped up with a bright light, 
 illumining the little cut, but not visible in the higher 
 level of the dense forest. 
 
 As soon as it was light enough to read, Maxan tore 
 open his letters. He read, and with a hollow growl of 
 despair threw them down. His head dropped on his
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 373 
 
 breast. I'll follow her, by God, I'll" his hoarse 
 growl of defiance ceased as he realized that Kenyon 
 had thrust a pistol in his face, and, holding out Milly 
 Steele's picture, cried: " Pray, you dog! I'll kill you 
 myself! You stole my ivifef" El Jaguar, cool and 
 fearless, gazed in his half -crazed enemy's eyes! A 
 sudden inspiration seized him! "Shoot, Major! "he 
 cried, "kill an innocent man! That picture! You 
 found it in my pocket-book ? " 
 
 " I did, you villain! " roared Kenyon. " It's my lost 
 wife's. Oh! God! How beautiful!" He threw down 
 the revolver at Maxan's feet and sobbed like a child. 
 
 Ramon was of the electric mind of great command- 
 ers. He eyed the cocked weapon scornfully as it lay at 
 his feet. Handing Kenyon his own, he said : " Kill me 
 now! Take this and then then you would never 
 know the truth." 
 
 Young, fearless, resolute, his handsome face lit up by 
 the flickering fire, Ramon Maxan looked like a daunt- 
 less demi-god. His words brought conviction to Ken- 
 yon. 
 
 " Tell me the story. I must be on my way. And 
 you you! Ah! My head is bad bad! " 
 
 " That woman is now the wife of Senator Steele at 
 Washington, the great carpet-bagger politician. She 
 told me she was a widow. That her name was Smiley. 
 That her husband died abroad. She and her rascal 
 husband decoyed me down here to further their 
 schemes. When I had done all I could, they planned 
 my assassination as I knew of his corrupt frauds on the 
 Government. It is God's truth! I see it all now! " 
 
 In a half-hour the specious tale was done, and Ken- 
 yon rode alone toward Charley's camp. He seemed 
 sobered by the pretended revelation. 
 
 " Leave vengeance to me! I will face them both!
 
 374 p o R LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 Be comforted! I will send Charley himself to you. 
 Take my pistol also! Put your fire out. You might 
 be surprised. You will hear ringing over the South 
 the story of how I will punish them." He galloped 
 away. 
 
 "Am I going mad? " said Maxan while he hid like a 
 bear in his cave, waiting Charley 'scorning. " It seems 
 my head will burst. So this half-crazed fool's wife 
 was Milly Smiley! He may do a part of my work 
 for me. Now, it is only vengeance! I will pull down 
 the temple on the wedding feast. I can strike them all." 
 
 The letter from Milly Steele proved that his lying 
 deceit was discovered. Panchita's story was now 
 known. 
 
 " You never were true to even the passing moment. 
 We are, in life and death, strangers now." The woman 
 wrote, secure in her position: " Try to shake my influ- 
 ence over my husband! Your every interest is ruined. 
 Dare to use this letter, and I'll have you hunted out of 
 Mexico." 
 
 " The sly fiend ! She has used another woman's 
 pen. She would claim I forged this. And Mr. Chis- 
 holm! I am to look out for the trains of smuggled 
 dollars from Saltillo, another great ' run in of smug- 
 gled goods from Havana.' I have it! Let every fiend 
 of hell rejoice! I'll pay them yet in their own coin. 
 Blood for blood ! Lie for lie! Treachery for treach- 
 ery!" He crouched in the dell till Charley dashed up. 
 
 " The coast is now clear. I had the boy and the 
 woman dog the soldiers out of the settlement, and I have 
 a dozen spies ready to bring me word of any descent. 
 The boy will be here in a few minutes with a pack- 
 mule, and I have brought your horse along. He's in 
 splendid trim. Now, what can I do for you? You 
 must leave at once ! "
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 375 
 
 " Charley, do you want some money ? " said El Jaguar 
 temptingly. "How would 200 English Bank of 
 England start you home? " 
 
 The emigrant sprung to his feet. 
 
 " If I had that, I'd drive my horses, packed, to Tam- 
 pico, sell them, jump on the steamer (there's two a 
 week to New Orleans), and when I got a gentleman's 
 outfit and was trimmed up, I'd work the Mississippi 
 River boats and live at home like a gentleman gam- 
 bler /" he prudently concluded silently. 
 
 "Now, listen to me," calmly said Maxan. " I have a 
 powerful friend at Hidalgo, forty miles from here. He 
 has a gang in the Sierras. I'll have them land me at 
 Presidio del Norte. Now, if my horse does not drop 
 dead, I'll ride in by daybreak. Can you take the open 
 road and be, at sundown, at the market plaza of Hidalgo 
 to-morrow night? " 
 
 "Yes; but what for?" Charley queried in mystified 
 astonishment. 
 
 " To get a half-dozen letters which I will prepare 
 and two or three telegrams. Also to get the two hun- 
 dred pounds ! I will give you the cut halves of two 
 hundred more myself, and when you send back the reg- 
 istered receipts for the letters and telegrams, I'll send 
 by the boy a sealed letter with the other half-notes to 
 you. Can I count on it? Will you play fair?" 
 
 "Ramon, I'd sell my soul for half of it! I want to 
 leave this cursed land forever. I have even thought of 
 suicide. Go ahead! I'll meet you! I've brought all 
 you need. Here's brandy and cigars. Stay ! I'll send 
 the boy on with you with my horse, and I'll come over 
 on Kenyon's." 
 
 The servant appeared at the arroyo mouth leading a 
 packed mule, as Charley spoke. " Let the boy wait in 
 the market-place and meet me. You go cross country 
 of course?"
 
 376 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " Certainly," said Maxan, who was now ready for de- 
 parture. "I can count on you? You'll come for the 
 money, anyway," sneered Maxan, as he mounted. 
 
 "Shake hands, Charley, once for luck!" he said 
 kindly, and resolutely plunged into the forest. 
 
 Two days later, Alligator Charley was astounded 
 when he read the addresses of the letters confided to 
 him. "The President of the United States." "The 
 Secretary of the Treasury." " The Secretary of War." 
 " The Attorney-General," and several other dignitaries. 
 The telegrams bore such names as A. R. Chisholm & 
 Co. of New Orleans; Mark Manson, 18 Wall Street, 
 New York City, and others. 
 
 " This is some important business broken up by my 
 trouble at Zacate. I have been in secret relations with 
 the customs and treasury departments," Maxan wearily 
 said. 
 
 "Well! I will attend to all! Now, I'll make the 
 quickest trip ever made to Tampico. I'll wager my 
 life on this ! " Charley was radiant. He had his money 
 a fortune to him. The means of return and a gam- 
 bler's stake outfit. Looking around the obscure hovel 
 in Hidalgo, where Maxan met him, for he would not 
 take Charley to his lair, the messenger said, " And the 
 boy is to come here to meet you?" 
 
 "Yes!" shouted Maxan in impatience. "They will 
 bring him to me!" 
 
 Charley sprang on his horse. "Anything more I 
 can do?" He had a sympathy for the hunted man! 
 There were already official posters on the walls of the 
 alcalde's house, offering a reward for "El Jaguar!" 
 
 "Yes!" said Ramon, struck by a sudden thought. 
 " If you can get Kenyon to go over with you, do so, 
 and turn him loose in New Orleans. He will go crazy 
 here. I'll send a hundred pounds for him."
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 3^7 
 
 I'll do it!" cried Charley as he gathered his horse. 
 "And you, old comrade, where do you go?" 
 
 "I go to the wilderness; to hell, for all I care!" 
 said Ramon, turning on his heel and striding away, 
 undaunted and triumphant. He watched the flying 
 steed bear Charley away. "It's done!" he cried, as he 
 drained his flask. 
 
 "I may win on the double event! Now, for 
 Comanche Land!" 
 
 When the column, escorted by Mejia's troop of 
 Lancers, reached the elm-fringed banks of the Rio 
 Grandest Ringgold Barracks, the two young men had 
 galloped on a mile in advance. As Colonel Ford noted 
 Katie Leavenworth's pretty head thrust out of the 
 ambulance impatiently, he suggested the getting ready 
 of a boat. 
 
 When the wagon drew up at the landing, without a 
 word Katie ran swiftly to the barge. The Mexican 
 Lancers gazed in astonishment. "Go ahead!" cried 
 Ford. " We will come over later." And while the 
 heavy boat swept slowly to the Texan shore, the fair 
 girl leaned her head on Jack Manson's shoulder and 
 burst into tears! 
 
 Colonel Ford was busied with crossing his now tired 
 men, and in saying adieu to the officers of the Mexican 
 escort who had borne themselves like good men and 
 true. 
 
 " Your men shall have a royal reward as well as a 
 father's thanks," said Ford, glad to see his own turbu- 
 lent volunteers safely on their way over the dividing 
 line. As the flat-boats pushed off, crowded with horse- 
 men, the old colonel swung his hat and cried : " Boys, 
 take the town, hang out at the Post traders! Have a 
 night of it! Si Leavenworth will foot the bill in 
 Texan style*** The happy colonel jumped into a skiff
 
 378 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 and made his way to a light river steamer moored on 
 the American bank. 
 
 It was one of the Rio Grande Company's light fleet. 
 When he entered the cabin, Katie Leavenworth was 
 being smothered in the embrace of a bevy of officers' 
 wives about to embark for Brownsville. They had 
 learned every detail of the romantic recapture of the 
 Rose of San Miguel! Lovely Katie was carried away 
 in triumph by the feminine coterie, and Jack Manson 
 was left alone with the silver-haired ranger. Tom 
 Bayard was already at the fort hastening an ambulance 
 and escort. " Lady Bird, we will drive to Smith's 
 Ranch before we sleep; for to-morrow night, please 
 God, you will be in your mother's arms at home!" 
 The grateful girl threw her arms around his neck and 
 kissed him warmly, as he galloped away on a trooper's 
 horse. 
 
 "Listen to this!" cried Manson to Colonel Ford, 
 who was enjoying an immense cocktail brought by 
 the officious head-steward. "It is beyond our hopes! 
 McNally's men caught Ximenes hiding near Los 
 An-geles. They found out the route of the other bandits 
 from him, and, finding maps of San Miguel on his 
 person, then hung him to a tree. Dispatching a courier 
 to Buller at Las Cuevas, they cut off the rest of 
 Maxan's hirelings, and have killed or captured the 
 remainder of Caballo Blanco's band. It's a victory, a 
 punishment, and a warning!" 
 
 " Glory ! " cried Ford, starting to his feet. " Where's 
 Lieutenant Buller?" 
 
 " Marching home here with his prisoners, and 
 General Singleton has sent word he will send him to 
 San Antonio with dispatches and permission to delay a 
 week at San Miguel on his return ! " 
 
 The old ranger's cup of happiness was full. " This
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 379 
 
 clears the border. There's but one thing now I ask for," 
 he &aid joyfully. 
 
 " And that is? " queried Manson. 
 
 " Maxan's death" cried Tom Bayard, who had just 
 sprung on board. 
 
 " Even that will come. It is written in the ' Book of 
 Fate ' ! " said Jack Manson sternly. 
 
 Tom Bayard headed a visiting procession of officers, 
 ladies, and local notables who trooped down to welcome 
 the tender girl reclaimed from the awful perils of the 
 robber stronghold. Despite all the entreaty of General 
 Singleton, in an hour, a fleet four-in-hand team, hastily 
 made up, was bearing the rescued heiress, under the 
 escort of twenty bronzed cavalrymen, to the end of 
 the first stage of her homeward journey. Bonfire and 
 " baile," feasting and jollification made the evening of 
 Katie's return the red-letter day in the history of Ring- 
 gold Barracks! Far in advance, two breathless couriers 
 raced along under the starlight to announce the home- 
 coming of the captured maiden! 
 
 It was a month after the wild shout went up from 
 two hundred throats, as the rescue party drove up to 
 the broad porch of the mansion at San Miguel, when 
 Manson's promised bride awoke in her own lovely 
 home-nest. By her side a mother and sister smiled 
 through their tears! 
 
 " You have been very ill, my darling," cried the pale 
 nurse of love. " Do you know me now, my own little 
 girl?" tenderly said old Silas, clasping in his arms 
 the frail'sufferer. 
 
 For it was a pale, white rose, not daring, laughing 
 Katie, who lay where the breath of the roses was wafted 
 in at the open windows. The fresh crimson came back' 
 to her cheeks when, his face still drawn and ghastly 
 with the ravages of his wound, Jimmy Leavenworth
 
 380 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 stole in, and silently led Jack Manson up to the tender- 
 eyed invalid. In the quiet of the sunny afternoon 
 Brother Jimmy placed his sister's then transparent 
 hand in his comrade's broad palm. 
 
 "For Life and Love!" he whispered, and left them 
 a few blessed moments together. 
 
 Time sped on golden wings, now that some strange 
 spirit of renewed life brought the blue-eyed little 
 frontier princess soon under the graceful shade of her 
 listening friends, the roses of San Miguel. 
 
 It was an exquisite season to the girl this coming 
 back from the wan shade, hovering at the gate of depart- 
 ure, to be once more the spirited little autocrat of the 
 great domain! Gently pacing her familiar walks, lean- 
 ing on the arm of her gallant lover, Katie Leavenworth's 
 eyes in their blue depths showed no shadow of parting 
 any more! 
 
 An unwonted bustle woke the echoes of San Miguel. 
 For in great detachments, like the advanced lines of an 
 army-, hundreds of strong arms were now toiling on 
 the railway, in feverishly pushed construction. 
 
 But shadows, trials! A blackest thunder-cloud rolled 
 suddenly over the enterprise and its backers and pro- 
 moters! A bomb-shell had burst in the camp of the 
 Rio Grande Company hurled by a merciless hand. 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth called Jack Manson aside 
 
 " For God's sake, do not bring matters to a crisis 
 about Katie now. Have you any telegrams? Father 
 is almost beside himself. He just showed me one in 
 cipher from New Orleans." 
 
 Look out for all ! I have to get out to Cuba ! Trouble some- 
 where ! Steele in mortal terror. Discovery of private business. 
 Telegraph " Munoz," Havana. Will write. 
 
 CHISHOLM, 
 And also another.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 381 
 
 What is up ? Everything against us here. Instruct me fully. 
 No. 4. has drav/n out ! Danger ! 
 
 This was signed " Steele." 
 
 " Now ! I do not know all my father's old business, 
 those war intrigues, cotton schemes, but he tells me that 
 his mail contracts are stopped, and he is raging at 
 heart." 
 
 " I am thankful," quietly said Jack Manson. " It is 
 hard to be true to both sides of a question. But look at 
 this, Jimmy. You and I are brothers now ! I am afraid 
 that your father has mixed in some dangerous ventures 
 unknown to you. I will translate this cipher. I have 
 not answered it! It is from my uncle." The lover 
 read slowly: 
 
 Steele in disgrace with the President. Sweeping political 
 changes on Rio Grande. Much excitement. Has affected bonds 
 twenty per cent. Sensational articles in journals about Leaven- 
 worth. The Rio Grande Company attacked. Mrs. Steele coming 
 here to see me privately. Our silent partner has abandoned us. 
 What has happened? Is Silas Leavenworth playing fair? 
 Answer. Strictly private. "Immediate!" 
 
 It was dated at New York and signed Mark Man- 
 son. 
 
 " Now, Jimmy, I have refrained from acting the spy 
 as well as representative agent, for your sake, * for 
 Katie's sake.' I fear there are border mysteries you and 
 I know nothing of. I will do this. I will answer, 
 ' nothing unusual here. All satisfactory here. Silas 
 is square in every way,' and after that Mark can use 
 other special agents. I can't break a man's bread and 
 spy on the host whose roof covers me. Let us swear 
 brotherhood. Tell me all. I will work as if your 
 father were my o-wn ! " 
 
 "You are a true man!" cried Jimmy. "I fear my
 
 382 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 poor old father has something to conceal. Mother and 
 the girls know nothing, but they are alarmed. Mean- 
 while, tell me all you can, in honor." 
 
 The feverish bustle of San Miguel for a week later 
 exceeded any previous excitement even of the war. 
 Nordenskiold, Blucher, Tom Bayard, Beriah Mott, the 
 Collector from Brownsville, arrived in converging par- 
 ties, with bad news and vague rumors, which blackened 
 the clouds on old Silas Leavenworth's haggard brow. 
 Riders and messengers kept the roads in dust-douds, 
 raised by flying hoofs. 
 
