Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1938-01-21

Bv James Gould CozzenS

Ruth handed Gomez a riding quirt.
"String him up along the post
there" she said. Better repack his
mouth" She addressed the man:
"We'll leave your feet loose and when
you want to talk kick the post twice.
"Give him about ten, Congo, and
see what that makes him think Of"
Ramon was frozen. "My God," he
said, "let's not do any more" His
hand closed on Ruth's.
"Give me a cigarette and go out
side, DEAR"
She lit the cigarette. Gle seems
to be quite a man." she observed.
"Your uncle ought to be congratu-
lated"
whats he got to do with my
uncle?" asked Ramon, unsteadily.
"That's what we want to find out.
All right, Congo"
Ramon stayed.
81 guess that will do" admitted
Ruth, raising the cigarette shakily.
The man, cut loose, crumpled down
on his knees, and then over on his
side.
Get that out of his mouth" begged
Ruth" and give him dring quick"
The man choked weakly and whimp-
cred on the cognac.
"I'm going" whispered Ramon, "I'm
going out"
81 want you to hear what he has
to say" said Ruth. She drew hard on
her cigarette.
He'll talk now," said Congo.
Mrs. Bautizo gibly informed her
husband that his father was going to
make an example of Ruth on account
Of her visit to Jaurez.
"You can imagine the Fletchers will
insist she be sent away from San
Mario. Imagine taking Edith to that
place. I'm having meeting of the
Parents Association about her."
Miguel was helpless. 81 don't think
he wants to discharge Mr.. Micks," he
said. "By the way, man was shot
in Santa Catalina last night"
81 can't see what that has to do with
it. Who shot him? Mr.. Micks
again."
mo, he didn't. It's being hushed
up. shouldn't have said anything
but I've a good notion my father
knows something. I think he had that
man shot. It was one of the Ruiz
men,"
81 can't imagine what makes you
think he'd do such a thing!"
Apparently you. don't know him
very well. He'd have every one in
Cuba shot if it were worth it. And
I'm damn sick of MURDER" Miguel
blurted. "Do you think I don't know
what that man hanging around the
office this morning was? Do you
think l don't know Javied Duarte
| know lot"
"Where in the name of God, have
you been?" inquired Lancey Micks. He
stood in the early morning sunlight of
the patio holding an orange.
ooh" said Ruth.
She caught the arm of chair in
one hand and crushed the back of the
other against her mouth.
"Well, what's wrong with you?"
Are you crazy?"
She released the chair arm and rails
ed her other hand to press the first
on tighter, staring at him.
ooh, dear God," she choked, "dear
God, dear God"
Her knees went suddenly forward
and she collapsed.
Lancey Micks seized her by the arm.
"What is it," he snapped. "What do
you mean by staying away all night!
Where were you? What's the big
idea anyway? Haven't you raised
hell enough around here?"
Ruth swayed against him little
and began to laugh Win a shaking
rhythmic hollowness.
"Madre Dios!" groaned Lancey
Micks. Don't get that way! Here,
have drink"
He picked her up bodily and de-
posted her in the hammock. He came
back with some whiskey. "Now get
held of yourself" he said.
81 thought you were dead" she
whispered shakily. ooh, dear God.
all night"
."Well, calm down. I'm here.
Where've you been?"
"Well, can't tell you, darling. Not
yet"
"Were you with Ramona"