The Huttig news., 1917-03-17

he held his tongue.
 Am 1 to understand, then that you rob me because of my husbands ac- tion?" Alaire asked.
 "No. I shall help" Longorio beamed enthusiastically. Tt shall be the ob. ject of my life to serve you, and you and I shall arrange this matter satis- factorily. 1 have influence, believe iae 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 eagerness soon gave place to disappointment.
 Thank you," said Alaire, "but l must first go to La Feria and get all the facts"
 "Senora! It is a wretched journey See!" He waved a contemptuous ges- ture at the car, crowded to congestion. "There is no food you have no one to wait upon you. In my company you will be safe. Upon my honor, you will enjoy the highest courtesy"
 "Of course. But 1 must go on. l have Dolores and Jose to look after rla." Alaire indicated Sanchez, who had edged his way very close and now stood with admiring eyes fixed upon his hero.
 "Yes, mi general" Jose exclaimed, eagerly, "I am here."
 Eongorio scrutiniZed the horse breaker critically. Your name is-?"
 "Jose Sanchez"
 You look like brave fellow"
 Jose swelled at this praise, and no doubt would have made suitable an swer, but his employer held out her hand and General Longorio bent over 1t, raising it to his lips. He called one of his subordinates closer and ordered that lieutenant and six soldiers he detached to act as an escort to Mrs. Austin's party. "Senora. the hours will drag until l may see you again and be of further service. Mean while l shall be tortured with radiant dreams. Go with Godt" For second time he bowed and kissed the hand he held, then, taking Jose Sanchez inti- mately by the arm, he turned to the door.
 Dolores collapsed into her seat with an exclamation. "Caramba The man is demon! And such eyes. Uf!"
 Dolores was interrupted by Longo- rios voice beneath the open window. The general stood, cap in hand, hold ing up to Alaire solitary wildflower which he had plucked beside the track.
 "See p he cried. Tt is the color of your adorable eyes-blue like the sapphire gem" He placed the deli cate bloom i'll Alaires fingers and was gone.
 "Cuidado !" breathed Dolores. "Therc is blood on 1t; the blood of innocents. He will burn for million years in hell, that man"
 Jose Sanchez came blowing into Alaire's car, tremendously excited. Look. senora !" he cried Look what the general gave me- and he proudly displayed Longorio's service revolver. Around Jose's waist was the cartridge belt and holster that went with the weapon. With his own hands he buckled 1t about me. and he said Jose, something tells me you are q devil for bravery. Guard your mistress with your life. for if any Inishap be- falls her I shall cut out your heart with my own hands, Those were his very words, senora. Caramba ! There is man to die for.'
 Nor was this the last of Longorio's dramatic surprises. Shortly after the train had got under way the lieutenant in command of Alaires guard brought her a small package, saying:
 'The general commanded me to hand you this, with his deepest regard
 Alaire accepted the object curiously. It was small and heavy and wrapped in several leaves torn from notebook. and it proved to be nothing less than the splendid diamond-and-ruby ring she had admired.
 God protect us, now" murmured Dolores, crossing herself devoutly.