The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-06-20

arms OF the defenders; food, clothing
and horses to ride-none of these
would satisfy them. They would de-
mand the rich Spanish landowners to
be held for ransom, the women first
of all. And OF all those women hud-
died up in the casa grande not one
would bring bigger ransom than Ora
ella Aragon.
Bud pondered upon the outcome as
the emissaries wrangled on the hill
side, and then he went back to the
corral to make sure that his horse was
safe. Copper Bottom. too, might be
held for ransom. But, knowing the
rebels as he did, Hooker foresaw
different fate, and rather than see him
become the mount of some rebel chief
tain he had determined, if the town
surrendered, to make dash.
Riding by night and hiding in the
hills by day he could get to the border
in two days. All he needed was little
jerked beef for the trip and he would
w ACuuy IVA any thii6'
So he hurried down to the hotel
again and was just making sack Of
food fast to his saddle when he heard
a noise behind him and turned to face
Aragon. For two days the once
naughty Don Cipriano had skunk about
like sick cat, but now he was headed
for Gracia's big roam, and the look in
his eyes betrayed his purpose.
where you going?" demanded
Hooker in English, and at the gruff
challenge the Spaniard stopped in his
tracks. The old, hunted look came
back into his eyes, he seemed to
shrink before the stern gaze of the
Texan, and, as the memory of his past
misdeeds came over him, he turned as
If to fee.
But there was a smile, an amused
and tolerant smirk, about the Ameri.
cans mouth, and even for that look
of understanding the harried hacien-
dado seemed to thank him. He was
broken now, thrown down from his
pedestal Of arrogance and cOnceit, and
as Hooker did not offer to shoot him
at sight he turned back to him like
lost dog that seeks but kind word.
Bud knew that Aragon was entirely
at his mercy, that fear had clutched
the once arrogant Spaniard by the
throat, and 1t was almost worth the
anxiety he felt for this mans daugh-
ter to see the father cowed. Aragon
crawled closer to Bud as II for the
protection he could not get from his
own people.
"Ah, senor!" he whined, your par
don! What?" as he sighted the sack
Of meat-"you are going, too? All, my
friend"-his eyes lighted up suddenly
at the thought-"let me ride with you!
I will pay you-yes, anything-but IL
Bernardo Bravo takes me he will hang
me! He has sworn it,"
We'll, you got 1t coming to you!"
answered Hooker heartlessly.
But will pay you well!" pleaded
Aragon. Il will pay you" He paused
as II to consider what would tempt
him and then suddenly he raised his
head
What Is 1t you wish above every
thing7" he questioned eagerly. Your
title to the mine-no? Bien! Take
me to the line-protect me from my
enemies-and the papers are yours!"
Have you got them with your" In
CURED Hooker with businesslike di.
rectness.
mo, but I can get them!" cried Ara
gon, forgetful of everything but his
desire to escape. 81 can get them
while you saddle my horse!"
"Where?" demanded Hooker craft
lily.
From the agente mineral" an
swered Aragon. 81 have a great deal
Of influence with him, and"
"Bastante!" exploded Bud in a voice
which made Aragon jump. Enough!
II you can get them, can! And we
shall see, Senior Aragon, whether this
pistol of mine will not give me some
influence, tool"
"Then you will take them?" faltered
Aragon as Hooker started to go. You
will take them and leave me for Der.
nardo Bravo to"
Listen, senor!" exclaimed Hooker,
hating and advancing a threatening
forefinger. "A man who can hire four
men to do his dirty work needs no
protection from me. You understand
that-no? Then listen again. | am
going to get those papers. If hear
a word from you l will send you to
Join your four men"
He touched his gun as he spoke and
strobe out into the open, where he
beckoned the mineral agent from the
crowd. A word in his ear and they
went down the hill together, while Don
Cipriano watched from above. Then,
as they turned into the office, Aragon
spat out a curse and went to seek
Manuel del Rey