Heart of the Sunset

why I wished to see

k his head in

at the name conveyed nothing, she explained, "I

ng her words in the least. All his mental powers appeared to be concentrated in that disconcerting

t. The ranch is mine,

nce, had stricken him with an odd semi-paralysis. As if to shut out a vision or to escape some dazzling sight, he dosed his eyes. Alaire wondered if the fellow

me face to face with myself," said he. "I am affected strangely. It is unaccountable. I know you well-completely-every

ely your i

." Longorio passed a brown hand across his brow to brush away

ow that one of Longorio's fingers was decorated with a magnificent diamond-and-ruby ring, and this interested her queerly. No ordin

nued. Then he added, more quietly: "I need not assure you, se?ora, that you h

At l

outrage at once. Bueno! Come with me a

ou don't u

What

merely want your government to pay me f

le business. It is a matter for men. Bother your pretty head no

ou must talk to me as you would talk to a man. When I heard about this raid I came to look into it-to see you, or whoever is in charge of this district, and to make a claim for damages. Also, I intend to see that nothing similar

amazing. I become more

xtraordinary about

ty and worship it. They place it apart as a precious gift from God which nothing shall defile. They

time; this is my own concern. I am n

rd of this-you came, eh? You came alone into Mexico, where we are fighting and killing each other?

r strange red hair and her white foreign face, or perhaps something deeper, something behind all that. Sex phenomena are strange and varied in their workings. Who can explain the instant attraction or repulsion of certain types we meet? Why does the turn of a head, a smile, a g

something exciting about this martial hero's complete captivation. To have charmed him to the po

that externally, at least, he was immensely superior to the Mexicans she had met. Then, too, his aristocracy was unmistakable, and Alaire prided herself that she could recognize good blood in men as quickly as in horses. The fellow had been favored by birth, by breeding, and by educa

was clanging loudly; and now the conductor approached to warn Longorio that the train was about to leave. But the railway official had learned a w

a slow stare. "You may g

se?or

ich the conductor backed away, expressing by voice and

said, quickly. "I will arrange to se

d must come all too soon, and as for these peladors, an hour more or less will make no difference. Now about these cattle. Mexico doe

r chance of adjusting her loss, Alaire deliberately smiled upon hi

ured

how?

?ora, there seems to be an unhappy complication in our way, and thi

an, and therefo

revolt was fostered by your government; American money supports it; and your men b

t Americans agree that you have cause for complaint, but what has that to do with

ue! We would arrange everything to your satisfaction without another word." His admiring gaze seemed to envelop

my cattle?" she de

hen I said there was a complication. Your h

at a loss; then she re

, he and I. La Fer

bels conspiring to give our country into the hands of outlaws. What a terrible spectacle it is! Enough to bring tears to th

n, and she had listened breathlessly to his words. Now sh

ed to Se?or Ed. We d

mation, conscious meanwhile that the woman's tone, even more than her words, had enlightened Longor

at you rob me because of my h

e have-not only those who bear arms with Candeleria, b

d understand and help me, but I shall go to Me

ther with my chief than a protest from your President. General Potosi is a man of the highest honor, and I am his right hand. Very well, then! Duty calls me to Nuevo Pueblo, and you shall return with me as the guest of my govern

but I must first go to La F

ar, crowded to congestion. "There is no food; you have no one to wait upon you. I

k after me." Alaire indicated Sanchez, who had edged his way

José exclaimed, ea

he horse-breaker criti

Sanc

like a bra

e suitable answer, but his employer held out her hand, a

, for these men are the bravest of my command, and they shall answer with their lives for your safety. As for that teniente-ah, he is favored above his general!" Longorio rolled his eyes. "Think of it! I could be faithless to duty-a traitor to my country-for the privilege he is to enjoy. It i

a demon! And such eyes. Uf! They say he was so furious at losing those two

window. The general stood, cap in hand, holding up to Alaire

ing at me, and it was lonely. But now, behold how it smiles-like a star that sees Paradise, eh?

od on it; the blood of innocents. He will

urther delay, the military train departed. Upon the rear platform stood a tall, slim, khaki-clad figure, and until the car had dwindled away down the track,

José's waist was the cartridge-belt and holster that went with the weapon. "With his own hands he buckled it about me, and he said, 'José, something tells me you are a devil for bravery

rtly after the train had got under way the lieutenant in co

me to hand you this, wi

apped in several leaves torn from a notebook, and it proved to be n

murmured Dolores, cro