I am a woman
of affairs, General Longorio, and you must talk to me as you would
talk to a man. When I heard about this raid I came to look into
it--to see you, or whoever is in charge of this district, and to
make a claim for damages. Also, I intend to see that nothing
similar occurs again. I have delayed making representations to my
own government in the hope that I could arrange a satisfactory
settlement, and so avoid serious complications. Now you understand
why I am here and why I wished to see you."
"Valgame Dios! This is amazing. I become more bewildered
momentarily."
"There is nothing extraordinary about it, that I can see."
"You think not? You consider such a woman as yourself ordinary?
The men of my country enshrine beauty and worship it. They place
it apart as a precious gift from God which nothing shall defile.
They do not discuss such things with their women. Now this sordid
affair is something for your husband--"
"Mr. Austin's business occupies his time; this is my own concern.
I am not the only practical woman in Texas."
Longorio appeared to be laboriously digesting this statement.
"So!" he said at last. "When you heard of this--you came, eh? You
came alone into Mexico, where we are fighting and killing each
other? Well! That is spirit.
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