Macon beacon., 1917-06-22
CHAPTER X-Coninued.
Copyright by Harper a brothers


she said, "but I'll send you to Jones'
vile in the morning"
'Thank you, ma'am-Ill have to 60
right through"
'I'll get you there In time for bust
ness. We've gained reputation for
lnhOsptablcness at Las Palmas that
! want to overcome. Mr. Austin ought
to know" she added "about ths-mat-
ter we were discussing, and l want him
TO meet you"
ale has" Dave said shortly; and
at his tone AIaIre looked up.
"So" She studied his grim face.
sand you quarreledT
I'D really prefer to 60 on, nam.
I'll get to JOnesyllle somehow"
"You refuse-to stay under his
roof?'
That's about It."
"Im sorry" She did not ask for
further explanation.
The windows Of Las Palmas were
black. the house silent, when they
arrived at their journeys end; Dolo-
res was fretful, and her mistress ached
In every bone. When Jose had helped
his countrywoman into the house,
AlaIre said:
"lf you insist upon going through
you must take the car. You can re-
turn It tomorrow"
"And-about Panfllo2' Dave qucrled
"WnIt. Perhaps I'll decide what Is
best to do In the meantime. Good
night"
Law took her extended hand. Alalre
was glad that he did not fondle 1t In
that dctcStablc Mexican fashion of
which she had lntely experienced so
much; glad that the grasp Of his long,
strong fingers was merely firm and
friendly, When he stepped bnck into
the car and drove Off through the
night, she stood for some time looking
after him.
Blaze Jones had insisted that Dave
live Mt his house, and the Ranger had
accepted the invitation; but as 1t was
late when the latter arrived at Jones'
vile, he went to the hotel for few
hours rest When he drove his bor-
rowed machine up to the Jones house
about breakfast time both Blaze and
Paloma were delighted to see him.
"Say, now What you doing rolling
around In gasoline go-devil2' the
elder man inquired, and Law was
forced to explain.
"Fnther 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 n
team refused him the right Of way. he
whipped out his revolver and fired"
Blaze smiled broadly. ut worked
great, And believe me, them Greascrs
took to the ditch, went through like
hot wind, but shot up sixty-tlve
cartridges between here and town"
"Why didn't Mrs, Austin ask you to
stay all night at Las Palmasf' the
girl inquired Of Dave.
"She did"
"Wonderful Paloma's surprise
was evidently sincere, ~ suppose you
refused because of the way Ed treated
you, Tell me- Is she nicer"
"Shes lovely"
This vehement declaration brought
sudden CLEAN Of interest into the
Questloner's eyes.
"They say she has the most Won
derful gowns and jewels, and dresses
for dinner every night. Well"-Palo-
ma tossed her head-"I'm 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
me In a full-dress suit, spillin' soup
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 very nice woman" COM
placently declared the daughter; but
her father snorted loudly.
II wouldn't associate with such a
critter."
My But you're proud"
ut amt that" Blaze defended him.
self. 81 know her husband. and he's
bad hombre. He backed me up
against waterin' trough and told my
fortune yesterday. He said I'd be
married twice and have many children.
He said loved widows, and unless l
was poisoned by dark lady I'd live
to be eighty years old. II I'd had a gun
on me, I'd have busted him for some
Of the things he said. "A dark lady =
That's his wife. I give you warnin',
Paloma, don't you ask her to stay for
meals. People like them are danger
ous."
You're too silly!" said Paloma.
Nobody believes In such things"
''They don't ehl Well, he's got