TEXIAN STOMPING GROUNDS
of silver in numerous overall pockets indicated that the people
wanted oil, but the speaker continued.)
"Yogi Oil is an absolute cure for headache, toothache, earache,
sprains, bruises and rheumatism; and if you have that run-down
feeling, just rub this oil on your body at night, go to bed, and
wake up in the morning feeling as chipper as a two-year-old.
"I want to show you here and now that Yogi Oil is all I say
it is, for you don't have to take my word for it." (He drew out
a shining needle.) "I can pour this oil on your wrist and stick
this sterilized needle clear through the flesh; and I guarantee it
won't hurt you." (A murmur of incredulity from the audience.)
"Here, will some gentleman volunteer?"
(Old Bill Kimberg, a town man who traded in horses, cattle,
chickens, scrap iron and Elberta peaches in season was standing
near the wagon cutting his Drummond chewing tobacco and
gazing steadfastly at Keeno. Bill volunteered. Some people said
he did it on faith alone, while others said afterward that he did
it through prearrangement with Keeno for a five-dollar bill. It
was well known that Bill, a sceptical old rascal, loved money
mightily. Keeno rubbed the oil on Bill's wrist and thrust the
needle through his flesh. I saw the point come out on the other
side--there was no trick about it. During the ordeal Bill did not
miss a single chaw on his cud of tobacco; and when Keeno care-
fully withdrew the needle without drawing a drop of blood and
again anointed his wrist with the sacred oil, Bill admitted that
the operation didn't hurt a bit.)
"Come and get your Yogi Oil-have your money ready, folks."
There ensued a land-office business. Indeed, Keeno and John
together could not pass the oil out fast enough. Many argued
with good result for the right to purchase an extra bottle for a
sick neighbor; and some succeeded in getting a second helping
for themselves. Soon Keeno's stock was exhausted, but he had
a gunny sack crammed with money.
During the peak of the sale, Dr. Miller, most prominent local
physician, came up close to observe the scene. He was rich, presi-
dent of the bank and owner of the drug store; but he did not buy
any oil. Being close to him, I heard him remark in a sort of
soliloquy, "Well, I'll be damned."
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