The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1914-02-27
A Display Of
Confidence
By E R P. CLARKE

about Mexico. Doubtless IL an ac-
count of the happenings Of that coun.
try Of turmoil could be laid out be-
fore the novelist it would afford
themes for countless novels of adven-
ture.
At the time President Wilson issued
his manifesto Of advice for Americans
to leave Mexico there were not only q
number of foreign residents there. but
persons engaged in building railroads.
locating mines-in short. developing
the country. From comparative peace
everything was turned to a show Of
war. Soldiers rode in the railroad
trains to protect them in case of at
tack, and a detachment Of rural
guards was located at every station.
The Mexicans went armed: therefore
foreigners felt constrained to do the
same thing, for not to be armed was
to be conspicuous.
Edward Griggs. civil engineer. was
at this time engaged in locating q
railroad. A man who is interested In
a purpose Is like a gyroscope. Revolv-
ing in a certain plane. it is hard to
turn him to another plane. Griggs.
when President Wilson's advice vas
promulgated. had nearly finished his
work In Mexico and could not tear
himself away from It. He strapped q
revolver about him, as did the force
under bis command, and went on with
his work. But neither he nor they
had any thought Of using their weap-
ons. They simply wore them because
every one. else did.
That Griggs might finish his work
he was Obliged to go over a Ger
tain section of the road that would
pass through a mountain range. He
was told that the region vas infested
with bandits who would not hesitate
to take everything that belonged to
him and II they deemed it necessary
would murder him. But he must Ell
Their abandon his work or 60. SO he
went.
Taking with him a single assistant
named Rodman. he started IN horse
back up the mountain. expecting at
every moment to hear an order to
stand and deliver his valuables. But
the two rode on through the thick
tropical foliage that lined the road
without hearing anything more terri
BILE than the occasional growl of a
wild animal and were lulled to securi-
ty by the frequent piping Of birds.
But when nearing the summit the
blow fell. Ahead of them they could
see a ranch house. and from it emerg-
ed four men who had evidently seen
them approaching and. mounting
horses, made straight for them. They
were dressed in the tawdry Mexican
costume, and before they reached the
two wayfarers the Jingle of their spurs
and the gewgaw adornments they wore
were distinctly visible.
1t was evident to Griggs and Rod
man from their faces as we'll as their
actions that they belonged to that law
less element of Mexico which in peace
full times may by care be kept within
the law and in troublous times are
ready for plumber. They seemed to be
especially interested in the travellers
horses. Griggs. who understood a lit
tie of the patois Spanish they spoke.
heard them disputing as to which two
should have their horses. One Of them.
called Jose by the others, seemed to be
a leader. He stood aloof from the
quarrel about the possession of the
animals, sitting on his horse moodily
watching the contest. Griggs. taking
of his sombrero to this chieftain, po-
utely begged that he might be accord
ed a few minutes private converse
ton with him. Jose. not to be out
done in politeness. took Of his own
'sombrero and. with a bow. replied:
Isl, senOr." eyes, sir."D
The two men rode away for a short
distance when Griggs drew rein and
said:
"senor. have been told that there
are some persons in these mountains
who make u living by plundering trav-
elers. Will you oblige me by taking
care Of the valuabies for myself n
my friend that they may not fall into
the hands Of these m~iscreants?"
While speaking he was taking his
money from his pockets and his watch
from his fob. The bandit took them.
bowling low as he was handed each ar
ticle. When the delivery had been
made the two men rode back to the
party, and Griggs said In English to
ROdman:
These gentlemen will keep our val
A .[ETFr-L > - a. .A ~.
tables for the present. Hand over the
contents of your pockets"
Having thus robbed himself and bis
friend, he turned again to the chief.
II would further ask your protection
overnight. Will you allow us to :
main In your ranch till tomorrow:
ISL. senior" replied the chief. dof1ng
his sombrero.
lyon have greatly honored me.
sen0r."" said Jose when he had made
his guests comfortable and set before
them a jug Of puique: May ask
how It 10 that you have ~intrusted yonr
Iva,uables to a strangerg"
ut Is not only the honesty apparent
Ii your, countenance." replied the en-
,gineer. ..but I am sure that you have
aSA..-A- -r..l~U -R~N $40