The Huttig news., 1914-10-24
~,npvrieht. 1914. bv Frank A. Munscy

in two days. All he needed was little jerked beef for the trip and he would be ready for anything.
 So he hurried down to the hotel again and was just making a sack of food fast to his saddle when he heard a noise behind him and turned to face Aragon. For two days the once naughty Don Cipriano had slunk about like sick cat. but now he was headed for Graeia's big roan. and the look in his eyes betrayed his purpose.
 Where you going?" demanded Hooker in English, and at the gruff challenge the Spaniard stopped in his tracks The old, hunted look came back into his eyes, he seemed to shrink before the stern gaze of the Texan, and. as the memory of his past misdeeds came over him, he turned as if to flee.
 But there was smile, an amused and tolerant smirk, about the Ameri- cans mouth, and even for that look of understanding the harried haeien- dado seemed to thank him. He was broken now, thrown down from his pedestal of arrogance and conceit, and fs Hooker did not offer to shoot him at sight he turned back to him like a lost dog that seeks but kind word
 Bud knew that Aragon was entirely the once arrogant Spaniard by the throat, and 1t was almost worth the anxiety he felt for this mans daugh ter to see the father cowed. Aragon crawled closer to Bud as if for the protection he could not get from his own people.
 An senor!" he whined, your par ion! What?" as he sighted the sack of rneat-"you are going. too? An. my friend"-his eyes lighted up suddenly I will pay you-yes, anything-but if Bernardo Bravo takes me he will hang mel He has sworn it!
 Well. you got it coming to you!' answered Hooker heartlessly.
 But l will pay you well!" pleaded Aragon. T will pay you" He paused as If to consider what would temp him and then suddenly he raised hi | head
 What is 1t you wish above every thing?" he questioned eagerly. You title to the mine-no? Bien! Tax me to the line-protect me from m enemies-and the papers are yours! l Have you got them with you?' II quired Hooker with businesslike d 1 rectness.
 No, but I can get them!" cried Ara gon, forgetful of everything but his desire to escape. T can get them while you saddle my horse!"
 "Where?" demanded Hooker craft fly.
 From the agente mineral!" an swered Aragon. T have a great deal of influence with him, and"
 "Bastante!" exploded Bud in voice which made Aragon jump. Enough! If you can get them. 1 can! And we shall see, Senor Aragon, whether this pistol of mine will not give me some influence, tool"
 "Then you will take them?" faltered Aragon as Hooker started to go. You will take them and leave me for Der nardo Bravo to-"
 Listen, senor!" exclaimed Hooker halting and advancing a threatening forefinger "A man who can hire four men to do his dirty work needs nc protection from me. You understand that-no? Then listen again. I am going to get those papers. If l heal word from you I will send you tC join your four men"
 He touched his gun as he spoke and strode out into the open, where he beckoned the mineral agent from the crowd. A word in his ear and they went down the hill together, while Don Cipriano watched from above. Then as they turned into the office. Aragor spat out a curse and went to seek Manuel del Key.