Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-10-17

CHAPTER x-Coninued.


thic messages. she did the very thing
he feared
I'VE won't be In before midnight
she said. "but TIL send you to Jones'
vile in the morning"
Thank you, ma'am-I'll have to 60
right through"
"1'li get you there in time for bust
ness. We've gained reputation for
tnh0spitableneSs at Las Palmas that
i want to overcome. Mr.. Austin ought
to KNOW she added, "about this-mat-
ter we were discussing, and l want him
to meet you"
HE has" Dave said, shortly; and
at his tone Aiaire looked up.
sol" She studied his grim face.
And you quarreled?'
I'D really prefer to go on, ma'am.
I'll get to Jonesvlie somehow"
"You refuse-to stay under his
roofY .....
That's about It."
I'm 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 ached
In every bone. When Jose had helped
his countrywoman into the house.
AiaIre said:
"tf you insist upon going through,
you must take the car. You can re-
turn 1t tomorrow"
"And-about Panfilo?" Dave queried.
wait. Perhaps I'll 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 detestable Mexican fashion of
which she had lately experienced so
much: glad that the grasp Of his long,
strong fingers was merely firm and
friendly. ~s-S..sls
Blaze Jones had insisted that Dave
live at his house, and the Ranger had
accepted the Invitation; but as 1t was
late when the latter 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 gasoline go-devil?" the
elder man inquired, and Law was
forced to explain.
"Father has never learned to drive
car without yelling Gee and 'Haw,'"
laughed PaIoma. "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 a
team refused him the right of way, he
whipped out his revolver and fired"
Blaze smiled broadly. 1T worked
took to the ditch. I 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 ut Las Palmas?" the
girl inquired of Dave.
"She did"
wonderful! Paloma's surprise
was evidently sincere. II suppose you
refused because of the way Ed treated
you. Tell me, is she nice?"
she's lovely"
This vehement declaration brought
a sudden CLEAN Of interest into the
questioner's eyes.
"They say she has the most won
derful gowns and jewels, and dresses
for dinner every night. Well"-Palo-
ma tossed her head-"Tm going to
have some nice clothes, too. You
wait!"
"Now don't you start riggin' your
self up for meals" Blaze said, warn
sngly. "First thing know. you'll have
ME in q full-dress suit, spillin' soup
on my shirt" Then to his guest he
complained, feelingly: II don't know
what's come over Paloma lately; this
new dressmaker has plumb stampeded
her. Somebody'd ought to run that
feline out of town before she ruins
me-" .,e., ~,
'She is a very nice woman" COM
placently declared the daughter; but
her father snorted loudly.
II wouldn't associate With such a
critter."
My! But you're proud,
ut amt that" Blaze. defended him
self. 81 know her Husband, and he's
bad hombre. He backed me lip
against q waterin' trough ana told MY
fortune yesterdays Hx said I'd be
married twice and have many children.
He said loved widows, and unless
was poisoned by dark lady I'd live