Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-04-13

days nave been for me-" the general
said as he and Alaire fingered over
their meal. "They will afford me some
thing to think about all my life. 1t is
q delicious comfort to know that you
trust me- that you do not dislike me.
And you do not dislike me- eh?N~
"Why, of course not. | have a great
deal for which to thank you"
General LOngorio fingered his wine
glass and stared into it. "I am not
like other men. | am a man of iron
yes, an invincible soldier-yet l have
q heart, and a woman could rule me"
"You say you have heart" Alaire
studied her vis-a-vis curiously as he
met her eyes with his mournful gaze.
"How is it that 1 hear such strange
stories about you, general?'
lilies, all of themr' Longorio as.
serted.
'For instance, they tell me that you
shoot your prisoners?"
'Of course - Then, at her shocked
exclamation, he explained: at is 8
necessity of war. Listen, sonora! We
have twelve million Indians in Mexico.
and a few selfish men who incite them
to revolt. To permit the lower classes
to rise would result in chaos, black an.
archy, indescribable outrages against
life and property. There is but one
way to pacify such peOple-eXtermi.
nate them Mexico is q civilized ma.
ton; there is no greater in the world ;
but she must be ruled with an iron
into the sea, and Mexico shall have
peace. But I am not a bloOdthirsty
man. No, | am a poet and a lover at
heart. AS great patriot as [ am.
| could be faithless to my country for
one smile from the woman | adore"
Alaire did not color under the ardent
glance that went with this declaration.
She deliberately changed the subject.
This morning while we were in the
office of the jefe de armas," she said,
II saw a poor woman with a baby
she was scarcely more than q child
herself-Whose husband is in prison.
Every day she comes to plead with the
jefe de armas for her husbands life.
But he will not see her, and the sol
diers only laugh at her tears"
GA common story These women
and their babies are very annoying"
observed the general.
"She says that her husband is to
De shot"
VERY likely! Our prisons are full.
Doubtless he is bad man."
"Cant you Go something's"
''Eh?" Longorfo lifted his brows i'll
the frankest inquiry.
'That poor girl with her little, bare.
DroWn-eyed baby was pitiful." Alaire
leaned forward with an earnest appe&!
In her face, and her host smiled.
$50? That is how it is, Ell? What is
her name?"
''Inez Garcia. The husbands name
Is Juan"
"Of course. These peladors are all
JuaIS. You would like to appear as
an ;sgel of mercy, Ell? Your heart is
tOuChHd"
Deeply"
"Bastante! There is no more to be
said" Longorio rose and went into
the next room, where were certain
members Of his staff. After a time he
returned with paper in his hand, and
this he laid before Alaire. 1t was an
order for the release of Juan Garcia.
"The salvo conducto which will permit
Juan and his Inez and their Juanito to
return to their farm is being made
out" he explained. "Are you salts
fed?"
Alaire looked up wonderingly. 81 am
deeply grateful. You oyerwhelm me.
You area strange man,
Dear lady, I live to serve you. Your
wish is my law. How can I prove ii
further?"
The strained, throbbing silence that
followed Longorio's last words did
more to frighten the woman than had
his most ardent advances. He would
have fingered indefinitely over the