The Washington times., 1904-07-24
m WAYS KNIGHT GRANTS ERLOJBrnSSONAwMWH Russ

Whom I should select was not the
least serious Of the difficulties which
confronted me. 1 should want two or
three good men. Men were plenty
enough, but whom could I trust or de-
pend upon in an emergency?
/ would have given a nice little sum
to have had one or two of my old ranch
companions with me. but to hunt them
I'D was out of the question. I must take
up with such fellows as I could find
who would be willing to undertake the
journey.
One Of my chance acquaintance at
Ell Paso was a young doctor. Theodore
Martin. His practice 1 knew had not
been very lucrative. In fact. ne had
mentioned to me his intention Of seek
ing another location. He was not so
weedded to his profession but that I
thought it probable he could be in
duced TO join me.
He was OF a rowing disposition. and
knew Something Of Mexican life and
of the people with whom we were likely
to have TO deal What was more, he
was one of my own countrymen. and
for that reason I felt that ] could place
some dependence upon him.
I found him at his office IN a low
brick building near the plaza. He
looked up when entered. as il surprised
to see me. and without rising offered
me chair.
! 1 noticed that he had been engaged
| in making some repairs to his clothes.
and no doubt they sadly needed atten-
ton.
You seem to have caught me this
| time" he said, with a forced smile
you see I am my own tailor"
you should have a wife" ] replied
a man is nothing without a wife;
and a professional man. he of all per-
sons, should have a partner If he eX-
poets TO get a practice
"A wife," he exclaimed, jumping up.
! What would 1 do with a wife? I m
at my wits end To know what to 10
with myself. You can thank your good
fortune that your are not trying to
practice medicine in FL PasoT'
What is the matter-toO healthy. is
it?' I asked.
Healthy" he repeated after me.
What does it matter if the people do
die? AS well might a person be dead
as to live in such place as this. Life
has little interest. and a doctor no
chance at ALL"
Suppose then, you consider a prOpO-
sition to pull up stakes and get out of
here?'' 1 suggested.
Leave FL Paso?" he asked in sur
prise Show me the money it would
take to get back TO New York, and the
/. people here may die, for all 1 care, and
go toto"
? He did not finish the sentence. but
, turned and picked up the coat he was
? mending, and, holding it up for my in
\ spection, asked abruptly: What do you
think Of this for a dress SUITE"
= I ventured the remark that 1 thought
. ii rather the worse for wear.
We'll, it's the best I've got" he re-
piled, with a this or nothing express
sion. Now what would you advise me
to do?"
Leave here. of course" replied. "In
short. l called for the very purpose 81
t Offering you a chance TO get away from
{ the place, and whether you TALL in with
my plans or not, at least l will hold
out to you a solution OF your Difficult
r ties"
r Il assure you that I will think twice
before I refuse to accept any offer you
+ may make" lie said I'm out at seat
J and knees. and charity here is as rare
as a snowstorm.'
You cannot then be thrown out upon
5 the cold world" said.
mo. it's not cold here" he replied
. graveIy. not noticing my attempted wit
/ ticism. 1T gets too hot here in more
E ways than one, sometimes. You do not
expect 10 remain in e. Paso?" he asked
r No." 1 replied. I'm going sOuth-tC
the civ of Mexico"
You are?' he said
Eyes, and came here TO ask you e
go with me. How does the proposition
l strike your"
He. frightened up, and then his face
clouded.
, I'm tied down here. I have no money
and. as I said. am out at seat and
knees. and it would be out OF tbs
question for me to accompany you"
But l Will pay your expenses. and
+, give you a hundred dollars besides
l What do YOU say?" asked. cor. I'll d.
better: III make 1t two hundred dol
: lars.
You mean what you say?" he in
. quired earnestly.
! Certainly I do replied Il canno
|. travel alone with any safety. I hav'
/ got 10 journey with a show Of force an'
- a display of arms Two good trust.
. fellows to accompany me will not max
the party any too large. You under
=, stand the dangers involved, and 1 an
: willing to pay you well Is not III
proposition a fair one?'
We'll. I'd as soon die fighting Greas
o ers. or bandits, for that matter n
l replied. AS TO stay here and starve I
II death. I'll accept your terms; I'm get
{. ting desperate. You'll arrange about
| horse and outft2"