Mexico Missouri message., 1914-07-02

mining men took one look at the
smaller man. noting the candle grease
on his corduroys and the intelligence
in his eyes: and 10 them the big man
was no more than a laborer-or a
shift boss at most-and the little man
was one Of their kind. Every line in
his mobile face spoke Of intellect and
| decision. and as they walked II was be
who did the talking while the big man
! only nodded and smiled.
They took a turn or two up the
street, now drifting into some clamor-
oOs saloon, now standing at gaze on
the sidewalk; and as the drinks began
TO work. the little man became more
and more animated, the big man more
and moro amiable in his assent and
silence
Then they passed the crowd OF refu-
gees they stopped and listened. COM
menting on the various opinions By an
exchange Of knowing smiles. An old
prospector. vhite-haired and tanned TO
a tropic brown. finally turned upon
presumptuous optimist and the little
man nodded approvingly as he heard
him express his viewa.
You can say what you please" the
prospector ended. but I'm going to
keep out Of that country. I've knowed
them Mexicans for thirty years now
and I'm telling you they're Citing
treacherous. II don't do no good TO
have your gun with you-theyIl shoot
you from behind a rock-and IL they
can't git you that way. they'll knife
you In your sleep.
i've noticed a big change in them
paisanos since this war come on. Be
fore Madero made his break they used
to be scared of Americans-thought II
they killed one of us the rest would
cross the border and eat 'em up. What
few times they did tackle a shite man
he generally give a good account OF
himself. too, and I've travelled them
trails for years without hardly know
ing what it was to be afraid OF any
body: but I tell you it's entirely diff
| ferent over there now"
Sure! That's right" spoke up the
little man. with spirit. You're talk
ing more sense than any man on the
street i guess I ought to know-I've
been down there and through 1t all
and it's got so now that you can't trust
any of 'em. My pardner and ! came
clear from the Sierra Madres, riding
nights, and we come pretty near know
ing-hey. Bud?"
| That's right" observed Bud, the
big man, with a reminiscent grin, Il
begin TO think them fellers would get
us. for q vhile!"
Mining men?" inquired the old
prospector politely.
Working on a lease" said the little
man briefly. Owner got scared out
and let US in on shares. But no more
for muh--this will hold me for quite
a while, I can tell you'll"
Here, too" agreed the big man
turning to go. Arizona Is good enough
, for income on, Phil!"
| Where to?" The little man drew
, back half resentfully. and then ht
, changed his mind. "All right" he said
falling into step, "a gin fig for mine!'
! Not on an empty stomach" ad
. rnonished his pardner; you might ge
: lit up and tell somebody all you know
? How about something to eat?"
3 Good But where re you going?"
+ The big man was leading of down
side street, and once more they cam,
: | to a halt.
8 "Jim's place-its a lunch-counter,
|. he explained laconically. The hotel'
8 all right, and maybe that was a break
! fast we got. but get hungry waiting
Il that way. Gimme a lunch-counter
] where l can wrop my legs around
d stool and watch the cook turn zen
o over. Come on beer there before
y An expression OF plying toieranc
d came over the little mans face as b
listened TO this rhapsody on the quic
y lunch, but he drew away reluctantly.
a Jaw, come on, Bud" he pleaded
o Have little class! What's the US
d OF winning a stake IL you've got TO ca
at dog-joint? And besides-say, tina
e was a peach Of a girl that waited o
g US this morning! Did you notice he
hair! She was a pippin!"
e The big man waggled his hand r,
u signedly and started on his way.
1t "Al right, pardner," he observed
+ IF that's the deal she's probably looi
d ing for you. I'll meet you in the. room
-Aw. come ont" urged the other. b.
q his heart was not In 1t, and he turne
1t gaily away up the main street.
ir Left TO himself, the big man went o
q to his lunch-counter. where he ordere
s. oysters, "A dozen ia the milk" The
At he ordered a beefsteak. to make U
ID for several he had missed, and aske
the cook to fry II rare. He was jui
10 negotiating for a can Of pears that Ia
ss caught his eye when an old man cam
ID in aud took the stool beside him, pic
N ing up the menu with trembling han
le Give me cup Of coffee" he said
IS the waiter, "aDd"-he gazed at the bi
" OF fare carefully-"and a roastbc'
sandwich. No, Just the coffeel"
corrected, and at that Bud gave him