Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-04-16

Withdrew acttlt his squad behind a clamp
of Grape myrtle to paTleU.
you will find determined old woman,
standing guard yer a smokehouse that
contains nearly two whole hogs. She is
my mother. If you go into the kitchen,
you will find a faithful, loyal old slave,
trying to extract acceptable coffee out Of
unacceptable okra pods. II you"-
"Gheewillikins, how she does clip it'll
Hold up on a fellow, can't you, young
woman? You wouldn't mind giving me
your name, would you, now?"
The sergeant had taken a pad of pr
per from one pocket and was fumbling
In another for q pencil. The silence
was ominous. Mamie Colyer's tears
were flowing freely, but with her arms
clasped about Liza's waist she stood
ready to share any sentence that might
be passed upon her friend.
Liza, Liza, you will be put in Jail
for contempt Of court. Isn't that what
they call it, or something. Please say
something polite to him. Something
oonciliatory, dear, for all our sakes."
But Liza's face was absolutely un-
compromising. The sergeant had found
what he was looking for at last. "Your
name, please?"
The sergeant moistened the blunt,
black point Of his lead pencil with the
blunt, red point Of his tongue and held
1t over the paper pad in readiness. Lii
za's pretty head was flung backward in
graceful defiance.
my name is Martin. Eliza Jane
Martin"
Martin? Not the daughter Of Eben
Martin, now, I guess"'
yes"
"And you live here?"
Eyes"
"Phew!'
Then something incomprehensible
happened. The sergeant executed a pro.
longed whistle, a surprised sort G.
whistle, and withdrew with his squad
behind a clump Of Grape myrtles to par
ley. The women on the gallery, mo-
tionless as craven images, watched them
In breathless suspense.
IF they take you prisoner, Liza, they
will have to take me, too" said Mamie
In q throttled whisper.
"Take he prisonerl I'd like to see
the best MAJ among 'em az much as lay
the weight Of his little finger on her,"
said Becky in battle voice
She had found her Office as guard of
the smokehouse a sinecure. Evidently
the "locusts Of Egypt were not an
hungered. Things were decidedly more
interesting in the front, tantalizing
glimpses Of which she could catch
through the vista Of the long hall, in
consequence Of which the group on the
gallery had long since been increased
by her generous bulk. She turned visit
fully upon Liza.
"Honey, maybe he might have told us
something about your pa and the boya
Would you mind my askin 'em, sorter
polite, you know, when they step back?"
II shouldn't mind it in the least,
minnie. But see. they are not going
to give you the chance"
Inc men were mounting Cne1r nCtoeR
A abort, sharp word Of command from
the sergeant and the great white wings
Of the front gate swung open to give
passage to the squad, which galloped
away from Sans Souci in the same clat-
tering haste 1t had come.
Mrs. Martin gazed after them with
puckered browA well. ! neverl Il
that ALP"
"'The vandals' have come and gone,
minnie, said Liza, laughing hyster.
ically.
1.-THE locusts Of Egypt have swarmed
and unswarmed, Mrs Martini" said
Mamie, drawing q long breath audibly.
But Becky shook her head dolorously.
"You girls can laugh and thank the
oocd LAwd that you are here to laugh,
But W ain't done with 'em yet. Well
hear from them rogues again bsfors
lang, you m&yk my words. lwisht to
goodness I'd had my senses bout me
-.