The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1914-12-03

w w "cio ShinhInk OF me- gne
challenged sweetly. "ali the whiief
thought perhaps was a nuisance and
In the way. I thought perhaps you did
not like me because--weli, because
I'm Mex. as you say"
mo. ma'am." denied Hooker gazing
upon her admiringly. Nothing like
that! When I say Mex mean these
low. pelado Mexicans--D Don Juan tells
me you're pure Spanish"
with perhaps a little Yaqui," she
suggested shyly.
We'll. mebbe he did say that. too"
confessed Bud. But it's Jest as good
as spanish-they say all the big men
In Sonora have got some Yaqui blood
Moral. that was vice president: the
Tonnes brothers. governors-"
And Aragon~ she added playfuliy.
but at look In his eyes she stopped.
Bud could not look pleasant and think
Of Aragon.
"Ah. yes." she ratified on. II know.
You like the Yaquis better than the
Spanish saw you shaking hands
Z iii
you called him-Amigo,"
That's right" smiled Hooker: him
and me have been friends for months
now out at the mine. I'd do anything
for that Teller"
"Oh. now you make me jealous. she
pouted. IF were only a Yaqui-and
big and black"
Never mind" defended Bud. "He
was true friend. all right. and true
friends. believe me. are scarce"
There was a shade of bitterness In
his voice that Gid not escape her. and
she was careful not to allude to Phil.
His name. like the name OF her father.
always drove this shy man to silence.
and she wanted to make him talk.
Then you ought to be friends with
me-" she chided. after a silence. Il
have always wanted TO be your friend
why will you never allow Il! No.
but really! Haven't I always shown
It? remember now the first time that
] saw you-I was looking through my
hole among the passion-hovers and
you saw me with your keen eyes. Phil
did not-but he was there. And you
just looked at me once-and looked
away. Why did you never respond
when ! came there TO look for you!
You would Just ride by and look at
me once. and even Phil never knew"
NO" agreed Bud. smiling quietly.
HE was crazy to see you. but he rode
f1h h. "a,
such"
The FIRST time met him." unused
Gracia. Il asked about you. Did he
ever tell your"
Bud hung his head and grinned
sheepishly. II was not difiicult to make
out q case against him.
And 30 Gracia had not wanted Del
Rey killed as he thought she did |
She was not the vicious woman he |
had thought her for time. She was |
just the gentle. noble girl he had |
sworn to protect and conduct across |
the border toeher fiance. Again came
the desire to claim her. but there was
not only Phil to be thought OF but /
the fitness OF himself to be the mate |
Of this woman.
as It something I have doner' she
asked at last. rs that why you never
liked me! Now. Mr.. Hooker, please
speak to me, And why do you always
sit SO far away-are you afraid Of me!
But look."--she moved closer to him
here we are alone, and am not afraid
of you!"
"Of course not" answered Bud. look
ing across at her boldly. Why should
you be-you aint afraid of moth.
ing!"
rs that compliment" she demand
ed eagerly. "Oh. then I'm so happy
It's the first you ever paid me! But
have I been brave" she beamed. $50
far? Have I been brave. like a mani"
Sure have," remarked Hooker i'm
but we amt there yet.
Only thing I don't like about you Ia
you don't eat enough Say. don't pick
up them crumbs-let me pare on some
more Of this jsrksd beef for you. CANT
iobody be brave when they're hun
Try. you know. and want to bring you
n safe"
WHY" she inquired, as she accept.
ID the handful OF meat rs Is on
'hirs account" she ventured, as he
at gazing stolcally at the horses.
You were such friends. weren't your"
he went on innocently. "Oh. that is
Why admire the Americans so much
they are so true to each other!"
"Yes," observed Hooker. rolling his
yes on her. were fine that way!"
We'll, ! mean IT," she insisted. as
he read the irony In his glance.
Sure! So do n" answered Hooker.
nd Gracia continued her meal In 81
ence.
"My!" she said at last: "this meat is
God! Tell me. how did you happen to
ave II on your saddle7 We left 30
you know!"
She gazed up at him demurely, curl.
us to see how he would evade this evi-
lence that he had prepared In advance
or their ride But once more. as he
lad always done. Hooker eluded the
laid snare.
II was figuring on pulling out my
elf" be replied ingenuously.
ITO ba contiuued)