Austin directed Dolores to vacate her seat,
and invited the General to take it. But Longorio checked the
maid's movement; then with a brusque command he routed out the
occupants of the seat ahead, and, reversing the back, took a
position facing Alaire. Another order, and the men who had
accompanied him withdrew up the aisle. His luminous eyes returned
once more to the woman, and there was no mistaking his admiration.
He seemed enchanted by her pale beauty, her rich, red hair held
him fascinated, and with Latin boldness he made his feelings
crassly manifest.
VII
LUIS LONGORIO
"You probably know why I wished to see you," Alaire began.
Longorio shook his head in vague denial.
"It is regarding my ranch, La Feria." Seeing that the name
conveyed nothing, she explained, "I am told that your army
confiscated my cattle."
"Ah yes! Now I understand." The Mexican nodded mechanically, but
it was plain that he was not heeding her words in the least. All
his mental powers appeared to be concentrated in that
disconcerting stare which he still bent upon her. "We confiscate
everything--it is a necessity of war," he murmured.
"But this is different.
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