Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-10-27

the possibility OF danger delighted both
him and Dad They're perfect fools"
thing"
They left an hour ago in my machine.
with two Mcxcans TO help them They
intend to cross at your pumping plant as
soon as II gets dark. and be back by
midnight--that Is. " they ever get back"
Why. lts--unbelievable."
IT'S too much for me. Longorlo him
self Is In Romero. and he'd have them
shot II he caught them We'd never even
near OF H." PalomA's face was pale. her
eyes were strained and tragic. Father
always has been trial TO me. but I
thought could do something with Dave"
Sho made hopeless gesture, and Alaire
wondered momentarily whether the girls
anxiety was keenest for the safety OF her
father or-the other7
Can't we prevent them from going7"
she inquired. why. they are breaking
the law. aren't they?"
Something like that But what can we
do1 It's nearly dark. and they'll 20, any
how, regardless OF what we say"
Mr.. Law is n Ranger, too"
Tho girl nodded. "oh. II it's ever dis
covered he'll be ruined. And think OF
Dad-a man OF property Dave declares
Tad Lewis is ut the bottom of Il all, and
put the Federals up to murder Ricardo
he thinks In this way he can force them
into telling the truth. But Dad is Just
looking for nsht and wants to be a
hero 80
There was a moment OF silence. Then
Alaire reasoned aloud II presume they
chose our pumping plant because Il is
directly opposite the Romero Cemetery. 1
could have Benlto and some trusty men
waiting on this side. or could even send
them over"
mo. mo- Don't you understand The
whole thing Is Illegal"
q ther0--ynu
Paloma agreed eagerly. "Yesl Maybe
we could even help them II they got into
trouble"
Come, then, Wen have supper at Las
Paimas and slip down to the river and
wait"
Paloma was gone with a rush. In
moment she returned. ready for the trip,
and with her she carried a Winchester
rife nearly as long as herself.
Il hope you aren't afraid OF firearms"
she painted. I've owned this gun for
years"
"I am rather good shot" Alaire told
her.
Paloma closed her lips firmly. Good
Maybe wen come in handy. after all. Any
how I'll bet those Mexicans won't chase
Dad and Dave very far"
Jose Sanchez was true TO his declared
purpose. With horse OF his own be-
tween his knees, with money in his pocket
and, riding to the Lewis crossing. forded
the Rio Grande.
BY early afternoon he was in Romero and
there. after some effort, he succeeded in
finding General Longorio.
Romero. at this time the southern out
post OF Federal territory. standing guard
against the rebel forces in Tamaulipas. Is
a sun-baked little town sprawling about a
naked plaza, and, except for the presence
of Colonel Blanco's detachment OF troops,
1t would have presented much the same
appearance as any of the lazy border VIII
lages. A scow ferry had at one time linked
II on the American side with a group of
'dobe houses which were sanctihed by the
pious name of Sangre de Crlsto, but of
late years more advantageous crossings
above and below had come into some use
and Romeros ferry had been abandoned
Perhaps mile above Sangre de Crlsto. and
directly opposite Romeros weed-grown
cemetery. stood the pumping plant OF Las
Palmas, Its corrugated iron roof and high
flung chimney forming conspicuous land
mark
Luis Longorio had just awakened from
his siesta when Jose gained admlttance TO
his presence. The general lay at ease in
the best bed OF the best house in the village
he greeted the newcomer with a smile.
so, my brave Jose you wish 10 become a
soldier and fight for your country. eh?"
Yes. my general"
Body OF Christ This is a hard life. Here
am In this goatherd's hovel, hot, dirty
and half starved and all because of a fellow
/ never saw who got himself killed You
would think this Ricardo was an English
man instead of Grlngo, for the fuss that
ls made Who was he? Some great jefe? ?''
"A miserable fellow. / knew him well
Then he is indeed dead?"
quite dead. / believe."l Longorio said
careiessiy; then turning his large. bright
eyes upon the visitor. he continued. with
more interest, Now tell me about the beau
tiful sonora, your mistress"
Jose scowled. She's not my mistress
! am no longer OF her gente. have a debt
of blood 10 wipe out"
Longorio sat up in his bed the smile left
his face. MY jose" he said quietly ''ff
you harm her in the least r shall bury YOU
to the neck In an ants nest and MI your
mouth with honey. Now, what Is this you
are telling met"
Jose, uncomfortably startled by this bar
barous threat. told as connectedIy as he
knew how all about his cousins. death and
his reasons for leaving Las Palmas
"Ah-h" Longorlo relaxed. You rave
me start. At first l thought you came
with message from her--but that was too
much 10 expect then feared you meant
the lady some evil. Now i shall tell Won
a little secret I love your sonora Yes. /
love her madly, furiously; 1 can think of
nothing but her. l came 10 this aborninahIe
village more 70 see her than 20 annoy my
self over the death Of Ricardo Guzman.
/ must see my divinity; l must hear her
blessed voice or I shall 20 mad WHY do
l tell you this3 Because I have decided
that you shall lead me 10 her tonight
The general fell silent for a moment then
Il intend 10 have her some day. Jose, ana
perhaps you win be my right hand See
] make you my confdant because you will
not dare 10 anger me orwell nv llttIa
friend. you must understand what fata
would befall you In that case. can reach
across the Rio Grande."
Amazement and then fear were denictaa
IN Jose's face as he listened he asserted
his loyalty vehemently.
'Yes, yes, know you love me-" the ran
eral agreed careessly. But what h far
more 70 the point intend 70 pay well for
your services. Perhaps / shall also arrsrss
so that you may have reckoning with tbs
murderer OF your cousin. What Is hls
manner 80
II was Jose's opportunity TO make nm Inn
preston, and he used II 70 the fun ta,,Ins
all that he knew OF the killing 81 psra,ss
aid describing Law with the eloauencs Of
hatred, '.
,,s,nrrlo Ifafanaa a.. -,