 "The whole military force on the border is re- 
 arranged, the Customs Inspectors have been trans- 
 ferred, and a special session of the Grand Jury is called," 
 whispered Jimmy, when he found Katie sobbing in 
 Jack's arms. "There is some deviltry up!" said the 
 open-minded Texan. 
 
 "I fear dear old father is going mad!" sobbed 
 Katie, and Mary Leavenworth, with Alice's advice, 
 sent a rider, post-haste, for Colonel Tom Bayard. 
 
 El Jaguar's letters had reached their destination, and 
 he was far away safe in the fastnesses of No Man's 
 Land. Revenge had won the first trick. The Rio 
 Grand Company was ruined! 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A NOTABLE ABDICATION "WHAT! BOTIl!" "JlMMY 
 
 ALSO " A CAPTIVE KING ON THE PECOS THE 
 
 TALKING WIRE THE PEON BOY's GRATITUDE 
 
 AT THE PAINTED CAVES THE JAGUAR AT BAY 
 
 YOUR LIFE OR MINE MY SON JACK. 
 
 WHILE discontent and gloom hung like a pall over 
 San Miguel Rancho, the efficient working parties, sent
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 383 
 
 over from New Orleans by Mark Manson's skilled con- 
 tractors, were rapidly laying down the first third of the 
 new railroad. A firm of veteran contractors, under the 
 old capitalist's personal orders, were simply throwing 
 up foundation enough to drain the track, as the initial 
 hundred miles was the very gentlest prairie inclined 
 plane. Time hung heavily on Jack Manson's hands. 
 Old Silas denied his confidence even to his son, and the 
 ladies of San Miguel were careworn and anxious. 
 
 " I can not press my heart demands in these days of 
 trouble," thought the lover. " I'll get Jimmy as his 
 father's representative, and inspect the undivided 
 ranches and the stock thereon. It will leave Katie free 
 to regain her mental quiet, and I will perfect my knowl- 
 edge of the regions toward the Fecos and the Nueces." 
 
 " It is a grand idea! " cried young Leavenworth. "I 
 wish to arrange some business at Bayard's ranch. I am 
 determined to establish a running guard against horse 
 thieves, Indians, and desperadoes sweeping down from 
 the Northwest, for their day of rule between the Gulf 
 and Laredo is over. Even now our supply parties and 
 advance workmen, with the detail survey parties under 
 Major Blucher, prevent any sudden dash from Mexico. 
 The temporary telegraph is a wonder. As soon as it 
 reaches us we'll have a line run over to Ringgold Bar- 
 racks. There we have the troops and rangers at call." 
 
 So, with only stolen interviews and a brief private 
 explanation to Katie, Jack Manson rode forth, glad to 
 relieve Silas of his presence, as it would give him time 
 for secret manoeuvres. Manson's rapidly acquired front- 
 ier experience told him of a fatal undertow in the affairs 
 of the mysterious Company. 
 
 "Jack, it is better you should go away for a fort- 
 night," cried the loving girl, clinging to him in her 
 gentle sorrow. " Father and mother have long midnight
 
 384 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 vigils of care, and I have heard her sobbing herself to 
 sleep. Even Jimmy does not know the cause. It can 
 not be danger! He would know of that. It could not 
 be hidden from him. But it is some business trouble, 
 and it must be grave. I never knew my father 
 unnerved before." 
 
 The still invalid beauty could not know that Silas 
 Leavenworth feared the open, honest glance of his gal- 
 lant son. That he dared not tell all to the generous 
 lover who had torn his daughter away from the arms 
 of the kidnapper. She knew not that he feared Mark 
 Hanson's resentment at the imperilling of a great 
 enterprise by the dark intrigues of hunting for " fool's 
 gold." All the loyal daughter did know was that the 
 strong man's heart was riven with silent sufferings. 
 
 Afar, in his lonely camp in the fastnesses of No 
 Man's Land, three hundred miles away, Ramon 
 Maxan would have been wild in a tumult of joy could 
 he have realized how swiftly the shafts launched by 
 him had sped ; how his careful betrayals had crippled 
 the " secret system " of his now hated confederates. 
 For his telegrams to Chisholm and others had placed 
 their unholy ventures where a sudden descent of the 
 strong Federal arm had paralyzed every movement! 
 The clear and daring letters to great Government 
 officials had changed the Southwest policy of the 
 administration! Revenue cutters, secret agents, army 
 inspectors, and treasury officials were now eager to save 
 their imperilled reputations, and be "in at the death" of 
 the detected "Company's" illegal traffic. Alligator 
 Charley had kept his faith. Raging in unrest, Maxan 
 gathered desperate criminals around him. "Why not 
 make a foray with renegades and Comanches down 
 into the Nueces, sweep over the Big Bend of the Rio 
 Grande,' and, leaving the band to divide the plunder,
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVK. 385 
 
 hang around for news of my revenge." The outcast 
 pondered every chance and possibility. It was his 
 Rubicon! "I will be months here before I can get 
 news of unusual tumult on the lower Rio Grande." 
 He dreamed of one wild raid, and then a final disap- 
 pearance toward Sonora or Chihuahua. 
 
 " I would like to meet those two fools face to face ! 
 Or the old jackal, Silas." 
 
 His brow grew darker, and his devilish brain thrilled 
 in every fibre with increasing plotting. 
 
 Manson and Leavenworth, for three weeks, guided 
 by old Basilic, now as active as ever, though a shade 
 more spectral-looking, scoured the regions where the 
 broad virgin tracts of undivided land were covered with 
 herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. Jaded, wearied, but 
 freshened in heart and soul by the silent prairie voy- 
 age, the two friends rode down into Colonel Thomas 
 Bayard's superb valley station, on the oak-fringed 
 Nueces. 
 
 Before their steeds were at their corrals, the anxious 
 ranch superintendent sought them with letters. 
 
 "Just arrived by express rider from San Miguel. I 
 had orders to send out a party and find you," he said. 
 When Manson opened his budget he saw a packet 
 from his uncle, a bulky letter in the handwriting of the 
 senator's beautiful wife, and a document franked by the 
 statesman himself. He threw himself on a bench before 
 the beautiful residence, now waiting its destined mis- 
 tress, and began to read the fateful letters. 
 
 "Excuse me, dear old Jack," said Leavenworth, his 
 voice shaky. "I only wish to confer a moment with 
 you. My father writes me briefly that I must come 
 to him as soon as horseflesh can bring me! Jones, here, 
 will give me an escort and fresh horses. I know the 
 road, and can do the sixty miles by nine o'clock
 
 3-S6 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 to-morrow morning. Of course, / am my father's main- 
 stay, his only confidant. Ton must have rest. Don't 
 mind if I leave you. Jones will send men on with 
 you to care for my horse and guide you. I'll leave you 
 Basilio. Can you read this mystery?" 
 
 "See here, Jimmy," said Manson, whose own brow 
 was clouded, " I will go with you. Let horses be made 
 ready. We will have some refreshment. Let us leave 
 Basilio to pilot our band in and bring on our two 
 beauties. There is grave trouble in store for all of us. 
 I will not hide from you; these letters are full of it. But 
 give me a half-hour to read all my letters, have a can of 
 good coffee, and I'm your man. I'll stand by your 
 father, by you, by all, for old times, and for Katie's 
 sake." 
 
 There was a quiver in Jimmy's voice as he said, " God 
 bless you, Jack. You are true blue. It is as I feared. 
 Some estrangement of your uncle. It would break 
 down my father to have that enterprise stopped!" 
 
 " It must not be! Let me read and think." For the 
 first time since their college union of hearts, Jack's 
 honor forced him to have a secret from Jimmy Leaven- 
 worth. 
 
 Mechanically folding his letters, when he had read 
 them, he drained a huge measure of coffee, filled his 
 pockets with cigars, took a few turns around the beau- 
 tiful enclosure, and said : 
 
 "Now for the road! We will get under way, and 
 when we have to breathe our horses, I'll tell you what 
 I can, and what I propose." The evening star was 
 sparkling in the east when they loosed their horses' 
 reins. It was well judged in Manson to wait until they 
 had covered twenty of the sixty miles, before he 
 evolved a plan to meet the issues presented by the let- 
 ters which weighed upon his uneasy bosom.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 387 
 
 Riding between their grouped escort, resting their 
 horses changing from the "lope" to a shuffling walk, 
 the engineer began : " I will ask you to hear all I have 
 to say in silence, and think the situation over before 
 you decide. I will try and spare you any pain, but, 
 dear old boy, I do beg for your patience. I will indi- 
 cate to you what your father can explain. I have here 
 letters from my uncle, from Senator Steele, and a con- 
 fidential one from his wife. There has arisen a serious 
 juncture in my uncle's railroad and partnership affairs 
 with your father. It means to me a change of my 
 future. It may mean to you the loss of fortune. It 
 might estrange me from your father and," his voice 
 vibrated in emotion, "it might lose me your sister 
 Katie's hand, not her love: of that, thank God, I am 
 sure!" 
 
 Manson was gazing at the bright stars which Katie 
 and he had loved to watch together. They spoke to 
 him of her. The very night-breeze seemed to echo 
 her voice. 
 
 "There has been a disclosure a revelation serious 
 charges about some matters implicating your father ! " 
 
 Leavenworth reined his horse across the road. 
 
 "Hold on, Jim! For God's sake, be patient!" Jack's 
 voice was solemn. "You don't know what you may 
 do if you give way to feeling. Chisholm has fled to 
 Europe, by Havana. Steele is in the agony of despair. 
 He is asked to clearly show his whole connection with 
 these operations to the President. He is frantic with 
 anxieties. Someone is dealing giant blows right and 
 left! I know not whom they are aimed at. They 
 reach your father, our railroad, all our plans. Uncle 
 Mark is determined. I have an ultimatum from him. 
 It is one your father 'will not accept! Only you and I, 
 with your mother and sisters' aid, can prevent a final
 
 388 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 rupture. Steele has shown the white feather. He has 
 his private and political short-comings to conceal from 
 the President, who is aroused and demands a clearing 
 up of all. Steele has thrown all his property interests 
 into my uncle's hands. No. 4 the silent partner has 
 formally drawn out. Chisholm had his power of 
 attorney a proxy. He is silent vanished. The books 
 have been removed." 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth dropped the reins of his horse. 
 "Trouble I do not mind, but disgrace, dishonor, I'll 
 not live to see it. It means that Gertrude Marshall 
 will never place her hand in mine!" 
 
 " Listen, my brother!" cried Manson. " We must 
 fight, you and I, for Life and Love, as we have, and 
 that too, shoulder to shoulder. The only one who is 
 cool is the senator's wife. In this strange muddle she 
 seems to know more than anyone to be able to point 
 a way out, and to divine the black-hearted scoundrel 
 who works to rob you and I of the women we love, as 
 well as to overwhelm your father." 
 
 " It's Maxan ! " shouted Jimmy, his voice trembling in 
 rage. 
 
 " You are right," gravely said Jack, and from 
 what corner of safety does he strike back at us? But 
 listen ! I will not hold the truth back. I had made 
 my mind up to telegraph my uncle that I threw up my 
 trust. But I must go on. I will help you. It only 
 places me where I would be cowardly to press for 
 your sister's hand. I lived to win it like a man not 
 to ask a daughter's sacrifice. I'll tell you all ; and you, 
 your mother and sisters, and Tom Bayard must tell me 
 what to do. But, I leave Texas and alone!" 
 
 "Go on, quick!" said Jimmy. "We must ride 
 ahead." 
 
 " My uncle, you see, has the controlling power now
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 389 
 
 as well as responsibility. His orders to me are to 
 demand the whole franchise to be assigned to him, 
 to take the joint ranches and stock into my name as 
 trustee, and to singly assume the entire charge of the 
 railroad. He demands that your father retire from the 
 open control of the Texan operations, or he will cease 
 sending funds, and the result will be failure and further 
 exposure." 
 
 "Exposure of what?" hoarsely cried the young 
 Texan. 
 
 " Of various alleged operations, of a nefarious char- 
 acter, directed here on the border by your father and 
 certain unknown associates. My uncle says that with 
 this clear turn-over, Steele, secure in his financial, sup- 
 port, can stop off all further investigation, save your 
 father, clear his own record, and the properties and 
 enterprises can be saved from utter ruin." 
 
 " My father will never consent ! He will never yield 
 underpressure! He will die first! It is horrible !" said 
 Leavenworth. " It means ruin and heartbreak to us 
 all!" 
 
 "And you, what do you propose to do?" said the 
 Texan. 
 
 "I propose," said Jack slowly, "that the property 
 referred to be transferred to you on the ground of your 
 father's multitude of cares and business. That the 
 railroad charter be turned over (as far as your father's 
 interest goes) to Col. Tom Bayard, as trustee, and 
 thus your family interests be saved. Uncle Mark has 
 written your father, Steele has written him privately, 
 and that wonderful woman has sent me a letter under 
 the seal of a man's honor. It may help to save, but I 
 can never tell its contents. But how to make your 
 father consent? How I can handle Mark Manson? 
 JEven the senator's wife has imposed on his suspicious
 
 390 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 mind, and I can use the telegraph to her about this! 
 Now, let us ride on, and when we have the journey under 
 control, give me your views. If you and I should sepa- 
 rate, should quarrel, Jim, it would only add a last pang 
 to the bitterness of my departure. We can talk now, but 
 once at the Rancho, if we lose our community of heart, 
 and all is over." 
 
 "What do you mean by your departure? " said Jimmy 
 Leavenworth. 
 
 " I will not do Mark Manson's bidding. He can 
 select some other agent. I shall turn down the golden 
 pages of my life and seek the Western plains once 
 more!" Jack's voice rang as hard as the flints under 
 his charger's feet. 
 
 " And Katie?" said the suffering young ranchero. 
 
 "Do you think she would ever listen to the name of 
 Manson again, when Mark's cold measures have forced 
 your unyielding father into a bitter contest, ending only 
 in the family ruin? You do not know her pride^ 
 Jimmy." Manson was hopeless. 
 
 "And you do not know her heart!" said Katie's 
 brother, as he spurred his horse onward. " Let us 
 hasten forward." 
 
 Grim care rode behind the two gallant horsemen, 
 and in the early gray of the dawn the friends looked 
 haggard, as the sun showed them, two hours' ride away, 
 the groves where Katie Leavenworth's graceful head 
 reposed on a pillow the night before wet with bitterest 
 tears. For her father's voice had been raised in the 
 sternest malediction, and the old ranchero was ready 
 to meet the wary capitalist in the struggle of greed 
 and craft. 
 
 " Have you anything to say ? What shall I do ? " 
 said Manson, with sympathy, as he entered the mansion. 
 
 " Let me confer alone with Tom Bayard. Let me
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 39! 
 
 also talk \vith the ones who are clear to us both." Jack 
 Manson, glad of a pretext, sought his room, and slept 
 till the sun was streaming in through the western 
 windows. 
 
 His comrade, with delicacy, had stationed the colored 
 boy to await his young master's bidding. As Jack 
 opened his eyes, the valet gave him a little twisted 
 note. It was in Jimmy's w r riting. 
 
 I have had an hour with Bayard. I am now going to have a 
 long conference with father in the Den. It seems to me that my 
 mother is the only one who can draw from father every detail of 
 his cares. If she expresses a wish to permanently leave this 
 exposed rancho, and Katie knows your wishes, he may be led to 
 consent. But if you or I have to propose it to him, we will be both 
 thwarted in our dearest aims. See Katie. You will find her in 
 the garden! I only ask that you will not telegraph or write Mark 
 Manson until our plan has been tested. After that, should it 
 fail, I do not care what happens. I might as well go West with 
 you. But we must avoid each other. Mother alone can make 
 the proposition come from him so as to save his pride. 
 
 Jack read over the letters of the night before as he 
 drank a cup of coffee and broke a roll. 
 
 " Strange ! " he murmured. " Steele held his head 
 high until trouble came. His wife now is the better 
 man! Old Silas has been an autocrat. His gentle, 
 patient wife and unworldly daughter alone can save him 
 now. Chisholm, Jimmy tells me, has left the protec- 
 tion of his vast interests to his wife, while he flees. And 
 from this letter of Milly Steele's, it is to her alone must 
 be given the task of swaying stubborn Mark Manson, 
 merciless in business diplomacy. Are the strong weak 
 or the weak strong? How few of the intrigues of life 
 \vhich are not guided by ivoman after all! The subtle, 
 far-reaching, penetrating femininity of the modern 
 woman guides the hidden destinies of man and things."
 
