Gilpin observer., 1914-10-15

What more natural, then. than that
the rurales should search his pockets
and give the ore to Aragon? He
stopped and picked up the chunk Of
rock-that precious, pocket-worn spec
linen that had brought them the first
promise of success-and wiped 1t on
his sleeve.
Mechanically he placed it beside the
other piece which Aragon had gouged
from the edge, and while he gazed at
them he wondered what to do@to
leave their mine and go to his friend,
or to let his friend wait and stand
guard by their treasure-and his heart
| told him to go to his friend.
So he swung up on his horse and
followed slowly. and as soon as 1t 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 drunks, 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 1t seems like a
lifetime to me. Say, Bud, there's a
Mexican in here that's got the jim
jams-regular tequila jag-can't you
get me out?"
oil I x1,{1
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. l got arrested night be-
fore last by those ID rurales-
Manuel Del Rey was behind 1t, you
can bet your life on that-and I've
been here ever since!"
We'll. what are you pinched for?
Who do l go and seer
"Pinched for nothing!" cried De
Lancey bitterly. "Pinched because
I'm q Mexican citizen and can't pro-
tect myself! I'm incomunicado for
three days!"
We'll. 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, l tell you I've had time
Of It! They threw me In here with
this crazy. numbering Mexican and
haven't had a wink of sleep for two
days. He's quiet now. but don't
want any more"
We'll, say" began Bud again, what
are you charged with7 Maybe 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 beseeching.
"I'll tell you, Bud" he said, II
haven't been quite on the square with
you've been holding out a little.
But yQu know how II is-when q fel.
lows i'd love. I've been going to see
Gracisi"
"Oh|Hcorl .nented Hooker. and stood
very quiet while he waited.
Yes, I've been going to see her.
hurried on Phil. '"l know promised;
but, honest, Bud. l couldn't help 1t.
1t Just seemed as II my whole being
was wrapped up In her. and | had to
do it. Shed be looking for me when
l came and went-and then ! fixed It
with her maid to take her letter.
And then l 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, Ill take your word for that"
broke in Hooker harshly. But get to
the point! What are you pinched
fort"
Well" went on De 'Lancey. his
voice quavering at the reproof. 81 was
going to tell you. II you'll listen to me.
Somebody saw US there and told Ara
gon-he shut her up for punishment
and she slipped me out a note-well.
couldn't stand it--I hired the string
band and we. went down there in
hack to give her 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
with7" demanded Bud brusQuely.
Drunk" confessed Phil. and Bud
grunted.
HUH" he said "and me out watch
ing that mine night and day!"
"Oh. l know I've done you dirt.
Bud" walled De Lancey; but didn't
mean to, and I'll never do 1t again"
Never do what?" inquired Bud
roughly.
Il won't touch another drop of
L.. L.. a L. IL -l--l