Read Online Desert Gold by Zane Grey - Free Book Online

The speakers were none other than the two cowboys whom he had accosted in the Mexican hotel.
    â€œHold on, fellows,” he called out, and strode into the road.
    The horses snorted and stamped. Then followed swift rustling sounds—a clinking of spurs, then silence. The figures loomed clearer in the gloom. Gale saw five or six horses, two with riders, and one other, at least, carrying a pack. When Gale got within fifteen feet of the group the foremost horseman said:
    â€œI reckon that’s close enough, stranger.”
    Something in the cowboy’s hand glinted darkly bright in the starlight.
    â€œYou’d recognize me, if it wasn’t so dark,” replied Gale, halting. “I spoke to you a little while ago—in the saloon back there.”
    â€œCome over an’ let’s see you,” said the cowboy, curtly.
    Gale advanced till he was close to the horse. The cowboy leaned over the saddle and peered into Gale’s face. Then, without a word, he sheathed the gun and held out his hand. Gale met a grip of steel that warmed his blood. The other cowboy got off his nervous, spirited horse and threw the bridle. He, too, peered closely into Gale’s face.
    â€œMy name’s Ladd,” he said. “Reckon I’m some glad to meet you again.”
    Gale felt another grip as hard and strong as the other had been. He realized he had found friends who belonged to a class of men whom he had despaired of ever knowing.
    â€œGale—Dick Gale is my name,” he began, swiftly. “I dropped into Casita tonight hardly knowing where I was. A boy took me to that hotel. There I met an old friend whom I had not seen for years. He belongs to the cavalry stationed here. He had befriended a Spanish girl—fallen in love with her. Rojas had killed this girl’s father—tried to abduct her…You know what took place at the hotel. Gentlemen, if it’s ever possible, I’ll show you how I appreciate what you did for me there. I got away, found my friend with the girl. We hurried out here beyond the edge of the town. Then Thorne had to make a break for camp. We heard bugle calls, shots, and he was away without leave. That left the girl with me. I don’t know what to do. Thorne swears Casita is no place for Mercedes at night.”
    â€œThe girl ain’t no peon, no common Greaser?” interrupted Ladd.
    â€œNo. Her name is Castañeda. She belongs to an old Spanish family, once rich and influential.”
    â€œReckoned as much,” replied the cowboy. “There’s more than Rojas’s wantin’ to kidnap a pretty girl. Shore he does that every day or so. Must be somethin’ political or feelin’ against class. Well, Casita ain’t no place for your friend’s girl at night or day, or any time. Shore, there’s Americans who’d take her in an’ fight for her, if necessary. But it ain’t wise to risk that. Lash, what do you say?”
    â€œIt’s been gettin’ hotter round this Greaser corral for some weeks,” replied the other cowboy. “If that two-bit of a garrison surrenders, there’s no tellin’ what’ll happen. Orozco is headin’ west from Agua Prieta with his guerrillas. Campo is burnin’ bridges an’ tearin’ up the railroad south of Nogales. Then there’s all these bandits callin’ themselves revolutionists just for an excuse to steal, burn, kill, an’ ride off with women. It’s plain facts, Laddy, an’ bein’ across the U.S. line a few inches or so don’t make no hell of a difference. My advice is, don’t let Miss Castañeda ever set foot in Casita again.”
    â€œLooks like you’ve shore spoke sense,” said Ladd. “I reckon, Gale, you an’ the girl ought to come with us. Casita shore would be a little warm for us tomorrow. We didn’t kill anybody, but I shot a Greaser’s arm off, an’ Lash strained friendly