The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1913-10-03

a months wages in advance, and We
have put 1t up. Moreover, 1 have bet
my watch, which was presented to me
by the officials of the Santa Fe for
KILN a pair of road-agents when
was depity sheriff"
Miss Blake uttered little scream,
and Speed regarded the lanky speaker
| with new interest.
"It's a Waltham movement, solid
gold case, eighteen jewels, and en-
graved with my name"
mo wonder you prize It," said
Wally.
81 bet my saddle" informed Carara,
in his slow, soft dialect. Stamp
leather wit silver filagree. 1t is more
dear to me than-well-I love it YER
much, senor!"
Seems like Willie has made the
extreme sacrifice" Stover followed up.
while all our boys has gone the
limit, Willie has topped 'em all; he's
bet his gun"
Indeed! Is 1t good weapon?"
"It's been good to me-" said the lit
tie man, dryly II took it off the quiv-
ering remains of a sheriff in Dodge
City, up to that time the best hip shot
in Kansas
Speed felt 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" Stover
continued. "It 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. 81 have parted with my
honor, and Willie Is gamblin' just as
high"
But l notice Mr.-Willie still has
his revolver"
"Sure 1 got It'll" Willie laughed, alb
ruptly. And l 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 fids reasons for his caution
which we respect" explained the
spokesman.
J. Wallingford Speed, face to face
with these serious-minded gentlemen,
began to reflect that this foot-race
was not a thing to be taken too
lightly.
81 can't understand" he declared,
with a touch of Irritation, "why you
should risk such priceless things up
on a friendly encounter"
"Friendly!" cried Willie and Stover
in a tone that made their listeners
gasp. "The Centipede and the Flying
Heart is just as friendly as pair Of
wild boars."
"You set, it's good thing we wised
you up" added the latter.
Carara muttered. fiercely: "Senor,
1 worka five year for that saddle. 1
am a good gambler, 81, 81! but l keel
somebody biffore l lose it to the
Centipede."
"And is that Echo phonograph worth
all this" inquired Helen.
I'VE won that phonograph at risk Of
life and limb" said Willie, doggedly,
from the Centipede-"
-"-and twenty other outfits, senor."
'It's a trophy" declared the fore
man, land so long as it amt where it
belongs, the Flying Heart is in dis
grace"
Even the.Leven x treats us scorn-
full" cried the smallest of the trio an
grily. We're. a joke to the whole
state"
II know just how these gentlemen
must feel" declared Miss Blake, tact
fully, at which Stover 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
world, Ieastways in these parts.
You'd ought to hear it-clear as a
bell" t.
"And sweet" said Willie. God! It's
sure sweet"
81 begin to feel your loss," said
Speed gravely. "Gentlemen, l can only
assure you l shall do my best"
Then you won't take no chances?"
inquired Willie, mildly.
You may rely upon me to take care
Of myself"
Thank you!" The delegation moved
away.
What d. you think Of him." in
quired Slower of the little man in
glasses, when they were out of hear
ing.
Il think he's all right" Willie hesi-
tated, "only kind of crazy, like all east
ern boys. It. don't seem credible that
no, sane man would dast to bluff after
what we've said. He'd be flyin' in the
face 81, Providence s.e,-i
'8s'sAs CTo, BE. C9NTINUED)