The Van Buren press., 1903-09-05
A SLIGHT
MISUNDERSTANDING
BY HENRY HUMISTON.

N
IVf the Cafe Pasaje, looked sharp
ly at the two Americans leaning
against the bar, and when he was
sure that he was unobserved he called
his patron sails to witness, and then
spit viciously 81 the direction OF the
hated Gringoes. Outside the white
tropical sunlight danced in the de-
serted streets of La Sinceridad.
soldier was sleeping in doorwa;',
and a small chi>l, very airily attred,
peered curiously in at the door OF the
cafe at the two strangers One OF the
Americans was tall and straight and
well groomed. The other mans
clothes bore mute evidence to having
been slept in many times. The man
himself looked badly In need Of a
shave; he was pale and nervous, and
smoked necessarily, lighting ono
cigaret from the butt of the other.
Bob" said the tall American, I
have heard all sorts of rumors. Did
you sell me out! AS man to man, as
ltllON NOuHll yHlti, peb vi 'ou " oO
square with me now If you haven't
before. Let me know where | stand,
what | am to expect, Have you sold
me out?"
The man in the much worn Broad
way suit shrugged his shoulders.
Didn't you get the rifles you bought
of me?"
why, yes; my men have 1.200
Mausers now, thanks to you.
But"
Didn't your gang get the cartridges
| put ashore from the fishing boat
last tuesday,"
Yes, we got the cartridges and the
two rapid fire guns that you brought
to us, too, although where you got
them | can't imagine"
you gave me ar order for 1900
rifles and 300, 900 rounds Of cartridges.
| delivered the goods, You say you
got EN- What's the kick?"
Simply this" went on the other
man. You delivered the goods you
promised. But you are flituster
A ilibuster understand generally
plays fast and loose. He takes money
from all sides. | don't say you have
done this, but I've been told So You
sold me guns, I'm told you've sold
guns and cartridges to Col Gonzales.
too. Consequently he's ready to
strike a blow, and I've got to fight,
when thought that by getting a well
equipped little array together Con
zales would be afraid TO start any
trouble. engaged you first You
were my agent You had TO right to
20 into the employment Of Gonzales.
But what could expect a fiji"
zone mans gold is as good az
another's, isn't it?' asked the fill
buster.
Yes" answered the tall Ameri-
can, sulkily ito a man who doesn't
l"now what honor IS"
In other words, nllbuster," said
the short man.
"EXactly"
The dsreputable man smiled sadly
and 1T fresh cigaret
There comes your other master"
went on the tall American. There's
Gonzales. He doesn't know, perhaps,
that you have been playing fast and
loose with us both Why don't you
tell him? II will make no difference
though, II he is ready TO fight. he'll
fight know what It means in the
end II means rd'n 10 me, that's all.
II could have won out by that litt!e
trick | was planning TO turn on him
II would have settled everything. But
anyhow, | played the man; wasn't
a sneak and a coward that"
Just cut that out for the time be-
ing" said the nlibustor, "here's Con
zales"
The colonel entered the cafe blink.
ing his eyes like an owl as he stepped
from the brilliantly lighted street into
the cool darkness Of the cafe. Ho
stopped in astoniShmcnt when he saw
the 6libuster and Bob Nelson q.
gcthCr, The hlibustcr called him
over,
colonel" said the hlibuster, my
friend, Mr.. Martin, thought / ought 10
acquant you with the fact that have
sold him 1900 stands Of arms and
cartridges 70 match"