 39 2 
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE, 
 
 " She is a gallant nature!" Jack admiringly said, as 
 he read again Milly Steele's letters : 
 
 Telegraph me to the address I gave. I will go to New York 
 and occupy your uncle's mind. I know No. 4 and his status in 
 this hidden tangle. I know why Ramon Maxan has dealt this 
 blow. Your uncle knows nothing of this. Now, I am with you 
 to the last in our common cause. Steele is distracted. You 
 alone can guide the Texan matters to save all interests. I can 
 delay and placate here. But if any more fall away, the whole 
 system falls inert. Each scampering away to save himself! 
 Chisholm, to save himself, has secreted all damaging accounts 
 and papers! Maxan is now an outlaw! His blow has been 
 delivered; he can not strike again. Would to God some friendly 
 bullet would relieve us of him! It is the whole future of Leaven- 
 worth, his children, and those projected marriages which hang on 
 your prudence and steadiness now. Be patient, prudent, and 
 calm the storm. Think of me! It is my very existence which is 
 at staks! The war shadowed Northern homes, but it swept the 
 whole social fabric away from under the feet of Southern women. 
 Husbands, lovers, brothers, friends, homes, property, and all 
 went down in the red wreck! One generation obliterated, and 
 every tie that binds sundered! I deemed myself safe, secure in 
 a future, and if I am saved, it is to you (the man I could have 
 loved) I will owe the sheet-anchor of my tempest-tossed bark of 
 life! Death is nothing to me. But I am too proud to submit to 
 penury, obscurity, lonely age, and a future of vain adventure! 
 For if Steele is a broken man, my last chance is gone! I will 
 not have it! He must go down with his flag flying in honor! I 
 have always craved peace, quiet, a home, and all that the sad 
 war robbed me of when I was young and helpless. I have 
 stumbled along life's path, been driven atong by its storms, and 
 I will owe it to you if I am spared being driven yet to the expe- 
 dients which wreck women in body and soul! Steele has sacri- 
 ficed all to maintain senatorial and political position. Without 
 capital, if he loses prestige, and this crash throws all into Mark 
 Manson's hands, I am simply offered up on the altar of Fate! 
 My hopes, my fears, my heart are with you! Ah, God! how I 
 could have loved a man like you, had I had a fair chance in life! 
 For you, I prophesy all I would have died for! Life with the 
 one your heart has chosen! Love met with Love! Life and
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 393 
 
 Love! Be it your prize! For you battle now "for Life and 
 Love ! " Think of these words ! My very soul goes out to you ! 
 You are our savior or our destroyer J 
 
 "Poor woman!" sighed Jack, as he dispatched his 
 man to report the whereabouts of the family circle. 
 " From the dark depths of her nature, the home of black 
 shadows, the white aspiring peaks of noble impulse 
 rise toward God, robed in purity. Mysterious double 
 nature of woman! At once the toy and plaything of 
 man; slave and goddess; the hunter and the hunted; 
 her fevered dream of what might have been will only 
 cease when grim Death seals her pallid lips with his 
 unreturned kiss of icy power! 
 
 " And am I then the arbiter of others' fortunes ? 7, 
 who can not shape my own destiny ? " He walked 
 down the stair and sought the one fair woman of the 
 world to him, who waited for her anxious lover among 
 her friendly roses. It needed not the thrilling shade of 
 sorrow, tingeing her dear eyes a deeper blue, to tell him 
 that she had shared her proud brother's burden of sor- 
 row. He saw her standing, with graceful, drooping 
 shoulders, her fair hands clasped, and her delicate cheek 
 pale with the ashes of its own roses. Her head was 
 bowed. She was no longer the mutinous little beauty 
 of San Miguel. On her fair brow the lines of woman- 
 hood's cares were traced. " Child, child no more." A 
 loving woman battling for her own heart empire. It 
 needed but a glance to tell her lover that she knew all. 
 It was even so. James Leavenworth's heart was heavy 
 for the sake of the Greek-browed darling of Arundel 
 House. The gallant plainsman feared the calm glance 
 of Gertrude's mother the woman who had faced 
 poverty and adversity with the unbroken courage of her
 
 394 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Jack Manson drew the gentle girl to a seat in the 
 covert bower. "You know of all our trouble, darling ? " 
 He spoke in pain, for even words seemed to be denied 
 him. In a moment she was sobbing on his breast. 
 The dear head resting on his bosom chased away his 
 stoic mood. 
 
 " It is you alone who can save us all. No one 
 else dares to brave your father in his wrath. I can find 
 burdens in life too heavy for me. I will not be made 
 the instrument of his humiliation, the bearer of a cold 
 threat. I fear your father not! I fear my uncle less! 
 But, with my hands tied, with duty and honor on the 
 one side and my heaven on earth imperilled, if I lose 
 you, I can not act. You must seek your mother. She 
 alone has a right to the truth, and I will leave the field 
 free then for Bayard and your brother to guard the 
 fortunes of the women who will be tied to them by a 
 happier fortune than my own. Jimmy has told you 
 all?" he queried. 
 
 "All he knows. More than you fear," she whispered. 
 "My mother is with father now! Alice and Jimmy have 
 gone away with Bayard to leave them free." 
 
 " Then you must act at once, my poor darling. From 
 this moment, look only at this fair home and the debt of 
 nature you owe here. I must act to-day decisively, and 
 I will wait for your victory or defeat. But leave here, 
 I must. I will only wait to aid you as far as I can." 
 
 "You mean that you will leave Texas?" the loving 
 woman cried, springing to her feet. 
 
 She never looked as beautiful even when hope led 
 them on together under summer skies! A flash of sap- 
 phire light lit up the blue eyes fixed on her lover. 
 
 He bowed his head. " I shall not care for fortune. I 
 shall not follow the call of ambition, for all the paths I 
 cared to tread in life led me only to you! Now, I only
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 30,5 
 
 care to go away. The farther from Sun Miguel, the 
 easier it will be to walk alone." 
 
 There was a strange light in the eyes of the Texan 
 heiress as she said: "And you would give me up?" 
 
 Her voice trembled, brave-hearted as she was. 
 
 "How could I demand your hand of your father as 
 the price of my betrayal of my uncle's cold, egoistic 
 money policy? If it is enforced I will be your father's 
 bitter enemy. You know how he hates." 
 
 " I do," said Katie, with flashing eyes. " I know, 
 too, how he loves. He hates and loves as I do, with 
 all the heart's intensity !" Her bosom was heaving and 
 her fearless brow was bright in the sunlight stealing 
 through her roses and lingering around the beloved 
 one. She cast one glance around at the princely 
 domain, as she stepped out of the bower. Manson sat, 
 his head bowed on his hands. He asked not for pity. 
 He saw no escape from his duty or an immediate 
 departure. There was an answer due the waiting 
 Croesus, whose treasured millions were now imperilled 
 in the railroad. 
 
 She stepped back swiftly as a springing fawn. 
 "Wait here! I will send Jimmy to take you riding 
 while I am busied." Her light head rested on his 
 shoulder. 
 
 " Where do you go? " he said, as he lifted his weary 
 head. 
 
 " To my father," she quietly answered. 
 
 He saw that in her face which made his heart leap up 
 in wild joy. There was a dreamy look in her eyes as 
 she stood at the gate of her own paradise. 
 
 " It will be hard to leave all this, the dear old home," 
 she said, as her reluctant feet lingered on the threshold. 
 " Yet it must come!" 
 
 " Katie, what are you saying? Are you dreaming?
 
 396 FOR LIFE AXD LOVL. 
 
 Do you not see the gulf between the frontier king's 
 daughter and a wandering engineer? " 
 
 " It means," she said, softly speaking, as if indeed in 
 a dream, as if timing her words by each throb of her 
 heart, " that I will not give you up!" Raising her eyes 
 she met those of her wondering lover. "If you go out 
 into the world, wherever you go, you will find me by 
 your side! Will you have me, Jack?" she said, the 
 tears shading her lovely eyes. " Our compact was until 
 death, ' for Life and Love '!" 
 
 The beautiful woman looked lip smiling faintly from 
 his breast as he caught her in his arms. " You 
 promised me to be a Texan, Jack. A true Texan. 
 They are all brave and generous! Do not make 
 me tell you more. Do not lead me on to say I love you 
 enough to go out into the world hand in hand with you." 
 She was smiling now through her tears. " If I do not 
 win my point, then poor father's heart has changed 
 toward me. Listen, my Jack! One thing you have 
 not thought of. Father has not met Mark Manson for 
 years. Now I know that some of these troubles come 
 from this New Orleans banker going away. If we can 
 persuade father to go at once to New Orleans, it will 
 give him a chance to arrange matters there and learn 
 all things now hidden or in doubt. He can take his 
 lawyer. Then, if we persuade him that by going on to 
 New York and acting with your uncle, that he can save 
 all his Government business and his interrupted con- 
 tracts, he will go certainly. There, at New York, your 
 uncle and my father can agree on all. Brother Jimmy 
 tells me that Mr. Manson has all the other interests in 
 his hands, and Senator Steele's and this Mr. Chisholm's, 
 too. Can you not see there are only ttco great interests 
 left now in the whole thing the Manson and Leaven- 
 worth?"
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 397 
 
 Jack gazed at the little financier in open-eyed aston- 
 ishment. Katie was standing now ready to brave the 
 old ranchero. 
 
 " We will tell my father it is absolutely necessary that 
 mother goes with him, as he may have to stay six 
 months, and, therefore, he must put the railroad matters 
 all in Jimmy's hands. As Alice is all ready to marry 
 Bayard he will give him the control of the ranch. Now 
 this will satisfy your uncle. We can persuade father 
 to leave it so. And, face to face, that quarrel will 
 disappear when these two old men are together, espe- 
 cially if if you write your uncle. It is only a fight 
 between Love and Hate. Love will win! You must 
 write him to-day ! " 
 
 "Write him what?" said Jack Manson, who was 
 dazed with happiness at seeing a way out. 
 
 "Why, that we ai*e to be married, you and I; he can 
 then trust my father, can he not? " 
 
 Jack Manson's outstretched arms caught only empty 
 air, for the graceful girl had already reached the gar- 
 den gate, in flight, to hide the burning blushes on the 
 cheeks so lately pale with the shadowed cares of the 
 upheaval. She smiled at his discomfiture and disap- 
 peared. 
 
 " I am only a stupid blunderer," thought Manson, as 
 he caught his breath. " Katie is an angel! She would 
 make a world-famous bank-president; but," he nodded 
 confidentially to the roses, " she will make a peerless 
 wife! The brave darling!" He walked up the path 
 to meet her brother, who led him far out on the ozone- 
 breathing prairie in a grand, swinging gallop. 
 . " I will wager my head, Jack," said the Texan, that 
 Katie will have her way ! She always -wins ! Let us wait 
 on her now. I have a rider waiting to take your mes- 
 sage. Do you wish to use the telegraph?"
 
 390 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Yes!" said Manson. "I will stake my future 
 on Katie's faith in her powers to bring your father into 
 the only position safe for him and our whole circle. I 
 will telegraph Uncle Mark, 'All will be arranged in a 
 few days as you wish. Your partner probably coming 
 to you at New York at once. I will represent you 
 both in road. Answer, if satisfactory. All quiet here 
 now.' " 
 
 " That's right, Jack," said Leaven worth ; " it does not 
 bind us all down. Now, my mother tells me that she has 
 won him over to agree to Bayard's immediate marriage 
 with Alice, and to give them the general ranch control 
 for the present. We will wait for Katie now. Let us 
 drop the whole thing till she has used her power." 
 
 The shadows were softly draping grove and hill as 
 the two friends rode in and unostentatiously joined the 
 circle at dinner. Few words were exchanged, but there 
 was an infinite promise of victory in Katie's eyes, shin- 
 ing with happiness. Mrs. Leavenworth and Alice 
 turned with glowing faces toward the young men as 
 Silas Leavenworth, after a silent dinner, spoke to Man- 
 son. 
 
 " If you have dispatches to send, I am sending a man 
 down to Corpus Christi. By the way, I have to go 
 over to New Orleans and may go on at once to New 
 York. You might mention that to your uncle. I will 
 dispatch to him fully to-morrow from Corpus Christi." 
 
 Jack Manson managed to control his tell-tale face, 
 for he knew that Katie had won the victory! He 
 glanced at the little diplomate. She was looking straight 
 to the front; her cheek was pale, and her lover saw the 
 hand he had covered with kisses trembling as the old 
 autocrat spoke. 
 
 " I would like to see you in the office an hour 
 to-night, as I go down to-morrow evening," continued
 
 FOR LfFE AND LOVE. 399 
 
 Silas, addressing Manson. "I shall be away for some 
 months." 
 
 " Most certainly, sir," said Jack, bowing. " When 
 do you go North?" 
 
 " I will wait a few days at Corpus Christ! for Mrs. 
 Leavenworth," said the frontier king, " and then go 
 over by New Orleans. As soon as I have done there, 
 we will go on to Washington and New York. I have 
 a vast amount of business at the departments, and I 
 shall take Nordenskiold up with me." 
 
 Manson actually blushed, as he saw that the resolute 
 Katie had "carried all the works in front of her!" 
 
 Silas Leavenworth's haggard face and tired eyes told 
 of a mental struggle of no ordinary intensity. Noticing 
 Jack Manson's preoccupation, he said: "Your affairs 
 will not be interrupted at all. I shall leave my son in 
 full control of the railroad matters and all my freighting 
 and steamboat affairs. Colonel Bayard will manage 
 the ranch and house business." 
 
 The engineer well knew the reason of the sudden 
 rosy flush which made St. Cecilia Alice a glowing pict- 
 ure, as all eyes were turned upon her and the bronzed 
 Confederate veteran, who actually looked sheepish. 
 
 The graceful author of these remarkable plans glided 
 gently from the room, as Silas led his wife toward her 
 favorite evening seat upon the portico. 
 
 Lightly as she moved over the dewy grass, her 
 lover's swift strides overtook her before she reached 
 the mansion. 
 
 "Did you speak to your father, Katie, for me?" 
 Manson was eager and excited at his darling's wonder- 
 ful success. 
 
 "About what. " said the fleeing maiden. 
 
 "About our own affairs about our marriage ! " stam- 
 mered Jack. She was another woman than the clinging
 
 4 oo 
 
 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 sweet one of the afternoon! Katie never turned her 
 head as she neared the porch, but calmly said: 
 
 " I have spoken once to-day for you ; I think you 
 had better ask for me yourself, Jack!" 
 
 The lover paused. Her tenderness had vanished 
 with the far-blown cloud of trouble. 
 
 " Ah ! I see ! " muttered Manson. " Katie does need 
 discipline after all!" But as he watched her brave, 
 delicate face turned toward the matchless skies of even- 
 ing, he could have knelt before her and adored the 
 unconquered spirit, the bright wit, and womanly forti- 
 tude of the ranchero's daughter! 
 
 " I would not have a feature or a thought changed, 
 were she to mount the throne as a queen!" 
 
 This was simply personal enthusiasm ! But when he 
 realized that his strongest card was the announcement 
 to his uncle of this projected marriage, at once a guar- 
 antee and a safeguard, he realized that he must deal 
 with stern old Silas at once. He had seen the messen- 
 ger dash away with his dispatch. Leavenworth was to 
 leave the rancho in the morning. He might not return 
 for months. Would it be safe to imperil the whole 
 settlement and union of interests? No! a few untoward 
 words between the wary millionaires might end all his 
 hopes! 
 
 So it was that after he closed the tedious hour of 
 business in the " Den " with the frontier king, he had to 
 face his duty, for when he returned to the parlors he 
 knew that Bayard and Alice were to be married at 
 once. Whether at Corpus Christi or the rancho he 
 knew not, but a sight of gallant Tom Bayard plead- 
 ing with Alice at the farthest end of the stately portico, 
 told him that Mrs. Leavenworth would not sail for New 
 Orleans till Alice, as a budding young matron, could 
 replace the gentle mother, whose husband had practi- 
 cally " abdicated " in favor of his son.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 40! 
 
 Both the lady of San Miguel and her son looked 
 inquiringly at the two men as they entered. There was 
 a shade of disappointment on Mary Leavenworth's face. 
 Miss Katie was seated, gazing a. mlessly out into the 
 starlit night. A Partnian glance from those eyes 
 roused Manson to a sudden decision! 
 
