The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1915-03-02


ely at the tip.
said TREMENDOUSLY. Here is the none,
for you. This, he added, giving anoth-
er packet of bills, Is for Michel Mario
GIVE him as little or as much as you
llke-so long as he does my work
WELL"
The lion-tamer smiled gloatingly
thrust the money into his blouse under
the knife and vanished in the forest
owen returned across the road through
the foot-path gate and strolled easily
into the garden, turning the pages OF
his magazine
Chief Michel Mario was more than
commonly honored among Gypsy
! chiefs. This was because he was rich
er in worldly goods and wiser in con-
cealing his dark deeds. His wealth
came largely from his wisdom. for he
could concoct all manner of beyer-
ages to heal the body, charm the heart
and bring one lasting good luck. If
he sold his medicines under muttered
threats of blackening your future life
with curses or your farm house with
fire, 1t was SO softly done that punish
ment never reached him. Be it said
for him, the threats were seldom, if
yer executed. Michel Mario had rath-
er the name Of rowing harlequin than
OF marauder. But he was a trades
man by nature; and a good bargainer
with the Evil One was better than no
bargain at all. He took his risks &C.
casionally in dangerous deal as he
did in love-
Michel Mario had been often in love
but never SO much so, it seemer as he
had been since Sangoalla, his cousin,
came from the camp Of her father to
join his band and sell his beauty medi-
cines. 1t was admitted even among
the Gypsies themselves who knew what
the medicine was made Of, that only
the magic of her bright eyes could
make 1t sell as 1t did. Singoalla ac-
companied the old chones of the camp
into the towns and stood by while they
peddled the elixir
There were some among the elders
of the tribe, who grumbled-very sort
ly-that Michel Mario devoted too
much time to the Princess, his cousin.
But he was young and handsome as
she was young and beautiful, and there
could be little harm If he played the
guitar and locked into the depths of
her black eyes at the portal of his tent.
Singoalla was tacitly accepted as the
future queen of the tribe, for Michel
Mario would be King when his uncle
her father, died. What troubled the
elders was that the young Chief played
the guitar to her not only in the ev-
enings (Which were made for nom
sense) but in the mornings and after
moons, when he should be directing
horse deals or mixing the Magic
Gypsy Beautifier," which had made the
band famous from Montauk to Coney
Island.
In fact, when Pietro, the refugee lion
tanner was talking with Mr.. Owen in
the forest not far distant and arrang-
ing plans that should enrich the tribe,
Michel Mario dawdled and sang so
long at the feet Of the Princess that
only the desperate appeal of Mataafa,
Oldest of the women, could draw him
away
Michel Mario took the bag of coins
that she brought to him, but laughed
and waved her away.
She returned to the attack, however,
and at last, calling upon Singoalla to
follow him, he arose and went to the
medicine tent.
There was large tent in the center
Of the tent, and around it were piled
scores of empty bottles OF various sizes
heaps of dried herbs, pals of water, of
paint and mercifully diluted shoe
blacking.
The process of mixing the magic
elixir was as simple as its powers were
Paint, shoe backing,
empty ink bottles, slices of tobacco.
and any odd and ends, vegetable and
that happened to be at hand
went into the tub and were stirred by
The Chieftain with the handle of a
spade, while he and Singoalla laughed
Singoalla filled the bottles and past
ed printed labels on them proclaiming
he medicine as a cure not only for
lgliness, but for all other ills, from
to jealousy
The Chief and the Princess were
hus engaged in making love and medi-
cine at once when Pietro appeared at |
h entrance and asked leave to come |
II.
Michel Mario babe him enter.
Send away the girl; l have some
hing greatly important to say to you,"
announced PietrO in the mysterious
md musical Gypsy tongue
Co." said Michel Mario, turning
ommandlngly to Singoalla. After all
he was but a woman and not to be
considered when serious matters were
n hand Being but woman she flash
d look of anger as she obeyed the
rider. But he did not notice.
To Pietro he talked long and earn
silly. But when the lion tanner finish
d Michel Mario shook his head grave
y.
THE risk is too great" he said.
They value their women. 1t is strange
ut it is true, Pietro."
For answer Pietro produced part of
he money that Owen had given him
Michel Mario eyed 1t greedily. It
eemed SO much easier than mixing
ledicine. But again he shook his head
1T Is not much they offer for the
lsk of our freedom" he sneered.
There is more here" uurged Pietro,
reducing 1t and placing all In the
hief's hand. And there will be more