Evening star., 1926-09-28
CHAPTER XXTII.
In Mexico,

The hand which gripped the steer
ing wheel, the voice which rang in
Carolita's ears belonged to none other
than Myron T. Gaines, the man who
had shown such an interest in her
upon the train. His presence sent a
wild hope surging through her heart.
Paul must have sent him. Paul him.
self might be here!
Don't shoot Gaines went on calm
~. "A thousand dollars in my pocket
for YOU at this minute. the rest wait
ing for you in Los Angeles, and three
sharpshooters covering you. Won't
pay YOU to bury me yet! I've got good
news
I'm not shooting" tho man at
caroita'S side was equally calm. IF
you'll step down I'll take this young
lady into the house. She is exceed
ingly tired, and Madre is waiting for
us
That's nice I'm tired myself!
Glad to have a bite to eat, too, If
It's convenient. May I help you out,
Miss MenendeZ?"
You're welcome enough. Gaines.
Come in
Gaines stepped back onto the
ground. and Scnor Milana followed
him, lifting Carolita in his arms
and carrying her into the house as
easily as if she had been a child. His
touch was gentle, his eyes friendly.
One could not he afraid of him
yet--it was all SO strange. Gaines
waiting here. the flight from the
train. the long dashing drive. The
young girl was dropping with fatigue.
hungry, dusty. with nerves fraHzled
TO the breaking point.
Senior Milana carried her through
low doorway into "a large but
attempt at Spanish style, suggesting
the poorer homes of the Argentine
yet for the first time since leaving
the convent Carolita had Il sense of
familiarity. Whose house was this?
"Madre. Madre.' Senor Milana
called in a loud voice. setting Carolita
down upon Il couch. 'Madre.
4 faint "Whoo, Whoo, sounded
from the rear of the building. fol.
lowed by a sound of shutfiing feet.
then a door opened. revealing an old
woman wrapped in a great black
shawl which completely covered her
head, exposing only Il wrinkled face
and toothless mouth. Her counte-
nance was void of expression as she
looked upon her guests. no word es.
Gaping her lips.
"Madre" Senior Milana advanced
and took her hand. aren't YOU going
to welcome u.s." He spoke III Span
ish. I'VE want some supper. and Il
bed for this child. who is very tired.
Aren't YOU gcin- L" wclcom" us?
What's the matter"
Her reply came IN Il torrent Of
words SO swift and unexpected that
tarolita jumped To fIer feet. The
language was Spanish. but in a dia-
ltrt the girl had never heard before.
and only certain words We're intelli-
2ible. She caught the name OF Rey-
nolds. however. and something about
Dulce Corazon, while as the speech
progressed the old hag began to ges-
ticulate with feeble hands. SWaying
upon her feet. Anger amounting al
most to fury took possession Of her,
and it was directed primarily at
Carolita'S travelling companion. the
man calling himself Mario Milana.
who listened with close attention,
making no effort to interrupt her,
While his brother, standing close be-
ide the old woman. hung on her
words.
\ curious scene was being enacted
there, In the darkened room. Carolita.
alert, eXpectaut. trembling beside the
couch. Gaines leaning against the
door, ears intent. the three foreigners
occupying the center of the floor, and
what 1t was all about the little South
American girl could not imagine.
Suddenly Gaines broke into the
tirade surprising Carolita with his
excellent Spanish.
stop this noise and look after Miss
NenendcZ." he commanded. "1ll talk
10 YOU later on. She needs a bath, a
supper and bed and she needs it
immediately unless YOU want to carry
a corpse back for your reward
lis words produced the desired eff
feet. for the old woman came to a
fun stop. She turned slowly toward
the girl. pointing to a door. Gaines
stepped forward and opened It.
Go with the old woman. and don't
bc afraid" he directed Carolita in
English: no harm can come TO YOU.
lake a good sleep and in the morning
III he waiting TO help YOU. Don't
worry
Carolita hesitated. and seeing hel
fear. Senor AIilana added his word OF
assurance.
MIR. Gaines is quite right, my dear
he said. You will be quite safe with
Madre. Good night. and may the
saints attend your dreams
The door led into a dark passage
through which Carolita stumbled
blindly. up narrow. winding staii
and into Il large bedroom. The ole
AIadre. leading the way produced
matches and lighted a single candle
departing without word.
10rOlita sat down upon lne beO
wondering If she dared 10 undreSS
The room was very hot. the all
Sitting, yet the girl had no clothing
hut the garments she stood in If she
look off her dress would il be StoleY
while she slept?
The door opened again and the has
leappea.ed. bearing a pitcher of water
and pointed 10 the basin upon a Stant
in the corner. She also laid upon the
chair an old white gown. plain bu
clean. and Carolita. thankful for small
uervieS made haste TO bathe in ths
cool water, Nenturing finally TO put OF
the gown and lie down. Presently th'
Woman reappeared with a tray or food
unappetizing enough. but gratefulil
received. and after this repast fatigue
proved too great Il foe. No matter
what came next sleep was imperative
tarolta gave up the struggle and
losed her eyes, drifting immedtatel.
into long unbroken Slunber.
Meantime. in the room below, an
her curious scene was being enacted
.S tie Milana brothers and the detec
i've Gaines sat at table. waited upoI
hv the old Nadre. And as they ate {
frugal meal they talked upon many
subjects, travel, literature, music. tht
,heater-anvthing and everything ou
The neattcr ~ hand. rn any on" liS'"if
II4s IL. ~ WUuld ll.iNt SeeiAea 4i.A~ .