 As Silas Leavenworth rose to follow his wife to her 
 special haunt in the great room, which, by general con- 
 sent, was named " mother's headquarters," the scene of 
 her quiet labors in the long absence of her husband, 
 Jack Manson rose respectfully. There was a grim 
 resolve in his formal manner, as, observing Miss 
 Katie Leavenworth about to save herself by flight, he 
 said quickly, addressing the parents: 
 
 " Will you pardon me a moment? I have something 
 important to say to you. Pray don't go, Miss Leaven- 
 worth," he added, with a glance of agonizing appeal. 
 Miss Katie sank into her chair, perfectly unconcerned, 
 and folded her pretty hands. " You are about to leave 
 the State for a long period, Mr. Leavenworth. I could 
 not see you and Mrs. Leavenworth go, leaving me here 
 as a guest in your family, without telling you that I 
 love your daughter Katie, and beg your consent to our 
 marriage." 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth sprang to his sister's side, for 
 the dauntless Katie covered her eyes with her hands. 
 
 " What ! Both my girls I " said Silas, as he dropped 
 speechless into the nearest chair. 
 
 The frontier king's nerve was evidently shaken by 
 his vigils. Mrs. Leavenworth walked gently to her 
 daughter's side and stooped down to kiss her. The 
 mother's kindly eyes beamed on Jack Manson, whose 
 heart was thrilled in the suspense of the moment. 
 
 " What do you say, Katie ? " slowly said old Silas, as 
 the graceful maiden stole to his side.
 
 4O2 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 By an impulse, Jack Manson joined her. The 
 ranchero fixed his eyes on his daughter, who returned 
 with her frank fearlessness, his steady gaze. 
 
 " For Life and Love ! " she said, as she placed her 
 hand in Jack's. 
 
 "And when did you propose to be married?" said 
 Silas, who had caught a telegraphic verdict from his 
 gentle wife's approving smile. 
 
 " When Colonel Bayard and Alice are married," said 
 Manson, innocently, and suddenly realized that Miss 
 Katie Leavenworth had transfixed him with one awful 
 stony glare ! 
 
 There was a silence. Brother Jimmy was on the 
 verge of laughter, when Silas completed his son's dis- 
 comfiture by saying quietly: 
 
 " Well, thank God, we do not lose anyone if you do 
 settle at the ranch." The frontier king rose, and taking 
 their hands, said: " You saved her life? Watch over 
 her, my son ! She has always been the apple of my 
 eye!" 
 
 In the open doorway Colonel Thomas Bayard was 
 standing, towering over Alice Leavenworth, at that 
 moment the very happiest woman in Texas, when 
 James Leavenworth resolutely approached his father. 
 
 " May /say one word, sir? " 
 
 " Is it about this marriage?" said Silas sharply, turn- 
 ing on his heel. " I have settled it. I suppose I might 
 have seen the ' signs of the times' before, if I had been 
 watchful. Everyone else seems to have been posted," 
 remarked the ranchero dryly, scanning his resolute 
 son's face. 
 
 All could see, however, that Silas was not seriously 
 offended at Katie's spirited avowal. 
 
 "Not about this marriage; another one" said James 
 Leavenworth, caballero and plainsman, looking his 
 astonished father pleasantly in the face.
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. . 403 
 
 " Well, I thought Bayard and Alice were in thorough 
 accord. Your mother told me they would come in and 
 be married at Corpus Christi before we sail ! " 
 
 "We intend to!" was a smiling answer in happy 
 chorus from the gallant Confederate and his promised 
 bride. 
 
 " Well, then, whose marriage is it? " said Silas Leav- 
 en worth decisively. 
 
 "Mine!" remarked the young Texan, with a quiet 
 glance at his mother. 
 
 " Jimmy , also /"said Silas, and, fairly overwhelmed, 
 he gazed appealingly from one to the other of the two 
 happy couples who smilingly watched Mr. James 
 Leavenworth adroitly sailing on a flood-tide of good 
 feeling. 
 
 " As the lady is not present, let me speak for her," 
 said Mary Leavenworth, with a mother's dignity. "It 
 will be the happiest day of my life to see Gertrude 
 Marshall the wife of my son." 
 
 " She is so lovely! Such a noble girl! " cried both the 
 sisters of San Miguel, surrounding their puzzled father. 
 
 " If she is like her father, she will suit me," said 
 Silas. Come here, boy ! " He held out his hand, " I 
 see that you have your mother and sisters on your side. 
 That is enough! When do you think of this union?" 
 
 " Not until it suits your business situation, and the 
 railroad is finished. I do not wish to be away a moment 
 while you need me, sir." 
 
 The thoughtful regard for his own interests touched 
 Silas. He said kindly: "Jimmy, you've been a good boy 
 to me. I want you to marry next spring. When you 
 will be, if I live, member of Congress and president of 
 this railroad ; you can then hold your head up with the 
 best of them at Washington. Thank God! I have 
 given you what I never had an education!"
 
 404 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 Silas Leavenworth, with a meaning glance directed 
 to his now overjoyed wife, said: " I presume you 
 young people can find ways to kill time without us. I 
 wish to talk these family changes over." If ever mortals 
 realized a perfect satisfaction in the anticipation of an 
 unclouded future it was the circle of merry-makers in 
 the lonely Texan mansion house. 
 
 Manson was sensible of a slight shadow upon his 
 happiness. One or two chilling remarks by his promised 
 bride upon the subject of " hasty weddings " led him 
 to believe his own marriage would NOT be solemnized 
 on the same happy day as that of Alice and Bayard. 
 
 " I am in no hurry," Miss Katie remarked to her 
 sister, in a tone of hauteur evidently intended to impress 
 Jack Manson, "besides I always dreamed of being your 
 bridesmaid. We can wait." 
 
 "How long, may 7 ask? "humbly questioned Jack 
 Manson, as he saw Bayard and Alice, gaily smiling at 
 his woe-begone face. 
 
 "Oh, probably until next year, until the railway is 
 finished; and it will be soon enough when Gertrude is 
 here ! " 
 
 The demure manner with which Katie insisted that 
 her " sense of duty " would not permit her to be married 
 until Gertrude Marshall had thoroughly won Mrs. 
 Leavenworth's heart, seemed to afford infinite amuse- 
 ment to all but Jack Manson. 
 
 " You feel sure that you are willing to be married 
 sometime?" persisted the Knight of the Rueful Coun- 
 tenance. 
 
 " Most certainly !" calmly answered the blue-eyed 
 mutineer; "but the day and date is by no means cer- 
 tain. I must think of that." 
 
 It was only alone, when in the shadows, Jack folded 
 her to his breast, that Katie said : " The curse is lifted
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 405 
 
 now. When my father's cases are ended, when your 
 uncle has given his approval, you may ask me to fix 
 the day. But," she whispered, as he kissed her a last 
 " good-night," " you may write your uncle and let this 
 news precede my father's arrival. Pray God it will 
 bring them and us together!" 
 
 Late into the night Jack Manson toiled, with Jimmy's 
 aid, and covered every point of the business in careful 
 dispatches to his uncle. He weighed every word of the 
 announcements of his proposed marriage, and claimed 
 the confidence of the capitalist in his judgment and in 
 the security of the alliance. 
 
 "That's grand!" said Jimmy, as he read the last 
 page. He had toiled over letters to Mrs. Marshall and 
 Gertrude which unbosomed his whole soul to them. 
 
 " Now, Jack, in order to have no possible shadow of 
 detection of our assistance in this general plan, I'll send 
 old Basilio off at daybreak with these letters to Corpus 
 Christi. He can rest a few hours at Corpus Christi, 
 and ride back before midnight, and he can easily avoid 
 my father on the road. He knows the team and outfit, 
 and can let them pass him unseen. I would never wish 
 my father to know how we have guided him unseen 
 away from a final rupture with your uncle. Katie's 
 fine genius has found a way which is easy, natural, and 
 final in thwarting the bootless revenge of that villain! 
 I wonder where he is now?" 
 
 The young man walked over to the men's camp, and 
 the spectral Basilio noted a star on the blue heavens^ 
 and pointed to the position at which it would signal his 
 departure. " Ready, aye, ready ! " was the old scout's 
 motto. An extra handful of tobacco, a few corn-husks 
 for cigarette wrappers, 'fresh ammunition, and a box of 
 matches were his only supplies, save a few yards of 
 dried jerked beef in strings, and his canteen. He slept
 
 406 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 with his horse as a member of an adjustable Centaur 
 organization. Basilio and his steed were only spoken 
 of in the singular person. In the saddle a caballero par 
 excellence, on foot as awkward as an eagle with clipped 
 wings! 
 
 The night wind moaned around them cold and chill, 
 as they stole back to the house. It was midnight. 
 Jack Manson experienced a revulsion of the nerves. 
 "There's something uncanny about the hour of twelve 
 at night. The devil has a brief but mighty exercise of 
 power. I have worn out my power of self-control in 
 this maze of anxieties. It almost seems to me I am 
 under some hideous spell." 
 
 " See here, old fellow," said Jimmy, as they stole 
 upstairs. " Your night ride and these uncertainties 
 have shaken you up. I'll bring you in a little bit of the 
 old Henry Clay stock, and we will drink to our brother- 
 hood. Then you can sleep as if fanned by angel 
 wings! " 
 
 The future was fair before them, as the two tried 
 friends drank to the loved ones, who waited, with rosy 
 fingers on their smiling lips, in happier days for them 
 both. There was bustle, but no final leave-taking the 
 next day, when Silas Leavenworth drove quietly out at 
 five o'clock. At Colonel Bayard's earnest solicitation, 
 a private marriage with Alice would precede the 
 departure of her parents from Corpus Christi. 
 
 " I will bring the whole family down in three days, 
 and by that time all your legal papers will be ready 
 for execution," said the expectant son-in-law. 
 
 The rapidly extending railroad was already at the 
 once dangerous canon, and a gap of only fifteen miles lay 
 between Rancho San Miguel and the head of the line 
 where five hundred men were at work. Disdaining 
 escort, Silas Leavenworth drove away with only his
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 46? 
 
 tried ambulance driver. Lingering over orders and 
 directions, the busied throng hardly noted the lateness 
 of the hour. There was work for all in the hastening 
 of the family hegira, and the wedding of Bayard and 
 Alice moved ahead in date by the practical "abdication" 
 of the great prairie magnate. Bayard was already 
 receiving the reports, and while at ten o'clock the stars 
 shone down on a gay reunion of the busy family circle, 
 Jack Manson sprung to his feet is the ranch foreman 
 rushed into the great parlors with a white face. His 
 lips trembled, but one motion to the new chief of the 
 domain told the story of disaster. Bayard looked won- 
 deringly at Manson and Jack, who followed the two 
 on the porch. 
 
 " Something wrong with the stock ? " said unsuspect- 
 ing Mary Leavenworth. " There is always unexpected 
 worry! I am glad Silas will have a rest from it 
 now." 
 
 While she spoke, her daughters listened with bated 
 breath, for the men had rushed toward the great fortress 
 storehouse. In a moment, the clang of the great alarm- 
 bell sounded on the night air. It had been rung but once 
 since the war. That was to signalize a sudden dash of 
 a few young Comanches, maddened with " tisan " drink 
 and their first warpath. They were killed to a man 
 almost in the very enclosure! Now, as the general 
 alarm pealed out, it brought a score of house attendants, 
 armed, around the frightened women, for Mary Leaven- 
 worth, her hands clasped, cried: " It has come at last! 
 My God! Tour father!" 
 
 While the sound of shouts and hurrying hoofs proved 
 the rallying of the two hundred stout-hearted prairie 
 riders, Bayard, Manson, and Jack Leavenworth listened 
 to Basilio's story. His trusty horse, staggering to his 
 knees, lay dying with heaving flank and glazing eye.
 
 408 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 " I was astonished," said the old scout, " not to hear 
 along the line that Don Silas had passed down. I did 
 not dare to show anxiety, for I thought he was only 
 delayed. When I left the end of the railroad, I rode 
 boldly out o i the main road, as I was sure the trip had 
 been put off till to-morrow, and I wished to get in and 
 report your letters. Half-w r ay between the railroad and 
 the outer ranch fence, in the little clump of cotton- 
 woods we call 'algodones,' I rode on the remains of the 
 team and ambulance. It had been overturned. The 
 horses lay dead with their throats cut. There was no 
 one there. Riding around in a circle, I found, a hundred 
 yards up the road, the driver lying dead, filled full of 
 Comanche arrows. But no sign of Senor Silas! On 
 the side of the road, where the ambulance lay, the trail 
 of twenty unshod horses. I galloped here break-neck." 
 
 " Your opinion?" said Bayard, as he shouted to Bronco 
 Bill to send the horses for the three to the portico. A 
 dozen willing hands were already preparing the arms 
 and outfit of the three lovers. 
 
 " El Jaguar has watched the ranch, has laid in hiding 
 and carried off Senor Silas, perhaps for ransom, per- 
 haps for torture I " 
 
 Bayard sprang to his feet as a shout arose, " A cour- 
 ier ! a courier ! " Dashing up to his very face, one of 
 the ranch outriders gasped out: " Twenty-five Indians 
 passed up the valley, headed toward the Pecos, three 
 hours ago. They drove no stock, but several pack- 
 horses. They chased me, with lances and arrows, but 
 my horse was fresh and they turned back !" 
 
 " Here, Walton," said Bayard to the ranch superin- 
 tendent; "do you move into the mansion till we return! 
 Send an express of three men to Corpus for Nor- 
 denskiold and Major Blucher to come and stay 
 here. I'll get supplies from the nearest ranches and
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 409 
 
 posts. Send a dozen men to examine the place of the 
 attack, and let three of them strike up the valley on 
 our trail. I'll have your life if you let anything hap- 
 pen here while I'm away. Inspect the men, give me 
 fifty of the best. I'll get more as I rouse the country. 
 Now, gentlemen!" He ran across to the house whence 
 the sound of lamentation and wailing mocked the echo- 
 ing mirth of an hour before. A hurried embrace, a 
 rapid arming, and with a few last words, the three 
 leaders sought their steeds, wild with eagerness and 
 fretting on the lawn. As Jack Manson buckled on his 
 frontier belt and settled his pistols Katie's arms were 
 thrown round his neck. "My poor old father! It's 
 that devil Maxan has carried him away! For God's 
 sake, save him ! and your own dear self. God be with 
 you, Jack, my beloved ! You must come back back to 
 me!" 
 
 His kisses rained upon her loving lips, as with one 
 last embrace, he rode out on the trail of the fleeing sav- 
 ages. " I will meet that fiend face to face ! May God 
 defend the right!" The midnight premonition 
 recurred like a blast from an open grave. His two 
 men waited at the main gate as he dashed through, 
 and it was half a mile before his matchless charger 
 overtook the compact column swinging on in an elastic 
 lope. Bayard briefly reported: 
 
 " I took ten men extra and sent three to Rio Grande, 
 three to Fort Mclntosh, and two to my ranch to turn 
 out my extra men, get a pack-train of supplies to follow 
 on our trail, and two more to find McNally's Rangers. 
 I've got flankers out a mile each side, watching for the 
 trail. Now, we must push on till the last man drops! 
 It's the only chance to save Silas. If there had been 
 private revenge alone, he would have lain dead by the 
 ambulance. I can see it all. They shot the driver off
 
 4-1O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 his seat. The horses ran away. When the ambulance 
 was upset, Silas was probably stunned. They found 
 him and carried him away. It is money a huge ran- 
 som for it would not pay to take such risks to get a 
 man merely to torture. There's but one man alive 
 would do it, and Maxan has not had a chance to get 
 around the upper posts, organize this raid, and come in 
 here. It is some daring white criminal or deserter who 
 knows of Silas' riches, who has put this scheme into 
 execution!" 
 
 While he sought to bring conviction to Jack and the 
 half-frantic son, their hearts were far away with the 
 helpless prisoner and the sorrowing woman whose cup 
 of happiness had been dashed away. 
 
 A scout came racing down the right-wing line. 
 " We've struck the broad trail ! " he cried. In a few 
 minutes the pursuers were following it, preceded by 
 their best scouts. Old Basilio's waving arm looked 
 ghostly as he followed the wide swath with intuition. 
 In grave silence the column rode till daybreak. 
 
