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Updated: June 4, 2025
An officer of the State of Texas, under arms, has crossed the Rio Grande. What does that mean?" Captain Evans had a sense of humor; Longorio's ominous words amused him. "Say, general, it ain't the first time," he chortled. "And you're an officer, too, ain't you? You're in Texas at this minute, and I'll bet if I frisked you I'd find that you was under arms."
"Why do you think I care for you?" Longorio's eyes opened. His expression plainly showed that he could not imagine any woman in her senses failing to adore him. "Don't you take much for granted?" Alaire insisted. The Mexican shook his head. Then his face lightened. "Ah! Now I see. Your modesty forbids you to acknowledge your love is that it? Well, I know that you admire me, for I can see it.
This much I do know, however: not long ago there came a letter from General Longorio, offering settlement for those cattle he stole in his government's name. Dolores told me the señora was highly pleased and was going to Mexico for her money. It was a mark of Longorio's favor, you understand me? He's a great friend, an ardent admirer." Benito winked. "Dolores told me all about that, too.
It was not until midday that the first interruption occurred; then the train pulled in upon a siding, and after an interminable delay it transpired that a north-bound troop-train was expected. José brought this intelligence: "Soon you will behold the flower of the Mexican army," he told Alaire. "You will see thousands of Longorio's veterans, every man of them a very devil for blood.
He proudly displayed Longorio's revolver, and called it his cousin's little avenger. The weapon had slain many; it had a duty still to perform, so he said. José intended to confide his purpose to Mrs. Austin, but when it came time to start for Las Palmas there was a fourth passenger in the automobile, and he was obliged to hold his tongue for the moment.
Seizing his prisoner by the throat, he pinned him to the wall; then with his free hand he cocked Longorio's revolver and thrust its muzzle against José's body. "Tell me!" he repeated. His countenance was so distorted, his expression so maniacal, that José felt his hour had come.
The Father shrugged. "What am I? An obscure priest. Many of my brothers are buried in Mexico. However, I shall do as you wish." As the day wore on Alaire realized even more clearly the fact that she was Longorio's prisoner. His men, in spite of their recent debauch, kept a very good watch over her, and it was plain that they would obey his orders, no matter how extreme.
The strained, throbbing silence that followed Longorio's last words did more to frighten the woman than had his most ardent advances. After a time he lifted Alaire's hand; she felt his lips hot and damp upon her flesh; then he turned and went away with the document. When he reappeared he was smiling. "These Garcias shall know who interceded for them. You shall have their thanks," said he.
The semi-darkness of the veranda was an invitation to even more daring compliments, and, therefore, as she murmured a polite word of welcome, Alaire stepped through the French window at her back and into the brightly lighted living-room. Paloma Jones followed as if in a trance. Longorio's bright eyes took a swift inventory of his surroundings; then he sighed luxuriously. "How fine!" said he.
Longorio nodded with satisfaction. "You did very well, José." The latter leaned forward, his eyes bright. "That lady is rich. A fine prize, truly. She would bring a huge ransom." This remark brought a smile to Longorio's face. "My dear friend, you do not in the least understand," he said. "Ransom! What an idea!" He lost himself in meditation, then, rousing, spoke briskly: "Listen!
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