The Washington times., 1904-07-24
CHAPTER 1.
A Matter of Principle.


FL Paso. though which it was, or
I to commemorate what event,
could not have told then or even now. 1
had been watching some monks march
ing in a church procession. chanting un-
Ineligible words, and followed by a
struggling crowd.
The procession had passed by and
gone into the church on the other side
of the plaza, and 1 was about TO turn
away. when a voice behind me attract
ed my attention. I looked around, but
saw no one except the fruit vendors
who had their stands near, and the
usual crowd Of men, women, and chill
dren, such as was always 10 be found
about the market and on the plaza.
Again I had started to go away when
I heard the same voice, a little strained
somewhat piping, the Spanish accent
imperfect. l now saw the spaKer. lie
was q man well advanced In years. with
almost white hair; but he stood very
erect and held himself with a great
deal Of dignity.
1 knew at once that he was one or my
own countrymen. but could not recall
having seen him before.
lie had made a purchase Of some
oranges, and there was some haggline
over the price I would have thought
nothing about sit only his being al
American made me curious to know
who he was.
Pushing my way through the bystand-
ers 1 learned that he had made his pur-
chase. but that after he had paid foI
the oranges the crafty Mexican had de
mauded more money. The old gentle
man. suspecting nothing, had failed t(
understand him at first, and protested
that he had paid him his price.
When he found that more money was
wanted Of him he offered 70 return the
fruit. but the vender would not give
him back what he had already PAID
for H.
I gave you what you asked eX
planned the old man.
you give me what l ask-give ms
eight reales-nly price!
THAT is what 1 gave you-your price.
-Four reales-you gave me fou
reales," persisted the Mexican. 'Fou
reales is not my price. See, he not pa!
me-" he continued, appealing 10 the by
ISLANDERS. who were all evidently in sym
patty with him.
The situation was an awkward one 70
the old gentleman. and seeing that h
was becoming nervous, and was likely Il
be cheated, 1 stepped up TO the Mexican
and demanded what he was complain
ing Of.
He takes my oranges! He should Civ
me a peso-it is my price replied tn
fellow. in a way which would have le
one not knowing the facts to believ
that he was being greatly wrOnged.
He paid you more than your orange
were worth" 1 replied, somewhat hotiy
knowing well enough that he was eXor
bitant in his charges and that he Wa
trying 10 beat the old gentleman.
1T was my price" persisted the Mex
can, with an injured air.
I gave him his price, which was
cents" exclaimed the would-be pun
chaser. turning TO me and speaking
English.
He says that he gave you your pric,
which was four reales,' 1 said, turnin
10 the fruit vender.
MY price was eight reales," answere
the fellow, with a calm dignity.
Take back your oranges, If you Al
not satisfied, and give him back h
money" 1 said. He is willing ths
you should take them back"
I'll have my price-he traded" r
piled the Mexican. with an air Of haJ
teur.
II want no troubIe-the amount is ii
significant" said the old gentleman
taking his purse from his pocket.
will pay il. rather than quarrel wit
the fellow"
NO. you will do no such thing
insisted. pushing him back, determine
that since 1 had interfered l would 81
fair play It's an impOsition-its roI
berry! Pay no attention TO the fello'
He's a thieving lying scamp
I stood between him and the Mexica
and took his arm TO lead him away, bl
The Mexican, having seen that he w
about TO give in, got around in fro
OF us and renewed his ClamOrs Wi
more vehemence than ever.
You'll not go! I'll have the money
he cried.
you'll have no more than your
got" I answered firmly.
Finding that I was the one he ha
10 deal with, the Mexican turned aga
suddenly upon me. threatening al
grumbling.
Its no business OF yours. You me
die You interfere. I'll not take fo1
reales. Nc will have a peso
The affair was attracting altogeth
too much attention 10 suit me. I cou
see that some Of the fellows associat
were ready TO take his part. Th'
meant mischief.
The old gentleman. uneasy, and fea