The Lamar register., 1917-08-29
LonaorIo Makes Bold.
e0ggs y AssJ-- . G-al-s
CHAPTER TX.

had the soldiers taken a great many
head of cattle, but they had practically
cleared the ranch of horses, leaving
scarccly enough with which 10 caFrs
on the work
Life in the roomy, fOrtresslike adobe
house was pleasant enough AluIrr
welcomed the change in her daily life.
Everything about La Feriu vas rest
fully un-American, from the house It.
self, with its bare walls and noors, its
brilliantly Towering patio, and its
primitive kitchen arrangements, to the
black-shawled, barefooted Indian wom-
en- and their naked children rolling in
the dust. Even the timberless noun
tains that rose sheer from the west
ward plain Into a tumbling purple
shadowed rampant were Mexican. In
Feria was several miles from the rail-
road; therefore It could not have been
more foreign had II lain in the very
heart Of Mexico rather than near the
northern boundary.
In such surroundings, and in spite Of
faint misgivlngs, it was not strange
that, after "A few days, Alairc's uuhup-
piness assumed "A vaguely impersonnl
quality and that her life, for the mo-
ment, seemed not to be her own. Even
the thought of her husband, Ed Austin,
became indistinct 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-
manning longer. She was now armed
with sufficient facts to make a definite
demand upon the federal government.
The homewRrd journey was rep
etition Of the journey out. Jose, as
before. was newsgatherer. Hour after
hour they crept toward the border, un-
til at last they were again laid out ON
u siding for an indefinite wait.
The occasion for this was made plain
when an engine drawing a single ca
boose appeared. Even before 1t had
come to a pause, a tall figure in spot
less uniform leapcd to the ground and
strobe to the waiting coaches. II was
Luis Longorio. He waved a signal 10
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 gnsped and stiffened in her
seat like a woman of stone.
Heaven be praisedl You are safe
and welll' said the newcomer. Il
have blamed myself for allowing you
to take this abominable journey
have been in torment lest something
befall you. Every night l have prayed
that you might be spared all harm.
When | received word that you were
coming, | made all speed to meet you"
Dolores and / are greatly in your
debt" Alaire told him.
but you stayed so longw
There was more work than
thought. General, you have ruined me"
LOngorio was pained; his face he
came lneffably sad. "Pleasel l beg
Of you" he entrcatcd. Il have ar
ranged for reparation of that miser-
able mistake. I shall see that you re-
celve Justice. If the government win
not pay. l 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-
malned cool under the mans protesta-
tions. 81 have lost more than thou
sand head of cattle"
I'VE shall say two, three thousand.
and the government will pay" Lonco-
rio asserted brazenly. 81 will vouch
for your figures, and no one viii ques-
ton them, for l am man of honor"
"Noi All want"
ut is done. Let us say no more
about the affair. Sonora, have thought
Of you every hour; the duties that held
me in Nuevo Pueblo were like irksome
chains. 1 was in madness. / would
have flown to La Feria, butt could
not"
MY husband will thank you for your
great courtesy to me-" AIaire managed
TO say.
But the mention of husbands was I
not agreeable TO one Of Longorlo's SEN
sitiveness, and his face betrayed Al
hint Of lmpatience.
yes, yes" he agreed curelessly. |
"Senor Austin and l must know each |
other better and become friends"
THAT is hardly possible at present. J
When the war Is over"
Bah This war is nothing. | go |
where l please. You would be sur