The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1942-07-17

"A SOOQ site, nor Inc WnOle year
there are winds that sweep across
this face of the mountains in late
afternoon and evening, but never
does the wind come up from the old
swampland. The result? We are
happy to have no malaria here
where we live. This makes the
sonora more comfortable, no?"
He pointed as the car rounded q
curve and the town came into fuller
view.
"You see that long, low building?
Our hospital. Larger than we need.
perhaps, but it is more better to be
prepared. Across the plaza is our
clubhouse. That building of two sto-
ries which looks out over the valley
from between, it is our administra-
ton building. The ground floor is
commissary where the sonora can
get anything she needs. We are
very proud of San Alejo."
treason to be-" grunted Curt.
"Good layout"
$50 we think, too. There is moth
ing to break our view. In back of
the club we have the swimming
pool, the tennis courts, also the
schools three of them. For the diff
ferent ages of the children, no?'
And now the car took another
curve that brought into sight the
farther down-slope of Mt. San Alejo.
Below, about a kilometer from the
town, was an exceptionally long,
cleared field, with broad well-worn
strip down its length. A branch Of
the railroad led to it around the
base of the mountain.
"Good sized field" Curt comment
ed. you've several buildings be-
sides hangers"
eyes" Just the one word.
"But is that fence I see around
the field?"
"Your eyes are sharp, Mr.. Curtis.
Yes, the field does have a fence.
Our chief pilot nearly lost bis life
during his first month here because
Of natives mania for souvenirs.
We had not thought to properly pro-
tect the planes. It is serious thing
to risk ones life in the air, Mr.. Cur
tbs, so I felt / should put fence
around the field"
Curt saw a flash behind the liv-
ing-quarters. Swimming pool?"
"Yes, small one. do all I can
to keep the men contented. It is
much worth the cost, it pays WELL"
At the far end of the field was
sizeable copse of trees, and Curt
wondered that they should be left
standing within the field. Before he
could see more, however, another
switch-back Of the climbing railroad
lost the field to view.
The motorcar, laboring up the
grade, came out onto level stretch,
picked up speed, and at once they
were in the heart of the small town.
SIT is late," Montaya was saying.
"You have yet to unpack and get
settled. I will take you to your
house now. I trust, Sonora, that the
cook and house servant we furnish
you will prove satisfactory"
Lee made a vague sound in reply.
''In the morning." Montaya turned
to Curt, ''if you will come to my Of
fee at eight, / will spend the day
with you. We shallow do you say
it? ali, yes, buckle down to work"
The sidewalks were not wide
enough for the group abreast. Mon
taya walked ahead, carrying the two
children whose shoes made smudges
on his spotless coat. The boys were
silent with this stranger. Lee wrin-
killed. her nose in distaste at the Sc
nor's faultlessly tailored back.
"Hai" she murmured. Look at
him, the dark ily!"
"Sh." Curt frightened his hold on
her arm. "He may have ears" he
whispered.
"Well, don't care" she muttered
resentfully. Look how he carries
the kids. He likes children? laugh,
ha-ha."
Montaya deposited the boys care
fully before hedge of hibiscus,
opened the wire gate, smiled them
through onto the neatly scythed lawn
where mango, fast-growing tree,
already offered some shade to lawn
and house. He was about to turn
away with gallant lift of his hat,
when Curt mentioned Mrs. Mitchell
for the first time.
1--WE were close friends with the
Mitchells few years ago. It must
have been a terrible blow to her.,
he said. 81 think we should express
our regrets as soon as possible"
"Ah." Senior Montaya pulled at
his lower lip. ''It was most terri
BILE shock to her, Mr.. Curtis" He
cast a glance at Lee. "I-ah, had
not meant to speak Of it before the
sonora, but to be sure she will have
to know. Mrs. Mitchell-ah, COM
mitted suicide only yesterday. From
grief. This morning she was buried.
A sad affair, yes. That was what
delayed me-"
Curt managed blank face to hide
the disturbing shock, but Lee was,
frankly astonished. She reached for
Curtis hand. Not until Montaya was
out of hearing, however, did she
exclaim:
"She neverl Fora Mitchell COM