The Valiant Runaways | Page 5

as adventures would be but half spiced if experienced alone, he
determined--and not from selfish motives only--to save his best
beloved friend, Adan Pardo, from the grasp of the law likewise.
He went within and slung about himself two pistols and a dagger. After
he had made a small bundle of linen and raided the pantry, he went out
to the corral, saddled his horse and packed the saddle bags, wound his
lariat securely about the pommel, then galloped away on a series of
adventures memorable in the annals of California.
II
Roldan's way lay over his father's leagues until two hours after nightfall.
As he passed, every now and again, a herd of cattle, lounging vaqueros
called to him: "Ay, Don Roldan, where do you go?" or, "The little
senor chooses a hot day for his ride." But he excited no curiosity. Like
all Californians he half lived in the saddle; and he was often seen riding
in the direction of Don Esteban Pardo's rancho, to spend a few days
with his chosen friend.
As he approached the house he saw the family sitting on the long
verandah: the pretty black-eyed girls in full white gowns, their dark
hair flowing to the floor, or braided loosely; Don Esteban, a silk
handkerchief knotted about his head, reclining in a long chair beside his
wife, a stout woman, coffee-coloured with age, attired in a dark silk
gown flowered with roses. Indian servants came and went with cooling
drinks. Although it was December, Winter had loitered and fallen into
deeper sleep than usual on her journey South this year.
Adan was leaning against a pillar, moody and bored. He was the
youngest of the boys. His brothers, elegant caballeros, who spent most

of their time in the capital or on other ranches, were kind to their
younger brother, but not companionable. Therefore, when Roldan
galloped into sight, he gave a shout of joy and ran down the road.
Roldan drew rein some distance from the house, that the conference,
which must take place immediately, might be unheard by older ears.
"Listen, my friend," he said rapidly, interrupting Adan's voluble
hospitality. "The soldiers are out for conscripts--"
"Ay, yi!--"
"Now listen, and don't talk until I am done. I WILL NOT be drafted as
if I had no will of my own, and rot in a barrack while others enjoy life.
Neither will you if you have the spirit of a Pardo and are worthy to be
the friend of Roldan Castanada. So--I fly. Do you understand?--and you
go with me. We will dodge these servants of a tyrant government the
length and breadth of the Californias. When the danger is over for this
year we will return--not before. Now, you will ask me to go to my
room as soon as possible after you have given me some supper, for I
am tired and want sleep. You also will take a nap. When all is quiet I
shall call you and we will start."
Adan had listened to this harangue with bulging eyes and tongue
rolling over his teeth. But Roldan never failed to carry the day. He was
a born leader. Adan's was the will that bent; but his talent for good
comradeship and his quiet self-respect saved him from servility.
In appearance he was in sharp contrast to the slender Roldan, of the
classic features and fiery eyes. Short, roly-poly, with a broad, good-
natured face, his attire was also unmarked by the extreme elegance
which always characterised Roldan. In summer he wore calico
small-clothes, in winter unmatched articles of velvet or cloth, and an
old sombrero without silver.
"Ay! yi!" he gasped. "Ay, Roldan! Holy Mary! But you are right. You
always are. And so clever! I will go. Sure, sure. Come now, or they will
think we conspire."
Roldan dismounted, and was warmly greeted by the family. The girls
rose and courtesied, blushing with the coquetry of their race. Roldan
cared little for girls at any time, and to-night was doubly abstracted, his
ear straining at every distant hoof-beat. He retired as early as he
politely could, but not to sleep. Indeed, he became so nervous that he
could not wait until the family slept.

"Better to brave them, Adan," he said to his more phlegmatic friend,
"than that sergeant, should he get here before we leave. Come, come,
let us go."
They dropped out of the window and stole to the corral where the
riding horses were kept. It was surrounded by a high wall, and the gate
was barred with iron; but they managed to remove the bars without
noise, saddled fresh horses and led them forth and onward for a half
mile, then mounted and were off like the wind.
They knew the country down the coast