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Updated: May 23, 2025
"That idea just got through your thick British skull?" queried Artie, rousing again. "I wish we had some way to carry the young lady she can't walk," said Westmore, paying no attention. "I have my horse tied out by the lone Joshua-tree," I answered him. "I'm going to take a look at that Cortinez," said the little Englishman, nodding his satisfaction at my news as to the horse.
I lighted a second cigarette from the butt of the first and fell into a study. Cortinez breathed heavily outside. Otherwise the silence was as dead as the blackness of the night. The smoke from my cigarettes floated lazily until it reached the influence of the hot air from the lamp; then it shot upward toward the ceiling.
My eyes were riveted on the door knob which was slowly, almost imperceptibly, turning. Cortinez continued to breathe heavily in sleep outside. The intruder was evidently at great pains not to awaken the guard. A fraction of an inch at a time the door opened. A wild-haired, wild-eyed head inserted itself cautiously through the crack.
I've seen them before, and I got uneasy, too. If he came to the worst I might have to tie and gag him. I know how they are." "Go ahead," I urged. He had stopped to listen. "I don't like that Cortinez being so handy like out there," he confessed. "Hooper told him he could sleep. He's not likely to pay attention to us. Miss Emory and I have been talking aloud." "I hope not.
The first months after his arrival were spent in the vain pursuit of the famous brigand, Cortinez, who was continually stealing across the Rio Grande, burning the homes, driving off the stock of the ranchmen, and then retreating into Mexico.
It was now high time to think of our next move. For weapons we had the gun and knife taken from Cortinez and the miserable little automatic belonging to Brower. That was all. It was perfectly evident that we could not get out through the regular doorways, as, by Tim's statement, they were all closed and guarded. On my representation it was decided to try the roof.
The girl's eyes widened in surprise and, I imagine, a little in fear. I began to laugh, silently, so as not to disturb Cortinez. Mirth overcame me; the tears ran down my cheeks. "It's so darn complete!" I gasped, answering the girl's horrified look of inquiry. "Miss Emory, allow me to present Mr. Artie Brower!" Brower entered the room quickly but very quietly, and at once came to me.
He inclined in a most courteous fashion, first to the one of us, then to the other, and went out. He did not lock the door after him, and I could hear him addressing Cortinez outside. The girl started to speak, but I waved my shackled hand at her for silence. By straining my ears I could just make out what was said. "I am going to bed," Hooper said. "It is not necessary to stand guard.
"I'm not easy about him." "He'll sleep like a log until morning," Miss Emory reassured me. "I've often stepped right over him where he has been on guard and walked all around the garden." "Just the same I'm going to take a look," persisted Westmore. He tiptoed to the door, softly turned the knob and opened it. He found himself face to face with Cortinez.
Only the confusion of the papers on the floor and the open safe would have struck an observant eye. "It is well that you come," said Tim to Cortinez in Spanish. "The señor sent me to conduct these two to the East Room and I like not the job alone. Enter." He held the door with one hand and fairly dragged Cortinez through with the other.
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