First, may I ask, are you a friend to our
cause?"
"I am an American, and therefore I am neutral."
"Ah! But Americans are not neutral. There is the whole difficulty.
This miserable revolt was fostered by your government; American
money supports it; and your men bear arms against us. Your tyrant
President is our enemy; his hands itch for Mexico--"
"I can't argue politics with you," Alaire interrupted, positively.
"I believe most Americans agree that you have cause for complaint,
but what has that to do with my ranch and my cattle? This is
something that concerns no one except you and me."
Longorio was plainly flattered by her words, and took no trouble
to hide his pleasure. "Ah! If that were only true! We would
arrange everything to your satisfaction without another word." His
admiring gaze seemed to envelop her, and its warmth was
unmistakable. "No one could have the cruelty to deny your
slightest wish--I least of all."
"Why did you take my cattle?" she demanded, stubbornly.
"I was coming to that. It is what I meant when I said there was a
complication. Your husband, senora, is an active Candelerista."
For a moment Alaire was at a loss; then she replied with some
spirit: "We are two people, he and I.
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