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Billy felt a burning sensation in his already wounded left arm; but his right was

still good.

For poor, bleeding Mexico!" he cried, and put a bullet through Pesita's forehead.

Under escort of the men of the Thirteenth Cavalry who had pursued Villa's

raiders into Mexico and upon whom Billy Byrne had stumbled by chance, the

little party of fugitives came safely to United States soil, where all but one

breathed sighs of heartfelt relief.

Bridge was given first aid by members of the hospital corps, who assured Billy

that his friend would not die. Mr. Harding and Barbara were taken in by the wife

of an officer, and it was at the quarters of the latter that Billy Byrne found her

alone in the sitting-room.

The girl looked up as he entered, a sad smile upon her face. She was about to ask

him of his wound; but he gave her no opportunity.

"I've come for you," he said. "I gave you up once when I thought it was better for

you to marry a man in your own class. I won't give you up again. You're mine--

you're my girl, and I'm goin' to take you with me. Were goin' to Galveston as fast

as we can, and from there we're goin' to Rio. You belonged to me long before

Bridge saw you. He can't have you. Nobody can have you but me, and if anyone

tries to keep me from taking you they'll get killed."

He took a step nearer that brought him close to her. She did not shrink--only

looked up into his face with wide eyes filled with wonder. He seized her roughly in

his arms.

"You are my girl!" he cried hoarsely. "Kiss me!"

Wait!" she said. "First tell me what you meant by saying that Bridge couldn't

have me. I never knew that Bridge wanted me, and I certainly have never wanted

Bridge. O Billy! Why didn't you do this long ago? Months ago in New York I

wanted you to take me; but you left me to another man whom I didn't love. I

thought you had ceased to care, Billy, and since we have been together here--

since that night in the room back of the office--you have made me feel that I was

nothing to you. Take me, Billy! Take me anywhere in the world that you go. I love

you and I'll slave for you--anything just to be with you."

"Barbara!" cried Billy Byrne, and then his voice was smothered by the pressure of

warm, red lips against his own.

A half hour later Billy stepped out into the street to make his way to the railroad

station that he might procure transportation for three to Galveston. Anthony

303

The Mucker