Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1902-12-31
TEXAN t AG1Tl|CS

copyright. 1902. by the 8. s. McCiur,
Company.l
The Italian counts didn't wait fol
Colonel sam Taylor and his dnu-htc;
Edith to strike Italian soil before seek
ing to win the young girls love and the
coIonel's money. Edith was worth
winning. and the colonel had a fat
bank account from Texas cattle and
the dividends of two oil gushers. He
wasn't man to brag OF his wealth.
He simply said TO the landlord OF the
Partisan hotel where he put up" for
few days:
eve want the best this shanty and
this town afford. and there won't be
any kicking when the bill comes In.
I'm not worth as much as the Roths-
childs-not at this minute-but they
are expecting to strike at least three
new oil wells on my land at any hour.
and may buy o-s. your Bds before
get ready to leave"
1t wasn't two days before an Italian
count called. He was count with
four castles and could trace his family
paSh -aU yeair "ithout ehc oiu "a =
detective.
Look here. Count Dizxio." said Colo
mel Sam after looking the nobleman
over: I'm plain. blunt man and say
what think. Did you ever run a
brickyardY'
"Sir" exclaimed the count as he
drew himself up.
"0h. no offense. you know. I'm will
ing to take on son-in-law, but | want
TO start big brickyard over In Texas.
ard he must know enough to manage
it. Ii will be all in the family. you
see. Texas has the best clay in the
world for briekmaking. and the boom
towns are fairly crying for material
TO build with
The count made an exit becoming
the descendant OF king. His tracks
had not grown cold. however. when a
second one arrived. His wardrobe and
his ancestry went hand IN hand. He
had seen Edith as she entered the door
way Of the hotel. and his heart beats
jumped from normal to liG per minute
Yes: glad you called 10 talk matters
over replied Colonel Sam as he leaned
back in his chair. "You have seen
Edith. you say. and you love her?''
II loaf her as loaf my iife." replied
the count as he worked the windmill
racket with his arms.
Il see. Can't say that I'm struck on
your shape. but I'm willing to give you
chance. Can you throw iasso.
brand calf or ride bronchof''
The count did not understand. and
the colonel had 10 90 Into explanations.
When he had finished and added that
his ranches were all family affairs aud
that he would start son-in-law In at
S45 per month and gradually advance
him. he found no listener to his last
words
There came other Italian counts. and
they, too. disappeared after a brief talk
with the colonel. but Ii was not until
they moved on to Italy that there was
a count for every hour OF the twenty
-four. Counts followed the pair as they
went sightseeing. met them at the
doors OF cathedrals and amid historic
ruins aud swarmed In the Hobbies or
hotels. Ii took Colonel Sam half the
day and all the evening to turn them
down. Some had titles only two feet
long. and some had titles running into
yards. but to save time aud trouble he
called them all Count Dizxio. He en-.
all Of them to the extent OF
Offering them various jobs ranging In
wages from $50 to S45 per month and
board. and In each and every case his
generous offer was refused with in
dignation. In only one case did Dig
zio feel that the Insult must be wiped
out In blood.
"Signore. you hava insulta me. and
You must fighta me one dueir' be ex-
claimed.
"All right. old boy; have 1t your
way" was the good naturcd reply. 'As
] am the challenged party, shall Sc
iect revolvers, and IL don't shoot six
holes through you In six seconds I'll
never again claim Texas as my home.-
The count declared that a gentleman
could not fight with any other weapon
than rapier. but the colonel replied:
NO toasting forks or frog stickers
for me. Ny idea is to Kill you as dead
and as quick as possible, and there's
nothing like chunks Of lead to do II.
Name your time and place. friend Dix
zio. and look up the deed to your lot
In the graveyard at the same time
The count retreated in good order
a L. n -