Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1914-08-06
CHAPTER Ix-contInued.

Undoubtedly, In his own way, he
was in love-but he would never ad'
NIT Il, that he knew, too. SO he sank
down on the blankets and swore harsh
ly. while De Lancey stared at him in
unfeigned surprise.
We'll, then" he went on, taking
Buds answer for granted. "what're
you making such a row aboutf Can't
I go to a dance. with a girl without
you jumping down my throat?"
wy, sure you cant" rumbled Bud,
now hot with a new Indignation; but
after getting me to go into this deal
against my will and swearing me to
some damn-fool pledge. the first thing
you do Is to make friends with Aragon
and then make love to his daughter. Is
that your idea OF helping things along ?
Dye fhink that's the way a pardner
ought 70 actH No. tell you. It is not!"
Jaw. Bud" protested De Lancey
,plsinttveiy. what's the mater with
you? Be reasonable. old man; l never
meant to hurt your feelings!"
Z Hurt my feelings!" echoed Hooker
scornfully. Huh, what are we down
here for. anyway Sunday school
picnici My feelings are nothing. and
they can walt; but we're sitting on q
mine that's worth a million dollars
mebbe-and It amt ours, either-and
when you throw In with old Aragon
end go to making love to his daugh
AnIn0 foht
That's all there is to it--you're doins
me and Kruger dirtl"
We'll. Bud said De LAncey with
mock gravity. IF that's the way you
feel about It won't do II any morei'
Il wish you wouldn't" breathed Bud
raising his head from his hands; 81
sure wears me out, Phil. worrying
about IT."
We'll, then. won't do it." protested
Phil sincerely. so that's settled-nov
who's going to turn Mexican citizen?'
suit yourself" said Bud listlessly
I'll match you for it," proposed D,
LAncey. diving into his pocket 70
money.
Don't need to-" responded Bud
you can do what you please"
NO: I'll match you!" persisted Phi
That was the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It was an even break we'd let tn
money talk. Here's your quarter-an
81 l match you I'll become the Mex
can citizen. All set! Let 'eT go!"
He tipped the coin into the air an
caught It in his hand.
-Heads!" he called, without lookin
AT It What you got?"
"Heads!" answered Bud. and Phi
rhucked his money into the air agai
and laughed as it dropped into hi
palm.
Heads she is again." he erie,
showing the Mexican eagle: Il nevs
did see the time when / couldn't mate
you, anyway. So now, old socks, yo
can keep right on being q Texan an
hating Mexicans like horny toads, ar
III denounce the Eagle Tall the mi
ute the time is up. And | won't
near the Aragon outfit unless you
with me-is that a go? All rigt
shake hands on IL pard! ! wouldI
quarrel with you for anything"
"Aw, that's all right" mumbled Blu
rising and holding out his hand.
Anowed you didn't mean nothing" ]
sat down again after that and gar
drearily out the door.
Say. Bud" began Phil, his ey
sparkling with amusement, i've 9
something TO tell you about that dan
hast night. II didn't put the crush
on Mr.. Feliz Luna and Manuel {
Rey, Wow! sure wished you We
there 70 see me do It!
This Felix Luna is the son of
old sugar planter down in the hot col
try somewhere. He got run out
the reyoltosos and now he's up ht
trying to make a winning with Ora
Aragon-uniting two noble famili
and all that junk. Well, sir, of all
Conceited. swelled-up little squirts }
ever saw In your life he's the lin
and yet the old man kind OF fav
him
Igt this Manuel del Rey is the c
tan Of the rurales around here ant
genuine Mexican fire-eater-all bu
skin and fierce mustachios, and sm'
hike chill peppers and garlic-and
two Of EN- were having It back I
forth as 10 who got the next ds.
with Gracia
III, you know how 1t is at NJ
"Gn dance-everybody is supposed
Dc introduced to everybody else,
ShaI ! saw those two young turl