Mexico Missouri message., 1914-07-02

anu Otutis uoro cicBaudy uErn8ca
but they all had a nod for Henry Kru-
ger. He was a man of mark, a. Bud
could see In a minute; but II he had
other business with those who hailed
him be let II pass and took out rank
brier pipe. which he pulled while Bud
smoked q cigarette.
They were sitting together in q
friendly silence when Phil came out OF
the dining room. but as he drew near
the old man nodded to Bud and went
over to speak to the clerk
who was that old-timer you were
talking tor inquired Phil. as he sank
down In the vacant chair. Looks like
the-morning-after with him, don't 1T"
"Um." grunted Bud; reckon 1t H.
Names Kruger"
'What-the mining man?"
That's right"
We'll" exclaimed Phil, what In the
world was he talking to you aboutf"
"oh. some kind of a mining DEAL"
grumbled Bud. Wanted me to go
down into Mexico!"
'whatd you tell him?" challenged
the little man. sitting up suddenly In
his chair. Say. that old boys got
rocksl"
-He can keep 'em for all of me-" OBJ
served Bud comfortably. You know
what think about Mexico"
Sure: but what was his PROPOSE
ton? What did he want you TO dol"
Search mel He was mighty mys-
FERROUS about It Said he wanted q
man he could trust"
We'll. holy Moses. Budl" cried Phil.
wake upl Didn't you get his proposi-
tion?"
NO. he wasn't talking about IL. Said
IT was a good thing and he'd pay me
we'll, or let me in on the deal; but
when he hollered Mexico / Quit I've
got a plenty"
Yes, but" the little man choked
and could say no more We'll. you're
one Jim dandy business man, Bud
Hookerl" he burst out at last. You'd
let"
Well, what's the matterr" demand
ed Hooker dehantly. do you want to
go back into Mexico? Nor me. neither!
What you kicking about?"
You might have led him on and
got the scheme. anyway. Maybe
there's a million in It Come on. let's
go over and talk to him. I'd take .
chance. IL 1t was good enough"
"Aw, don't be a fool, Phil" urged
the cowboy plaintively. We've got no
call to hear his scheme unless we want
to go in on 1t. Leave him alone and
he'll do something for US on this side
oh. cripes, what's the matter with
your"
He heaved himself reluctantly up
out OF his chair and moved over to
where Kruger was sitting.
Mr.. Kruger" he said. as the old
man turned TO meet him, I'll make
you acquainted with Mr.. De Lancey.
my pardner. My names Hooker"
Glad to know you, Hooker" re-
sponded Kruger. shaking him by the
hand. "Hov'do, Mr.. De Lancey."
He gave Phil a rather crusty nod as
he spoke. but De Lancey was dragging
up another chair and failed to notice.
Mr. Hooker was telling me about
some proposition you had, to 60 down
into Mexico" he began. drawing up
closer while the old man watched him
from under his eyebrows- That's one
tough country 70 do business In right
nov. but at the same time"
The countrys perfectly quiet" put
In Kruger--perfectiy quiet"
We'll, maybe So" qualified De Ian
cey; but when II comes to getting in
supplies"
mot a bit OF trouble In the voeid.
said the old man crabbediy. Not a
bit"
| Well" came back De Lanoey,
what's the matter. then7 What n
! the proposition, anyway"
Henry Kruger blinked and eyed him
intently.
1--WE stated the proposition to Hook
err" he said. -and he refused IT, That's
enough, amt it,"
De Lancey laughed and turned away
We'll. yes. l guess 1t Is Then, in
passing, he said to Bud: Go ahead
and talk to hixn-"
He walked away. lighting a cigarette
and smiling good-naturediy, and the
old-timer turned TO Bud.
That's a smart man you've got for
a pardner," he remarked "A smari
man. You want to look out" he added
"or he'll get away with you"
Nope said Bud You don't know
him like do. He's straight as die.'
"A man can be straight and stiil Co
away with you" observed the veteran
sarevdly. Yes, indeed" He panset
to let this bit Of wisdom sink In. and
then he spoke again
You'd better quit-while YOU'RE
lucky" be suggested You quit and
come With me-" he urged, "and II w
strike 1t I'll make you a rich man.
don't need your pardner on this deal
need Just one man that can keep hi
head shut. Listen now; I'll tell you