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cannot say that I feel any better, since these clothes are not as comfortable as my

old ones. However if it pleases Mr. Grayson that I should wear a pink kimono

while working for him I shall gladly wear a pink kimono. What shall I do first,

sir?" The question was directed toward Grayson.

"Sit down here an' see what you ken make of this bunch of trouble," replied the

foreman. "I'll talk with you again this evenin'."

As Grayson and his employer quitted the office and walked together toward the

corrals the latter's brow was corrugated by thought and his facial expression that

of one who labors to fasten upon a baffling and illusive recollection.

"It beats all, Grayson," he said presently; "but I am sure that I have known this

new bookkeeper of yours before. The moment he came out of that room dressed

like a human being I knew that I had known him; but for the life of me I can't

place him. I should be willing to wager considerable, however, that his name is

not Bridge."

"S'pect you're right," assented Grayson. "He's probably one o' them eastern dude

bank clerks what's gone wrong and come down here to hide. Mighty fine place to

hide jest now, too.

"And say, speakin' of banks," he went on, "what'll I do 'bout sendin' over to

Cuivaca fer the pay tomorrow. Next day's pay day. I don't like to send this here

bum, I can't trust a greaser no better, an' I can't spare none of my white men thet

I ken trust."

"Send him with a couple of the most trustworthy Mexicans you have," suggested

the boss.

There ain't no sich critter," replied Grayson; "but I guess that's the best I ken do.

I'll send him along with Tony an' Benito--they hate each other too much to frame

up anything together, an' they both hate a gringo. I reckon they'll hev a lovely

trip."

But they'll get back with the money, eh?" queried the boss.

If Pesita don't get 'em," replied Grayson.

223

The Mucker