The Raymer enterprise., 1917-06-28
CHAPTER Ix-contlnued.

CHAPTER ix-continued.
-o
There was q murmur from the on
lockers; someone cried. "viva Longo-
riog
The general bowed smilingly; then.
taking Alaire's arm, he waved the
idlers out Of his path with a magni6-
cent gesture.
When. later In the day. Mrs. Austin
came to say good-by and thank the
Mexican for his courtesles, he humbly
begged permission to poy his respects
that evening at her hotel, and she
could not refuse.
As the coach went bouncing across
the international bridge, Dolores said,
sritefully: ut 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? It 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 Pueblor' she queried, when they
had exchanged greetings.
Law smiled at her. " came to Of
fer free board and lodging to q poor
Creaser. But he ain't here. And you,
ma'amY
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:
sIsn't Longorio the very man who
robbed you?"
"Yes."
"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. ! say
this, and I'm supposed to have little
Mexican blood In me-"
During this brief conversation they
had entered the hotel, and she gave
her hand to Law.
II hope we shall see each other
again." she murmured.
"Thnt's more'n likely; I'm located In
ycur neighborhood now" he informed
her. "Tm leaving for Jonesville In the
morning."
by trainy"
"No'm. Tn goin' to follow the river
road II I can get an automobile"
Mindful Of the Rangers courtesy to
her on their previous meeting, Alaire
said: wont you 60 with us? We In
tend to start early"
Dave was nearly speechless with de-
light, and when tile mistress Of Las
Palmas had gone upstairs he felt In
clined to pinch himself to see II he
were dreaming. He had pursued a
.ruitless quest during the past few
days, and his resentment had grown
an he became certain that Tad Lewis
had sent him on a wild-goose chase !;
but the sight Of Alaire miraculously
restored his good spirits, and the pros
pect of long. intimate ride In her
company changed the whole trend OF
his thoughts. His disappointment at
not seeing her upon his visit to Las
Palmas had only served to enhance
his memories Of their first meeting, and
time now had deepened his interest
tenfold. Yes, she was "The Lone
Star" the estrella brillante Of his
empty sky. There could be no doubt
about his feelings; he was more than
romantically interested, the mere sight
of her had electrified him. The discov-
ef distressed him. and he very prop
err decided that the affair should end
hesL, since 1t could lead to nothing
except disappointment.
At the time Of this story, relations
between the United States and the es-
tab'ished government Of Mexico were
such that q hostility had sprung up
between the troops fronting each other
along the Rio Grande, and In conse-
quence their enicers no longer crossed
the boundary, even when of duty. 1t
created furry Of suppressed excite
nent, therefore, when Luis Longorio.
the aute:rat Of the Potosista forces,
boldly crossed the bridge, trayersed
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 60 to bis
room. A glance through the open par
lor door showed the foreigner In closest
conversation with Mrs. Austin. They
were laughing; they were alone; even
Dolores was nowhere to be seen. he
ehewed 7everal cigars vici0usly before