The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1913-09-18

first experience strained our credulity
to the Dustin point, and-well, in
words of one syllable, we come from
Joplin"
Missouri" said Willie.
my dear sirs, l can't prove that you
are going to win your wagers until the
day Of the race. However, ii you are
broke to start with. don't see how
you can expect to lose a great DEAL"
you amt got the right angle on the
affair."" Slower explained. Outside of
the onbearable contumely Of losin'
twice to this Centipede outfit, which
would be bad enough, we have drawn
months wages in advance, and we
have put it up. Moreover, / have bet
my watch, which was presented to me
by the officials Of the Santa Fe for
kfllin' a pair Of road-agents when
was deputy sheriff"
Miss Blake uttered little scream,
and Speed regarded the lanky speaker
with new interest.
ITS a Waltham movement, solid
gold case. eighteen Jewels, and en-.
graved with my name."
mo wonder you prize it." said
Wally.
Il bet my saddle, !" informed Carara,
In his slow, soft dialect. STAMP
leather wit silver filagree. It IL more
dear to me than-well-I love It YER
much, senor!" ~-.--'
Seems like Willie has made the
extreme sacrifice" Slower followed up.
while all our boys has gone the
limit. Willie has topped 'em all: he's
bet his gum"
Indeed! Is it a good weapon?"
'It's been good to me-" said the lit
tie man, dryly. II took 1t OF the quiv-
ering remains Of a sheriff in Dodge
City. up to that time the best hip shot
In Kansas"
Speed felt a cold chill steal up his
spine, while Miss Blake went pale and
laid trembling hand upon his arm.
"You see it amt intrinsic value so
much as association and sentiment
that leads to this interview" Slower
continued. 1T amt no joke-we don't
joke with the Centipede-and we've
relied on you. The Mex here would
do murder for that saddle" Carara
nodded, and breathed something in his
own tongue. IT have parted with my
honor, and Willie is gamblin' Just as
high"
But notice Mr.-Willie still has
his revolver"
Sure got it," Willie laughed, alb
ruptly. "And 1 don't give it up till we
lose, neither. That's the under.
standin'." His voice was surprisingly
harsh for one SO high-pitched. He
looked more like a professor than
ever.
willie has reasons for his caution
which we respect" explained the
spokesman.
J. Wallingford Speed, face to face
| with these serious-m minded gentlemen,
began to reflect that this foot-race
was not thing to be taken too
lightly.
Il can't understand" he declared,
with a touch Of irritation. why you
should risk such priceless things up
on friendly encounter"
"Friendly!" cried Willie and Slower
In q tone that made their listeners
gasp. ''The Centipede and the Flying
Heart is just as friendly as a pair OF
wild boars."
"You set, it's good thing we wised
you up" added the latter.
Carara muttered fiercely: "Senor,
worka five year for that saddle. l
am a good gambler. 81, 81! but keel
somebody biffore lose it to the
Centipede."
And is that Echo photograph worth
al this?" inquired Helen.
I'VE won that photograph at risk OF
life and limb" said Willie, doggedly,
from the Centipede-"
and twenty other outfits, senor."
TITS trophy" declared the fore
man, land so long as 1t amt where II
belongs. the Flying Heart is in dis
grace"
Even the Leven K treats US scorn.
full" cried the smallest Of the trio an.
gritty. We're a joke to the whole
state"
II know just how these gentlemen
must feel" declared Miss Blake, tact.
fully, at which Slower bowed with
grateful awkwardness.
And it's really q wonderful in.
strument." said he. II don't reckon
there's another one like it in the