The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-11-03

S5STSN Vera Cruz Pas
90 ada, calling n
small party together for an carly morn
ing start on long journey. AS the
last notes of the call died away, three
Americans, followed by half n dozen
Mexicans, entered the yard, all booted
and spurrcd, ready to be off. With the
customary shouting and chattering,
the horses and pack mules were brought
out, and with many dos, the caval-
cadc set forth.
The Americans were bound for the
interior. where, near Tehuacan, they
HVere to look over tract of
Hand recently purchased by one of
them, Jack Morgan. Tho other two
Americans were friends of Morgan
taken along for company, and also be-
cause they were somcwh at acquainted
with greascrs and grcascr ways, while
Morgan was not. The McXicans were
hircdsto go along rs guides, guards and
TO do the work. Morgan was typical
westerncr, and knew the ms and outs
OF life on the plains as we'll as the best
OF them. He was one of those chaps
who arc quick on the trigger and cool
under all circumstances. He smoke
Spanish fairly we'll, but, as stated be-
tore, had never been far into the in
terror of Mexico.
The first days travel was uncvcntful,
land the MeXicans selected 4 fine camp
ing place for the night. After supper
the pipes were brought out, and seated
about tho fire tho Americans discussed
the first day of their journey.
cts all right, so far" said Morgan.
: IF 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 molestcd in
going through the hills we would stand
a good chance of getting through with.
tout hold up"
"Why," asked Mark, one of the
Americans, ''arc we likely to be held
up?"
UNFORTUNATELY we arc. There arc
gentlemen of the highway on this side
of the Rio Grande as well as the other"
"1f you knew this, why didn't you
bring larger crowd? Did you know
It, Hnnl1?"
"Of course knew it, and am pre-
pared for it."
''Thcn, rs you was sort of outftter
flor this expedition, why didn't you hiro
moro McXicans?" qucricd Mark
''For tho simple reason that six Mex
deans are as good as field full. If you
are going to run up against road agents,
the moro you hire the moro 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
1t is not beyond tho range of POSSIBLE
ity."
When this converse ton was going
on, one of the MeXicans had been lying
by the fire, rolled up in his mdntd, ap-
parcntly asleep; but as soon as the
American turned into the tent for the
night, he unrollcd himself and sncallcd
off into the bushes.
The next morning bright and carly,
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
McXicans disclaimcd all lsno wlcdgc 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 halt for n lunch
and short rest in tho 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 lool1in e up and
down the sound of an approaching
horse greeted their ears. Hastily con-
cealing themselves behind bowldcr,
they were surprised to see their miss