Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1917-07-21
CHAPTER XII-continued.

70
Pa)oma was gone with a rush. In
moment she returned, ready for the
,r.p ana with her she carried a rife
nearly as long as herself.
In Offering to lend a hand in this
difficulty. Alaire had acted largely
upon impulse, and, now that she took
time TO think over the affair more
cool,y. She asked herself what pos
s.5le business Of hers it could be. For
her part. Paloma was troubled by no
\ uncertainty of purpose; it did not
seem to her at all absurd to go to
81 her fathers assistance and she was
9 so eager to be up and away that the
prospect Of q long evenings wait made
B her restless.
As usual Ed Austin had not taken
the trouble to inform his wife of his
whereabouts; Alaire was relieved to
fud thae he was out, and she decided
that be had probably stayed at Tad
Lewis for supper.
The Tomen were seated on the
porch after their meal, when up the
driveway rode two horsemen. A mo-
ment later a tall figure mounted the
steps and came forward with out
stretched hand, crying in Spanish:
"Selora | surprise you. Well,
told you some day I should give my
self this great pleasure. l am here !"
General LongOrio! But-what q
surprise Alaire's Amusement was
naive, her face was that of d 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 cooked frankly frightened, and
!. her expression plainly asked the mean
iag Of LongoriO's presence. To her
self She was wondering If 1t could
have anything to do with that expedi-
uoa 10 the Romero cemetery. She
tried to compose herself, but appre-
hens.oa flooded her.
Aoire, meanwhile, her compOsure
recovered, was standing slim and mo-
uonIess beside her chair, inquiring
smoothly What brings you into Tex
as et such a time, my dear general?
Hlls Is quite extraordinary
Need you ask mel" cried the man.
would ride through a thousand per-
rs sonora. God in his graciousness
paced that miserable village, Romero,
close 10 the gates Of heaven. Why
al9l'l I not presume to look through
"e'A briefly? came two days ago, and
every aour since then / have turned
my eyes in the direction of Las Pal
mas. AZ last could wait no longer"
Fa-.aa gasped and Alaire stepped
through the French window at her
'a-a and into the brightly lighted
"''-- room. Paloma Jones followed
IS IL ia trance.
Lon-orio's bright eyes took a swift
inventory Of his surroundings; then he
sighed luxuriously.
40" ftne!" said he. "How beautI-
41. a nest for q bird of paradise r.
ooAt you consider this rather
MAO adyentureY' Alaire insisted.
suppose IL should become known that
''l crossed the river?"
Aaagorio snapped his fingers. 81 an
eA7f 10 no one; l am supreme. But
'olr interest warns my heart; it
-..'.-s me to think you care for my
IN Thus am 1 repaid for my days
OF r.sery."
.a surely did not"-Paloma swal-
Aard-"come alone?"
, took measures to protect my
'4 case Of eventualides."
go. bringing with me some of my
"''loFs. Oh, they are peaceable fell.
,.Fs he declared, quickly; land they
~. -'dotless enjoying themselves
our friend and sympathissr. No
- here?' asked Alaire.
,.- Jhem at your pumping plant.
Paloma Jones sat down beav-
y ne nearest chair. But YOU need
~ 20 uneasiDess."
-fe answered sharply. at was a
~ 49, reckless thing to do, and you
~ NOT remain here"
--orio drew his evenly ercbed
together in a plaintive frown
iou are tnhospitable ~ Then
h. 1e2sion llghtened. "Or is it"
e eds it that you are indeed
.a extensive for me?"
tried TO speak quietly. 81
-e'st forgive myself IL you
% harm here at my ranch"
,-.--. go sighed. And hoped for
yer Weleome-especlally since I