Carrizozo outlook. [volume] (Carrizozo, N.M.) 1910-1945, 1917-12-21

w. AhNN NakNNA1f DlNI-
ously, then with n ~quiyering sigh re-
Taxed her tension. "Then we've only
made matters worse. You've spoiled
our only chance"
Father O'Malley, who had been lost
In thought, spoke up again: "perhnps
you Will let me try my wits. But first,
do ! understand that II was he who ef-
fected the death of-Mr. Austln7"
Dave recourted MS coherently as he
could the circumstances OF Eds death,
and told how he had learned, through
Jose, of Longorlo's Intentions. As the
priest listened n spot Of color grew In
his cheeks. his eyes glowed with lndlg-
nation. He was about to make known
what was In his mind when Alalre
raised her hand and In n strained
whisper exclaimed:
"'Sh-hI Listen I"
The heavy door OF the hacienda
creaked, a quick tread sounded on the
tiles, the door to the living room was
flung open. and Longorlo entered. He
was hot and dusty from his ride, but
with a lovers lmpetuoslty he had made
straight for this lighted room.
For the brlefest instant he balanced
himself just inside the portal, and the
smile remained fixed upon his lips.
Then his eyes became rlnged with
white and he made n swift, catlike
movement OF retreat. Plainly this was
the supremest surprise OF his lifetime,
and he seemed to doubt his senses. hut
he recovered quickly. Thrusting his
head forward. he demanded
what Is thls7 You-and your He
stared from Dave to the priest, then
back again.
They all spoke at once, but he heard
only Alalre's words:
ii came to find me-"
Pancho appeared In the doorway be-
hind Longorio, saying, 81 heard you
ride up, sir, so | ran TO tell you about
this fellow"
But the general cut him short. "Call
your men, quick" he cried In n voice
that sent the soldier leaplng back into
the night.
Alaire was cllnglng TO Dave, merely
clutchlng him the tighter when he tried
TO unclGsp her hold. Her movement
Into the shelter OF his rivals arms In
furlated Longorlo, who uttered an ex.
clamntion and fumbled uncertainty
with his holster. But his fingers were
clumsy. He could not take his eyes
from the pair, and he seemed upon the
point Of rushing forward t. tear them
apart.
Don't touch her Don't" he be-
gan. curslng In u hlgh-pltched voice.
Cod What u reckoning |" Then he
stamped his feet, he wrung his hands,
he called shrIlly at the top of his voice:
Lieutenant Ho, Pnnchol You fell
lowsl Qulcklyw Under the stress OF
his excitement the feminine side of his
character betrayed itself.
Alalre felt her newly made husband
gather himself for n spring; he was
mutterlng to her to release him he
was trying to push her aside. but she
held fast with the strength OF despera.
ton.
"You can't harm us" she declared.
ninglng her words dehnntly at the
Mexican. You dare not. You are too
late. Father O'Alalley has just mar
ried u.s."
Longorlo uttered a peculiar, wordless
cry OF dismay his mouth fell open ;
his arms dropped he went limp ali
over, pnrnlyzed %momentnrlly by sur
prise and horror his eyes troubled he
swaycd as II his sight had blurred.
u said I'd marry you she
rushed on, vibrantly. "Thls Is the man
| loye-the only man. Yes. and I've
learned the truth about you. know
who killed Mr.. Austin"
Longorlo did n very unexpected
thing then slowly, unconsclously, as II
the movement were the result OF a half
forgotten training, he crossed himself.
hut now from the hall at his back
came the pounding OF boot-heels, and a
half-dozen pnntlng troopers tumbled
through the door. He waved them back
hld out into the hall again.
Father OMalley, who had been try.
Ing 20 make himself heard. stepped In
front Of the general and snld, solemn.
ly; Take care what you do, LongorIo.
I have married these people, and YOU
can't undo what I have done. We are
American citizens. The laws OF civil.
zatlOn protect u.s."
The Mexican fought for his voice.
then stammered; "You are my priest;
] brought you here. | offered 10 marry
her. Now-you force me 10 damn nv
soul" Turning his eyes Wildly upon
Alalre, he shouted Too late. eh7