Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-11-08
CHAPTER xxm-(continued)


pEHlND him he heard the hum OF an
- approaching motor, and he turned to
behold car racing along the road he had
JUST travelled. The machine was running fast,
ss long streamer of choking dust gave
evidence, and Dave soon recognized II as
belonging TO Jonesvilles prosecuting at
torney As u tore past him its owner
shouted something. but the words were
lost In the automobile with tho driver
were several passengers and one OF these
likewise called to Dave and seemed to mo-
tion him to follow. When the machine
slowed down half-mile ahead and veered
abruptly into the L. Palmas gateway,
Dave lifted Montrosa TO run, wondering
what pressing necessity could have induced
the prosecuting attorney to risk such a
reckless burst OF speed.
Dave told himself that he was unduly
apprehensive; that Stranges warnings had
worked upon his nerves. Nevertheless, he
continued to ride so hard that almost be-
fore the dust had settled he. too. turned
into the shade OF the palms.
Yes. there was excitement here some
thing was evidently very much amiss. judg-
ing from the groups OF ranch hand as
sembled upon the porch. They wer5 Vclus-
tered about the doors and windows, peering
In Briefly they turned their faces toward
Law; then they crowded closer, and he
perceived that they were not talking. Some
of them had removed their hats and held
them in their hands.
Dawes knees shook under him as he dis
mounted; for one sick. gddy instant the
scene swan before his eyes; then he ran
toward the house and up the steps. He
tried to frame a question. but his lips were
stiff with fright Needless of those in his
path, he forced his way into the house, then
down the hall toward an open door
through which he room full Of peo-
pie. From somewhere came the shrill wall
Ing Of woman; the house was full Of
hushed voices and whisperings. Dave had
but one thought. From the depths of his
being voice called Alaire's name until
his brain rang with It.
A bed was in the room. and around II
was gathered a group of whlte-faced peo-
pie. with rough hands Law cleared n way
for himself, and then stopped, frozen in
his tracks. His arms relaxed, his fingers
unclenched. n great sigh whstled slowly
from his lungs. Before him, booted.
spurred and fully dressed, lay the dead body
of Ed Austin.
Dave was still staring at the master of
Las Palmas when the prosecuting attorney
spoke to him
God This is terrible, isn't it?" he
said. HE must have died instantly"
"who-did it,"
we don know yet. Benito found him
and brought him in. He hasn't been dead
an hour"
Law ran his eyes over the room, and
then asked sharply, Where is Mrs Aus
tin1"
He was answered by Benito Gonzales,
who had edged closer. she's not here,
senor."
Have you notified her?"
Benito shrugged There has been no
time, II all happened so quickly"
Some one interrupted. and Dave that
II was the local shern-evidenty II was
he who had waved from the speeding ma
chine a few moments before
I'm glad you're here, Dave, for YOU can
give me a hand. I'm going to round up
these Mexicans right away and find OUT
what they know. Whoever did II hasn't
gone far so you act my deputy and
see what you can learn"
When Dave had regained better control
OF himself he took Benito outdoors and de-
manded full details Of the tragedy. With
many lamentations and incoherences, the
range boss told what he knew.
Ed had met his death within a half
mile of Las Palmas as he rode home for
dinner. Benito. himself on his way to the
house had found the body. still warm.
near the edge Of the pecan grove. He had
retained enough sense to telephone at once
TO Jonesville, and then-Benito hardly knew
what he had done since then. he was so
badly shaken by the tragedy.
What time did II happenT
ut was noon when I cana in"
lave conFrlted his watch and wda sur
Irised Ia discover II was no~ only few
minutes PAST one II was evident, thcrG-
fore that Benito had indeed lost no time
AMI that hii alarm had met with instant
response.
Now, tell me. who did it?"
Benito flung his hands high. God knows
Sons enemy, Of course; but Don Eduardo
had many"
ah to ifIl
THAT is as II is
Haven't you any suspiclons?"
mo, senior"
you say Mrs. Austin is gomez"
YES"
''Where?"
81 don't know"
Dave spoke brusquely: Come, Benito
vou must know, for your wife went with
her. Are you trying to keep something
back?"
declared II didn't know they were going
until the very last and evea then Dolores
would tell me nothing. We were having
had times here at Las Palmas; there were
stormy scenes yonder In the house. SenoT
Ed was drinking again, you understand?
The sonora had reason TO 60"
"You think she ran away to escape him."
Exactly"
pave breathed more easily for this
seemed TO settle Strange's theory. The
next instant, however. his approximations
we're doubled, for Benito added
"No doubt she went to La Feria."
Law uttered an incredulous exclamation
mot there Surely she wouldn't go 10
La Feria at such time Why, that
country is ablaEe. Americans are fleeing
from Mexico"
~ hadn't thought Of that" Benito con-
fessed. But II she didn't go there, where
aid she got Saints above ! It's a nne con.
dition Of affairs when a wife keeps secrets
from her husband, Ell? l suppose Dolores
feared / would tell Don Eduardo, God rest
his soul This much do know. however
not long ago there came a letter from
General Longorlo Offering settlement for
those cattle he stole In his governments
name Dolores told me the senora was
Highly pleased and Was going 10 Mexico
}or her money II Was 4 mark of Lonkorio's
favor. YOU understand mef Hes great