The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1917-08-02
CHAPTER xiI--contlnued.

p
Paloma was gone with a rush. In
a moment she returned, ready for the
trip, and with her she carried a rife
nearly as long as herself.
In Offering to lend a hand In this
difficulty, Alaire had acted largely
upon impulse, and, now that she took
time to think over the affair more
coolly, she asked herself what pos.
sible business of hers it could be. For
her part. Paloma was troubled by no
uncertainty of purpose; 1t did not
seem 10 her at all absurd to go to
her fathers assistance, and she was
80 eager to be up and away that the
prospect of a long evenings wait made
her restless.
As usual. Ed Austin had not taken
the trouble to inform his wife Of his
whereabouts; Alaire was relieved to
find hat he was out. and she decided
that he had probably stayed at Tad
Lewis for supper.
The women were seated on the
8OA~h NAlSA NnGAh nltAts MnGn uD liz
driveway rode two horsemen. A mo-
ment later a tall figure mounted the
steps and came forward with out
stretched hand, crying in Spanish:
"Senorai I surprise you. Well, I
told you some day / should give my
self this great pleasure. / am here I"
General Longorlol But-what a
surprised" Alaire's amazement was
naive. her face wa that of a startled
schoolgirl. The Mexican warmly kissed
her fingers, then turned to meet Palo-
una Jones. AS he bowed, the women
exchanged glances over his head. Miss
Jones looked frankly frightened, and
her expression plainly asked the mean
ing of L0ngorlo's presence. TO her
self, she was wondering IL IL could
have anything to do with that expedi-
ton to the Romero cemetery. She
tried to compose herself, but appre-
hensIon flooded her.
Aaire, meanwhile, her composure
recovered, was standlng slim and mo-
tionless beside her chair, inquiring
smoothly, what brings you into Tex
as at such q time, my dear general?
This Is quite extraordinary"
"Need you ask met" cried the man.
IL would ride through a thousand per-
dis. sonora. God In his gr~aciousness
placed that miserable village, Romero,
close to the gates OF heaven. Why
should I not presume to look through
them briefiyf Icane two days ago, aud
every hour since then I have turned
my eyes In the direction of Las Pal
mas. AT last 1 could wait no longer"
Paloma gasped and Alaire stepped
through the French window at her
back and into the brightly lighted
living room. Paloma Jones followed
as IL In a trance.
Longorlo,s bright eyes took a swift
Inventory of his surroundings; then he
sighed luxuriously.
"H0w finei" said ne. "How beauti-
full A nest for a bird of paradise ~
"Dont you consider this rather a
mad adventureT Alaire insisted.
Suppose II should become known that
you crossed the riyerT"
L0ngorio snapped his fingers. II an
ewer 10 no one; / am supreme. But
your interest warns my heart; it
thrills me to think you care for my
safety. Thus am I repaid for my days
of misery"
"Y0u surely did not"-Paloma swal-
lowed hard-"come aloneg"
mo. i took measures to protect my
self In case OF eventuallties."
aHow?"
by bringing with me some OF my
troopers. Oh. they are ~peaceable fell
lowsl" he declared. quickly; "and they
are doubtless enjoying themselves
with out friend and sympathizer. Mo-
rnles."
ssWhereT" asked Alaire.
II left them at your pumping plant,
senora.s Paloma Jones sat down heav-
NY In the nearest chair. "But you need
have no uneasiness."
Alaire answered sharply, 1T was a
very reckless thing to do, and you
must not remain here
Longorio drew his evenly arched
hrows together. IN a plaintive frown,
saying. "You are lnhospitablep Then
Mis- expression n~ghtened. "Or Is IT."
pe askcd-s1s II that You are indeed
apprehenaive for mel"
Aiaire tried to speak quietly. II
ahould never forgive myself IL you
came to harm here at my ranch"
xonGorio sighed "And / hoped for
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