 It was a killing pace! With two hours for breakfast, 
 grazing and feed, the troop was moving ahead at the 
 invincible wolf " lope " of the plains. The three lovers 
 gazed in each other's eyes. There was no wasting 
 breath in idle words. Every cool rider inspected his 
 arms as the now broad trail might lead them on the 
 Indians at any moment. "Jim," said Bayard, "you will 
 need your mind clear. Now, Jack and I will divide 
 these men in two bands. You leave the command to 
 me. Our only chance is to run them down! I'll make 
 it the hottest chase they ever saw. If we strike them, 
 you look out for your father, nothing else! We will 
 scatter the devils with a charge. You all know what 
 we are on this trail for. I'll say no more!" 
 
 "For Life and Love!" said Jack Manson, leaning
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 41! 
 
 easily over his superb racer, who moved as if steel 
 springs guided his graceful bounds. " I'll save him for 
 the last race." 
 
 By noon the trail left the grassy upper meadows of 
 the Nueces and led out toward the dry, sandy desert, 
 toward the Big Bend of the Rio Grande. 
 
 " My God ! we've travelled ninety miles," said Bay- 
 ard, as they drew up at a little spring, the last before 
 crossing the dreadful sandy waste. All the men were 
 hastily filling canteens, laving their necks and chests, 
 and then every beast was well watered and mouth and 
 nostrils sponged. 
 
 Don Basilio rode up from his scout's post on a sandy 
 hill. " Two companies of men, here," he motioned to 
 the right. " From your rancho and over there, the sol- 
 diers!" 
 
 Bayard shouted in joy. His express-riders had 
 skimmed the prairie in a wild run, and the blessed 
 " talking wire " had done its magic work. 
 
 " By heavens ! if ifs Buller, it would be too much 
 luck. He's worth any dozen officers on the Bravo,' a 
 born soldier; ought to have been born a Texan!" 
 
 "Jack, Basilio will lead you on. Take half the men. 
 I'll wait till these fellows come up. I only want to 
 give orders. I'll send my men off fifteen minutes after 
 you, then they can take the lead when you rest." 
 
 With Jimmy at his side, Jack Manson pushed out on 
 the blazing scoria and burning sands. His fiery ambi- 
 tion to win Katie's loving praise led him far to the 
 front. By his side, silent, spectral, his dark face shad- 
 owed with grave concern, old Basilio moved as if a 
 gliding shadow; and Jimmy Leavenworth, his gray 
 eyes fixed on the winding trail, was at Jack's left flank. 
 
 The pace set by the Kentucky racer led them half a 
 mile ahead. Jack Hanson's keen eye caught a glimpse
 
 412 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 of a moving form behind a bush six hundred yards away. 
 Loosening "Kentucky's" rein, he raced forward, when 
 his companions reached him, he was guarding a pant- 
 ing fugitive prone on the sand. It was the spy-boy who 
 had been wounded at the canon fight! In an instant 
 Basilic had the lad's hands bound. The frightened 
 prisoner poured out a flood of Spanish, lost to Jack and 
 Leavenworfh in their excitement. 
 
 "Listen," said Basilio. "It is El Jaguar! Only 
 two hours ahead. He has Don Silas, and is making for 
 the Painted Caves, where he will rest! He knew he 
 would be followed. He meant to hide till we had 
 passed on, and get across to the ' No Man's Land ' at 
 night. Now, if we push on, they will kill Don Silas 
 and scatter. I can lead you ahead so we will get in 
 first ! I used to be a * contrabandista ' there. I know the 
 caves. Let us get on ahead. Take the boy along!" 
 
 "It's our only hope," said Jimmy, tears of rage in 
 his eyes. "Now, Jack, give this boy your horse. We 
 will leave two men here to warn Bayai'd." 
 
 "No!" cried Jack. "Ramon Maxan is my foe! 
 You stay with two men. Guide Bayard on the trail. 
 You watch over your father's life. Let Bayard com- 
 mand the attack. I will go on ahead with Basilio and 
 the boy and ambush them." 
 
 "You are right!" the squad cheered, as with the 
 prisoner mounted, Jack cried : " Now, boys, don't spare 
 horseflesh. It's speed now! We can fight on foot, 
 when we get there. We must be in first!'* 
 
 All the pursuers knew now that the boy was 
 afraid of being made a Comanche slave; that he had 
 dropped off his horse in the night, and only ran because 
 he feared some strange body of rangers might kill him, 
 not waiting for his tidings; for the lad had kneeled on 
 the sand and crossed himself, crying: "He saved my
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 413 
 
 life at the ranch! I had to run away; I was afraid El 
 Jaguar would kill me. Ah, tiger! Devil!" 
 
 "God bless you, Jack!" cried Jimmy, as Manson 
 threw up his hand and dashed away! Old Basilio in 
 front, like an avenging fury, rode steadily, swiftly, on 
 his mentally selected route, cutting off the detour the 
 robbers had made in the night. Shadow man and 
 shadow horse, they looked unearthly in the glare. 
 
 An hour later, re-inforced by the ranchmen and 
 keen-eyed Duller, Tom Bayard pushed hard on the 
 trail to save the father of the gentle girl he loved. 
 
 Jimmy Leavenworth silently pointed out every 
 yard to be saved, and Buller, his captain's double bars 
 now on his golden shoulder-straps, cried cheerily : " I 
 shall claim that Virginia Reel with Miss Katie soon!" 
 The lean, brown cavalrymen dashed along, eager to 
 show the peerless riders of Texas that "Uncle Sam's 
 troopers" were "Brothers of the Spur." 
 
 As the shades of evening fell, Jack Manson drew his 
 men together. Seven out of the twenty-five had 
 fallen out, exhausted in the fierce race, with orders to 
 pick up and come in as a reserve, but not till firing was 
 heard. 
 
 Manson's blood was boiling. In his excitement he 
 recked not of Basilio's warning whisper, "We have 
 ridden thirty-five miles in four hours!" The gallant 
 steeds with drooping necks inhaled the freshness of the 
 evening. There was yet an hour of light! And the 
 Painted Caves lay before them a quarter of a mile away ! 
 An old bend of the river showed a limestone bluff, and 
 in later years the uneasy Rio Grande had cut a channel 
 on the other side. In these caverns of soluble limestone, 
 many a smuggler and murderer had hidden safe in the 
 connecting chambers whose windings were known only 
 to the Comanches. Rude figures traced with lance-
 
 414 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 point, knife, or burning brand, gave them the name of 
 the Painted Caves. 
 
 While Manson called his men together for last 
 orders, Basilio riding ahead, screened by a fringe of 
 cottonwoods leading up to the foot of the bluffs, indi- 
 cated, as he rode away, how Manson could bring his 
 men under cover. 
 
 At any moment the murderers mignt now wind down 
 the long arroyo leading up to the plains they had crossed 
 at a sharp angle. Hastily giving Bronco Bill half the 
 men to lead, Manson cried: "We'll know in a moment 
 if they are here yet. If they are, we will fight on 
 foot and hold them till Bayard comes up. If they are 
 not, we must take our station in hiding and attack in 
 ambush. I'll only keep five mounted men with you, 
 Bill, to single out old Silas. Dash in and surround him ! 
 Leave the other fighting to me. I^ll attend to Maxan 
 myself!" Jack Manson's voice rang like the thrilling 
 note of a charge. Every Texan knew that he would 
 fight under the spell of the sparkling blue eyes of the 
 girl he left behind him. 
 
 Basilio had dismounted, and crawling forward like 
 a snake, left his horse behind a knoll, its bridle thrown 
 over a cactus. His two heavy revolvers, the huge 
 knife, and the Winchester impeded the old man's move- 
 ments. 
 
 It seemed an age! Every heart was beating wildly. 
 Suddenly, the old phantom stood up and waved his 
 arms. In five minutes, Jack Manson's men were hid 
 in the shadowed arches of the caves. Behind a clump 
 of trees fifty yards away, sat Bill, revolver in hand, 
 another slung to his saddle-pommel by a rawhide thong. 
 The other horses were sent around the bend into the 
 willows where the rushing river would drown any 
 sound! It was a supreme moment. Jack Manson, on
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 415 
 
 beautiful, quivering "Kentucky," was screened by a tan- 
 gle of vines. He was as silent and stern as a bronze statue. 
 Five dismounted men in front, lying behind bushes, lay 
 silently, Winchesters in hand. An awful thrill passed 
 through Manson's nerves as Basilio, touching his arms, 
 said simply: "Look! They come!" 
 
 Jack passed the word. " Remember, not a shot till 
 they are in pistol range. Wait my word! Bill, then 
 ride straight for the old man!" 
 
 Straggling down in twos and threes, a squad of 
 twenty horsemen were pushing toward the caves. A 
 half-dozen were grouped around a led horse, guided 
 by a lariat on either side. The four hundred yards 
 dwindled to two. The Texans could almost hear their 
 bounding pulses throbbing in the wild impulse to spring 
 out. As a lithe horseman rode out in front, calling to 
 his band and made straight for the cave. Jack Manson 
 saw his foe before him. "Ifs your life or mine, you 
 dog" he thought, as he one flash of a blessing hovering 
 from afar. "For Katie's sake!" Driving the spurs 
 into Kentucky, he yelled, "/Vow, boys!' 1 '' and rode 
 straight at his mortal foe. A withering volley rang 
 out, wild yells rose on the still evening air, as Bronco 
 Bill's men rode down the surprised Indians, who fled 
 like frightened wolves! 
 
 Wheeling his horse to gain freedom of movement, 
 El Jaguar snatched his pistol and fired point-blank at 
 Manson. Jack's teeth were set as the great Kentucky 
 horse crashed into Maxan's tired steed. He leaned 
 easily to the right and fired three bullets, with lightning 
 rapidity, into the writhing body of the prostrate villain. 
 
 Wheeling his faithful horse, Jack saw in the out- 
 stretched arms and staring eyes that Death had set his 
 eternal seal on Ramon Maxan's handsome face! Up 
 the gorge the evening shadows were now lit up with the
 
 416 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 sudden flashes of the heavy revolvers. As the firing 
 began, the reserve, dashing down the bluff, cut off the 
 fleeing Comanches. Bill had been faithful to his chief! 
 His body-guard had sprung on the confused group 
 around the captive frontier king. 
 
 As Jack Manson rode over, with the spectral Basilio 
 at his side, Bronco Bill was drawing out his flask. He 
 had poured half its contents down the ranchero's throat, 
 and the rescued Silas lay on the sward safe, his gray 
 head resting on a folded coat. 
 
 Manson sprang off the beautiful racer who had 
 borne him so bravely, and cried : " Bill, is he safe ? " 
 
 " All right ! " said the scout. He's had the roughest 
 old trip of his life! " Stretching out a bony hand, he 
 said: " Cap, let me shake your hand! You're a Texan, 
 by God, every inch of you, and Pm proud to know 
 you!" 
 
 The gathered victors gave three rousing cheers, and 
 wearied Silas Leavenworth feebly opened his eyes. He 
 motioned. Jack bent over, him. The indomitable old 
 ranchero closed his hand upon the young man's in ten- 
 derness. For once, the world saw old Silas unmanned; 
 it was when, with tears streaming down his cheeks, he 
 murmured: 
 
 "My son Jack!" 
 
 In half an hour a dozen camp-fires on the bluff sig- 
 nalled the victory. The dead Comanches lay in a silent 
 line. A herd-guard controlled the horses, and three 
 armed men watched over five living sullen red devils 
 lashed to as many trees. Sending out pickets and two 
 riders to lead in the main party, Jack Manson was the 
 happiest man in Texas when Jimmy Leavenworth 
 rode up, sprang from his horse, and threw his arms 
 around him. Happier still, when Colonel Tom Bayard, 
 with a sly glance at Buller (who, for once in his life, 
 missed a fight), said, with a crushing grasp of his hand:
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. i 17 
 
 "Jack, I guess Miss Katie will make no objection to 
 our being married on the same day now ! " 
 
 Manson hardly heard Buller's remark ab>--->t that 
 Virginia Reel," for before him lay his implacable foe, 
 dead in his sin, and one avenging bullet had pierced his 
 very heart through neglected Panchita's picture! The 
 Jaguar was cold and still, and Love had won at last ! 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE BRIDES OF SAN MIGUEL SENORITA PANCHITA 
 
 THE CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION AT ARUNDEL 
 
 HOUSE A FALLEN STAR FROM THE DEAD 
 
 MILLY STEELE'S VISITOR A NUECES BRANCH OK 
 THE RAILROAD UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS ! 
 
 THE long vigil of the Creole's sleepless revenge was 
 over. By the light of the flickering camp-fire, his 
 nameless grave was hollowed. The painted Comanches 
 slept in a common fosse under the mesa, at some 
 distance from the red mound where El Jaguar lay 
 alone. There was not a word spoken, no woman's 
 tear, no solemn voice of priest, as the pale face of the 
 dead bandit was shut out from mortal gaze. By some 
 common impulse, the rangers heaped a cairn of stones 
 above Ramon Maxan's lonely grave. With happy 
 hearts the troopers and ranchers made hurried prepara- 
 tion for the morrow's march. Side by side, Silas Leav- 
 enworth and his gallant son slept, guarded by their 
 faithful men, on the prairie, while the stars swung 
 away to the west in peaceful silence. The last thing 
 Jimmy noted, as he laid his head upon the drifted 
 leaves, was Jack Manson standing, uncovered, by his 
 foeman's grave!
 
 418 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 It was even so! In the silence of the night, broken 
 only by the howl of the prairie wolves chasing down 
 the wounded ponies of the Comanches, Katie's lover 
 thanked God that the release had come, that the future 
 showed no haunting terror, and breathed a manly prayer 
 for his misguided and fallen foe. 
 
 Thanks to the sudden dash* and the completeness of 
 the ambush, not a man of Jack's brave band was miss- 
 ing. But one rider was absent ; it was Bronco Bill ! Even 
 as Jimmy was embracing his father, in rapture at his 
 safety, Jack Manson thought of Mary Leavenworth's 
 agony, of the sisters in their tears ! 
 
 "Bill," he said, "fill your pouches; take my flask; I 
 want you to ride like the wind to San Miguel. You 
 know what to say. We start home to-morrow early. 
 Take the best horse in the camp ! " 
 
 "All right, Cap!" said Bronco Bill, as he quietly took 
 Kentucky's rein. 
 
 "What do you mean?" said Jack in surprise. 
 
 11 1 am following your orders" 
 
 Jack Manson laughed, even in his anxiety. The bold 
 rider was right. 
 
 " God .bless you, Bill! You're a rough diamond, 
 but a gallant fellow. Now, use him like a man." 
 
 Bill was in the saddle; he bent over the pommel: 
 "I know the news I'm taking; but Miss Katie " 
 
 " Give her this" he said gravely, handing Bill the 
 picture of Panchita, with its fatal sign, where the 
 heavy ball had crashed through it into Maxan's heart. 
 
 "Tell her from me she can sleep in safety no-j: ! 
 And, Bill," his face softened as he said, " tell her I am, 
 at last, a Texan, and her father called me ' My son 
 Jack!' Say that I'm coming home, for Life and Love. 
 You can also tell her, Bill, to pick out the best horse in 
 the ranch herds and give it to you herself! I'll see you
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 419 
 
 have him saddled in style, if the Chihuahua jewelers can 
 doit!" 
 
 With a convulsive hand-grasp, the wild ranger leaned 
 forward lightly, loosed the rein, and Kentucky bounded 
 on over the cool plains. The noble steed knew well that 
 Bronco Bill's ride would live long in border story, and 
 his patrician nature longed for the crowning honor of 
 his life a waiting honor for far beyond the weary 
 miles his flying hoofs must cross, the sweetest woman 
 in the south waited to throw her arms around his arch- 
 ing neck and kiss the white star in his forehead! 
 
 By peep of day the merry victors rose with shouts 
 from their grassy beds ! The dew lay on the grass as 
 they rode on homeward, and Silas Leavenworth was 
 able to mount an easy steed. 
 
 " We will find an ambulance waiting for you at 
 Comanche Spring," said Manson, as he grasped the 
 ranchero's hands. 
 
 "What shall we do with the Indians? " said Tom 
 Bayard, as the cavalcade moved off in triumph. 
 
 "I will take them down to Ringgold," said Captain 
 Duller, who was humming his regimental march as he 
 inspected the troopers filing by. " It will give me an 
 excuse to swindle General Singleton out of a trip to San 
 Antonio, for the commander of the department will 
 send these ' studies in copper ' to Dry Tortugas to listen 
 to the thin-lipped Yankee missionary girls. I will get in 
 a week of fun at Headquarters and be back at San 
 Miguel, in time to dance that Virginia Reel. Is it a 
 bargain, Jack ? " said the trooper, for Bayard, Buller, 
 Leavenworth, and Manson were now a sworn quartette, 
 " brothers evermore ! " 
 
 Jack Manson mounted his borrowed steed and turned 
 away to hide his blushes. 
 
