Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-09-17

80 ne swung up on his horse an
followed slowly, and as soon as it wa
dark he rode secretly through Oh
Fortuna and on till he came to tn,
jail. It was a square stone structure
built across the street from the can
tina in order to be convenient foI
the DRINKS, and as Bud rode up clos,
and stared at it, some one hailed hin
thHcugh the bars.
Hello there, pardner," called Hook
er, swinging down and striding ovel
to the black window, how long have
they had vol in here?"
1.-TWO days." answered Phil from the
inner darkness; but it seems like
lifetime to me. Say, Bud, there's 6
Mexican in here that's got the jim
jams-regular tequila jag-can't yor
get me out?"
well, l sure Will" answered Bud;
what have they got you in for:
Where's u friend, Don Juan? VIII
didn't he let me know?"
"You can search mel" rallied De
Lancey. Seems like everybody quits
you down here the minute you get
into trouble. l 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 since!"
We'll, what are you pinched for?
Who do | go and see?"
Punched for nothing!" cried De
Lancey bitterly. Punched because
I'm a 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 a smoke-did
they frisk you Of your makings?"
mol" snapped De Lancey Grossly,
but I'm out Of everything by this
time. Bud, l tell you I've had a time
of 1t! They threw me in here with
this crazy, numbering Mexican and
| haven't had a 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 l can
grease somebody's paw and get you
out tonight"
There was an awkward pause at
this, and finally De Lancey dropped
his white face against the bars and
his voice became low and b~eseeching.
I'll tell you, Bud" he said, 81
haven't been quite on the square with
you've been holding out a little.
But you know how it is-when a fel.
lows in love, I've been going to see
Gracia!"
"Oh!" commented Hooker, and stood
quiet while he waited.
yes, I've been going to see her."
hurried on Phil. Il know / promised;
but, honest, Bud, I couldn't help it.
1t just seemed as If my whole being
was wrapped up in her, and / had to
do it. Shed be looking for me when
came and went-and then / fixed 1t
with her maid to take her a letter.
And then | met her secretly, back
by the garden gate. You know they've
got some holes punched in the wall
loopholed 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
WELL" went on De Lancey, his
voice ~quavering at the reproof, Il was
going to tell you, If you'll listen to me.
saw us there and told Ara
gon-he shut her up for a punishment
and she slipped me out a note-well,
stand i'll hired the string
band and we went down there in a
hack to give her a serenade. But this
lad, Manuel del Rey, who has been
like a jealous ass all along,
;wooped down on us with a detach-
of his rurales and took us all
o jail. He let the musicians out the
lext morning, but I've been here ever
Yes, and what are you charged
demanded Bud brusquely.
Drunk" confessed Phil, and Bud
HUH" he said 'and me out watch
ng that mine night and day"
"0h, | know I've done you dirt,
Bud" walled De Lancey; "but | didn't
mean to, and I'll never do it again"
Never do what?" inquired Bud
oughly.
Il won't touch another drop of
,ooze as long as I'm in Mexico!" cried
Phil. mot a drop!"
"And how about the grip" continued
BUD inexorably. Her old man was out
nd tried to jump our mine today
low about herr"
WELL" faltered De Lancey, rI'll-
he"
You know your promise" reminded
sud.
Yes; ! know. Butch, Bud, IL you
new how loyal I've been to you--if
knew what offers I've resisted
he mine stands in my name, you
now"
"Well?.
Well, Aragon came around to me
week and said If I'd give him a
aif interest in It he'd-well, never
1ind-it was a great temptation. But
Id | fall for 1t? Not on your life! I
now you, Bud. and I know you're hon
st--you'd stay by me to the last
itch, and I'll do the same BY you.
Iut I'm In love, Bud, and that would
q man forget his promise II he
rasn't true as steel"
Yes commented Hooker dryly. II
ont reckon I car count on you much
rom now n. Here, take a look at
his and 9 what you make OF It." He
rev the piece Of ore that he had
ken from Aragon from hia pocket
nd held IL IN iii the modulieht eWsfLl