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while maxine and harry were fussing del was watching the store keeper across the road. he was fidgiting and paceing around the store. del decided to find out. he was sure that store keeper had set andy up with the hold up by the bandits. as del waked into the store the man backed up until he was behind the counter with both hands on the counter top. "ok man whats up? your fussing around like a worm on a hot stove." del asked. at first the man didnt say anything but then something took a hold of him" the elliases will be here soon, they will blame me for you killing three of thier men. " " well whats worse. me killing you for setting andy up or them?"del didnt show any sympothy. " look hector ellias demands tribute from everyone here in the area. the ellias family has been here since cortez came through. they lay claim to all. on both sides of the border." the man blurted. " is that why everyone around here is so poor? starved out?" del was incredalus. the store keeper simply nodded. fear in every pore of his body. " where does this hector hang his hat?" del quized. " twenty miles south. but you cant see him. they keep him insulated from the world. his mayordomo is a bad man to deal with." the store keeper kept looking out the window expecting the bandits. " he will see me." is all del said as turned and walked out the door. to the south he could see a group of riders comming. he went on across the road and picked up his rifle and went back to the store. the store keeper was no where in sight. there was five bandits and as the reached the store they lined up side by side faceing the store. del stepped out the door, his rifle resting in the crook of his arm. the middle mexican steped his horse forward " where is he?" " i dont know, but you dont want him. ime the man who shot your amigos. and if you try anything here ill shoot you." del stated in a firm tone. the bandit sat there not knowing what to say. finally he said" its my work to collect from the peones. why are you intrudeing.?" " because this is the USA, your criminals here. what you are in mexico i cant say. but criminals are fair game here. i would advise you to return to mexico and stay there. the elliases have nothing comming here." del spoke with a lowered voice. the mexican mayordomo didnt know what to say.his mouth worked but no sounds came out. finally he said" jefe ellias would like to talk to you. by what authority do you do this?" " i would like that ill be along tomorrow. my authority is ime a american and this rifle here. in mexico you can collect all the tribute you want but no more here." del stood firm. the mexican looked right then left to his men then back to del" what if we kill you right here?" " you could do that but before i go you will go first. anyone so much as touches a weapon your a dead man." del moved his rifle barrel to point at the midsection of the out law." ill see you tomorrow at elieases. we need not be shooting each other before then." the mayordomo nodded then turned his horse to the south"vamanos" was all he said. the other four bandits followed him away from ruby.