The Huttig news., 1917-06-09

1 loye-the only man. Yes, and I've learned the truth about you. l know who killed Mir. Austin"
 Longorio did very unexpected thing then; slowly, unconsciously, as If the movement were the result of a half. forgotten training, he crossed himself.
 But now from the hall at his back came the pounding of boot-heels, and a half-dozen panting troopers tumbled through the door. He waved them back and out into the hall again.
 Father O'Malley, who had been try ing to make himself heard, stepped in front of the general and said, solemn. ly: Take care what you do, Longorio. I have married these people, and you can't undo what have done. We are American citizens. The laws of civili ration protect us."
 The Mexican fought for his voice then stammered: You are my priest :; l brought you here. 1 offered to marry her. Now-you force me to damn my soul" Turning his eyes wildly upon Alaire, he shouted: "Too late, eh? | am barely in time"
 Dave added his words to the others You are ten to one, but you can't have her." he cried, defiantly Jose San- chez confessed to the murder of Mir. Austin, and toA how you had got Mrs. Austin to come here. The whole thing is known in Washington and Mexico City by this time The newspapers have it; everybody knows you are keeping her as your prisoner and that l have come for her. If she Is harmed, all Mexico, all the world, will know that you are worse than a murderer"
 Longorio reached behind his back and slammed the door in the faces of his listening men.
 What is this? What did Jose con- fess?" he inquired, sharply.
 He swears you hired him."
 Bah The word of pelador."
 In spite of the mans contemptuOus tone Dave saw the expression in his face and made quick decision. There's limit to what you dare to do, Longorio. I'm unarmed; make no re- sistance, so there is no excuse for vio- lence. I surrender to you, and claim protection for myself and my wife"
 But Longorio was not to be tricked. "Good!" he cried, triumphantly. "l have been looking forward to some thing like this, and I shall give myself a great pleasure" He laid hand up on the dOor-knob, but before he could turn 1t the Catholic priest had him by the arm, and with strength surprising in one of his stature wrenched him away. Father O'Malley's face was white and terrible; his voice was deep. menaeing; the hand he raised above LOngorio seemed to brandish weapon
 "Stop!" he thundered. Are you madman? Destruction hangs over you ; destruction of body and soul. You dare not separate those whom God hath joined"
 God. God!" the other shrilled. "l don't believe in him. I am a god; l know of no other.'
 "Blasphemer roared the little man Listen, then. So surely as you harm these people, so surely do you kill your earthly prospects. You, the first man in Mexico, the dictator indeed Think what you are doing before it is too late. Is your dream of greatness only a dream? Will you sacrifice yourself and all your aspirations in the heat of this unholy and impossible passiOni Tonight, now, you must choose whether you will be famous or infamous, glori- Ous or shameful, hoLored or dishon- bred! Restrain your hatred and con quer your lust, or forego forever your dreams of empire and pass into ob- livion."
 You are meddler," Lopgorio stormed. You make loud noise, but I shall rid Mexico of your kind. We shall have no more of you priests"
 Father O'Malley shook the speaker as parent shakes an unruly child. See! You have completely lost your head. But want you to listen to what l am saying. Whether you are more good than evil, God must judge, but the people of Mexico are good people, dIfu they WILL uOt De Tuleu Dy man who is wholly bad. You have the power to remove this man and this woman yes and this priest who dares to point out the pit at your feet; but if you dc you will never command another Mexi. can army. There is no war. We are not your enemies. The world knows we are here, and it holds you account able for our safety. Tomorrow you will have to face the reckoning"
 Longorio listened. It was plain that he recognized the truth of OMalley's words. but he was convulsed with rage
 Good '" he cried. q see my dreams dissolve, but I am not the first great man to trade an empire for woman Antony, the Roman general, laid his honor in wOman's arms. I had a shining destiny, but Mexico will be the sufferer by my betrayal. Instead of Longorio the Deliverer, I shall be known as Longorio the Lover, the man who gave all"
 OMalley interrupted forcefully Enough of this! Come with me. have something more to say to you"