The state herald., 1917-07-20
Copyright By Harper 4 Brothsn
CHAPTER Iv-ContInued,

BlaZe, IN truth, waS embarrassed by
the size Of his holdings, but he shook
his head. mo. I'm too old to go ram
pagin' after new gods. i amt got the
Imagination to raise anything more
complicated than mortgage; but II
was younger, I'd organize myself up
and do away with that Ed Austin. I'd
sure help him to IN untimely end, and
then I'd marry them pecan groves. and
blooded herds, and drugstore orchards
She certainly is heart-breakin' de-
vice, with her red hair, and red lips
an
"Fatherl" Paloma was deeply
shocked.
Complete isolation, of course, Alaire
had found to be impossible, even
though her ranch lay far from the trav-
eled roads and her Mexican guards
were not encouraging to visitors. Busi-
ness inevitably brought her into con-
tact with a considerable number of
people, and Of these the one she saw
most frequently was Judge Ellsworth
Of Brownsville, her attorney.
1t was perhaps week after Ed had
left for San Antonio that Alaire felt
the need Of Ellsworth's counsel, and
sent for him. Ellsworth was a kindly
man Of fifty-five. with forceful chin
and a dropping, heavy-lidded eye that
could either blaze or twinkle. Judge
Ellsworth knew more than any four
men In that part Of Texas; information
had way of seeking him out. He was
a good lawyer. too. and yet his knowl.
edge Of human nature he considered
far more important than law. His
mind was like a full granary, and every
grain lay where he could put his hand
upon It
He motored out from Brownsville,
and after Kidding himself Of dust, In.
sisted upon spending the interval be-
fore dinner in an inspection of Alaire's
latest ranch improvements. Not until
dinner was over did he inquire the rea-
son for his summons.
sits about La Feria. General Lon.
gofio has confiscated my stock" Alaire
told him. II was afraid Of this very
thing. and SO was preparing to bring
the stock over. Still never thought
they'd actually confiscate It."
Hasn't Ed done enough to provoke
conascationl" asked the Judge. II
have It pretty straight that he's CIV
Ing money to the rebel junta and lend
ing every assistance he can to their
cause"
II didn't know he'd actually done
anything. How madr
"Yes-for a man with interests In
federal territory. But Ed always does
the wrong thing, you know"
"Then presume this confiscation is
In the nature Of reprisal. But the
stock Is mine, not Eds. / want your
help In taking up the matter with
Washington"
Ellsworth was pessimistic. 'It
won't do any good. my dear" he said.
You won't be paid for your cattle"
"Then shall 90 to La Feria."
"No!" The Judge shook his head
decidedly.
''rve been there a hundred times.
The federals have been more than
courteous"
'Longorio has bad reputation. l
strongly advise against your going.
You'd better send some man."
SWhom can ! send1" asked Alnire.
sXou know my situation"
The Judge considered moment be.
fore replying. II can't 20. for I'm
busy In court. You could probably
accomplish more than anybody else, II
Longorio will listen to reason, and,
after all. you are person Of such i'm.
portsnce that ! dare say you'd be safe.
But 1t will be . hard trip. and you
won't know whether you are In rebel
or In federal territory"
swell. people here are asking wheth.
q Texas IL In the United States or
Mexico" Alaire said. lightly. Some
times I hardly know" After a mo.
ment she continued: "Since you know
everything and everybody, I wonder II
you ever met David Lawf"
Ellsworth nodded.
Tell me something nbout him."
He asked me the same thing nbout
you. Well. haven't seen much Of
Dave since he grew up. he's such .
roamcr."
He said his parents were murdered
By the Guadaiupes."
"Ycs. II happened good mnny
years ngo, and certainly they both met
4 violent end. I wns instrumental In
saving what property Frank Law left
but II didn't last Dave very long. He's
light careless In money matters. Dawes
. fine fellow In some ways--most wnys.
believe, but" The Judge lost him.
self In frowning meditation.
Il have never known you to damn a
friend or client with such faint
praise" said Alnirc.
"oh. ] don't mean II TINT why. I'm
almost like one Of Dawes kin. and I've
been kecnly Intercsteti In wntchinu biu