The Raymer enterprise., 1917-07-05
Copyright by Harper . Bruthers
CHAPTER x-Coninued.

"We won't be In before midnight"
she said, "but I'll send you to Jones'
Vile In the morning"
THANK you, ma'am Ill have to 60
right through"
'rll get you there in time for busi-
ness. We've gained a reputation for
Inhospitableness at Las Palmas that
want to overcome. Mr.. Austin ought
to know" she added, "about thls-mat-
ter we were discussing, and want him
to meet you"
"He has, Dave said, shortly; and
at his tone Alaire looked up.
$50" She studied his grim face.
"Ard you quarreledf'
I'D really prefer to go on, ma'am.
I'll get to Jonesyllle somehow"
"You refuse-to stay under his
roof"
That's about It."
I'm 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:
IF you Insist upon going through,
you must take the car. You can re-
turn II tomorrow"
"And-about Panfilo7" Dave queried.
"Wait. Perhaps I'll decide what Is
best to do In the meantime. Good
night"
Law took her extended hand. Alaire
was glad that he did not fondle 1t 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 of 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 II 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-devlli" the
elder 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 fred"
Blaze smiled broadly. 'It worked
great. And believe me, them Greasers
took to the ditch. l went through like
hot wind. but l shot up sixty-fve
,n'tridges between here and town"
"Why didn't Mrs. Austin ask you to
stay all night at Las PalmasT' the
girl inquired of Dave.
"She did"
Wonderful Paloma's surprise
was evidently sincere. ~ suppose you
refused because OF the way Ed trna.e ed
you. Tell me, Is she nlcei"
"She's lovely"
This vehement declaration brought
Z sudden CLEAN Of interest in;o the
questloner's eyes.
"They say she has the most Won
derful gowns and Jewels, and dresses
Tor dinner every night. Welf'-Palo-
ma tossed her head-"Tm going to
have some nice clothes, too. You
walt"
"Now don't you start riggin' your
self up for meals" Blaze said, warn
ingly. First thing I know, you'll have
me In q full-dress suit, spilln' soup
on my shirt" Then to his guest he
complained, feellngly: II don't know
what's come over paloma lately; this
new dressmaker has plumb stampeded
her. Someboty'd ought to run that
feline out Of town before she ruins
me-"
sShe Is vary nice woman" com.
plAcently declsrd the daughter; but
her father suort,d loudly.
IT wouldn't associate with such q
critter."
my! But you're proud"
ut aiD't that" Blaze defended him
self. Il kno~ her husband, and he's
q bad horibre. He backed me up
against waterin' trough and told my
fortune yesterday. He said I'd be
married twice and have many children.
ne said loved widows. and unless
was poisoned BY q dark lady I'd live
to be eighty years old. II I'd had gun
q me, I'd have busted him for some
Of the things he said. "A dark ladyl'
That's his wife. I give you warnin'.
Paloma. don't you ask her to stay for
meals. People like them are danger
eos"
YOU'RE too mllyT said Paloina.
Nobody believes In such things"
.They den't ~ Well, he's got