The Elbert County tribune., 1914-07-10


but they are not alone in this-there
are other crafts that leave their mark
and other men as shrewd. A group of
mining men took one look at the
smaller man. noting the candle-grease
on his corduroys and the intelligence
In his eyes; and to them the big man
was no more than a laborer-or a
shift-boss at most-and the little man
was one of their kind. Every line in
his mobile face spoke of intellect and
decision. and a. they walked 1t was he
who did the talking while the big man
only nodded and smiled.
They took a turn or two up the
street. now drifting into some ciamor-
ous saloon, now standing at gAse on
the sidewalk; and as the drinks began
to work, the little man became more
and more animated. the big man more
and more amtable In his assent and
silence.
Then they passed the crowd OF refu-
gees they stopped and listened, com
menting on the various opinions by an
exchange of knowing smiles. An old
prospector. white-haired and tanned to
tropic brown. finally turned upon a
presumptuous optimist and the little
man nodded approvingly as he heard
him express his views.
You can say what you please" the
prospector ended, but I'm going to
keep out of that country. I've knowed
them Mexicans for thirty years now
and Pm telling you they're Citing
treacherous. 1t don't do no good to
have your gun with you-they'n shoot
you from behind q rock-and II they
can't git you that way. they'll knife
you in your sleep.
I've noticed big change in them
paisanos since this war come on. Be
fore Madero made his break they used
to be scared of Americans-thought II
they killed one of us the rest would
cross the border and eat 'em up. What
few times they did tackle a white man
he generally give good account OF
himself. too, and I've travelled them
trails for years without hardly know
ing what 1t was to be afraid of any
body; but l tell you it's entirely diff
ferent over there now"
Sure! That's right" spoke up the
little man. with spirit. You're talk
ing more sense than any man on the
street. ] guess ought to know-Pve
been down there and through It all
and it's got 30 now that you can't trust
any Of 'em. Ny pardner and / came
clear from the Sierra Madres, riding
nights. and we come pretty near know
ing-hey, Bud"
That's right" observed Bud. the
big man, with a reminiscent grin, T
begin to think them fellers would get
US, for q while!"
Mining men?" inquired the old
prospector politely
Working on a lease" said the little
man briefly. Owner got scared out
and let US In on shares. But no more
for muh-this will hold me for quite
while. can tell you'll"
Here. too." agreed the big man,
turning to go. Arizona is good enough
for me-come on, Phil"
Where tor" The little man drew
back half resentfully. and then he
changed his mind. "All right" he said,
falling into step, "a gin fizz for mine!"
Not on an empty stomach" ad-
montehed his pardner; you might get
lit up and tell somebody all you know
How about something to eat?"
Good! But where re you going?"
The big man was leading of down a
side street. and once more they came
to a halt.
"Jim's place-it's a lunch-counter,"
he explained laconically. The hotels
all right, and maybe that was a break
fast we got, but | get hungry waiting
that way. Gimme a lunch-counter,
where / can wrop my legs around
stool and watch the cook turn 'em
over. Come on-I been there before"
An expression of plying tolerance
came over the little mans face as he
listened to this rhapsody on the quick
lunch, but he drew away reluctantly.
-Aw. come on. Bud" he pleaded
Have a little class! What's the use
of winning a stake II you've got to eat
at dog-joint? And besides-say, that
was a peach Of a girl that waited on
US this morning! Did you notice her
hair7 She was a pippinl"
The big man waggied his hand re-
signedly and started on his way.
"All right. pardner." he observed;
III that's the deal she's probably look
ing for you. I'll meet you in the room"
"Aw, come on!" urged the other. but
his heart was not In 1t, and he turned
gaily away up the main street.
Left to himself the big man went on
to his lunch-counter. where he ordered
oysters. "A dozen in the milk" Then
he ordered beefsteak, to make up
for several he had missed, and asked
the cook to fry It rare. He was just
negotiating for can of pears that had
caught his eye when an old man came
In and took the stool beside him, pick
ing up the menu with trembling hand.