The state herald., 1917-07-27
CHAPTER v-continued.

CHAP EN- v-C0ntlnueos
--
II was coming to that. Your hus-
band. sonora, is an active Candele-
rista."
For a moment Alaire was at loss
then she replied with some spirit: 1--WE
are two people, he and I. La Feria be-
longs to me-"
Nevertheless his conduct is regret
table," Longorlo went on. Probably
evil men have lied to him."
For the first time Dolores stirred.
She had watched her countryman with
q peculiar fascination. Now she said,
a. II freed from a spell:
"Pahl Nobody pays heed to Senor
Ed. We do not consider him."
Alaire turned upon her with sharp
exclamation. conscious meanwhile that
the woman's tone, even more than her
words, had enlightened Longorio to
some extent. His lifted brows were
eloquent Of surprise and curiosity. but
he held his tongue.
"Am to understand. then, that you
rob me because Of my husbands ac-
toni" Alaire asked.
"No, shall help" Longorio beamed
enthusiastically. 1T shall be the OBJ
ject Of my life to serve you. and you
and shall arrange this matter salts
factorily. have influence. believe me.
Duty calls me to Nuevo Pueblo. and
you shall return with me as the guest
Of my government" He rose to his
feet, but his eagerness soon gave place
to disappointment.
'Thank you," said Alaire, "but
must first go to La Feria and get all
the facts"
''0enora! II Is q wretched journey.
See" He waved q contemptuous ges-
ture ut the car. crowded to congestion.
There is no food; you have no one to
whit upon you. In my company you
will be safe. Upon my honor, you will
enjoy the highest courtesy"
} "Of course. But I must go on.
have Dolores and Jose to look after
me-" Alaire indicated Sanchez. who
had edged his way very close and now
stood with admlring eyes fixed upon
his hero.
! "Yes. mi general" Jose exclaimed.
eagerly. II am here"
Longorio scrutinlzed the horse
breaker critically. "Your name is-r'
"Jose Sanchez"
"You look like a brave fellow"
Jose swelled at this praise. and no
doubt would have made suitable an
swer. but his employer held out her
hand. and General Longoio bent over
II, raising II to his lips. He called one
of his subordinates closer and ordered
that lieutenant and six soldiers be
detached to net rs an escort to Mrs.
Austin's party. "Senora. the hours
will drag until may see you
again and be Of further service. Mean.
while shall be tortured with radiant
dreams. Go with Godw For second
time he bowed and kissed the hand he
held, then, taking Jose Sanchez init.
mateiy by the arm, he turned to the
5oor.
Dolores collapsed into her seat with
an exclamation. "Caramba! The man
Is q demon! And such eyes. Uf!"
Dolores was interrupted by Longo.
rio's voice beneath the open window.
The general stood. cap In hand. hold.
ing up to Alaire solitary wiidaower
which he had pluckcd beside the track,
"See!" he cried. ut IL the color OF
your adorable eycs-bluc like tho
sapphire gem" He placed the dell.
cate bloom In Alaire's fingers and was
gone.
''Cuidado |" brcnthcd Dolores. There
Is blood on II: the blood OF innoccnts
He will burn for II million ycnrs In hell
that man.
Jose Sanchez came plowing into
Alaire's cnr. tremendously excited
Look. senorp I" he cried. Look what
the general gave me-" md no proudly
Displayed Longorio's service revolver
Around yose's whist was the cartridge
belt ard holster that went with the
wenp,n. "with his own hands he
buckled II nbout me, md he said
Jose, something tells mo you nrc n
devil for bravery. Guard your mistress
with your life, for II nny mishnp be.
fnlls her ] shnli cut out your hear,
with my own hands. Those were his
very words. scnorn. Carnmbn! Their,
is II man to die for"
Nor was this the lust Of Longorio',
dramatic SURPRISES. shortly after thu
train had sot under way the ilcutcnnn,
In command Of Alaire's gunrd brough,
Der u small package, snying:
'ThA gCnsrul commanded me to hunt