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6 CHILDREN OF THE SOUTH
Manuel has no idea of deserting the young girl but
he is an outlaw with a price upon his head-doubled
and trebled by the rich, whom he has robbed. His
self-preservation is imperative, otherwise he could not
succor or benefit any living thing. He must always be
on the alert and now, more so than ever, for he has
crossed those whom he knows would not hesitate to
become informers. So he rides hard and long. He takes
a desperate chance. He does into a city three hundred .
miles away-where he has been before-is wanted,
and known.
He escapes. His object has been attained. He has
established his whereabouts.
Twelve days from the time he left the spot where the
Wolf dog ·said farewell, he is back again, and the Wolf
dog is waiting-and with him the girl.
To Juanita this stranger was a God. But had she
willed not to come the Wolf dog would have forced her
to do so. It was not many hours after the going away
of the stranger, when he had taken hold of her torn.
ragged garments, and finally pulled her along the trail,
Roderigo and Laynez have both seen the dog and
Juanita going into the hills, as there was not a day
passed that they did not do so. They are suspicious-
has not Manuel Maretta been seen many days journey
to the south.
They are holding many councils at this time. Roder-
igo, Fernando, Mart.a and Rosita. There was to be a
great raid upon the gringoes just across the border,
a town where the stars and stripes were planted was
to be raided, sacked, and burned, and its accursed
flag ground into the dust.
They had received the word to be prepared for the
gathering and the Chief was expected at any time.
But Roderigo was smarting with deep-seated hate
and longing for revenge, and in spite of the councils,
in spite of the great business he would follow the trail
of the dog and the girl. He would be sure.