The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-02-27
A Display Of
Confidence
By EVERETT p. CLARKE

try Of turmoil could be laid out be-
fore the novelist II would afford
themes for countless novels OF adven.
ture.
At the time President Wilson issued
bis manifesto of advice for Americans
TO leave Mexico there were not only
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
railroad. A man who is Interested in
purpose Is like n gyroscope Revolv-
Ing in certain plane, 1t is hard to
turn him to another plane. Grlggs,
when President Wilson's advice was
promulgated. had nearly finished his
work In Mexico and could not tear
himself away from It. He strapped
revolver about him, as did the force
under his 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 90 over a GER
tain section Of the road that would
pass through a mountain range. He
was told that the region was infested
with bandits who would not hesitate
to take everything that belonged to
him and If they deemed 1t necessary
would murder him. But he must ell
ther abandon his work or go, SO he
went
Taking with him a single assistant
named Rodman, he started on 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
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 ranch house, and from 1t emerg-
ed four men who had evidently seen |
them approaching and, mounting
horses, made straight for them. They
IT,, a,
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. Grlggs, who understood 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 modify
watching the contest Griggs, taking
off his sombrero to this chieftain, pc.
litely begged that he might be accord
ed few minutes private converse
ton with him, Jose, not to be out
done in pollteness, took of his own
sombrero and, with bow, replied:
ISL. senior" eyes, slr,')
The two men rode away for short
when Grlggs drew rein and
said:
"Senor. have been told that there
are some persons in these mountains
who make living by plundering tray
elers. win you Oblige me by taking
care OF the valuables for myself and
my friend that they may not fall into
the hands Of these miscreantsT
While speaking he was taking his
money from his pockets and his watch
from his fob. The bandit took them, 1
bowling low as he was handed each ar s
dcle, 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 l
lahleS for the present. Hand over the J
,OnteutS of your pockets"
Having thus robbed himself and his
Tig.d, he turned again to the chief.
n would further ask your protection
overnight WIN you allow us to re. 5
main IN your ranch till tomorrow" y
'St SENIOR" replied the chief, dofiing d
is Sombrero. s
You have greatly honored me, Y
ennr." said Jose when he had made n
is guests comfortable and set before
hem jug OF pulque. MAY l ask
NV II is that you have intrusted your
a;nables to stranger?' s
at Is not only the honesty apparent Ell
your countenance," replied the en- q
neer. but ! am sure that you have Is
seconded from some grandee who was
lie of the conquerors OF Mexico"
How did you know that. senor2"
'sRY vOur noble hearing" n