Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-05-23


Feria was several miles from the rail
road; therefore 1t could not have been
more foreign had 1t lain in the very
heart of Mexico rather than near the
northern boundary.
In such surroundings. and In spite of
faint misgivings, it was not strange
that, after few days. Alaires unhap-
piness assumed vaguely impersonal
quality and that her life, for the mo-
ment, seemed not to be her own. Even
the thought of her husband, Ed Austin,
became indstinct and unreal. Then
all too soon she realized that the pur-
pose of her visit was accomplished.
and that she had no excuse for re-
naming longer. She was now armed
with sufficient facts to make definite
demand upon the federal government
The homeward journey was a rep
etition of the journey out. Jose, as
before, was newsgatherer. Hour after
hour they crept toward the border. I'M
til Mt last they were again laid out on
siding for an indefinite wait.
The occasion for this was made plain
when an engine drawing single ca
boose appeared. Even before 1t had
come to q pause, tall figure In spot
less uniform leaped to the ground and
strobe to the waiting coaches. 1t was
Luis Longorio. He waved signal to
the conductor, then swung aboard the
north-bOund train.
The general was all smiles as he
came down the aisle, and bowed low
over Alaire's hand.
Dolores gasped and stiffened In her
seat like a woman Of stone.
Heaven be praised! You are safe
and WE'LL" said the newcomer. II
have blamed myself for allowing you
to take this abominable journey!
have been in torment lest something
befall you. Every night have prayed
that you might be spared all harm.
When l received word that you were
coming, l made all speed to meet you.'
DOLORES and are greatly In your
debt" Alaire told him.
"But you stayed so longv
'"There was more work than l
thought. General, you have ruined me-"
Longorio was panied; his face be-
came ineffably sad. "Please! l beg
of you" he entreated. II have ar
ranged for reparation Of that miser-
able mistake. I shall see that you re-
ceive Justice If the government VIII
not pay, will. All / possess would
be too little to buy your happiness
"You embarrass me. I'm afraid you
don't realize what you say" Alaire re-
manned cool under the mans protesta-
lions. II have lost more than thou
sand head Of cattle"
eve shall say two, three thousand,
and the government will pay" Longo-
rio asserted brazenly. II will vouch
for your figures, and no one will ques-
ton them. for l am man of honor
mo! All want"
ut Is done. Let us say no more
about the affair. Sonora, have thought
of you every hour; the duties that heid
me in Nuevo Pueblo were like irksome
chains. was in madness. l would
have flown to La Feria, butt could
not"
"My husband will thank you for your
preat courtesy to me-" Alaire managed
to say.
But the mention of husbands was
not agreeable to one Of Longorio's SEN
sitiyeness, and his face betrayed
hint of impotence.
Eyes, yes" he agreed carelessly'
nd I tnnCf know Q0Cn
other better and become friends.
.That is hardly possible at present
When the war Is over"
bah! This war is nothing. 60
where I please. You would be sur
prised to greet me at Las Palmas some
day soon, eh? When you tell your
husband what friend am, he would
he glad to see me, would he notT
"Why-of course. But surely you
wouldn't dare
"And why not? 1 have made inqui'
ries, and they tell me Las Palmas Is
beautiful, heavenly, and that you are
the one who transformed 1t. l believe
them. You have the power to trans
form all things, even mans heart
and SOUL No wonder you are called
THE Lone Star But wait. You will
see how constantly l think of you
Longorio drew from his pocket several
photographs Of the Austin ranchhouse
"Where did you get thoseT Alaire
asked in establishment.
"Ah! My secret. See! They are
badly worn already, for / keep then
next to my BOSOM"
I'VE entertain very few guests al
Las Palmas," she mhrmured, uncOm
fortably.
II know. l know a great deal"