The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-08-18
HEART OF THE SUNSET
By Rex Beach
Copyright H as

days after their arrival at La Feria.
They tell me that Mexico is invaded
and that the American soldiers have
already killed more than a thousand
women and children"
'Who tells you this?" Alaire asked.
''The men-everybody,' Dolores
waved hand in the direction of the
other ranch buildings. "Our people are
buZzing like bees with the news, and,
of course, no one cares to work when
the Americans are coming"
81 shall have to put an end to such
talk
''This morning the word came that
the revolution is ended and that the
soldiers of both parties are uniting to
fight for their liberties. They say the
gringOs are killing all the old people
everyone, in fact, except the girls,
whom they take with them. Already
they have begun the most horrible
practices. Why, at EspinaP'- Dolores
eyes were round-"would you believe
it?-those Yankee soldiers ate a baby (!
They roasted the little dear like a
cabrito and ate it! 4 tell you, it makes
wild talk among the peladors.
'Do you believe such stories? 2"
Alaire inquired, with some amusement.
''Um-m-not altogether. But, all the
same, 1 think it is time we were going
home"
''This is home, for me, Dolores"
Eyes, but now that war"
There isn't any war, and there
won't be any. However, if you are
nervous I'll send you back to Las Pal
mas at once"
GLORY of God 1t would be the end
of me. These Mexicans would recOg-
nize me instantly as an American, for
have the appearance and the culture
You can imagine what would happen
to me. They would tear me from the
train. 1t was nothing except General
LOngOrio's soldiers that brought US
safely through from Neuvo Pueblo"
Then I'm glad that he insisted up
on sending them with US. Now tell the
ranch-hands to put no faith in these
ridiculous stories. If they wish the
truth let them ask General Longorio :;
he will be here today and quiet their
fears"
You think he intends to pay US for
our cattle?''
YES
Dolores pOndered moment "Well.
perhaps he does-it is not his money.
For that matter, he would give all Mex
leo if you asked it. TseI His love
consumes him like a fever"
Alaire stirred uneasiIy; then she
rose and went to an open window,
which looked out into the tiny patio
with its trucking fountain and its rank,
INTENDED plants. "Why do you insist
that he loves me?' she asked. "An
Mexicans are gallant and pay absurd
compliments. It's just a way they have.
He has never spoken word that could
give Offense." AS Dolores said moth
ing, she went on, hesitatingly, 81 can't
very we'll refuse to see him, for don't
took those cattle"
''Oh, you must not offend him. Do
lores agreed, hastily, cor we'd never
leave Mexico alive" With which cheer
ing announcement the housekeeper
heaved deep sigh and went about her
duties with a gloomy face.
LOngorio arrived that afternoon, and
Alaire received him in the great naked
living room of the hacienda, with her
best attempt at formality. But her
GOODNESS served not in the least to chill
his fervor.
Sonora" he cried, eagerly, ST have
a thousand things to tell you, things of
the greatest Importance. They have
been upon my tongue for hours, but
now that I behold you 1 grow drunk