The High Chaparral
"My Mystery Life"

16 Magazine Special
Summer 1968

     I'll look to the past -- but I'll take you to Mexico, rather than Hollywood.  The year is 1911 and Mexico at that time was still wild and wooly compared to the sophistication of the United States.  The peons (the farmers and peasants of Mexico) were very unhappy with President Diaz.  It seemed that he made laws to suit the wealthy people of Mexico and left the poor to take care of themselves.

     Soon the peons began to band together and look for leaders and champions of their cause.  that's where my "mystery life" comes in!  If I could choose to be one other person besides myself, I'd like to be the revolutionary leader, Emiliano Zapata!  He was quite a man -- or as they say in Mexico, mucho hombre!

     It is hot toady -- and for the last few hours I have been sitting under a tree making plans for the future of Mexico with the famous (or infamous, depending upon what books you've read) Pancho Villa!

     We have discussed many points and eaten several watermelons to cool our parched throats.  My troops are resting and thinking about the battle that is sure to come.  Even though we are out-numbered by the Federal troops, we know that our cause is just!

     Somewhere a guitar is playing and several voices begin to sing La Cucaracha!  More and more of my soldiers join in and soon everyone is singing!

     Pancho and I shake hands and plan to meet again in Mexico City when the battle for freedom is won!  He mounts his gray horse and rides away.  I miss him.  His courage and leadership were a comfort to me.  Now, I'm on my own!

     A church bell chimes the hour.  It is time for us to go.  I take a long last look at this peaceful town and mount my horse, "Blanco."   The singing stops.  A silence descends upon us all.  Most of us say a silent prayer.  the time for waiting is over -- now we must fight and win!  We did win that battle -- and many, many more, and established a democratic government in Mexico!

     Well, back to reality of the present -- and here I am, Henry Darrow, still riding horses!  Thank you for sharing my "mystery life" with me -- and I hope the hot Mexican sun didn't make you too thirsty!
 

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