Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-03-10
MD REX BEACH

afternoon progressed. that they would
he very late in arriving at Las Palrlas,
and he began to fear that his hostess
would feel in duty hound to insist upon
his spending the night at her home.
But as If his thoughts were tclcpa.
thic messages she did the very thing
he feared.
eve won't be in before midnight"
she said, 'hnt I'll send You to Jones
VILE in the morning"
"Thanli you. ma'am--I'll have 10 &c
right through"
I'll get you there IN time for bust
ness. We've gained Il reputation foi
lnhosptahleness at Las Palmas tina.
| want to overcome. Mr.. Austin OUCH,
to know" she added, "about ths--mat.
ter we were discussing, and l want him
10 meet you"
"He has" Dave said, shortly; end
A. fis tone Alairc looked up.
So She studied his grim face.
md You Quarrelcd2
IT'D really prefer to 90 on, ma'am.
I'll get to Jenesville somehow"
"You refuse-.to stay under his
roof?'
THAT'S about IT,"
"Im sorry" She did not ask for
further explanation.
The windows of Las Palmas were
black, the house silent, when they
arrived at their journeys end; Dolo-
res was fretful, and her mistress achcd
in every bone. When Jose had helped
his countrywoman into the house,
Alaire said:
IF you insist upon going through,
you must take the car. You can re-
turn it tomorrow"
"And--about Panfilo?" Dave queried.
"Wait. Perhaps Tn decide what is
best to do In the meantime. Good
night"
Law took her extended hand. Alaire
was glad that he did not fondle it in
that detestabe Mexican fashion of
which she had lately experienced so
much: glad that the grasp of his long,
strong fingers was merely firm and
friendly. When he stepped back into
the car and drove off through the
night, she stood for some time looking
after him.
Blaze Jones had insisted that Dave
live at his house, and the Ranger had
accepted the invitation; but as it was
late when the LATER arrived at Jones'
Vile. he went to the hotel for few
hours rest When he drove his bor-
rowed machine up to the Jones house,
about breakfast time both Blaze and
Paloma were delighted to see him.
"Say, now! What you doing rolling
around in a gasoline go-devl?" the
elder man inquired, and Law was
forced to explain.
"Fathcr has never learned to drive
a car without yelling Gee and Haw,' "
laughed Paloma. "And he thinks he
has title to the whole road, too. You
know these Mexicans are slow about
pulling their wagons to one side. Well,
father got mad one day, and when n
team refused him the right of way he
whipped out his revolver and fred"
Blaze smiled broadly. st worked
great. And believe me, them Greascrs
took to the ditch. went through like
a hot wind, but l shot up sixty-fve
cartridges between here and town."
"Why didn't Mrs. Austin ask you to
stay all night at Las Palmasi" the
girl inquired of Dave.
.She did"
"Wonderfnl y Paloma's surprise
was evidently sincere. II suppose you
refused because Of the way Ed treated
you. Tell me- Is she nice?"
"Shes lovely
This vehement declaration brought
a sudden CLEAN of interest into the
queStl0ner'S eyes.
"They say she has the most won.
derful gowns and jewels, and dresses
for dinner every night Wel"--palo.
ma tossed her head-"I'm going to
have some nice clothes, too. YOU
waltz
snow don't you start riggn' your.
self M for meals" Blaze said, warn
lngly. "I'irst thing I know, youll have
: me In full.dress suit, spllln' sour