Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1917-10-13
CHAPTER Xli-Continued.
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--12--
Paloma was gone with rush. In
a moment she returned ready for the
trip, and with her she carried rife
nearly as long as herself.
In offering to lend hand In this
difficulty, Alaire had acted largely
upon impulse, and, now that she took
time to think over the affair more
coolly, she asked herself what pos
sible business of hers it could be. For
her part. Paloma was troubled by no
uncertainty Of purpose; 1t did not
seem to her at all absurd to go to
her fathers assistance, and she was
SO eager to be up and away that the
prospect of long evenings wait made
her restless.
AS usual, Ed Austin had not taken
the trouble to inform his wife of his
whereabouts; Alalre was relieved to
find that he was out, and she decided
that he had probably stayed at Tad
Lewis for supper.
The women were seated on the
porch after their meal, when up the
driveway rode two horsemen. A mo-
ment later tall figure mounted the
steps and came forward with out
stretched hand, crying in Spanish
"Senora l surprise you. Well, /
told you some day should give my
self this great pleasure. / am here! /"
General Longorlol But-what
surprisew Alaires amazement was
naive, her face was that Of startled
schoolgirl. The Mexican warmly kissed
her fingers, then turned to meet Palo-
ma Jones. AS he bowed, the women
exchanged glances over his head. Miss
Jones looked frankly frightened, and
her expression plainly asked the mean
Ing Of LOngorio's presence. To her.
self, she was wondering If 1t could
have anything to do with that expedi-
ton to the Romero cemetery. She
tried to compose herself, but appre-
hension flooded her.
Alaire, meanwhile, her composure
recovered, was standing slim and mo-
tionless beside her chair, inquiring
smoothly, what brings you into Tex
as at such time, my dear general?
This Is quite extraordinary"
'Need you ask mel" cried the man.
II would ride through thousand per-
lis, sonora. God In his graciousness
placed that miserable village Romero,
close to the gates of heaven. Why |
should l not presume to look through |
them briefly? Icame two days ago, and
every hour since then / have turned
my eyes in the direction of Las Pal
mas. At last could wait no longer
Paloma gasped and Alaire stepped |
through the French window at her
back and into the brightly lighted |
living room. Paloma Jones followed |
as If In q trance.
Longorio's bright eyes took a swift
inventory of his surroundings; then he
sighed luxuriously.
"How flneI" said he. "How beauti-
full A nest for bird of paradise I"
Don't you consider this rather a
mad adventure| Alalre insisted.
Suppose 1t should become known that
you crossed the riverT
Longorio snapped his fingers. 81 an
swer to no one; l am supreme. But
your interest warns my heart; 1t
thrills me to think you care for my
safety. Thus am repaid for my days
of misery"
"You surely did not"-Paloma swal-
lowed hard-"come alone?"
mo. l took measures to protect my
self in case of eventualities."
"How?"
by bringing with me some of my
troopers. Oh, they are peaceable fell
lows!" he declared, quickly land they
are doubtless enjoying themselves
with our friend and sympathizer, Mo-
rales."
"Where?" asked Alaire.
II left them at your pumping plant
Paloma Jones sat down heav-
lily in the nearest chair. "But you need
have no uneasiness."
Alaire answered sharply, ut was
very reckless thing to do, and you
must not remain here"
Longorio drew his evenly arched
orows together in a plaintive frown,
saying, "You are inhospitable !" Then
his expression lightened. "Or is it."
he asked-"is 1t that you are indeed
for me?"
Alaire tried to speak quietly. II
should never forgive myself If you
came to harm here at my ranch.'
Longorio sighed. "And l hoped for
4 warmer welcome-especially since /