Williams news., 1914-11-26


 in the hands of the government; the track is clear and most of the bridges repaired; SD why quarrel with the Yaquis? While they are. of course. nothing but Indians, they serve their purpose in battle"
 Well, guess yes!" responded Bud warmly. Serve their purpose. eh? Where were these Mexican soldiers and them Spanish officers when the Yaquis were taking the town? And that was just like dog-goned Mexi- can-setting that time-fuse and then not having it go off. More'n likely the poor yap that fired it YVES so scairt he couldn't hold 9 mat ;h-pr abably and run. They're a bum bunch, if you want to know what l think. I'd rather have Yaqui than a hundred of 'em!"
 "A hundred of whom?" inquired a cool voice behind him, and looking up Hooker saw the beautiful Gracia gas- ing out at him through the screen door.
 "A hundred Mexicans!" he repeated. and Gracia murmured "Oh!" and was gone.
 Miss Aragon is very loyal to her country" observed Don Juan. but Hooker only grunted.
 somehow. since those four Mexicans had come to his camp. he had soured on everything south of the line; and even the charming Gracia could not make him take back his words. If she had intended the remark as a chal. lenge-a subtle invitation to follow her and defend his faith-she failed for once of her purpose, for if there was any particular man in Mexico that Bud hated more than another it was her false-hearted father.
 Hooker had, in fact, thought more seriously of making her half-orphan than of winning her goodwill, and he fingered about the hotel, not to make love to the daughter, but to strike ter TOT to Aragon,
 The company being good and a train being expected soon, bud stayed over another day. ln the morning, when he came down for breakfast, he found that Arason had fed begore him. With his wife, daughter and retinue, he had moved suddenly back to, his home. Hooker grinned when Don Juan told him the news.
 Well. why not?' he asked. chuck. ling maticiously. Here it's the mid. de of the rainy season and the war going on all sGm: and nary rebel in sight. Where's that big night. you was telling about-Ihe battle of For. tuna? You've made regular fortune out of these refugees, Brachamonte, but fail to see the enemy"
 "Ah. you may laugh" shrugged the hotel-keeper, but wait! The time will come. The rebels are lost now-some day, when you least expect it, they will come upon us and then. believe me, my guests will be glad they are here. What is few weeks bill com pared to being held for ransom? Look at that rich Senor Luna, who was here for time in the spring. Against my advice he hurried home and now he is paying the price. Ten thousand pesos 1t cost to save his wife and family, and for himself and son his friends advanced ten thousand more. l make no evil prophecies, but it would be better for our friend if he stayed on at my poor hotel"
 Whose friend?" inquired Bud bluff1y, but Don Juan struck him upon the back with elephantine playfulness and hurried off to his duties.
 As for Hooker he tarried in town until he got his mail and a copy of the Sunday paper and then, well sat isfied that the times were quiet and back to the Eagle Tail and, settled down for a rest.
 Flat. on his back by the doorway he lay on his bed and smoked, reading his way through the lurid supplement and watching the trail with one eye, Since the fight with Aragon's Mexi. cans all his apprehensions had left him. He had written briefly to Phil and Kruger, and now he was hol6sn2 the fort
 It had been a close shave, but he had essaped the cowardly assassins and had Aragon in his power. Not by any force of law, but by the force ot fear and the gnawing weakness of Ara gon's own evil conscience sGS Aragon was afraid of what he had done. but it was the suspense which rendered him so pitiable. On a day he had sent four armed Mexicana to kill this Texan-not one had re turned and the Texan regarded hin sneeringly. This it was that broke the Spaniard's will, for ie knew not what to think. But as for Bud, he lay on his back by the doorway and laughed at the funny page.
 As he sprawled there at his reading, Amigo came in from ehe hills. and he too, was content to relax. Gravely