The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1914-09-11

linen that had brought them the first
promise of success-and wiped 1t on
his sleeve.
Mechanically he placed 1t 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 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 stridtng over
to the black window, "how long have
they had you in here?"
1.-TWO days." answered Phil from the
inner darkness; "but 1t seems like
lifetime to me. Say, Bud, there's
Mexican in here that's got the Jim
jams-regular tequila jag-can't you
get me out?"
We'll. sure Wilt" 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. l 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!"
We'll, what are you pinched for?
Who do 60 and see?"
Punched for nothing!" cried De
Lancey bitterly. Punched because
I'm 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 smoke-did
they frisk you of your makings?
mol" snapped De Lancey Grossly,
but I'm out Of everything by this
time. Bud, 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 with? Maybe I 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.
"Pll tell you, Bud" he said, 81
haven't been quite on the square with
you've been holding out little.
But you know how 1t is-when a fel.
lows in love. I've been going to see
Gracia!"
"oh!" commented Hooker, and stood
very quiet while he waited.
Eyes. I've been going to see her"
hurried on Phil. 81 know l promised:
but, honest, Bud. couldn't help It
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 a 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, I'll take. your word for that j"
broke In Hooker harshly. But get to
the point! What are you pinched
for?"
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 a punishment
and she slipped me out note--well. I
couldn't stand it hired the string
band and we went down there In a
hack to give her serenade. But this
cad. Manuel del Rey, who has been
acting like jealous ass all along.
swooped down on us with detach.
msnt 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 chat 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.
i won't touch another drop of
booze as long as I'm In Mexicol" cried |
Phil. mot a drop!"
And how about the girl?" continued |
BUD lnexorably. Her old man was ont |