The Raymer enterprise., 1917-07-19
CHAPTER xlI-continued.


p
Paloma was gone with q rush. In
a moment she returned. ready for the
trip. and with her she carried rifle
nearly as long as herself.
In offering to lend hand In tbs
difficulty. Alalre 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 II 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 walt 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! I surprise you. Well. l
told you some day | should give my
self this greet pleasure. I am here"
General Longori0! But-what q
SURPRISED" Alalre's amazement was
naive. her face was that Of a 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 II II could
have anything to do with that expedl-
tlon to the Romero cemetery. She
tried to compose herself. but appre-
henslon flooded her.
Alaire. meanwhile, her composure
recovered. was standing slim and mo-
tionless beside her chair, inqulring
smoothly. what brings you into Tex
as at such a time. my dear general 2
This Is quite extraordinary"
"Need you ask mel" cried the man.
Il would ride through thousand per-
lis. senora. God In his graciousness
placed that miserable village. Romero,
close to the gates OF heaven. Why
should 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 walt no longer"
Paloma gasped and Alalre stepped
through the French window at her
hack and into toe brightly lighted
living room. Puloma Jones followed
as II In trance.
Longorio's bright eyes took swift
inventory Of his surroundings; then he
sighed luxuriously.
.'How fne!" said he. "Hov beautl-
full A nest for a bird OF paradise !"
Don't you consider this rather a
mad adventurei" Alalre insisted.
Suppose II should become known that
.on crossed the riveri"
Longorio snapped his fingers. II an
swer to no one; l am supreme. But
your interesr warns my heart; II
thrills me 20 think you care for my
safety. Thus am | repaid for my days
of misery"
"Yo. surely did not"-Paloma swnl
lowed hard-"come aloner
mo. | took measures to protect my
self In case Of eventuallties."
"How?'
by bringing with me some Of my
troopers. Oh. they are peaceable fell
lows" he declared, quickly; "and they
are doubtless enjoying themselves
yIth our friend and sympathizer. No
rales."
"Where" asked Alaire.
II left them at your pumping plant,
senora." Paloma Jones sat down heav-
lily In the nearest chair. @But you need
have no uneasIness."
Aiaire answered sharply. ut was
very reckless thing to do. and yo,
must not remain here"
Lonkorio drew his evenly archetl
brows toeethef IN = plaintiye frown.
saying ~You ars lnhospltablel" Then
bis expression lightened. "Or d IT.
- esksd-''is Il that you are indeed
sppfehenslve for meY
Alaire tried to speak quietly. II
a1ould never forgive myself II you
came to harm here at my ranch"
Lonsorjo s1shed. "And I hoped for
:. .u<awr.xs - n<,sv.n-errorto1lv sauna Z