Upon the rear platform stood a tall, slim, khaki-clad figure, and
until the car had dwindled away down the track, foreshortening to
a mere rectangular dot, Luis Longorio remained motionless, staring
with eager eyes through the capering dust and the billowing heat
waves.
Jose Sanchez came plowing into Alaire's car, tremendously excited.
"Look, senora!" he cried. "Look what the general gave me," and he
proudly displayed Longorio's service revolver. Around Jose's waist
was the cartridge-belt and holster that went with the weapon.
"With his own hands he buckled it about me, and he said, 'Jose,
something tells me you are a devil for bravery. Guard your
mistress with your life, for if any mishap befalls her I shall cut
out your heart with my own hands.' Those were his very words,
senora. Caramba! There is a man to die for."
Nor was this the last of Longorio's dramatic surprises. Shortly
after the train had got under way the lieutenant in command of
Alaire's guard brought her a small package, saying:
"The general commanded me to hand you this, with his deepest
regard."
Alaire accepted the object curiously. It was small and heavy and
wrapped in several leaves torn from a notebook, and it proved to
be nothing less than the splendid diamond-and-ruby ring she had
admired.
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