The Raymer enterprise., 1917-05-31
CHAPTER v-Continued.

Il was coming to that. Your hus-
band. sonora, Is an active Candele-
rista."
For a moment Alaire was ut loss |;
then she replied with some spirit: "We
are two people, he and l. La Feria be-
longs to me-"
Nevertheless his conduct Is regret
table" Iongorlo went on. Probably
evil men have lied to him"
For the first time Dolores stirred.
She had watched her countryman with
a peculiar fascination. Now she said.
as II freed from spell:
"Pah Nobody pays heed to Senor
Ed, We do not consider him"
AInire turned upon her with n sharp
exclamation, conscious meanwhile that
the woman's tone, even more than her
words. had enlightened Longorlo to
some extent. His lifted brows were
eloquent OF surprise aud curiosity but
he held his tongue.
Am | to understand. then, that you
rob me because o. my husbands ac-
tom" Alalre asked.
mo. | shall help" Longorlo beamed
enthusiastically. 1t shall be the OBJ
ject Of my life to serve you, and you
and shall arrange this matter salts.
factorily. have influence, believe me.
Duty calls me to Nuevo Pueblo, and
you shall return with me as the guest
OF my government" He rose to his
feet. but his engerness soon gave place
to disappointment.
THANK you" said Alalre, but l
must first go to La Feria and get all
the facts"
"senora 1t Is 4 wretched journey.
see!" He waved a contemptnous ges-
ture AZ the car, crowded to congestion.
There is no food you have no one to
whit upon you. In my company you
will be safe. Upon my honor, you will
enjoy the highest courtesy"
"of course. But | must 90 on. I
have Dolores and Jose to look after
me" Alatre Indicated Sanchez, who
had edged his way very close and now
stood With admiring eyes fixed upon
his hero.
Yes mi general" Jose exclaimed
engerly, II am here"
Longorio scrutinlzed the horse
breaker critically. "Your name is--?"
Jose Sanchez"
"You look like brave fellow"
lose swelled at this praise. and no
doubt you'd have made suitable an
swer. but his employer held out her
hand and General Longorio bent over
II, raising 1t to his lips. He called one
Of his subordnates closer and ordered
that lieutenant and six soldiers be
detached TO act as an escort to Mrs.
Austin's party. "Senora. the hours
viii drag until | may see you
again and be of further service. Mean
while | shall be tortured with radiant
dreams. Go with God" For second
time he bowed and kissed the hand he
held. then, taking Jose Sanchez inti-
mntely by the arm. he turned to the
1oor.
Dolores collapsed into her seat with
an exclamation. "Caramba The man
Is a demon. And such eyes. Uflp
Dolores was interrupted by Longo-
RIOS voice beneath the open window.
The general stood. cap In hand, hold
ine ~ to Alalre solitary wilddower
which he had plucked beside the track.
"See!" he cried ut Is the color of
your adorable eyes-blue Ike the
sapphire gem" He placed the deli
cate bloom ln Alaire's fingers and was
gone.
'Cuidado !" breathed Dolores. There
Is blood on IL; the blood OF innocents.
He will burn for million years In hell,
that man."
Jose Sanchez came piowing into
Aiaire's cur, tremendously excited.
Look, senors r. he cried. Look what
the general gave me-" and he proudly
dioplayed Longorlo's service revolver.
around Iose's waist was the cartridge
heit arI holster that went with the
weapon. with his own hands he
buckled 1t about me. and he said.
Jose. something tells me you are
devil for bravery. Guard your mistress
with your life. for IL any mIshap be-
falls her | shall cut out your heart
with my own hands, Those were his
very words. senora. Caramba! There
II d man to die for"
Nor was this the last of Longorio's
dramatic surprises. Shortly after the
train had got under way the lieutenant
10 command Of Alaire's guard brought
Asr q small package, saying:
'.rhs raneral commanded me to hand