272 A Double-Dyed Deceiver
you won't have to go that far. Here's the scheme. After I get the trademark tattooed on your hand I'll notifv old Urique. In the meantime I'll furnish y with all of the family history I can find out, so you can be studying up points to talk about. You've got the looks, you speak the Spanish, you know the facts, you can tell about Texas, you've got the tattoo mark. When I notify them that the rightful heir has returned and is waiting f r^ " whether he will be received and paraone6 what will happen? They'll simply rush dt^wn here and fall on your neck, and the curtain goes down for refreshments and a stroll in the lobby."
"I'm waiting," said the Kid. "I haven't had my saddle off in your camp long, pardner, and I never met you before ; but if you intend to let it go at a parental blessing, why, I'm mistaken in my man, that's all."
"Thanks," said the consul. "I haven't met anybody in a long time that keeps up with an argument as well as you do. The rest of it is simple. If they take you in only for a while it's long enough. Don't give 'em time to hunt up the strawberry mark on your left shoulder. Old Urique keeps anywhere
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