Williams news., 1914-10-08
CHAPTER Ix-continued.

CHAPTER N-Continuec.
 Undoubtedly, in his own way, he vas in love-but he would never ad- init 1t, that he knew, too. So he sank down on the blankets and swore harsh ly. while De Lancey stared at him in unfeigned surprise.
 Well, then" he went on, taking Buds answer for granted, "what're you making such row about? Can't go to a dance, with a girl without you jumping down my throat?"
 wy, sure you can!" rumbled Bud, now hot with new indignation; "but after getting me to go into this deal 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 think that's the way pardner ought to act? No, tell you, it Is not!"
 "Aw. Bud." protested De Lancey plaintively, whats the matter with you? Be reasonable, old man; I never meant to hurt your feelings!"
 Hurt my feelings!" echoed Hooker scornfully. Huh. what are we down here for, anyway-a Sunday school picnic? My feelings are nothing, and they can wait; but we're sitting on a mine that's worth a million dollars mebbe-and it ain't ours. either-and when you throw in with old Aragon and go to making love to his daugh- ter you know you're not doing right! That's all there is to it-you're doing me and Kruger dirt!"
 Well, Bud,' said De .Lancey with mock gravity. eff that's the way you feel about it I won't do it any morel"
 T wish you wouldn't" breathed Bud raising his head from his hands; 'it sure wears me out, Phil. worrying about 1t"
 Well, then, won't do it," protested Phil sincerely. 50 that's settled-now who's going to turn Mexican citizen ?"
 Suit yourself" said Bud listlessly.
 "I'll match you for it!" proposed De Lancey. diving into his pocket for money.
 Don't need to-" responded Bud; you can do what you please"
 6''No; I'll match you!" persisted Phil. That was the agreement-wheneve 1t was an even break we'd let the money talk. Here's your quarter-and if match you I'll become the Mexi- can citizen. All set? Let Ter gol"
 He Tipped the coin into the air and caught it in his hand
 "Heads!" he called, without looking at it. What you got?"
 "Heads!" answered Bud, and Phil chucked his money into the air again and laughed as 1t dropped into his palm.
 Heads she Is again!" he cried, showing the Mexican eagle; q never did see the time when couldn't match you. anyway. So now, old socks, you can keep right on being a Texan and hating Mexicans like horny toads, and I'll denounce the Eagle Tail the min ute the time is up. And I won't go near the Aragon outfit unless you're with me-is that go? All right, shake hands on 1t, pard! I wouldn't quarrel with you for anythingl"
 "Aw, that's all right" mumbled Bud. rising and holding out his hand. "T mOwed you didn't mean nothing" He sat down again after that and gazed drearily out the door,
 ; Say, Bud" began Phil, his eyes sparkling with amusement, "I've got something to tell you about that dance last night. If didn't put the crusher on MT Feliz Luna and Manuel del Key! Wow! I sure wished you were there to see me do it!
 This Felix Luna is the son of an old sugar planter down in the hot coun- try somewhere. He got run out by the revoltosos and now he's up here trying to make a winning with Gracia Aragon-unitfng two noble families, and all that junk. Well, sir, of all the conceited, swelled-up little squirts you ever saw in your life. he's the limit, and yet the old man kind of favors him.
 ''But this Manuel del Rey is the cap tain of the rurales around here and g genuine Mexican fre-eater-aIl buck skin and fierce mustachios, and smells like chili peppers and garlic-and the two of 'em were having 1t back ant forth as to who got the next dance with Gracia.
 "wen, you know how 1t is at Mexi can everybody is supposed t be introduced to everybody else-an' when I saw those two young turkey