ition of trust."

"I am glad to have him back if he feels that way. I have nothing
whatever to forgive him."

"Then he will be happy, and I have served you. That is the end of the
matter." With a graceful gesture Longorio dismissed the subject. "Is it
to be my pleasure," he next inquired, "to meet Senor Austin, your
husband?"

"I am afraid not."

"Too bad. I had hoped to know him and convince him that we Federales
are not such a bad people as he seems to think. We ought to be friends,
he and I. Every loyal Mexican, in these troublesome times, desires the
goodwill and friendship of such important personages as Senor Austin.
This animosity is a sad thing."

Under this flow of talk Paloma stirred uneasily, and at the first
opportunity burst out: "It's far from safe for you to remain here,
General Longorio. This neighborhood is terribly excited over the death
of Ricardo Guzman, and if any one learned--"

"So! Then this Guzman is dead?" Longorio inquired, with interest.

"Isn't he?" blurted Paloma.

"Not so far as I can learn. Only to-day I made official report that
nothing whatever could be discovered about him. Certainly he is nowhere
in Romero, and it is my personal belief that the poor fellow was either
drowned in the river or made way with for his money. Probably the truth
will never be known. It is a distressing event, but I assure you my
soldiers do not kill American citizens. It is our boast that Federal
territory is safe; one can come or go at will in any part of Mexico
that is under Potosista control. I sincerely hope that we have heard
the last of this Guzman affair."

Longorio had come to spend the evening, and his keen pleasure in Alaire
Austin's company made him so indifferent to his personal safety that
nothing short of a rude dismissal would have served to terminate his
visit. Neither Alaire nor her companion, however, had the least idea
how keenly he resented the presence of Paloma Jones. Ed Austin's
absence he had half expected, and he had wildly hoped for an evening,
an hour, a few moments, alone with the object of his desires. Jose's
disclosures, earlier in the day, had opened the general's eyes; they
had likewise inflamed him with jealousy and with passion, and
accordingly he had come prepared to force his attentions with
irresistible fervor should the slightest opportunity offer. To find
Alaire securely chaperoned, therefore, and to be compelled to press his
ardent advances in the presence o