 "Don't worry him! II' rre of his nuptial
 
 42O FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 arrangements. I am all right," laughed Colonel Bay- 
 ard, " but Miss Katie is a little capricious" 
 
 " I think she will be willing to yield a point in this 
 case" said Jimmy, as he rode off to join his father. 
 
 The last man to ride out of the lonely valley of death 
 was Manson, who gazed in silent adieu upon the grave 
 of a man born to a better fate. 
 
 In the hour of triumph, even with Katie's open arms 
 strained toward him, Jack Manson's brow was grave as 
 he thought of the blood upon his hand! 
 
 " He fell in fair fight, God help him ! It was his own 
 doom ! " the lover said, as he left his foe lying in the 
 silence, where only the rippling river murmured of 
 life. 
 
 Alone in life, alone in death, Ramon Maxan was 
 at last sleeping the sleep which knows no waking. 
 
 No frontier crisis ever brought such a horde of horse- 
 men hurrying up the valley. When the long reaches 
 of the burning desert were traversed, Silas Leaven- 
 worth found the chiefs of the border waiting at 
 Comanche Spring to welcome him. There were feasting 
 and revelry, and in every direction couriers sped away 
 to spread the good news and turn back new-comers. 
 
 Not even to his son would the proud old borderer 
 speak of any incident of his brief captivity. He sought 
 the cover of the waiting carriage, and conversed in low 
 tones with his son. 
 
 One night's camp on the grassy billows of the Nueces 
 was the prelude to the home-coming. By the fire Silas 
 assembled Bayard, Manson, and his heir in a private 
 conference. 
 
 " I have fought this border fight long enough," he 
 said simply. " My sons, I shall make these business 
 changes permanent ! I will take my wife North and 
 give her a few peaceful years. We may even go out
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 421 
 
 into the great world beyond the sea. Jack, you may 
 telegraph your uncle that you will handle the whole 
 joint business in future." 
 
 "When do you think of going? "said Manson re- 
 spectfully. 
 
 " I shall leave as soon as these marriages are over," 
 replied the ex-prisoner. Everybody seems to be get- 
 ting married! I think," he said dryly, turning to 
 Jimmy, "I can get down at New Orleans, and with 
 Mark Manson, in time to see Miss Gertie Marshall and 
 find out if she will make a good daughter. 
 
 "Yes, Bayard and Jack, you can fix it all up with 
 Jimmy. You will not be lonely, and he can come up 
 to Arundel House as soon as he can get an invitation 
 from Virginia." 
 
 That invitation, was ready at that very moment. In 
 royal procession the old frontier king approached his 
 own kingdom for the last time. 
 
 When the mansion house of San Miguel was seen at 
 last, nestling in its gardens, shadowed by the masonry 
 citadel, Jack Manson became strangely uneasy. There 
 was a family reunion to unite the severed hearts! He 
 seemed to have no exact place of refuge in the affect- 
 ing scenes. His tired eyes roved over the grand domain 
 with its princely sweep of billowy green, covered with 
 bands of wild-eyed cattle, dashing madly away with 
 tossing, spreading horns, as the pickets on every hill 
 announced the return of the prisoner by firing their 
 repeaters. The herds of graceful cattle raced away to 
 mingle with the last of the " mustangs," warily circling 
 in mad career in the open plain, stretching far toward 
 the treacherous wood where the Comanches waited 
 their victim. 
 
 In some pretended accident to his horse, Jack Manson 
 found time to fall behind, for the ambulance was now
 
 422 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 speeding along to the portico of Silas Leavenworth's 
 home. It was delicate in " Bronco Bill" to dash out, 
 leading the peerless charger which overthrew man and 
 horse when Ramon Maxan went down like a falling 
 star! 
 
 " I thought you might want to ride Kentticky in, 
 Cap!" said Bronco Bill, who was mounted on Silas 
 Leavenworth's best personal charger. " He's fit to race 
 for a world to-day." 
 
 Jack leaped from his faithful substitute and bounded 
 on Kentucky's back. His boy caught the abandoned 
 road-horse. The beautiful racer threw up his lean, 
 delicate head and, bounding forward in a swift swallow 
 stride, raced for the house where a happy group was 
 hovering in general excitement. 
 
 Bill kept by his side with ease. 
 
 " You ride pretty good stock," said Manson, good- 
 humoredly. He had to break the current of his thoughts 
 or go mad, for something seemed to gather at his heart. 
 
 " I'm playing to high luck, Cap," said Bill simply. 
 " Miss Katie gave me her father's own horse and this 
 gay and festive riding rig! I had to fight hard to keep 
 her from giving me the whole ranch! I'm to be a sort 
 of major-domo on double pay and half work!" 
 
 Jack's eyes were dim and he only heard half the 
 scout's babble^ for, as he drew up at the door, a gentle, 
 gray-haired woman, dressed in black, glided out from 
 the opened doorway of the mansion. 
 
 Her arms were around his neck, her grateful tears 
 fell on his bronzed cheek as she kissed him, and Mary 
 Leavenworth whispered to the new son of her heart: 
 
 " Down there in the garden ! " 
 
 Jack's heart throbbed with an infinite bliss as he 
 strode down the well-known path where the scattered 
 rose leaves lay under his feet. His blue eyes gleamed
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 423 
 
 tenderly under the crisp curls shading his glowing face. 
 There was no one in sight, no rustle of any robe, no 
 footfall waking the silent, rose-shaded alleys. 
 
 " Ah!" he gasped in one deep-drawn heart-throb, for 
 the shading rose- vines showed him, in his own chosen 
 retreat, the maid who " needed discipline " standing with 
 outstretched arms and a light he never had seen before 
 in the deep-blue eyes! 
 
 "My darling!" he cried, as he clasped her to his 
 breast. "Look up!" For the little sunny head lay 
 lightly on his breast! He felt her heart beat against 
 his own, and as their lips met, she whispered, with her 
 arms around his neck: 
 
 " Never to be parted any more." 
 
 The sparkling eyes grew suddenly dreamy, and it 
 only was her lover's burning kisses which called Katie 
 Leaven worth back to " Life and Love!" 
 
 Hand in hand the lovers slowly moved up the garden 
 an hour later, and entered the drawing-room, where 
 the family circle was united in tender reunion. There 
 was an expectant silence as they entered, until Silas 
 Leavenworth motioned to his best-beloved child. Katie 
 stood waiting, with throbbing heart, before the abdicat- 
 ing King of the Border! He gently placed her'hand 
 in Jack's, and sai'd : " My boy, I owe yozt nothing 
 now I A life for a life! " 
 
 Katie's eyes were strangely shy as she said sub- 
 missively to Jack Manson, standing by her side : " I 
 must do as my father bids me! " 
 
 Colonel Thomas Bayard broke the spell by saying 
 in a voice breathing an unwonted happiness : " I do not 
 approve of haste, but a minister whom I know will be 
 here to-morrow, and the opportunity may not occur for 
 some time again! " 
 
 No voice was raised in protest, and a welcome
 
 424 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 diversion was made by dashing Captain Buller, who 
 had been ushered in. He gazed fixedly at the expect- 
 ant bridegrooms, and said to the Rose of San Miguel : 
 " I beg to ask the honor of your hand for the Virginia 
 Reel at your sister's wedding!" 
 
 "Captain, I do not know if brides dance," said rebell- 
 ious Katie, with a flash of her old spirit. 
 
 " You are going to be married to-morrow also? " said 
 her military tormentor in mock astonishment. 
 
 Katie glanced furtively at the tall lover by her side. 
 "I do not know! I think so!" she remarked doubt- 
 fully. 
 
 " I am sure of it! " said Manson, with an air of cheer- 
 ful resolution, which settled that question forever. 
 
 It was late in the afternoon when the whole party 
 rose from an impromptu feast. 
 
 As Captain Buller departed to leisurely inspect his 
 troopers, who were enjoying a carte-blanche merry- 
 making, he said: " Nearly everyone I hear of is going 
 to be married. Now, Senora Panchita will be a be- 
 witching widow and I think I will ride over in a few 
 months!" 
 
 "You need not go so far, Captain," said the happy 
 Katie, who had now recovered her semi -defiant manner. 
 " That lady is coming in a few days to be my guest for 
 a month." 
 
 "Ah!" said the gallant soldier, turning, cap in hand. 
 "In that case, I may look in here then, on my return 
 from San Antonio. [ believe in military promptness! " 
 
 "You are welcome as long as a blade of grass grows 
 on the ranch, Captain," said Silas heartily. 
 
 " Even with my blue coats? " said hardy Buller. 
 
 "Yes, bring the whole Yankee army!" said the 
 overjoyed old ex-rebel. 
 
 " That's a game and gallant fellow," said Silas, as
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 425 
 
 Buller was heard cheerfully whistling, Then you'll 
 remember me," as he sprang on his steed and rode 
 away. 
 
 " Gentlemen ! " said Silas, as his wife's wearied eyes 
 gave him a mute signal. We owe something to these 
 anxious and wearied ones. I have sent for Norden- 
 skiold already to come and bring all our friends from 
 the bay. He can arrange the law-papers here. So I 
 will leave all the business in your hands. There will 
 be plenty of time for Jimmy to arrange all as he goes 
 North with me. We will leave at once after the 
 wedding. " 
 
 The stars shone tenderly down on the lovers that even- 
 ing wandering in the garden, when Katie whispered 
 in, good-night. "God keep and bless you! My own 
 darling, I am yours. But you must be a Texan forever- 
 more!" The compact of Jack's naturalization was 
 sealed with unnumbered kisses. 
 
 It was a strange circle which gathered in the great 
 parlors when the sun had sunk to rest the next evening 
 and the white, glittering stars swung up from the blue 
 Gulf. Stalwart men, whose names were famed in 
 border life, watched the gathering throng, which filled 
 even the great porticoes. There were few women 
 present, save Pastor Sunderland's wife and the wonder- 
 ing maids who followed the two sisters to the hall-doors. 
 But in the throng, hawk-eyed, aristocratic Nordenskiold, 
 jolly old Major Blucher, the stern, revengeful Hodges, 
 and all the available local dignitaries of Corpus Christi 
 marked the loveliness of the Brides of San Miguel. 
 
 Silas Leavenworth and his patient wife were the 
 objects of profound attention, when the fateful words 
 were spoken which gave them two noble sons to close 
 up their family circle. 
 
 While Jimmy Leavenworth clasped his new-made
 
 426 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 brothers' hands, there was a thrill of astonishment as 
 jaunty Captain Buller, in a wonderfully neat impro- 
 vised, half -dress uniform, saluted both the brides with a 
 kiss, murmuring archly " military promptness!" Old 
 Colonel Ford gravely kissed the girls' foreheads, 
 simply saying: " This is the happiest day of my life. 
 May the Lone Star shine always on your happiness!" 
 
 St. Cecilia Alice, in stately loveliness, led her 
 strangely gentle sister Katie up to the brother who had 
 tenderly watched their girlhood, and whispered, as she 
 kissed the gallant fellow, "For Sister Gertie." And 
 it was late that night before Captain Buller led that 
 never-to-be-forgotten Virginia Reel with lovely Katie! 
 
 Before the train rolled away, four days later, which 
 bore Silas Leavenworth and his overjoyed wife to the 
 shores of the Gulf, Jack Manson, beaming with hap- 
 piness, was glad to announce, in full dispatches, to his 
 uncle the lull in the passing storm. 
 
 For Mark Manson's cipher had flashed to him these 
 fateful words: 
 
 The great border movement has been abandoned. Steele and 
 I are in accord, but you must direct and reorganize the whole 
 line of operations. We look to you to save everything. 
 
 It was with a thankful heart Jack Manson read the 
 return to his own dispatch announcing the double 
 wedding: 
 
 You have my full authority to control the future of the Rio 
 Grande Railroad, for'you own half my interests there. 
 
 It was indeed a royal wedding-present! 
 
 In these busy days the happy sisters were not alone, 
 for a graceful woman, in black, whose wonderful eyes 
 shone tenderly on them, wandered in Katie's garden. 
 It was Senora Panchita!
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. . 
 
 427 
 
 Strange to say, die tall Dane hovered around her 
 every movement, and the musical Castilian tongue 
 of their dialogue guarded some weighty matters of 
 secret import. The legal papers were finished, and a 
 volunteer escort awaited the departing ranchero king 
 no more, for his sceptre had passed to others. 
 
 Before an astonished circle, Olaf Nordenskiold led 
 Sefiora Panchita up to Silas Leavenworth. " It is only 
 just to inform you all that this lady, in seeking a shelter 
 with friends, has found a. father!" 
 
 There was a happy wonder in the eyes of the beau- 
 tiful brides, who never begged their lovely visitor to 
 unfold all the sealed pages of that life-mystery! 
 
 " Mr. Manson," said Nordenskiold, when the car- 
 riages were ready, as he drew Jack aside, " I have a few 
 private words for your own ear." Walking up and 
 down the lawn the Dane astonished the happy Bene- 
 dict. 
 
 " I must go on with Silas, for he has a flood of business 
 at New Orleans. We have been friends for a quarter 
 of a century ; we are both men of a border type soon to 
 disappear. I am his lawyer, his father-confessor in 
 things mundane. You are now his son-in-law and rep- 
 resentative. Do not be astonished at any things touching 
 his past life which may come to you! You are now one 
 of us one of the mystic circle which, guided by self- 
 interest, has controlled the great advance on Mexico! 
 Silas has been like all of us, a soldier of fortune, a 
 creature of circumstance, and, guided by self-interest 
 only, his bravery, nerve, and plotting brain have built up 
 a border empire for a thankless future generation! 
 Be charitable in your judgments." The old lawyer 
 paused. " I shall leave Panchita here until I have 
 saved Silas Leavenworth every possible annoyance 
 from that dead brute's treachery. I will not disguise
 
 428 FOR LIFE AND LOVE 
 
 that we were bound together by gain and pride 
 of control. We had to direct every interest here, 
 and our record is not clear! Jimmy is a noble fellow. 
 He knows nothing of the dark side of the Rio Grande 
 Company. His mother and sisters have shared the 
 anxieties, not the profits, of these hidden adventures. 
 Now, you must spare all their feelings ! I have instructed 
 Rudolf Harbeck, Beriah Mott, Collector Rains, and 
 Chisholm's factotum at New Orleans to post you fully 
 through my chief clerk, whom I leave with you here. 
 A number of men will come here on business from 
 Brownsville, Matamoras, Indianola, perhaps from 
 Havana and San Antonio, timorous fellows frightened 
 by this noise. All you will have to do is to refer them 
 to me later! I know the law's delays," said Norden- 
 skiold, with a sneer. 
 
 " I shall first smooth up Chisholm's affairs so he can 
 safely return. Then, clearing up all clouds between your 
 uncle and Silas, bend my energies to induce Senator 
 Steele to resign and go abroad in a diplomatic position. 
 We control the courts here. Steele is a fool, though 
 crafty. I want him out of the way. Chisholm is a genius. 
 The President will not be able to hold Steele up longer 
 as a great party leader in the South. General Grant is 
 loyal to his friends, but he has a noble soul. The press- 
 ure brought on him to press forward on defenseless 
 Mexico and conquer the Free Zone has been gigantic! 
 But Maxan's annoying disclosures have made a frontier 
 quarrel impossible. It will be only a peaceful commercial 
 and railroad advance which will throw us on to the halls 
 of the Montezumas, not a cowardly and unnecessary 
 war. I have kept in the inside of the whole intrigue. 
 It will yet be written in letters of gold on Grant's tomb 
 that, though he gained his laurels by the sword, he was 
 at heart a man of peace peace-promoting and peace-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 4^9 
 
 loving. The great onward movement has failed! The 
 day of 'irregular operations' in the border is passing. 
 Your railroad is the great civilizer. Now, take up 
 your burden with Bayard and Jimmy. Live an honor- 
 able and clean life. Build up the State you are doubly 
 tied to now. And when Silas and the man who speaks 
 are lying with our heads under the prairie grass, 
 remember that, in our place, you and your comrade 
 might have drifted into the same questionable ways!" 
 
