The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-10-02

small party together Tor an early morn
ing start on a long journey. AS the
last notes of the call died away, three
Americans, followed by half a dozen
MeXicans, entered the yard, all booted
and Spurred, ready to be off. With the
customary shouting and chattering,
the horses and pack mules were brought
out, and with many a dos, the caval-
cadc set forth.
The Americans We're bound for the
interior, where, near Tehuacan, they
were to look over tract of
land recently purchased by one of
them, Jack Morgan. The other two
Americans were friends of Morgan
taken along for company, and also be-
cause they were somewh at acquainted
with greasers and greaser ways, while
Morgan was not. The MeXicans were
hired to go along as guides, guards and
to do the work Morgan was typical
westerner and knew the ms and outs
of life on the plains as well as the best
of them. He was one of those chaps
who are quick on the trigger and cool
under all circumstances. He spoke
Spanish fairly well, but, as stated be-
fore, had never been far into the in
terror of Mexico.
The first days travel was uneventful,
and the MeXicans selected a fine camp
ing place for the night. After supper
the pipes were brought out, and seated
about the fire the Americans discussed
the first day of their journey.
TITS all right, 50 far said Morgan.
eff we get through tomorrow as good
as we have to-day shall feel all right
Tomorrow We'll go through the worst
part of the trip, and the consul at Vera
Cruz said if we were not molested in
going through the hills we would stand
a good chance of getting through with
out Il hold up"
"Why," asked Mark. one of the
Americans, ARE we likely to be held
up"
unfortunately we are. There are
gentlemen of the highway on this side
of the Rio Grande as well as the other"
''If you knew this, why didn't you
bring larger crowd? Did you know
it, Hank?"
''Of course | knew it, and am pre-
pared for it.
"Then, as you was sort of outftter
for this expedition, why didn't you hire
more Mexicans?" queried Mark.
''For the simple reason that six Mex
leans are as good as a field full. If you
are going to run up against road agents,
the more you hire the more of the
gang you will be likely to have along
with you to turn against you at the
critical moment. But it is not at all
likely that we will be troubled, though
it is not beyond the range of POSSIBLE
ity.'
When this conversation was going
on, one of the MeXicans had been lying
by the fire, rolled up in his mdnta, APP
parently asleep: but as soon as the
American turned into the tent for the
night, he unrolled himself and Sncaked
off into the bushes
The next morning, bright and early,
breakfast was served, the tent struck
and the journey resumed. Upon count
ing noses, it was discovered that there
was one missing and with it the Mex
lean whom it belonged to- The other
MeXicans disclaimed all kno Wedge of
his departure. Morgan did not fancy
that incident, but Hank passed it off
by saying that the fellow had got home
sick and gone back home.
When they made a halt for lunch
and a short rest in the middle of the
day, Morgan and Mark took their rifles
and strolled off, intending to shoot
something. A short distance from
their companions they struck another
trail, and as they were looking up and
down the sound Of an approaching
horse greeted their ears. Hastily con-
'cealing themselves behind bowlder,
they were surprised to see their miss