The St. Mary banner., 1919-09-06

She heard in the words only an in
suit to her beloved papa grande, know
ing as she so well knew that Of all
men the old Spaniard hated his arro-
CANT young kinsman most implacably.
I'VE don't understand" she said
presently, turning her back upon the
man at table and addressing Stairway
Perhaps Captain Juarez' call will
clear matters for us. win you come
with me, Senor Stairway"
Torres face darkened as he watched
them go out together.
In the drawing room, In much worn
uniform bespeaking his rank, very
hard-featured, keen-eyed, was waiting
He bowed deeply as they entered.
"Senorita," he said briskly, his eyes
dsregarding Stanway and resting
upon the girls face u keen regard.
'it Is an unpleasant duty which
brings me here this morning"
BE seated" she said quietly. going
to chair. But first, Captain Juarez
this is my friend. Senor Stairway of
the Painted Rock rancho"
The two men bowed coolly. Stan.
way remained standing near the girls
chair, while JuareZ sat down.
I'VE Of poor Mexico" said the cap
tain shortly, "are fighting hard for
dear cause. We sacrifice ourselves.
our hopes, our homes for the thing
we love most, senOrita.
"And that is our country. We do
things which we do not like to do
simply because it is our duty to take
any opportunity which chance gives US
to free the neck of our land from the
foot of the tyrant."
Teresa bowed.
"And you have called this morn
ing; you have crossed the border"
"At the behest of q Mexican's duty.
Senorita, your grandfather is well and
sends his love to you"
"Tell me-" she cried impetuously,
"where Is hep
MANY miles beyond the border" he
answered succinctly. 'In the hands
of friends-if he accedes to our de-
mands," significantly.
And those demands?" curiously.
Il have not as yet made of him." re-
turned the captain. ALLOW me to ex-
plain, senorita. / know Senior de Ia
Guerra, if not personally at least very
well by repute. l know that he does
not love my Mexico, and that he Is
very stubborn.
"Our cause needs money and he has
it in great, unnecessary quantities.
Had l made a demand upon him
for note to you, stating that he was
held for ransom and urging you to pay
it, l know that he would have refused.
So come straight to you, without so
much as a word to him, informing you
that unless the money is sent immedi-
ately-"
He broke off. struggling his shoul-
ders.
you realize, senOr," broke in STAN
way coolly, that this is rather an un-
usual sort of thing at this day? That
it is not without danger to you? If
the senorita were not disposed to give
what you ask, If on the other hand
we held you for the crime you have
committed"
Again the captain shrugged.
III would mean imprisonment for
me, or perhaps death,' he answered
promptly. "Things which a soldier
faces every day of his life and grows
to think nothing about. And-pardOn
me, senorita-it would mean the death
of the Senor de la Guerra"
Again little shiver trembled
through the frame Of the girl. Stan
way, his eyes steady upon the Mexi-
cans, was silent moment. Finally
he said, turning to Teresa:
Before you give this gentleman his
answer, senorita, may / ask for few
words with your"
"May l interrupt againr" 1t was
Eduardo Ramon Tore, insolent and
debonair, bowling in the doorway,
fresh. unlightc1 cigarette between his
fingers. "Buenos dias, Senor el Capt.
tam"
Captain JuareZ stared at him fixed
ly, his hard eyes as insolent as those
of Tore. and made no answer.
II think, senor," went on Tore In
mock courtesy. still lounging in the
doorway, that it Is with me that you.
wish to deal. Am / not right, prima
mia?" lightly to Teresa.
The girls eyes darkened. Juarez
looked from one to another curiously.
Il think" he said slowly, that ]
can have business with no one except