The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-09-12
copyright. 1914. By Frank a. Muns.y)

W iuS4A II S-d1O LIS ASdAS
told him to go to his friend.
So he swung up on his horse and
followed slowly, and as soon as it was
dark he rode secretly through Old
Fortuna and on till he came to the
jail. 1t was a square stone structure,
built across the street from the can
tina in order TO be convenient for
the DRINKS, and as Bud rode up close
and stared at it, some one hailed him
through the bars.
Hello there, pardner," called Hook
er, swinging down and striding over
to the black window, how long have
they had you in here?"
Two days" answered Phil from the
inner darkness; but it seems like
lifetime to me. Say, Bud, there's a
Mexican in here that's got the jim
jams-regular tequiIa jag-can't you
get me out?'
We'll, I sure will" answered Bud;
what have they got you in for?
Where's our friend, Don Juan? Why
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. I 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!"
well, what are you pinched for?
Who do I go and see?"
Punched for nothingi" 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, 1 tell you I've had time
Of it! They threw me in here with
this crazy, numbering Mexican and
1 haven't had q wink of sleep for two
days. He's quiet now, but 1 don't
want any more"
We'll. say" began Bud again, what
are you charged with? Maybe 1 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 beseechlng
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 1t is-when a fell
lows in love. I've been going to see
| Gracia!"
Obi" commented Hooker, and stood
very quiet while he waited.
Yes, I've been going to see her."
hurried on Phil. 81 know 1 promised;
but, honest, Bud, 1 couldn't help it
1t just seemed as If my whole being
was wrapped up in her, and had to
| do it. She'd be looking for me when
1 came and went-and then 1 fixed it
with her maid to take her a letter
And then I 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 harsh1y. But get to
the pointI What are you pinched
for?"
Well" went on De Lancey, his
voice quavering at the reproof, 81 was
going to tell you, if you'll listen to me.
Somebody saw US there and told Ara
gon-he shut her up for a punishment
and she slipped me out note-wel1, !
couldn't stand it hired the string
band and we went down there in a
hack to give her a serenade. But this
cad, Manuel del Rey, who has been
acting like a jealous ass all along
swooped down on US with a detach-
ment of his rurales and took US all
to jail He let the musicians out the
next morning, but I've been here ever
since"
Yes, and what are you charged
| with?" demanded Bud brusquely.
Drunk" confessed Phil. and Bud
grunted.
HUH" he said and me out watch
} ing that mine night and day."
; "Oh, 1 know I've done you dirt
: Bud" walled De Lancey; but didn'
mean to. and I'll never do it again"
Never do what?" inquired BuC
l roughly.
, q won't touch another drop o
booze as long as I'm in Mexico!" crieC
Phil. Not drop!"
And now ABOUT the girl cOnCnuef
: Bud inexorably. Her old man was GU
and tried to jump our mine today
how about herr"
Well" faltered De Lancey, I'll
she"
4 you know your promise!" reminde,
D Bud.
4 Yes; know. Butch, Bud, If yol
j knew how loyal I've been to you
t you knew what offers I've resisted
S the mine stands in my name, yo
( know"
> "Wen?"
g We'll, Aragon came around to N
d last week and said if I'd give him
T half interest in it he'd-weIl, neve
s mind-it was a great temptation. Blu
/. did I fall for it? Not on your life!
Y know you, Bud, and I know you're hoI
T est-you'd stay by me to the las
!: ditch, and I'll do the same by yoI
Il But I'm in love, Bud. and that woul
n make a man forget his promise If b
wasn't true as steel"
It Yes" commented Hooker dry1y.
s don't reckon can count on you niue