 " I shall close my professional career with this last 
 service to Silas. I have enough too much, in fact, for 
 peace. Money beyond reasonable needs is only a 
 source of daily care ! I shall return to open the closed 
 leaves of life's book, simply to be loyal to old clients. 
 As for my future," he said, with a glance of his steady, 
 gray eye toward the beautiful Panchita, " I have found 
 that there is one thing sweeter than sin, dearer than the 
 pride of life or the joys of passion ! " 
 
 "It is," said Jack, in wonder at this touch of tender 
 feeling. 
 
 "A manly atonement for the past!" said the lawyer, 
 as he grasped Jack's hands and whispered: "You can 
 use my cipher through the clerk. Rely on him ; he is 
 skilful and quiet. Let nothing reach Jimmy's ears 
 to cloud his future." He joined the waiting ranchero. 
 
 So, with a triumphal escort, Silas Leavenworth went 
 forth to rest in peace after the storm-tossed days of a 
 life of intrigue on the wild border. 
 
 That most bewitching of young matrons, Mrs. Jack 
 Manson, began to rivet up the golden chain of her 
 supremacy, the guiding thrall of her husband-lover, 
 by complaining artfully of " neglect," " his great atten- 
 tion to business," etc. 
 
 The days were not long enough now for Manson and 
 Jimmy, who was preparing to seek the shades of Arun-
 
 430 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 del Manor. One local scheme interested the Bayards 
 and delighted Katie's heart. A sudden vacancy had 
 caused a special congressional election. By common 
 consent of the Western magnates, the name of James 
 Leavenworth was decided upon to be used in his 
 absence upon the wedding tour. 
 
 It befell later, that the absent candidate received 
 every vote in the district, save three, which were cast on 
 a principle of "personal honor " by three Federal office, 
 holders, who were escorted to the polls by a Mexican 
 band playing " Dixie's Land!" The gallant plainsman 
 indeed received a "Texan majority," practically, the 
 whole vote! 
 
 Mrs. Katie, a picture of happiness and dangerously 
 liable to become a source of_" grave future trouble," in 
 her loving mastery of the man who held her heart in fee, 
 rode out several times with Jack to see the railroad now 
 crawling up to the very ranch gates. An impromptu 
 race, witnessed by a thousand cheering workmen, gave 
 Manson a chance to display his gallantry. Mrs. Katie 
 won the canter by a length! 
 
 " You dear old humbug!" said the beauty, as Jack 
 swung her from the saddle. " You knozu Kentucky 
 can beat my darling just one length in a mile. 
 You held him in, sir. You do not race fairly. 
 Jack," said Katie, as she walked gayly along by 
 her husband's side, flicking off the prairie flowers with 
 her riding-whip, " do you remember the day when you 
 asked me at Arundel House if I could ride?" Her 
 ringing laughter made the sons of toil pause and gaze 
 admiringly as they leaned on pick or shovel. 
 
 "I do!" said her husband humblv. 
 
 " Well, sir, I will confess now I had already made 
 up my mind that I would show you how I could ride, 
 and continue the exhibition for many, many years!
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 43 1. 
 
 You were doomed to be a Texan from the first day I 
 met you." 
 
 "I am satisfied," said Jack; "and to show it I'll give 
 you a prize you won in this remarkable equestrian com- 
 petition. It comes from Uncle Mark, but you can credit 
 it to me. I kept it until you were unusually worthy of 
 praise and now I will reward you for your frankness." 
 
 "Oh, Jack!" said Miss Katie, in an ecstasy of 
 delight, as she gazed on a magnificent set of diamonds 
 which Mark Manson had forwarded as a firstling of 
 his generous approbation. " You will have to take me 
 sometime to Saratoga or Long Branch to exhibit these," 
 the beauty cried, for it was in the golden days of those 
 Vanity Fairs. 
 
 " You are best fitted to shine at home here on the 
 ranch ! " said Jack severely. 
 
 " Never mind ! " cried his lovely wife ; " I will be like 
 the moon go around the world and shine for all! " 
 
 " Not till Mr. James Manson has become a slave 
 of the golden lamp, like me ! " answered Jack. " Then 
 we may do a bit of world-wandering, but only when 
 the railroad is all done, and you have also given Gertie 
 some of your sage advice about life in Texas." 
 
 " If she finds as easy a road to happiness as I have," 
 cried Katie, " she can spare my advice. I will leave her 
 future happiness in Brother Jimmy's hands." 
 
 The young men toiled in Silas' den with Bayard, and 
 received deputations of leading citizens, affected by the 
 new regime, or curious to meet the winsome brides of 
 San Miguel. Colonel Mejia, while looking for new 
 matters to busy his hard-worked adjutant, yet found 
 time to send to Madam Katie the complete trousseau 
 of a bride, and these splendid garnitures were prepared 
 in Paris and sent complete to Mexico. 
 
 Katie Manson's happy laughter brought all the 

 
 432 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 dwellers in the mansion to feast their eyes on these 
 wonders, for the daughters of Mexico, in their womanly 
 pride, were as richly furnished forth often as an arch- 
 duchess of Austria. The boundless wealth of the 
 hacienda aristocrats of Mexico gladdened the far-off 
 Parisian merchant's heart. 
 
 "So thoughtful! and a soldier too! Who would 
 have fancied that he could be so delicate in this princely 
 gift? So timely /" It was remarkable, for several sets 
 of robes for every possible occasion, with the remotest 
 detail, were spread out when the great cases were at 
 last emptied. 
 
 " They have these outfits entire in the great marts at 
 Matamoras," said Brother Jimmy. " But how he was 
 enabled to suit them to you, I can not divine." All 
 eyes were turned on the brilliant bird of paradise, for 
 Katie had re-entered the great rooms arrayed in one of 
 these marvels. 
 
 " I must confess," said the dark-eyed Panchita. " I 
 was secretly charged by Colonel Mejia to furnish the 
 measures which your maids gave me. And let me now 
 complete the offering," said Panchita, for the madcap 
 Katie had donned a rich evening toilet. The lovely 
 Spaniard clasped a superb necklace of Gulf of Califor- 
 nia pearls around the beautiful wife's neck. 
 
 " Not his!" she said, with a shudder. There were 
 shining tears in Panchita's eyes as she whispered, " J/y 
 mother's! I was told to give them to you by the father 
 I have found at last." 
 
 There were serious labors waiting to occupy the 
 three young men at the " Den." For Silas Leaven- 
 worth was now at New Orleans, and the temporary tele- 
 graph of the railroad, now at their very door, was busied 
 with cipher messages from the wily Danish lawyer. 
 The property and vessels, the seized goods and con- 
 fiscated moneys of the associates were bonded, released,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 433 
 
 or by some mysterious processes placed where, in the 
 sluggish course of investigation and nerveless litigation, 
 they would finally return to the partners. Manson 
 alone understood all these manoeuvres. The men 
 embjoiled in these troubles were forced to go on and 
 finish their plans! 
 
 But grave governmental changes had occurred. Sev- 
 eral Cabinet officers had been transferred or resigned! 
 A new set of customs officials suddenly appeared, and 
 all the journals were now strangely reticent as to the 
 movements of that great statesman, Senator Steele. 
 
 Jack Manson understood a brief note from Olaf 
 Nordenskiold traced in his own hand: 
 
 All is safe now; Chisholm can quietly return. The mail 
 and other contracts are saved. One of our associates in power 
 had to do this to save himself, but 1 think that Senator Steele 
 will resign and accept a foreign mission. The best news is that 
 Mark Manson seems to feel very well by wire. My next will 
 be from New York. Meanwhile, my clerk has reported that 
 you are a man of both energy and prudence! Look out for 
 any straggling, revengeful desperado. Guard your lines every- 
 where. Silas is safe at last in name and pocket. 
 
 Manson marvelled at Nordenskiold's success. He 
 never did know the agonizing efforts of the mysterious 
 No. 4 who was obliged to save Senator Steele public dis- 
 grace. Only Milly Steele ever knew the real identity of 
 the hidden agent who, as No. 4, had schemed to throw 
 a great people in arms upon a weak sister republic! 
 There was such an ebb-tide of fallen statesmen, drifting 
 away after the abortive " Greeley campaign" that no 
 one surmised who the great man was, who owed his 
 own ruin and the balking of a desperate enterprise to 
 Ramon Maxan's insensate love for Katie Leavenworth. 
 
 Conjecture was vain! The mantle of silence hah 
 never been lifted ! The all-seeing journalists only knew
 
 434 FOR LIFE 
 
 that a new spirit breathed along the Rio Grande ; that 
 the arrival of cavalry corps, heavy trains of munitions, 
 artillery movements, and secret planning had been 
 mysteriously diverted, arrested, or countermanded! 
 
 The three lovers laughed when a scrawl from Silas 
 reached them from New Orleans. It was through 
 Harbeck, the confidential book-keeper. It was laconic. 
 
 Rudolf, what ready money have I on hand in my private 
 account? I need fifty thousand dollars to go to Europe. Will 
 there be anything feft for Jim? If not, show him this and tell 
 him from me to sell some cattle. Telegraph your answer! 
 
 "Well, old man," said the expectant bridegroom, 
 " can my father go abroad in peace and not worry 
 about me?" 
 
 " You need not sell any cattle!" said the old German, 
 with a quiet smile, " I suppose you will wish to draw 
 liberally, on your marriage." He gazed respectfully at 
 the young heir. 
 
 "By Jove! boys," laughed Jimmy, " I had my mind 
 simply fixed on getting away for the Virginia trip. I 
 forgot all about any money." 
 
 " You will need money," said Tom Bayard gravely, 
 as he reflected that he was married longer (by five min- 
 utes) than the careful Manson. He was the ranking 
 "family man!" 
 
 "Is that your experience? " roared Jimmy, with sly 
 reference to the hidden glories of Bayard's Nueces 
 Valley mansion, which Alice had not yet examined. 
 "I'm told that you emptied the New Orleans shops." 
 
 " I have a whole lot of new things," admitted the 
 now thoroughly tamed ex-rebel, in manly confusion. "I 
 hope that they will please my wife," he finished in a 
 doubtful tone. 
 
 " Well, I'll not break your bank, Rudolf," said 
 Jimmy, " you can hold, however, twenty thousand
 
 - FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 435 
 
 dollars subject to my order. So telegraph my father it's 
 all right. 
 
 "The fact is, gentlemen," said James, in a modest 
 tone, " I shall have a little look around and then bring 
 my wife (he smiled faintly) back here and economize!" 
 
 "That's right!" said Manson; "and be sure first to 
 get the -wife, then you can come here and economize all 
 you wish! For Katie proposes to give a rather ambi- 
 tious reception or two in Uncle Mark's old palace on 
 Gramercy Square. She will just set off your econom- 
 ical fit in the annual balance-sheet." 
 
 " Seriously," said the young plainsman, " I have a 
 little special business at Arundel House, and father and 
 mother will be there waiting me soon. I feel that this 
 little estrangement with Mark Manson will yield to 
 Nordenskiold's experience and tact. Now, Tom," said 
 Leavenworth, turning to the genial Confederate, " the 
 border was never as quiet. Buller's dashing troopers, 
 McNally's Rangers, and our own stock riders and rail- 
 road men make an invincible ring of faithful guardians 
 around San Miguel. I can go away with a clear con- 
 science as to responsibility. You two can run a dozen 
 situations like this. Keep Bronco Bill and old Basilic 
 moving. If you should both leave, send for Colonel 
 Rip Ford and let him act as generalissimo. He never 
 sleeps on guard, the dear, old, gray fox. Look at 
 the changes of the last four years! Cortina is 
 out of power, a prisoner far away. Caballo Blanco 
 is dead! Mauricio Portugal was shot all to pieces 
 in Matamoras Plaza the other day. Poor John 
 Wesley Hardin, too, was captured in Florida the other 
 day. He will chafe out his life at Huntsville prison. 
 The Freedmen's Bureau and Reconstruction Govern- 
 ment shams are at an end. There is no disturbance 
 now. I feel that the era of the knife and six-shooter is
 
 436 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 over. There is every promise for the future, and I 
 look forward to the day when Texas will be grid-ironed 
 with railways, these plains covered with smiling homes, 
 and all our land under fence. That is the epoch for the 
 final disappearance of the cowboy." 
 
 "You may be right. God grant you are a sound 
 prophet," said jovial Tom Bayard. " But what will 
 you do with Bronco Bill? " 
 
 " Oh, he is so proud and lazy since he rode Ken- 
 tucky in with the good news, that I think he will ' get 
 religion' and become a popular exhorter. Katie has 
 already spoiled him, Jack, as she is rapidly spoiling 
 you!" 
 
 "Look here, young man, it is about time for you to 
 pack your kit and march toward the Potomac. I 
 think we can let him go now, Colonel ? " said Manson, 
 appealing to the ex-rebel. 
 
 " Vayase V. con Dios ! " remarked Bayard, exhausting 
 his Castilian flourishes. 
 
 " Very good," cried James Leavenworth, and it is 
 a matter of history that he embraced his lovely sisters 
 and rode away to the Gulf, drawn by the magnet of 
 Love, and one of the first bits of astounding news he 
 heard, after that wedding which revived the olden 
 glories of Arundel House, was that he was a Congress- 
 man in spite of himself! 
 
 Winifred Marshall was happy once more in the 
 friendship of Mary Leavenworth. The ranchero's 
 steadfast wife, gentle and placid, fitted admirably the 
 quiet dignity of the home-life at Arundel. Silas 
 Leavenworth, under the astute counsels of Norden- 
 skiold, had met Mark Manson in peace, and the broad 
 plan of the final development of their great prop- 
 erties was left to the younger men. The old New 
 York financier, in earnest of his renewed friendship,
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 437 
 
 made a pilgrimage to Arundei House, and beamed 
 upon the marriage with approving eyes. In view 
 of the recent dignity conferred upon the young 
 ranchero, he purposed an early return to San Miguel. 
 
 " You will have a delightful opportunity to meet 
 the picturesque constituents of your husband," said 
 Mark Manson to the happy Gertrude. "From the 
 private reports ot my nephew, there are certainly some 
 remarkable people on the Rio Grande! You are an 
 exception, my dear young lady, to the general rule. I 
 have heard it.said that it is peopled only by those who 
 are wanted in no other place ! " He smiled benignly, 
 in hinting at the Texan welcome already in preparation 
 by her sweet sisters of the heart. 
 
 " I have a little commission for you," said the old 
 Croesus. " Will you kindly bear this little reminder to 
 Mrs. Bayard and accept a similar token for yourself?" 
 The jeweler's art had been taxed to provide the 
 exquisite parures of gems offered as a token of peace. 
 
 " I regret that I can not visit the great rancho my- 
 self, but we seniors have one bit of final diplomacy to 
 finish at Washington, and then Mr. Leavenworth can 
 proceed in peace to Europe." 
 
 It was in fact to " efface " Ezra Steele, as a respon- 
 sible statesman, and see him wafted to some foreign 
 clime, that Nordenskiold, Leavenworth, and Mark 
 Manson labored in unison. Steele was pompous, obsti- 
 nate, and crafty, and vain of the public mention of the 
 journals. The acute Dane well knew that Chisholm 
 (now returned), Manson's railway venture, and old 
 Silas' reputation were not safe while the "carpet 
 bagger" cumbered the floor of the Senate! After 
 two weeks' careful intrigue at Washington, aided with 
 the persuasion of the Senator's anxious wife, the change 
 was effected. Several little dinners, with stances in the
 
 438 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 Turkish smoking-room, made the three veterans of 
 intrigue admire the wisdom and persistency of Milly 
 Steele. She foresaw the inevitable downfall of the 
 carpet-bag government. 
 
 " I would sooner, gentlemen, see my husband peace- 
 fully translated to our foreign diplomatic service than 
 go down to ruin with the wreck of his party-faction 
 in the South, but he seems so fond of public life." 
 
 "I think that I can influence him," said Nordenskiold. 
 " Mr. Leavenworth's son-in-law, Colonel Thomas 
 Bayard, is coming North with his bride to pass a few 
 weeks at Saratoga, and he can see our friend Mr. 
 Chisholm at New Orleans. Now I know Chisholm 
 can do much with Senator Steele. I'll ask Colonel 
 Bayard to come here and bring a private letter from 
 Chisholm setting up certain matters of which you 
 naturally know little!" 
 
 The lawyer ceased as he noticed a ghastly paleness 
 grow on Milly Steele's face. " I beg pardon. You are 
 agitated ! " 
 
 When the three gentlemen left, Milly Steele stood 
 alone before her glass, a quivering, cowering woman. 
 
