Williams news., 1914-11-12

dear Phil; but how can I manage that when Manuel del Key is watching me7 It is impossible. is it n0tf'
 Seems so," muttered. Bud, and in the back of his head he began to think quickly. Here was the fountainhead of his misfortunes, and if she had her way she would lay all his plans in ruins-and even then not marry Phil In fact. from the light way she spoke. he sensed that she did not intend to marry him. Her grudge was against Manuel del Key who drove away all her lovers.
 "Wer." he ventured, there's no rush, l reckon-Phil's enlisted for i've years"
 Hal" she cried contemptuously; and do you think he will serve? No! At a word from me he will flee to the aorder and I shall join him in the United States!''
 "What?" demanded Bud; Phil de. sert?"
 In a moment he saw what such . move would mean to hlm-to Kruger and the Eagle Tail he woke sud lenly from his calm. -6 saw that she was laughing at him, you've made me and Phil enough trouble. You let that boy alone. savvy?"
 He stopped toward her as he spoke, fixing her with masterful eyes that had tanned many bad horse and man, and she shrank away instinctively Then she glanced at him shyly and edged over toward the open door.
 Y will do what please, MT. Hook er," she returned, balancing on the verge of flight.
 All right" Bud came back; but don't you call me in on it. You've made fool of P'iil--I suppose you'd would grab our mine."
 What do you mean?" she chal- lenged, turning back upon him.
 q mean this," responded Hooker warmly. Phil holds the title to our mine. If he deserts he loses his Mexi- can citizenship and bis claim is no good. But you don't need to think that your father will get the mine then, be- cause he'll have to whip me first!" "O-ho!" she sneered; "so that is what you are thinking of? You are true gringo, MT. Hooker-always thinking about the money!"
 "Yes," returned Bud; land even at that I believe your old man will best mel"
 She laughed again, with sudden capriciousness, and stood tapping the floor with her foot &
 "Ah, see," she said at length, gag ing at him reproachfully; you think l am working for my father. You think l. got poor Phil into all this trouble ia order to cheat him of his mine. But let me tell you, Senor Gringo," she cried with sudden fire. that did not! have nothing to do l with my father and his schemes. But if you do not trust me"
 She turned dramatically to go. but when Hooker made no effort to stay her she returned once more to the at tack.
 "No," she said, "it was because he was an American-because he was brave-that l put my faith in Phil !, These Mexican men are icowards-they are afraid to stand up and fight! But Philip dared to make love to me-he dared to sing to me at night-ard when Manuel dei Re- --'ed to stop him , he stood up and ln4.ie 2 : it!
 "Ah, that is wiia. :. iraire-a man who is brave! A, x Je. n.e tell you. Sonor Hooker. sE -isaly a's love your friend If I could run away I would I marry him tomorrow; but thin cur, Manuel del Key, stands in the way. | Even my own father is against me. | But I don't care-I don't care what happens-only do not think that am not Sour friend!"
 She paused now and glanced at him i shyly,' and as her eloquent eyes met his own Bud felt suddenly that she was sincere. The gnawing and eeEFe= fe1 away, and he saw her nov in heF true beauty. with no ureasY thoughts of treachery to poison his hanest love, q believe you, lady," he said. eAnd I'm glad to know you" he added, tax, ing off his hat and lowing aN ANardly. Anything can do for you, don't hesi- tate to ask for it-only can't go against my partners on this mine." i He bowed again and retreated toward the door, but she followed him impulsively.
 Shake hands," she said. holding ont both her own, "and will you help ne?
 "Sure!" answered Bud,. and as her soft fingers closed on his he took them gently, for fear that he might crush them and never know.