San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1926-04-11

to the hacienda"
10 speak again, with words that made
Mary's escape impossible.
You don't fancy the solden-headed
piece, or the little vhite-faced thing,
do you, Jake? If I thought that you
were double-crossing me, I'D
scratch their eyes out" With hard,
breatbless laugh, Mrs. James An
dover had temporarily loosed herself
from the mans embrace, and was
staring at him queerly. Her face was
flushed almost to a purple color, and
her thick, hennaed hair was loosened
in untidy fashion.
Jaw, don't be foolish, Minnie. You
take such fancies." The man dropped
his eyes from that fierce scrutiny.
The woman's short laugh came
again. 1t grated on the ears Of Mary
Forrest.
"Fancies:' You took my fancy,
right enough-and maybe to my cost,
I'll say. But I'm warning you, Jake,
| won't give you up to anybody.
That's fiat
"Oh, come. girl.' He drew her
to a pile of loose hay in q corner Of
the barn. and pulled her down beside
him. There's isn't no call to take on
that way"
I'm not so sure" But her tone
sounded Modified as he put an arm
about her waist and sought 10 kiss
her. 1T wouldn't be the first time
you've given me reason 10 worry.
You always had an eye for a neat
ankle and saucy face"
Aud thst's what drew me TO you
SO what are you grumbling at. Id like
to know he interrupted, with an
attempt at joviality.
She gave his cheek a tiny slap,
meant to be playful.
You kidder! I'm or tn you !.
Didn't I catch you giving the clad
eve only this morning to that white
faced girl that looks as meek as
butter, but I'll wager is as sly as
any Of them
This vas interesting though
rather diSconcerting news for Mary
Forrest, trapped above the speakers
heads.)
"Ob. hush, s'pose there were
someone IN the loft that could hear
you| The woman looked pervously
upwards. Although she was invisible
to the pair, Mary shrank back,
a-tremble.
How awful il either ~ them came
up the ladder and discovered her.
But the pair did not bulge.
Jake 1im6ins was putting at his
pike, in ruminative fashion. Then
be removed it for q moment TO in
quire:
Hoy long did you say these prec-
ious visitors Of yours were going to
stay:"
You want them gone, Jake? You'd
like 10 be alone with Just me and
jerry" The flush was on her face
again. Her hard eyes had softened
curiously. 'Is that it?'
He pinched her arm.
Got soft spot for me, haven't
you? Well, maybe you've hit the
right nail. I'm not crazy over COM
pany, in the circumstances
She slipped large hand round his
shoulders, rubbing her henna-colored
head against hin in ingratiating man
ner.
Couldn't we get away alon. TO-
gether? Give them the slip, you
There's a damon as
they call it, in the tbeater tonight. 1t
wouldn't take long TO do the run into
Havana, and we'd be back before
breakfast tomorrow morning, and
none Of them the wiser. ."
Jake Timkins removed his pipe from
his loose lips and scratched his head.
Risky. You've got Q reputation
to keep up these days. Wouldn't DO
to spoil it, would it. Minnie:"
Jaw, stop the bunk. I'm bored,
I tell you. can't do the fine-lady
act a moment longer She flung
out her arms. drawing a prodigious
breath. Here at the farm I'm
sitting. And want TO have you to
mysclf-tO dance with you" She
moved close up to him. her face suf-
fused again, her voice wheeling. at
I'D be like old times. Jake darling,
eh:"
He hesitated
But it, a native show. and they
tell me it's-er-rowdT. TncreIl be
negroes and mulattoes and ell sorts
dancing on the floor. dressed up To
beat the band. And drinking, too"
I'D love it, I tell you I'm dying
for excitement" Her voice rose.
But you've a position TO keep up.
the property
oh, rats" She was all painting
eaGerness. Forget the precious prop
er1y, and take ne 70 the ball tonight.
All, do, JAKE. Do. I'm wild to 90,
I tell you. ;"
He told her that it-might be dan
gerous. Those mixed races on the
floor passions 50 easily reused
|. the drink the mad in
toXication Of the music. so weird. 50
African in its rhythm.
That only served N increase he.
purpose. She would 20. Nothing
would stop her. II Jake didn't 20
with her, she'd 20 alone, she told him.