Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1914-09-10
CHAPTER xvn-cOn,Inued

CHAPTER NNti-Conunueo
What, senorl" she bantered; you
do not speak? Surely. then. your
friend De Lancey was wrong when
ne said you would save mel For look,
Mr.. Hooker, I am promised to marry
dear Phil: but how can | manage that
when Manuel del Rey is watching me?
1t is impossible, is Il not7"
Seems So" muttered Bud, and In
the back OF his head he began to think
quickly. Here was the fountainhead
of his misfortunes. and II she had her
way she would lay all his plans in
ruins-and even then not marry Phil.
In fact, from the light way she spoke,
she sensed that she did not intend to
marry him. Her grudge was against
Manuel del Rey who drove away all
her lovers.
We'll" he ventured, there's no
rush, l reckon-Phil's enlisted for Eve
years"
Hal" she cried CONTEMPORARY
~and do you think he will serve? No!
At a word from me he will fee to the
border and I shall Join him In the
United States!"
''what?" demanded Bud: phil de-
sert?"
In a moment he saw what such a
move would mean to hIm-to Kruger
and the Eagle Tail-and he woke sud
denly from his calm.
Here now" he said, scowllng as he
saw that she was laughing at him,
you've made me and Phil enough
trouble. You let that boy alone,
savvy?"
He stopped toward her as he spoke.
fixing her with masterful eyes that
had tanned many bad horse and man.
and she shrank away instinctively.
Then she glanced at him shyly and
edged over toward the open door.
Il will do what please. Mr.. Hook
Ner." she returned. balancing on the
verge OF flight
AN right" Bud came back; but
don't you call me in on it, You've
made fool of Phil suppose you'd
like to get me, too. Then your father
would grab our mine"
What do you mean?" she chal.
Ienged, turning back upon him.
Il mean this" responded Hooker
warmly. Phil holds the title to ouI
mine. II he deserts he loses his Mexi
can citizenship and his claim ia nc
good. But you don't need TO think thai
you. father will get the mine then, be
canse he'll have to whip me first!"
~O-ho!" she sneered; $50 that II
what you are thinking of? You are
L.
thinking about the money!"
Yes" returned Bud; and even a
that ] believe your old man will bes
me-"
She laughed again, with suddeI
capTiciousness and stood tapping tn,
floor with her foot.
''Ah, | see," she said at length, gar
ing at him reproachfully; you thinl
am working for my father. Yo'
think | got poor Phil into all thi
trouble in order to cheat him OF hi
mine. But let me tell you. Seno
Gringo." she cried with sudden fire
-tlzt 4 did not. have nothing to d,
With nay father and his schemes. Blu
IL you do not trust me-"
She turned dramatically to 20, Blu
-ynen Hooker made no effort TO sta
her she returned once more to the al
tack
no" she said. ut was because h
was an American-becaus he wa
oraTe--that ! put my faith In Phi
These Mexican men are cowards-the
arc afraid to stand up and fight! Blu
Philip dared to make love to me-h
dared TO sing to me at night-an
when Manuel del Rey tried to stop hir
ne stood up and made fight!
"hh. that IL what / admire-a ma
who Ia brave! And let me tell yoU
Senior Hooker, shall always loye you
friend! II ! could run away | woul
raarrY him tomorrow; but this cul
Manuel del Rey. stands in the way
Even my own father is against ms
hut ! don't care--I don't care wha
uappens-only do not think that an
not your friend!"
She paused now and glanced at mir
.shyiy, and as her eloquent eyes me
his own Bud felt suddenly that sh
was sincere. The gnawing and CORE
siyn doubts that had eaten at his hea.
fell away. and ha saw her now In he