The Lamar register., 1917-09-12


a hopeless gesture, and Aldire won
dered momentarily whether the girls
anxiety was keenest for the safety of
her father or-the other?
Cant we prevent them from go
ingf' she inquired.
what can we do? They'll go, any
how, regardless Of what We say"
well, we could be there-you and
l.
Pnloma agreed eagerly. "Yesl May
be we could even help them if they got
into trouble"
Come, then! Wen have supper at
Las Pulmas and slip down TO the river
and walt
Paloma was gone with a rush. In
a moment she returned, ready for the
trip, and with her she carried rifle
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
siblc business Of hers 1t could be. For
uncertainty Of purpose; it did not
seem to her at all absurd to go to
her fathers assistance and she was
so eager TO be up and away that the
prospect Of n long evenings wait made
her restless.
As usual, Ed Austin had not taken
the trouble TO inform his wife Of his
whereabouts; Alalre was relieved TO
find that he was out, and she decided
that he had probably stayed at Tad
Lewis for supper.
The women were seated on the
porch after their meal, when UP the
driveway rode two horsemen. a mo-
ment later tall figure mounted the
steps and came forward with out
stretched hand. crying in Spanish:
"Senora | surprise you. Wen, /
told you some day ! should give my
self this great pleasure. | am here !"
General Longoriol But-what
surprised" Alaire's amazement was
naive; her face was that Of startled
schoolgirl. The Mexican warmly kissed
her fingers, then turned TO meet Pulo-
ma 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 Longorio's presence. To her
self, she was wondering II 1t could
have anything to do with that expedi-
ton to the Romero cemetery. She
tried to compose herself, but appre-
henslon flooded her.
Alaire, meanwhile, her composure
~ecovered, was standing slim and mo-
tionless beside her chair, inquirinE
smoothly, what brings you into Tex
as at such a time, my dear gcneralT
This is quite extraordinary"
"Need you ask me?" cried the man.
Il would ride through a thousand per
lis, sonora. God in his Eraciousness
placed that miserable village, Romero.
close to the gates OF heaven. Why
should l not presume to look through
them briefly? l came two days ago, and
every hour since then / have turned
my eyes in the direction OF Las Pal
mas. At last l 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 if in a trance.
Longorio's bright eyes took a swift
inventory Of his surroundings; then he
sighed luxuriously.
How fine!" said he. How beauti-
full A nest for a bird of paradise !"
Don't you consider this rather a
mad adyentureT" Alaire insisted.
Suppose 1t should become known that
you crossed the river?"
Longorio snapped his fingers. 81 an
swer to no one; 1 am supreme. But
your interest warns my heart; it
thrills me to think you care for my
safety. Thus am repaid for my days
of misery"
"You surely did notY-Paloma swal-
lowed hard-"come aloneT"
mo. 1 took measures to protect my
self in case of eventualities"
"HOw?"
by bringing with me some of my
troopers. Oh, they are peaceable fell
lows!" he declared, quickly; "and they
are doubtless enjoying themselves
with our friend and sympathizer, Mo-
rales"
~WhereI" asked Alaire.
81 left them at your pumping plant,
ssnora-" Paloma Jones sat down heav-