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

the rough life was the life for him but
matter Of fact he spent much more
time IN san Antonio than he did at home.
and each of his sojourns at Las Palmes
was devoted principally 10 SOLDERING up from
his last visit TO the city and TO preparing
for another. Nor was he always sober
even In his own house Ed was heavy
and constant drinker at all times. What
little exercise he took was upon the back
OF horse. and. as no one knew better
than his wife, the physical powers he once
had we're rapidly, deteriorating.
by and by he inquired vaguely: Lets
see. Where did you go this timer
II went up 20 look over that Ygnacio
tract"
"oh yes. How did you ind it1"
mot very promising. II needs lot of
wells"
II haven't been out that way since
was boy. Think you'll lease itG'
81 don't know. ! must find some place
for those La Fcria cattle"
Austin shook his head. Better leave
'em where they are until the rebels take
that country l stand mighty well with
them"
"That's the trouble" Aiaire told him.
s'You stand too well--so well that want
to get my stock out of Federal territory
as soon possible"
ed shrugged carelessly. suit yourseh'
they're your cows"
The meal went on with n ,desultory flow
of small talk, during which the husband
INDUCED his thirst freely. Alaire told MN
about the accident to her horse and tho
unpleasant ordeal she had suffered In
the mesquite.
Lucky you found somebody at the water
hole" Ed commented who was this
Ranger7 Never heard OF the fellow he
commented on the name. The Rangers are
nothing like they used 20 be"
This fellow would do credit 20 any or
ganization" As Alaire described how ex-
peditiously Law had made his arrest ana
handled his man, her husband showed In
terest
Nicolas AntO. ehH" said he. "who was
his companero7"
''Panhlo Sanchez"
Ed started That's strange They must
have met accidentally"
$50 they both declared. Why did you
let Panfilo go7"
1--WE didn't need him here, and he was
too good n man TO lose. So Ed touno
his wife's eyes fixed upon him and dropped
his own
'T knew you were short-handed at La
Feris." There was an interval OF silence,
then Ed exclaimed, testify, What are you
looking at?"
'T wondered what you'd say"
"Eh7 Can't l fire a man without a
long-winded expanationT Something IN
Alaires expression warned him of her sus-
picion; therefore he took refuge behind an
assumption OF anger. MY God Don't
/ have a word to say about my own ranch?
Just because I've let you run things to suit
yourself
wait! We had our understanding"
Alaires voice was low and vibrant 1T
was my payment for living with you ana
you know It. You gave me the reins to
Las Palmas so that I'd have something TO
do. something TO live for and think about
except-your actions. The ranch mas
doubled In value every penny Is accounted
for. and you have more money to spend on
yourself than ever before You have no
reason to complain"
Austin crushed his napkin into ball and
flung II from him; with a scowl he showed
himself back from the table,
ut was an idiotic arrangement just the
same. / agreed because l was sick Dad
thought / was all shot to pieces. But I'm
all right now and able to run my own busi-
| ness"
Nevertheless, II was a bargain. and II
will stand. II your father were alive he'd
make you live up TO It,"
Hell! You talk as II I were n child"
shouted her husband; and his plump face
was apoplectic with rage. THE title is in
my name. How could he make me do
anything?"
Nobody could force you." his wife said,
20 keep your word, l believe, so long as
observe my part of our bargain"
Ed. slightly mollified, agreed. "of course
I am 1 never WEIGHED But won't be
treated an incompetent and I'm tired of
these eternal wrangles and jangles"
You have welched."
,"Eh7" Austin frowned bellgerently.
You agreed to go away when you felt
your appetite coming on, and you prom
Used to live clean, at least around home"
"Well?"
Have you done it?"
Certainly. l never said I'd cut out the
booze entirely"
What about your carousals at Browns
villeT
Austin subsided sullenly. "other men
have got full In Brownsville"
mo doubt. But you made a scandal.
You have been seen with-women, In a
good many places where we are known"
"Bahl There's nothing to It,"
Alaire went on In a lifeless tone that
covered the seething emotions within her.
II never inquire into your actions at San
Antonio or other large cities, although OF
course l have ears and can't help hearing
about them but these border towns are
home to us. and people know me. / won't
be humiliated more than l am; public pity
is-hard enough TO bear. I've about
reached the breaking point"
'Indeed7" Austin leaned forward. his
eyes inhamed. His tone was raised, heed
less OF possible eavesdroppers. Then why
don't you end it2 Why don't you divorce
me? God knows i never see anything of
you. You have your part Of the house and
l have mine; all we share in common Is