The Ordway new era., 1914-11-27
q. b MA Nv


the rurales should search his pockets
and give the ore to Aragon? He
stopped and picked up the chunk Of
rock-that precious. pocket-worn spec
linen that had brought them the drst
promise Of success-and wiped II ON
his sleevs.
Mechanically he placed It beside the
other piece which Aragon had Gouged
from the edge. and while he gased at
them he wondered what to do-to
leave their mine and 20 to his friend.
or to let his friend wait and stand
guard by their treasure-and his heart
told him to go to his friend.
So he swung up on his horse and
followed slowly. and as soon as It was
dark he rode secretly through Old
Fortuna and on till he came to the
jail. It was square stone structure.
built across the street from the can
tina in order to be convenient for
the drunks. and as Bud rode up close
and stared at 1t, some one hailed him
through the bars.
Hello there, pardner," called Hook
er. swinging down and striding over
to the black window. "how long have
they had you in here?"
1.-TWO days" answered Phil from the
inner darkness; but It seems like, .
lifetime to me. Say. Bud, there's .
Mexican in here that's got the Jim
jams-regular tequila tag-can't you
get me outf"
well. l sure Wilt" answered Bud;
what have they got you In fort
Where's our friend, Don Juanf Why
didn't he let me knowf"
you can search mel" rallied Do
Lancey. Seems like everybody quits
you down here the minute you get
into trouble. got arrested night be-
fore last by those ID rurales-
Manuel Del Rey was behind It. you
can bet your life on that-and I've
been here ever sincs!"
well. what, are you pinched for?
Who do go and sect"
"Pinched for noth.ag!" cried De
Lancey bitterly. "Pinched because
IH Mexican citizen and can't pro
tect myself! I'm incomunicado for
three days!"
well. I'll get you out, all right. /"
said Hooker. leaning closer against
the bars. Here, have . smoke-did
they frisk you Of your makingsT
mol" snapped De Lancey Grossly.
but I'm out Of everything BY this
time. Bud. tell you I've had time
of Il! They threw me in here with
this crazy. numbering Mexican and
1 haven't had wink Of sleep for two
days. He's quiet now. but don't
want any more"
well. say" began Bud again, what
are you charged with? Maybe I can
grease somebody's paw and get you
out tonight"
There was an awkward pause at
this. and finally De Lancey dropped
his voice became low and, beseechlng.
"Ill tell you. Bud" he said. II
| haven't been quite on the square with
you've been holding out little
But you know how 1t is-when q fell
lows in love. I've been going to see
Gracia!" ..
"Oh!" commented Hooker, and stood
very quiet while he waited.
"Yes. I've been going to see her"
hurried On Phil Il know promised:
but, honest, Bud. l couldn't help It.
1t just seemed as If my whole being
was wrapped UP in her. and l had to
do it. Shed be looking for me when
I came and went-and then fixed it
with her maid to take her a letter
And then l met her secretly. back
by the garden gate. You know they've
got some holes punched in the wall
Ioopholed during the fight last sum-
mer-and we'd"
Sure, I'll take your word for that"
broke in Hooker harshly. But get to
the point! What are you pinched
fort" ~
WELL" went on De Lancey, his
voice auavering at the reproof, II WAS
going to tell you, If you'll listen to me.
Somebody saw US there and told Ara.
gon-he shut her up for punishment
and she slipped me out a note-well.
couldn't stand it, hired the string
band and we went down there in a
hack to give her serenade. But this
cad. Manuel del Rey. who has been
acting like jealous ass all along,
swooped down on US with a detach-
ment of his rurales and took US all
to jail. He let the musicians out the
next morning. but I've been here ever
SINCE" .sf
Yes, and what are you charged
With" demanded Bud brusquely.
Drunk" confessed Phil. and Bud
grunted.
HUH" he said "and me out watch
ing that mine night and day!"
"Oh, know I've done you dirt,
Bud" walled De Lancey; but didn't
mean to, and I'll never do 1t again"
"Never do whatT' inquired Bud
roughly.
Il won't touch another drop of
booze as long as I'm in Mexico!" cried
Phil. mot drop!"
"Apd how phout the 1irl ?" continued