The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-04-26
CHAPTER v-Continued.

D
81 was coming tn that. Your hus-
band, sonora, Is an active Candele-
rista."
For n moment Alaire was at a loss
then she replied with some spirit w
are two people, he and |. La Feria be-
longs to me-"
Nevertheless his conduct is regret
table," Longorio went on. "Probably
evil men have lied to him."
For the first time Dolores stirred.
She had watched her countryman with
Il peculiar fascination. Now she said,
as If freed from Il spell:
"Pah! Nobody pays heed to Senior
Ed. We do not consider him."
Alaire turned upon her with n 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.
IAN | to understand, then. that you
rob me because of my husbands ac-
tion?' Alaire asked.
"No. | shall help" Longorio beamcd
enthusiastically. ut shall be the OBJ
ject of my life to serve you. and you
and ! shall arrange this matter salts
~factorlly. l 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 l
must first go to La Feria and get all
the facts"
"Senora! 1t is n wretched journey.
See!' He waved a contemptuous ges-
ture at the car, crowded To congestion.
"Therc is no food you have no one to
wait Upon you. In my company you
will he safe. Upon my honor, you will
enjoy the highest courtesy"
"Of course. But I must go on I
have Dolores and Jose to look after
me-" Alairc Indicated Sanchez. who
had edged his way very close and now
stood with admiring eyes fixed upon
his hero.
YES, mi general" Jose exclaimed,
eagerly, II am mere
Longorio scrutinized the horse
breaker critically. "Your name is-?'
"Jose Sanchez"
"YOu look like Il brave fellow"
Jose Swellcd at this praise. and no
doubt would have made suitable an.
Swer. but his employer held out her
hand, and General Longorio bent over
It, raising It 10 his lips. He called one
of his SuburdinatcS closer and ordered
that II lieutenant and six soldiers be
detached to act MS an escort to Mrs.
AuStin's party. "Senora, the hours
will drag until | may see you
again md be of further service. Mean.
while / shall be tortured with radiant
dreams. Go with God" For Il second
time he bowed and kissed the hand h
held, then, taking Jose Sanchez init
matcly by the arm, he turned to the
door.
Dolores collapsed into her seat with
an exclamation. "Cnramba The mar
is II demon And such eyes. Uf!"
Dolores was interrupted by Longo
rios voice beneath the open window
The general stood, cap in hand, hold
Ing up to Alaire n solitary wlldflowel
which he Lad plucked beside the track
"See! - he cried. at Is the color 81
your adorable eyes-blue lie IN,
sapphire gem" He placed the deli
cate bloom In Alaire's fingers and wa,
gone.
"Cuidado - breathed Dolores. ether,
Is blood on 1t the blood of innocentS
He will burn for a million years In he'll
that man."
! Jose Sanchez came blowing int
Alaire's car, tremendously excited
: Look, sonora - he cried. look wha
b the general gave me-" and he proud!
displayed Longorio's service revolver
Around Jose's waist was the cartridge
i belt and holster that went with tn
, weapon. "Wlth his own hands h,
= buckled II about me, md he said
Jose, something tells me you are
devil for bravery. Guard your mistres
. with your life. for II any mlshap be
; falls her | shall cut out your hear
with my own hands Those were hi
: very words, senorn. Caramba! Their
|. l'ls II man to die for"
y Nor was this the last Of Longorio'
lramatic surprises. shortly after tn
'e rain had got under way the lieutenan
~ command oil Alaire's guard brough
n - u small package, saying:
nj 'trr General commanded me to han