The Argosy, Volume XLIV — page 310: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a, 306 A part of the secret had fluttered from Teresa’s lips before she was aware. She gazed with wide, startled eyes at Amy, who had straightened crect in her chair. “ You saw Jeffries going into the old mine shaft?” came from Army tenta- tively. ‘ Tlow could you know I saw any one going into the old shaft? ” “Was it Jeffries?” persisted Amy. Teresa made no sign. “Then it was Chombo. That is the kind of a hiding-place Chombo would choose. You are right, Teresa. There is no one at the works capable of deal- ing with the matter, and it must be kept quiet until Mr. Whipple returns.” “It was not Chombo,” cried Teresa. “No?” Amy’s hands tightened on the arms of her chair. “ Who was it you saw going into the mine? You must tell me. During Mr. Whipple’s ab- sence I am in charge here, and it is right that I should know.” "The words carried a sharp command. “It was Henderson,” answered Teresa. ‘“ Henderson!” repeated Amy, start- ing up. “ You saw him going into the old shaft last night? You are sure there is no mistake ? ” “There is no mistake!” declared Teresa. “Ah, but I was frightened! And I have told no one until now.” The sister, still eager to shield the wayward brother who had all but broken her heart, had beguiled the secret from her friend’s lip.. I{er fears confirmed, all Amy’s self- poise was thrown to the winds. Ha- stening to the wall, she caught down her hat with trembling hands and put it on as she started for the door. But the exit was barred. In front of it stood Teresa, with arms outstretched. “What would you do?” the Mect- cand asked pantingly. “Let me pass!” cried Amy. do you try to stop me? ” “Where are you going, Amy?” “Tam going into the old mine,” an- swered Amy. distraught. “TIT will search every part of it and I will find him and warn him. Let me go!” “There is danger—— ”’ “Tor me?” ! 99 “Why C; OuUgle THE ARGOSY. “Yes. Jeffries there.” “Stand aside, I tell you! ” Amy’s breath came short and hard. She caught Teresa’s arm as though she would drag her from the door. But the Mexican girl was strong and held to her place. As she looked at Amy a light as of sudden understanding shot into her eves. “This Henderson is your calallero; you love him ” “TI do love him! What is that to you, to any one?” “ You go there to warn him “Why should I not warn the man I love? I will not let him be ‘captured and taken away.” “You shall not go to the mine,” said Teresa passionately. “ You made me tell you, and now vou would cheat Senor Whipple out of his rights.” “What are Mr. Whipple’s rights to me when my brother is in peril of his life? ” “Your brother? ” “Yes; this man you call Henderson is my brother Tom—Tom Travis. “Think of me, Teresa. This is mv sorrow, the great trouble that has made the whole world dark and life not worth the living. Suppose Pablo was being hunted as my brother is; do you im- agine that I would try to keep you from carrying the warning that would save him? I must go; oh, do not, do not prevent me.” ‘You shall not go,” returned Teresa with shrill determination. “I do not care if this man jis your brother, or if you are a dozen times my friend. Senor Whipple shall know and shall capture the man who tried to take his life.” Amy threw herself back and flung up her head. Blue eyes and black crossed glances, sharp and bright as swords. No words came; it was not a time for speech, but for action. With a cry in which sorrow and fierce determination were strangely mingled, Amy darted toward Teresa. - The Mericana caught her about the waist and half dragged, half carried her away from the door. At that instant If [lenderson is there, then and Chombo may also be 33 GORMGIOO CO