The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1914-05-22

ger. He was a man Of mark, as Blu
could see in minute; but If he ha
other business with those who halle
him he let 1t pass and took out a ran
brier pipe, which he pulled while Blu
smoked a cigarette.
They were sitting together in
friendly silence when Phil came out O
the dining room, but as he drew nea
the old man nodded to Bud and wen
over to speak to the clerk.
who was that old-timer you wer,
talking to-" inquired Phil, as he sanl
down in the vacant chair. Looks lik'
the-morning.after with him, don't it ?"
"Um," grunted Bud; reckon it is
Names Kruger"
"What-the mining mann"
That's right"
WELL" exclaimed Phil, "what in the
world was he talking to you about?"
"Oh, some kind of mining deal,
grumbled Bud. Wanted me to 60
down into Mexico!"
"What'd you tell him?" challenged
the little man, sitting up suddenly in
his chair. Say, that old boys got
rocks!"
He can keep 'em for all Of me-" OBJ
served Bud comfortably. you know
what l think about Mexico"
Sure; but what was his PROPOSE
ton? What did he want you to do?"
Search me! He was mighty mys-
FERROUS about it. Said he wanted a
man he could trust"
well, holy Moses, Bud!" cried Phil,
wake up! Didn't you get his PROPOSE
tion?"
mo, he wasn't talking about it. Said
it was good thing and he'd pay me
well, or let me in on the deal; but
when he hollered Mexico quit. I've
got plenty"
Eyes, but" the little man choked
and could say no more. We'll, you're
one Jim dandy business man, Bud
Hooker!" he burst out at last You'd
| let"
We'll, what's the matter?" demand
ed Hooker detiantly. 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, if it was good enough"
Jaw, 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 it. Leave him alone and
he'll do something for US on this side.
Oh, cripes, what's the matter with
you?"
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. "How'do, Mr.. De Lancey."
He gave Phil 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 go down
into Mexico" he began, drawing up
closer while the old man watched him
from under his eyebrows. That's one
tough country to do business in right
now, but at the same time"
"The country's perfectly quiet" put
In Kruger-"perfectly quiet"
We'll, maybe So" qualified De Ian.
cey; but when it comes to getting in
Not bit of trouble in the world"
said the old man crabbedly. Not a
bit"
WELL" came back De Lancey,
whats the matter, then? What is
the proposition, anyway"
Henry Kruger blinked and eyed him
lntently.
1--WE stated the proposition to Hook
81" he said, land he refused it. That's
enough, amt it?"
De Lancey laughed and turned away.
well, yes, guess it is" Then, in
passing, he said to Bud: go ahead
md talk to him."
He walked away, lighting cigarette
md smiling good-naturedly, and the
,ld-timer turned to Bud.
That's smart man you've got for
! pardner," he remarked. "A smart
nan. You want to look OUT he added,
or he'll get away with you" B:
Nope said Bud. you don't know
lin like do. He's straight as a die"
"A man can be straight and still get
way with you," observed the veteran
hrewdly. Eyes, indeed" He paused
o let this bit Of wisdom sink in, and
hen he spoke again.
You'd better quit-while you're
ucky," he suggested. you quit and
ONE with me-" he urged, land If we
trike 1t I'll make you a rich man.
Ion't need your pardner on this deal.
need just one man that can keep his
ead shut. Listen now; I'll tell you
What 1t Is.
II know where there's lost mine II
own in Mexico IF III foil yo,, +ho III