The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-06-16
CHAPTER x-coninued.
oODyrighs By Harper : spOtheSis

vile In the morning"
THANK you, ma'am-IH have to go
right through"
I'll get you there in time for bust
ness. We've gained a reputation for
inhospitableness at Las Palmas that
I want TO overcome. Mr. Austin ought
TO know" she added. "abOut this-mat-
ter we were discussing, and want him
to meet you"
.'He hasT' Dave said, shortly; and
at his tone Alaire looked up.
"So?' She studied his grim face.
Sand you quarreledT
I'D really prefer to go on. ma'am.
I'll get to Jonesville somehow"
"You refuse-to stay under his
roof?"
sThat's about it."
''Pm sorry" She did not ask for
further explanation
The windows of Las PaImas were
black, the house Silent, whenN they
arrived at their journeys endA Dolo-
res was fretful. and her mistress ached
In every bone. When Jose had helped
his countrywoman into the house.
Aiaire said:
eff you insist upon going through,
you must take the car. You can re-
tIRn it tomorrow"
"And-about Panfilo?" Dave queried.
"Wait. Perhaps I'll decide what is
best to do in the meantime Good
night"
Law took her extended hand. AIaire
was glad that he did not fondie it in
that deteStable Mexican fashion of
which she had lately experienced so
much; glad that the grasp of his long,
strong fingers was merely firm and
friendly. When he stepped back into
the car and drove off through the
night, she stood for some time looking
after him.
Blaze Jones had insisted that Dave
live at his house. and the Ranger had
accepted the invitation; but as it was
late when. the latter arrived at Jones'
vile, he went to the hotel for few
hours rest. When he drove his Dor
rowed machine up to the Jones house,
about breakfast time, both Blaze and
Paloma were delighted to see him.
"Say, nowI What you doing rolling
around in a gasoline gO-devil?" the
eld~r man inquired, and Law was
forced to explain.
Father has never learned to drive
a car without yelling Gee and 'Haw,'"
laughed Paloma "And he thinks he
has title to the whole road, too. You
know these Mexicans are slow about
pulling their wagons to one side Well,
father got mad one day, and when a
team refused him the right of way, he
whipped out his revolver and fired"
Blaze smiled broadly cit worked
great. And believe me, them Greasers
took to the ditch. I went through like
hot wind. but 1 shot up sixty-five
cartridges between here and town"
"Why didn't Mrs. Austin ask you to
stay ali night at Las PalmasT' the
girl inquired of Dave.
''She did"
wonderful Paloma's surprise
was evidently sincere. 81 suppose you
refused because of the way Ed treated
you. Tell me. is she nice?''
''She's lovely
This vehement declaration brought
a sudden CLEAN of interest into the
questioner's eyes.
''They say she has the most won
derful gowns and Jewels and dresses
for dinner every night. WelI"-PaIo-
ma tossed her head-'Pm going to
have some nice clothes, too. You
wait!''
''Now don't you start riggin' your
self up for meals Blaze said, warn
ingly. "First thing know, you'll have
In, <xrIl
on my shirt Then to his guest he
complained. feelingly: 81 don't know
what's come over Paloma lately; this
new dressmaker has plumb stampeded
her. Somebody'd ought to run that
feline out Of town before she ruins
me-"
"She is a very nice woman" COM
placently declared the daughter; but
her father snorted loudly.
81 wouldn't associate with such a
critter"
'sldy! But you're proud"
It amt that Blaze defended him
self. 81 know her husband, and he's
bad hombre. He backed me I'D
against waterin' trough and told nv
fortune yesterday. He said I'd be
married twice and have many children.
He said 1 loved widows, and unless I
was poisoned by dark lady I'd live
to be eighty years old. If I'd had a gun
on me, I'd have busted him for some
Of the things he said. a dark lady p
That's his wife. I give you warnin',
Paloms. don't you ask her to stay for
meals. People like them are danger
GUS"
you're too siIlyr' said Paloma.
'sNobody believes in such things"
They don't. EN-? Well, he's got
ali Jonesyiile walkin' around ladders.
and spittin' through crossed fingers.
and countin. the spots on their nails.
He interprets their dreams and locates
lost articles
maybe he can tell me where to find
Adolfo Urbina?" Dave suggested.
s'Humph! If he can't, Tad Lewis
can. Say, Dave, this case of yours
has stirred up lot of feelin' 'gainst
Tad. The prosecutfn' attorney saws
he'll sure cinch him and Urbina both.
One OF Lewis men got on bender
the other night and declared Adolfo