The Louisiana Democrat., 1891-10-14

email party tOSClncT lOr al carly luoru-
inc start on a long Journey. AS the
last notes of the call died away, three
Americans, followed by half dozen
Nexicans, 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 dtos, the caval-
eade set forth.
The Americans were boHnd for the
interior, where, near Tchuacan, they
were to look over a 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
bircdt 90 along as guides, guards and
to do the work. Morgan was typical
Vesterner, and knew the ins 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 uncventful,
and the Mexica1s s>lected n 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.
"Its 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 molested in
going through the hills we would stand
agood chance of getting through with
ont a 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 Graude as we'll as the other"
"If you knew this, why didn't you
bring larger crowd? Did you know
it. Hank?"
"0f course knew it, and | am pre-
pared for it."
"Ehen, as you was sort of outfitter
for this expedition, why didn't you hire
more Mcyicans?' 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'S not beyond the range of possibil-
ity." t-a
When this conversations was going
on, one of the Mexicans had been lying
BY the fire, rolled up in his ma1.ta, ap-
parently asleep: but as soon as the
American turned into the tent for the
night, he unroled himself and sncaked
Oft into the bushes. /
Inc 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
Man whom it belonged to. The other
MeSlcans disclaimed all kno wlcdge of
als departure. Morgan did not fancy
.hat Incident, but Hank passed it off
pysaylng that the fellow had got home
aeR and gone back home
When they made halt for lunch
anu short rest in the middle of the |
uay Morgan and Mark took their rifles |
ana strolled off, intending to shoot
something A short distance from
u'elr companions they struck another
aa'l and as they were looking up and |
sO"h the sound of an approaching
Nurse greeted their ears. Hastily con-
eaiihs themselves behind bowldcr,
uey were. surprised to see their miss