Macon beacon., 1917-06-15
CHAPTER Ix-contlnued.


-
There was a murmur from the on
COOKERS; someone cried, "Viva Longo-
rio!"
The general bowed smilingly; then,
taking Alaire's arm. he waved the
idlers out of his path with magnifl-
cent gesture.
When, later in the day, Mrs. Austin
came to say good-by and thank the
Mexican for his courtesies, he humbly
begged permission to pay his respects
that evening at her hotel, and she
could not refuse.
AS the coach went bouncing across
the International bridge, Dolores said,
spitefully: 1T will take more than the
pardon of poor Juan Garcia to unlock
heaven for that bandit. Do you notice
the way he looks at you? 1t is enough
to damn him for all eternity"
Upon her arrival at the hotel Alaire
received an agreeable surprise, for as
her vehicle paused at the curb David
Law stepped forward, hat in hand.
"What bloodthirsty business brings
you to Pueblo?" she queried, when they
had exchanged greetings.
Law smiled at her. II came to Of
fer free board and lodging to poor
Greaser. But he amt here. And you,
ma'amT
When Dave learned that she was
counting upon General Luis Longorio's
aid in securing justice, he regarded her
with some curiosity as he inquired:
"1sn't Longorio the very man who
robbed your"
"Yes."
"Mexicans are peculiar people" Law
said slowly. "At least we don't under
stand their business methods or their
habits Of mind. From my experience
with them, l wouldn't put much conf
dence in this Longorlo's word. I say
this, and I'm supposed to have a little
Mexican blood inAme."
During this brik conversation they
had entered the hotel, and she gave
ner ndnu 10 LAW.
~ hope we shall see each other
again." she murmured.
"That's more'n likely; I'm located In
your neighborhood now," he informed
her. "Tm leaving for Jonesville in the
morning."
"By trainr'
"No'm. I'm goin' to follow the river
road If I can get an automobile"
Mindful of the Rangers courtesy to
her on their previous meeting, Alaire
said: "Won't you go with us1 We in
tend to start early"
Dave was nearly speechless with de-
light, and when the mistress Of Las
Palmas had gone upstairs he felt In
cllned to pinch himself to see If he
were dreaming. He had pursued a
fruitless quest during the past few
days, and his resentment had grown
as he became certain that Tad Lewis
had sent him on wild-goose chase
but the sight of Alalre miraculously
restored his good spirits, and the pros
pect Of q long, intimate ride In her
company changed the whole trend OF
his thoughts. His disappointment at
not seeing her upon his visit to Las
Palmas had only served to enhance
his memories of their first meeting, and
time now had deepened his interest
tenfold. Yes, she was "The Lone
Star" the estrella brillante Of his
empty sky. There could be no doubt
about his feelings; he was more than
romantically interested, the mere sight
of her had electrified him. The dlscov-
cry distressed him, and he very prop
erly decided that the affair should end
here, since 1t could lead to nothing
except disappointment.
At the time Of this story, relations
between the United States and the es.
tablished government Of Mexico were
such that a hostility had sprung up
between the troops fronting each other
along the Rio Grande, and in conse-
quence their officers no longer crossed
the boundary, even when off duty. II
created furry of suppressed excite
ment, therefore, when Luis Longorio
the autocrat Of the Potosista forces
boldly crossed the bridge, traversed
the streets of Pueblo and entered the
Hamilton hotel.
From his seat in the lobby Law
heard the general inquire for Mrs. Aus
tin, and then saw him ascend In the
direction of the parlor. He rose and
strolled restlessly about the hotel. A
half-hour passed and Longorio did moi
reappear; an hour dragged by, ant
then Dave took occasion to go to hi:
room. A glance through the open par
lor door showed the foreigner in closes
conversation with Mrs. Austin. They
were laughing; they were alone; ever
Dolores was nowhere to be seen. Hs
aAa,-na sauaro1 niuarc vi<1nOcIv hofnrs