 "Colonel Thomas Bayard coming! My God! Steele 
 must go abroad! Bayard knew me as Florence Morti- 
 mer!" 
 
 The sudden thought of her knowledge of the iden- 
 tity of No. 4 flashed over her mind. That personage 
 still had influence, even in retirement. He held locked 
 in his breast secrets which were of moment to the 
 country and party, even if he no longer administered a 
 high trust. 
 
 The next day a graceful, deeply veiled woman entered 
 the abiding-place of the retired statesman who had 
 been Steele's shadowy partner. In a half-hour, seek- 
 ing her coupe, she was swiftly driven home by a
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 439 
 
 roundabout route. Her head lay helpless on the cush- 
 ions, but she whispered, "Saved! Saved!" for the hid- 
 den influence needed was at hand. 
 
 A brief note next day called Olaf Nordenskiold to her 
 side: 
 
 I have good news for you. The Senator was sent for from 
 the White House to-day. Following the advice of party leaders 
 whom 1 do not know, he has decided to resign, and one of the 
 South American republics will be selected for his entry into the 
 diplomatic service as Minister. 
 
 " Is this sure? It seems too good to be true!" said 
 the doubting lawyer. 
 
 Milly Steele turned a worn and wearied face toward 
 him. "I had much to do to reconcile Mr. Steele, but 
 his resignation* was forwarded to his Governor to-day, 
 and he will call to-morrow at the Department of State." 
 
 " This is glorious ! " said Nordenskiold. " The Senator's 
 interests in Texas will be our joint care. Mr. Mark 
 Manson and Silas Leavenworth will both recognize 
 your valuable assistance ! The fact is, my dear madam, 
 that the intrigues of this dead robber Maxan "he 
 started in astonishment as Milly Steele strode up and 
 down, wringing her hands and crying: 
 
 **I know ! I know enough ! Too much ! Spare 
 me ! I only wish to go quietly abroad ; that is, I am 
 quite reconciled," she said artfully, as she noted the 
 lawyer's wondering look of amazement. 
 
 " Bring your friends to-morrow evening; I will give 
 them the news so you will know just how to handle 
 my husband. So Colonel Bayard's services will not be 
 needed," she said smilingly. 
 
 " True, but he is already on his way ! " said the 
 lawyer, as he bowed his way out.
 
 440 FOR LIFE AXD LOVE. 
 
 " Maxan's name seemed to affect her," mused Nor- 
 denskiold , as he sauntered to his hotel. " It's a queer 
 world! I wonder if they ever were allied in heart!" 
 
 While he speculated, Milly Steele, with trembling 
 lips, thanked God that she could never meet Maxan 
 again! "Not on this side of the grave!" said the 
 beautiful woman, as she drained a glass of cordial, for 
 she knew now that her lover had fallen by the hand of a 
 man she could have madly loved. 
 
 The momentous interview of Senator Stesle at the 
 White House was wrapped in diplomatic secrecy. His 
 visit to the State Department was less confidential. 
 Received by a suave Assistant Secretary he was blandly 
 informed of his appointment as Minister to Peru. 
 
 " It will be a delightful voyage, a charming post of 
 duty, important natural interests, and a great future for 
 you diplomatically, sir, " said the official. 
 
 " Ah! I should like to see the Secretary of State 
 personally and confer upon this important charge," said 
 Steele, thrusting his hand in the bosom of his Prince 
 Albert. He was already a budding Metternich, with 
 strong ambitions to be recognized later as a Talleyrand ! 
 
 " Quite unnecessary, Senator, quite unnecessary ; the 
 Secretary reposes every confidence in your tried states- 
 manship. Your instructions will be sent to you at 
 once. You are aware that you have six month* in 
 which to proceed to your post. Your drafts will be 
 honored for your salary for that period in advance as 
 usual!" 
 
 " Ah!" said Steele; "in that case I may spend a few 
 weeks at Saratoga. Public service has worn greatly 
 upon me!" 
 
 " Certainly, certainly, sir," said the Assistant, bowing 
 him out. "Report your address, sir ; we will forward 
 all your instructions."
 
 FOR LIFE AMD LOVK. 441 
 
 As Ezra Steele drove away, the official smiled. "The 
 President has pastured that old fool abroad to get rid of 
 him, I suppose. Well, we will only hear from him 
 quarterly, that's one blessing of the situation." 
 
 The newly-made Minister, whose resignation as 
 senator would naturally be eagerly accepted, drove 
 away in high good-humor. 
 
 "There are valuable interests; nitrate beds, islands 
 of fertilizers, and railroad schemes. I should make 
 some money down there." He smiled and dreamed of 
 s. golden future, as he drove home and announced the 
 news to his wife. " We will pass a few weeks at Sara- 
 toga, and then close our affairs here. You will be 
 charmed with Peru, so courtly and hospitable are the 
 Dons, our Secretary tells me." 
 
 Steele was already satisfied, as he had his eagle eye 
 fixed on the " nitrate beds." 
 
 " If they are there when I arrive, I will have some 
 local interest before long. I will find the way ! " 
 
 So the Foreign Service was reinforced by a repre- 
 sentative ripe and polished statesman " going abroad to 
 shed lustre on his country." 
 
 Ezra Steele never knew how he was bodily moved 
 away into strange and devious paths, to protect the 
 wreck of the secret Rio Grande cabal, by Chisholm's 
 frantic appeals to the mysterious but still powerful 
 No. 4. The mysterious partner was a fallen star, 
 sweeping in brightness in the train of the one great 
 national luminary, and, in his sudden extinction, had 
 cast the crafty, narrow-minded " carpet-bag " Senator 
 out to wander as a poor, fading asteroid, his little 
 sparkle quenched in the darkness of South American 
 revolution and uncivilized obscurity! 
 
 A month later Milly Steele walked alone by the 
 shores of Saratoga Lake. Her face was as wondrously
 
 44 2 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 fair as ever, and her heart was happy and light. For, 
 in going forth to his late apprenticeship in the great 
 world beyond the sea, Silas Leavenworth had arranged 
 the most substantial guarantees of income for the now 
 ambitious Minister. Steele was absent at Washington, 
 as he was closing their private affairs, the Russian 
 Legation renting the superb residence for a period of 
 years. 
 
 Mark Manson, in parting, had frankly told her : " I 
 am under an obligation to you, which I can never for- 
 get ! You have been earnest, prudent, active, and your 
 husband has been saved complication and disaster by 
 your powerful influence for good in his career ! He 
 will at least have a name and position, and when his 
 confreres of the ' carpet-bag ' order are forgotten, this 
 dignified exile will shield him. Besides, your income 
 is assured ! We will take care of that. I have a warm 
 admiration of your efforts to get a solid foothold under 
 you in life, dnd you will have peace at least." 
 
 "Peace ! That is all I pray for! " said Miliy Steele, 
 grasping the old financier's hands. There were few 
 secrets between them now ! 
 
 " Think of me kindly" she said, " if you do not see 
 me again ! Think of me at my best ! " 
 
 " You can test my memory of your bright and 
 friendly assistance by calling on me from your distant 
 home for anything in your interest," said Mark heartily, 
 as he announced his departure for a long tour. 
 
 " Better than the world would have her be better 
 than many another of Eve's daughters would have been 
 in her place ! I pity, I admire, and I wonder," mused 
 the old man, " is there any one who must say I for- 
 give?" 
 
 It was of all these things that Milly Steele thought 
 on the eve of her departure from Saratoga, as she
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 443 
 
 wandered alone by the lovely lake. She had walked 
 down to its shores, leaving her carriage at some dis- 
 tance. 
 
 " I am only too glad to go! " she murmured. I fear 
 not the iuture; I only wish to go out in peace, away 
 from the haunting memories of old days. It is strange," 
 she mused, "that I have not met Colonel Bayard here! 
 Would he remember the girl-wife he so gallantly aided 
 in her sorrow if he met me? Alice, his sweet wife, 
 knows me only as Milly Smiley. No! Time has 
 brushed me away from Memory's picture, and there is 
 no one now to speak of Florence Mortimer! Bayard 
 did not come here, and Robert Kenyon rests in an 
 unknown grave." -> 
 
 Alas, for the shortness of human vision! Thomas 
 Bayard had hidden his new happiness from public gaze 
 at the romantic Lake House, avoiding the already 
 vulgar crowds of the " Springs," for it was in the days 
 of flaming "petroleum" and rampant "shoddy" mill- 
 ionaires. Milly Steele looked out on the exquisite 
 shores of the placid lake smiling at her feet ! Not a 
 ripple roughened its calm beauty. The passionate 
 woman drank in the charm of the still hour, the glassy, 
 mirrored waters and their fringing shores. 
 
 "Peaceful, calm, yet below lie yawning depths, 
 black caverns, jagged rocks. Yes ! like the false life of the 
 broken butterflies of fashion we poor smiling women 
 looking forward with no thought of anything, save to 
 smooth the pathway under our feet. To look back over 
 the road our weary feet have travelled would be 
 horrible. Beneath our calm lies often the dark agony 
 of the past ! My God!" she shrieked, for, pale, 
 haggard, unkempt, with a strange gleam in his eyes, 
 Robert Kenyon strode out from the shadows and 
 roughly grasped her by the arms. He bitterly hissed
 
 444 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 in her very face: tf Florence Mortimer! }\m she- 
 devil I What have you done with my life? Where 
 have you hidden all these years? " 
 
 The pallor of death was on Milly Steele's face as 
 she gasped: "Back from the dead. Back again!" 
 
 " Tell me! "shouted the maniac. " I've tracked you 
 here from your splendid home. I've watched you for 
 weeks till I could meet you face to face. Now! By 
 the God who made me, we will die together I" 
 
 He dragged her toward the rocky bank. Despite 
 his attenuated frame and homeless wanderings, he had 
 the strength of frenzy. Ramon Maxan's revenge was 
 at last to be glutted. It was his curse hovering over 
 her! Her stormy lifejpassed before her as she strove 
 in the energy of despair. " Robert, have mercy!" she 
 screamed. "Help! Help!" The woodland echoes 
 rung as the demented husband of her youth strove with 
 the desperate woman. 
 
 In a moment more her loosening grasp would have 
 finally yielded. Shrub and clinging vine gave her help, 
 and inch by inch Milly Steele fought for her life as the 
 hot breath of the demented wanderer swept her cheek. 
 
 With a last superhuman effort, she freed herself as 
 he stumbled over a rocky ledge, in his mad fury falling 
 backward. She ran with the swiftness of a deer, and 
 the pursuing madman's grasp was almost on her 
 shoulder, as a breathless man leaped between them, 
 crying Hold ! " 
 
 With one wild shout, " Bayard! " the poor waif of 
 years glared at the woman now clinging to the tall 
 Texan, and, rushing to a jutting point, threw himself into 
 the dark water under the shade of the gloomy pines! 
 The woman glided from her savior's arms and fell 
 senseless on the turf. Tom Bayard, darting to the rock 
 whence the maniac had sprung, saw only a few widen,
 
 FOK LIFE AND 
 
 445 
 
 ing circles on the shadowed black waters. There was 
 no sound, no ripple, and the dark depths of the 
 mountain tarn never gave up the body of the worn 
 and wasted soldier. Kneeling by her side on the turf, 
 Bayard saw the eyes, which had once looked on his 
 men going forth to battle as he rode at their head, open 
 in amazement. 
 
 " Tou here! At last! Over the world my fate has 
 hounded me down!" 
 
 "You must try and rise! You must let me help you 
 away from this place! For God's sake, let me bear 
 you to a place of safety ! " 
 
 In desperate resolve, the half-fainting woman strug- 
 gled on Bayard's arm to her carriage! 
 
 " Your mistress has fainted. I will accompany her 
 home. I am Colonel Bayard," said her guardian, as he 
 lifted Milly Steele bodily into the Victoria. " Drive 
 rapidly!" he cried. "Can you bear up?" he whispered 
 to the Senator's wife. "You must. It is your life's sal- 
 vation! " 
 
 An hour later Colonel Bayard left the darkened 
 room, where Milly Steele lay safe in her hotel, with 
 the echoes of the madman's voice still ringing in her 
 ears. 
 
 " Tell me but one thing" he said, when the grave- 
 faced physician had gone. " You always believed him 
 dead?" 
 
 And Milly Steele was honest, as her trembling lips 
 faltered : " Yes, I never heard but of his death. He 
 made no sign in all these years! " 
 
 " Then your secret sleeps in the lake. If there shall 
 be any inquiry, let me bear the burden. I can say an 
 insane, man attacked you, and in sudden frenzy threw 
 himself in the lake. I will come to you alone! It is 
 well that you should not meet my wife,"
 
 446 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 An opportune telegram of the Minister, now anxious 
 to personally verify the glories of his new position, 
 enabled Bayard to quietly escort Milly Steele from the 
 scene of her last life crisis. In silence, with grave kind- 
 ness, Colonel Bayard said : " Go forth and look forward 
 to a new life beyond the Andes, for my lips are sealed." 
 The graceful woman pressed his hands, and as her tears 
 fell on them, whispered : " May God be with you and 
 yours always ! " 
 
 There was no public comment as the ex-senator 
 passed out on the ocean to his new post. He was a very 
 dim asteroid now in the national firmament! He only 
 marvelled at the shadows on his fair wife's brows, who 
 gazed steadily forward to the new world of her future, 
 her chastened heart imploring " Peace." 
 
 " I learn that Mrs. Steele has been at the Springs and 
 sailed for South America," said happy Alice a few days 
 later to her husband. " I am glad I did not meet her 
 here, for, beautiful as she was, I alwavs feared she 
 had a secret in her life." 
 
 " Be gentle in your judgments, Alice, my darling," 
 said the tall Texan, raising his eyes, which had been 
 anxiously sweeping the broad lake. " Whatever her 
 secret was, it is hidden forever now ! Let us not 
 speak of her again." 
 
 When the happy circle was finally reunited at San 
 Miguel, Thomas Bayard told Jack Manson of the 
 strange happening at the lakeside. 
 
 " I know not if it was really Maxan's plan to set 
 the demented husband on her trail to effect her 
 murder in revenge," Jack answered. " Mejia's indefat- 
 igable adjutant traced both Kenyon and Maxan to the 
 same camp. But it is a wonderful story. Let us 
 drop the dark memories of that fiend and his futile 
 plans. It is strange ! " said brave Jack Manson, look-
 
 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 447 
 
 ing at his beloved Katie, whose fair face was lit with 
 happiness as she saw the heart-brothers returning from 
 their walk. "It seems providential that, in the end, 
 where Hate and Love struggle to the death, Love 
 wins! Love is unsuspecting, hate is crafty and plot- 
 ting, yet in all Ramon Maxan's devilishly cultured 
 schemes, each careful snare laid for others failed at 
 last!" 
 
 " Do you know it is stranger than even you say, 
 Jack, in this very case? Nordenskiold is now dividing 
 up some lands. I asked him what he was doing so 
 for! 'I owned them half in half with poor Bob 
 Kenyon,' he said, 'and I have set my share aside for 
 Panchita, who will be married next month to Colonel 
 Mejia. The other interest should be Bob Kenyon's 
 widow's. He left a will which was proved here, for 
 he had sent it on from Atlanta, where he married a 
 lady named Mortimer.' When I told him -who she 
 was now, the old man said, ' Well, the lady will have 
 a hundred thousand dollars for pin-money ! ' " 
 
 " I always thought Captain Buller might marry 
 Panchita!" said Jack, musing on what he had heard. 
 
 " Buller's marriage is gazetted, sir, as well as his staff 
 majority. He has captured a senator's daughter, and 
 has got an extra grade with military promptness ! " 
 
 ."Come here, you wanderers!" cried Mrs. Katie. 
 " We are all going to drive over to your Nueces ranch 
 to-morrow, as Alice is at last going over to take pos- 
 session! Father will bring mother home soon, and we 
 have decided that three brides are too many for San 
 Miguel!" 
 
 " Then we must build a Nueces branch of the rail- 
 road soon," cried Colonel Bayard ; " the travel will be 
 immense!" a proposition heartily joined in by Jimmy 
 Leavenworth and fair Gertrude, dashing up on their 
 return from a ride.
 
 448 FOR LIFE AND LOVE. 
 
 "Do you like building railroads in Texas, Jack?" said 
 Katie Manson, with a flash of her old spirit. 
 
 "I have found a new life and a true love under the 
 Southern Cross ! " said Jack, as he stooped and kissed 
 her rosy lips.
 
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