He was a good lawyer, too, and yet his
knowledge of the law comprised but a small part of that mental
wealth upon which he prided himself. He knew human nature, and
that he considered far more important than law. His mind was like
a full granary, and every grain lay where he could put his hand
upon it.
He motored out from Brownsville, and, after ridding himself of
dust, insisted upon spending the interval before dinner in an
inspection of Alaire's latest ranch improvements. He had a
fatherly way of walking with his arm about Alaire's shoulders, and
although she sometimes suspected that his warmth of good-
fellowship was merely a habit cultivated through political
necessities, nevertheless it was comforting, and she took it at
its face value.
Not until the dinner was over did Ellsworth inquire the reason for
his summons.
"It's about La Feria. General Longorio has confiscated my stock,"
Alaire told him.
Ellsworth started. "Longorio! That's bad."
"Yes. One of my riders just brought the news. I was afraid of this
very thing, and so I was preparing to bring the stock over, Still-
-I never thought they'd actually confiscate it."
"Why shouldn't they?"
Alaire interrogated the speaker silently.
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