The Washington times., 1904-07-24


let him do so. I attempted to draw him
away, but the Mexican still stood
threatening before us. l was, however,
in no mood to yield. and had I been
alone I would have forced myself past
him.
''YOuu receive not another cent" I
replied doggedly. Now get out of our
way or III knock you down. of with
YOU
He drew back. his eyes flashed fire,
and he moved his hand to his belt TO
draw a knife. l knew that this meant
| trouble, and on the impulse of the mo-
ment I hit him a blow with my fist
which sent him Keeling over backward
and sprawling upon the pavement.
He was upon his feet in an instant,
! but seeing that I was armed and dis
| posed TO stand my ground, he skunk
| back. muttering curses. and declaring
vengeance against me.
| The crowd had also moved back a lit
/ tie, and I took the opportunity TO draw
the old gentleman away. and to make
our escape, before they set upon MS.
t-esYou are a brave fellow said the
old man, when we were well away from
the crowd, ebut I would have paid him
a dollar rather tban- to have any trou-
BILE. 1t was not much, and I have rea-
sons for not liking TO be mixed up in
any quarrel"
Naturally so-a man of your age,
! replied. ~.
1T is not that" ne said.
But if you had paid him what he de
manded you would have made yourself
| the prey of the whole accused lot OF
/ L 4 continued
what indignant that an American
should think of allowing himself to Dt
robbed so openly and boldly.
Il would not have cared for the loss
Of the money" he replied, land 1t IS
mot likely that 1 will ever have any
further dealings with those small trad
ers.'
THAT may be" I said, "but it IS thu
principle This will teach the fellow &
lesson, and he will hereafter be less in
lclined to rob others I Will give to q
beggar, but I owe it as a duty to my
self. and to society, not to let myself
be robbed knowingly and with my eye!
open. if I can help it
so. so! one does not like IT, and yo'
may be all right in what you say. bu
la person has to look out for himself
land sometimes it IS well not TO notice
these things. It is policy. You an
gered the fellow. He is passionate ant
revengeful, and would not hesitate a
murder. Did you watch his eyes an'
mark the threats he nader
Il heard what he said replied
'.b,It a fellow of his class would soone
kill a coward than attempt TO take tn
life of man who did not fear him
land had the courage to knock hin
down"
NO doubt you are right as to that.
admitted the old gentleman. He Wa
afraid OF you. I could see that
should not censure you, for it was al
on my account. I trust that no harm
will come to you through this affair.
would feel that 1 was to blame for
if there did"
you can set yourself at ease o.
D that score" I replied. Il shall not re
main here long-likely never see hir
again. I only regret that the fello7
had not felt the toe Of my boot, for
p, ever Il man deserved 70 be kicked like
: cur that fellow did"
Tut. tut|' he said; we cannot ex
] pect 10 mete out justice to everyon
who deserves punishment"
e We had stopped before a hotel. an
S took II that he was staying there, an
{ was about to go on. but he waited a
If he had something to say TO me.
20 Il have not the pleasure Of KNOWN
e. to whom it is that I am behOlden 10
the assistance rendered me-" he Re
e. marked finally. taking my hand.
, My name is Maxwell Harvey" I re
I piled. but as TO the assistance-pleas
b don't mention ii. That is a very doubt
full matter"
! 1T was given with the best of ir
d tention. and I am certain I shall nc
G soon forget you. My name is Metros,
= Here is my card he said, handing it
:. me.
read the name, Philip Melros
]. New York city" It stated no bushes
It or occupation.
S THANK you" I said. land II ca
Il ever do you any service, command me
n I again started TO leave him. but sa
that he still waited.
"Ah. that IS It," he said. May I as
II you have business here-er-I meal
e are YOU located here?"
at am an a6venturer, I suppose"
d replied with a laugh. I am just {
n a ranch. foot loose. with mind SETTLE
d TO nothing-unless I shall decide TO tai
a hand in the present conflict in Nc
: leo"
r You have considered doing this?" !
asked eagerly.
r yes. I have given it some thought
d replied.
8 From your speech I should say III
y you are from the East" he said, loo
ing at me sharply.
= 81 am from the East; yet so far II