News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1888-02-23

about his person. In an outside
belt, elegantly embroidered, he wore
superbly jeweled revolver, warranted to
be useful as a weapon at long range, in
the hand of self-cellected man resting
under safe shelter.
AS to other personal furniture, his
comfortable figure was adorned with
fine gold watch, possessing a national
reputation for beauty and value through
out the public of Mexico, and hat
covered with gold lace and bangles that
made it the envy of all the beaux in
town.
Under these conditions Mr.. Edgar
Wood entered the ten-mule stage that
stood in the patio of the Hotel Iturbide,
for trip down the country to pay of
5000 laborers a months wages.
The stage started. The wealthy con-
tractor was alone that morning. "This
month" he considered, "will cost me
$4,000, for which outlay the Govern
ment pays me $1,000 which is $50, 900
clear gain. In two more | shall be in
good trim, and l shall ask old Juarez
for Emilia. l think she admired me
last night when | said my adieu." And
he looked at his pistol. his fine watch
and elegant hat, and a rife ball whistled
through the coach window, followed by
q command of "Pararse!" (halt).
There is no discussing such an order
given under such circumstances.
1t was not possible for Mr.. Wood to
say just how he looked, but he felt very
pale, when a pleasant, gentlemanly
voice at the window inquired: ''Have
the honor of addressing Senior Edgaro
WoOd!"
'That is my name, sir.
"Ah, Don Edgaro, 1 am sorry to have
to modest you in your journey, but won't t
you do me the favor to alight for n mo-
ment!"
Now, if there was one quality on
which that gentleman prided himself
more than ON another it was the supe-
riority of his manners. He was known
as the polite American of Mexico, and
80, when addressed simple request in
such courteous terms, he was fain to
comply.
He therefore alighted, and tried to do
so promptly, but his motions were not
so graceful as usual; there seemed a
tremulous excitement, almost a stagger,
in his movements, when he looked
about him.
Four men, armed with cutlasses,
rifles and revolvers, stood ready to re-
ceive him. The upper half of each face
was covered with n black mask. They
were evidently natives, save one-whose
head, broader than the others at the
temples, and ruddy face below the
mask, ending in thin, frouzly, tow
colored goatee, seemed to indicate an
Englishman. Mr. Wood, noting him
carefully, thought he had seen him be
fore, but failed in any attempt to place
him.
"Senor Wood" said the spokesman,
advancing, 81 am pleased to greet you,
and regret that you are not able to re-
ciprocate the cordial sentiments [ enter
tain for you. [ must say, Amiguillo,
you wear a charming hat, and such
things are so common to you that | am
sure there will be no objection to an eX
change. See what poor thing | wear,
and SO unsuited to my years and posi-
ton in society 1t fits well, too. And
also, Senior Wood, you are said to pos
sess an excellent watch; that, sir, would
be an extremely convenient article to
have in my profession, that may be
prompt in meeting the stage, and thus
avoid tiresome Watching. Twill accept
it, with your permission.
Mr.. Wood was rapidly learning to
adapt himself to circumstances. He
knew he must submit to being stripped,
so, handing over the watch with the best
grace possible, he said, with a smile and
a bow, :'May l present you with pis
tol, as good as there is in the republic,
except your own Z"