Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-10-10
CRATER Iv-tcon,lnued)

As OTHER ranches grew under the hands
"A OF such unregenerate owners, so also
under "old Ed" Austin's management did
Las Palmas increase and prosper. The estate
took its name from a natural grove Of
palms in which the house was built: II
comprised an expanse OF rich river land
backed by miles of range where BOX A"
cattle lived and bred In his later years
the old man sold much land and some he
leased but when he handed Las Palmas
TO his son. Young Ed" as wedding gift,
the ranch still remained n property to be
proud OF. and one that was known far and
wide for It's size and richness. Leaving his
boy 10 work out OF Il n fortune for himself
and his bride, the father retired TO San
Antonio, whittier the friends and cronies
OF his early days were drifting. There he
settled down and proceeded TO finish his
allotted span exactly as suited him best.
The raftcher's ideal OF an agreeable old age
comprised three important items-to wit,
complete leisure. unlimited freedom of
speech and two pints OF rye whisky daily.
He enjoyed them all impartially until,
about year before this story opens. he
died profanely and comfortably. He had n
big funeral and was sincerely mourned by
n coterie OF equity old Indian fighters,
Las Palmas had changed greatly since
Austin, senior, painfully scrawled his
slanting signature to the deed. II was a
different ranch now 20 what the old man
had known; indeed, IL was doubtful IL he
would have recognized II, for even the house
was new
Alaire had some such thought In mind
as she rode up to the gate on the afternoon
following her departure from the water
hole. and she felt a thrill of pride at the
acres OF sproutlng corn, the dense green
fields of alfalfa 80 nicely fitted between
their fences, They were like clean. green
squares Of mating spread for the feet of
summer.
Mexican boy came running to care for
her horse, a Mexican woman greeted her
as she entered the wide. cool hall and went
to her room. Alaire had ridden far. Part
of the night had been spent at the Ballia
|. goat ranch, the remainder of the journey
had been hot and dusty. and even yet she
was not wholly recovered from her expert
ence OF the outward trip.
The house servants at Las Palmas were,
on the whole, well trained, and Mrs Austin q
periodic absences excited no comment in
the present instance, Dolores fixed a bath
and laid out clean clothes with no more
than a running accompaniment of chatter
concerned with household affairs. Dolores.
indeed, was superior to the ordinary ser
want she was woman OF some managerial
ability, and she combined the duties of per-
sonal maid with those Of housekeeper. She
was a great gossip and possessed such q
talent for gaining information that through
her husband, Benito. the range boss. she
was able to keep her mistress In fairly in
innate touch with ranch matters.
Alaire. however. was at this moment In
no mood TO resume the tiresome details of
management; she quickly dismissed her
seryitor and proceeded TO revel in the luxury
OF. a cool bath. after which she took a nap.
Later, as she leisurely dressed herself. she
acknowledged that II was good to feel the
physical comforts of her own house, even
though her homecoming gave her no espe-
cial Joy. She made IL a religious practice
to dress for dinner. regardless OF Eds pres
ence, though often for weeks at a time she
sat in. solitary state, presiding over an
empty table. Nevertheless, she kept to her
custom. for not only did the formality help
her TO retain her own self-respect. but II
had it's influence upon the, servants. With
out companionship one needs to be ever
upon guard to retain the nice rehnements
of gentle breeding. and any one who has
exercised authority In savage countries soon
learns the Importance of leaving unbridged
the gulf of color and of class.
But Alaire looked forward to no lonely
dinner tonight. for Ed was at home, 1t
was with a grave preoccupation that she
made herself ready TO meet him.
Dolores hustled in for n second time and