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The Awakening of Paredon Blanco 75

were received by United States Marshal H. D. Barrows, re-
quiring an investigation. The Southerners had made the
threat that the first Republican daring to enter into their
domain would be hanged from the highest oak tree! No
revenue officer would accept the task of venturing into the
stronghold. Finally my brother-in-law, William Crossman
Warren, United States Deputy Marshal, ventured to take the
risk. He determined to disguise himself as a peddler.
Knowing of the store house of our hacienda, he went to my
mother and begged for some of her good things.
My father's large spring wagon was soon loaded for
the adventure. There was a large chest filled with my
mother’s famous cha, dried fruits and the delicious jams in
their corn husk coverings in the shape of tamales. Al-
though but a small girl at the time, I remember well the
wagon, covered with a brand new canvas, and the brave
officer holding the lines of the team of strong horses, which
might carry him to his death. He drove away with my
mother’s blessing, and we watched him disappear around
the corner.
The peddler arrived at the settlement and received a
warm welcome, as all of his kind did at that time. He
travelled from ranch to ranch, finding each home built of
large, square logs, all warm and cozy. Evidently for the
simple reason of inspiring respect, each home had a minia-
ture arsenal, and the men never ventured out without a
rifle, pistol and knife secured to a well-filled cartridge belt.
The people were hospitable, open-hearted and enjoy-
ing prosperity. The only discordant note Deputy Warren
heard was the hatred still expressed for the Republicans,
and a threat to hang the first one who would invade their
domain. Of course, Warren agreed with them, but a little
shiver sped down his spine at the thought of what would
happen to him if the Southerners might suspect his identity!
Soon, his investigation was made and his load sold at good
prices. The women asked him to come again. They said
they wanted more cha, as it was the best they had tasted.
He did not linger for it was not safe for a Republican and
a federal officer to be around the vicinity. They had defied