The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-06-09
CHAPTER Discontinued.

idlers out of his path with a magnifi-
cent gesture.
When, later in the day. Mrs. Austin
came to say good-by and thank the
Mexican for his courtesies, he humbly
begged permission to pay his respects
that evening at her hotel, and she
could not refuse.
AS the coach went bouncing across
the International bridge, Dolores said,
spitefully: SIT will take more than the
pardon of poor Juan Garcia to unlock
heaven for that bandit. Do you notice
the way he looks at you? 1t is enough
to damn him for all eternity
Upon her arrival at the hotel Alaire
received an agreeable surprise, for as
her vehicle paused at the curb David
Law stepped forward, hat in hand.
what blOodthirsty business brings
you to Pueblo?" she queried, when they
had exchanged greetings.
Law smiled at her. 81 came to Of
fer free board and lodging to a poor
Greaser. But he amt here. And you,
ma'am?'
When Dave learned that she was
counting upon General Luis LOngOriO's
aid in securing justice. he regarded her
with some curiosity as he inquired:
isn't LongoriO the very man who
robbed your
eyes"
"Mexicans are peculiar people" Law
said slowly. "At least we don't under
stand their business methods or their
habits of mind. From my experience
with them, wouldn't put much conf
dence in this Longorio's word. 1 say
this, and I'm supposed to have a little
Mexican blood in me-"
During this brief conversation they
mad entered the hotel, and she gave
her hand to Law.
'1 hope we shall see each other
again" she murmured.
That's mOre'n likely; I'm located in
your neighborhood now" he Informed
her. I'm leaving for Jonesville In the
morning"
'By train?'
''No'm. I'm goin' to follow the river
road if I can get an automobile"
Mindful of the Rangers courtesy to
her on their previous meeting, Alaire
said: won't you go with us? We in
tend TO start early"
Dave was nearly speeches. with de-
light. and when the mistress of Las
Palmas had gone upstairs he felt in
lclined to pinch himself to see if he
were dreaming. He had pursued a
ifruitleSs quest during the past few
days. and his resentment had grown
as he became certain that Tad Lewis
had sent him on a wiId-gOose chase !;
but the sight of Alaire miraculously
restored his good spirits, and the pros
poet of a long, intimate ride in her
company changed the whole trend of
his thoughts. His disappointment at
mot seeing her upon his visit to Las
EPalmas had only served to enhance
his memories of their first meeting, and
time now had deepened his interest
itenfold. Yes, she was 1.-THE Lone
Star the estrella brillante of his
empty sky. There could be no doubt
about his feelings; he was more than
Economically interested, the mere sight
of her had electrified him. The discov-
cry distressed him. and he very prop
erly decided that the affair should end
here, since it could lead TO nothing
except disappointment.
At the time of this story, relations
between the United States and the es-
tablished government of Mexico were
such that a hostility had sprung I'D
between the troops fronting each other
along the Rio Grande, and in conse-
squence their officers no longer crossed
the boundary, even when of duty. It
screated furry of suppressed excite
inent, therefore, when Luis Longorio,
the autocrat of the Potosista forces.
boldly crossed the bridge, traversed
the streets of Pueblo, and entered the
Hamilton hotel.
From his seat in the lobby Law
heard the general inquire for Mrs. Aus
tin. and then saw him ascend in the
direction of the parlor. He rose and
strolled restlessly about the hotel. A
half-hour passed and Longorio did not
reappear; an hour dragged by, and
then Dave took occasion to 90 to his
room A glance through the open par
aor door showed the foreigner in closest
conversation with Mrs. Austin. They
were laughing; they were alone; even
Dolores was nowhere to be seen. He
chewed several cigars viciously before
realizing that he was jealous-yes
madly, unreasonably jealous.
So! His divinity was not as unan-
proachable as he had imagined. Doubt.
less Longorio was mad over her, which
explained the fellows willingness to
help her exact reparation from his gov.
ernment. Fine doings for a respect.
able married woman! 1t was wrong
scandalous, detestable!
Had Dave only known the truth, he
would have gained a grim comfor,
from 1t, for Alaire Austin was not en-.
Toying herself that evening. Her cau.
er stayed on Unfortunately, and she be.
came FESTIVE under the flow OF his con.
kersation. For some reason or other