f a third party, was like gall to him;
the fact that he made the most of his advantages, even at the cost of
scandalizing Paloma, spoke volumes for his determination.

It was a remarkable wooing; on the one hand this half-savage man,
gnawed by jealousy, heedless of the illicit nature of his passion, yet
held within the bounds of decorum by some fag-end of respectability;
and on the other hand, a woman, bored, resentful, and tortured at the
moment by fear about what was happening at the river-bank.

Alaire, too, had a further cause for worry. Of late Ed Austin had grown
insultingly suspicious. More than once he had spoken of Dave Law in a
way to make his wife's face crimson, and he had wilfully misconstrued
her recital of Longorio's attentions. Fearing, therefore, that in spite
of Paloma Jones's presence Ed would resent the general's call, Alaire
strained her ears for the sound of his coming.

It was late when Austin arrived. Visitors at Las Palmas were unusual at
any time; hence the sound of strange voices in the brightly lighted
living-room at such an hour surprised him. He came tramping in, booted
and spurred, a belligerent look of inquiry upon his bloated features.
But when he had met his wife's guests his surprise turned to black
displeasure. His own sympathies in the Mexican struggle were so
notorious that Longorio's presence seemed to him to have but one
possible significance. Why Paloma Jones was here he could not imagine.

Thus far Alaire's caller had succeeded in ignoring Miss Jones, and now,
with equal self-assurance, he refused to recognize Ed's hostility. He
remained at ease, and appeared to welcome this chance of meeting
Austin. Yet it soon became evident that his opinion of his host was far
from flattering; beneath his politeness he began to show an amused
contempt, which Alaire perceived, even though her husband did not. Luis
Longorio was the sort of man who enjoys a strained situation, and one
who shows to the best advantage under adverse conditions. Accordingly,
Ed's arrival, instead of hastening his departure, merely served to
prolong his stay.

It was growing very late now, and Paloma was frantic. Profiting by her
first opportunity, she whispered to Alaire "For God's sake, send him
away."

Alaire's eyes were dark with excitement, "Yes," said she. "Talk to him,
and give me a chance to have a word alone with Ed."

The opportunity came when Austin went into the dining-room for a drink.
Alaire exc