"
Jose listened hungrily to these promises. He was relieved at the
change in his plans, for, after all, a soldier's life offered few
attractions, and--the food at Las Palmas was good. The general
promised him fine wages, too. Truly, it was fortunate that he had
come to Romero.
"Now we have settled this," Jose's new employer declared, "run
away and amuse yourself until dark. Then we will take a little
journey by way of the old ferry."
"It is not altogether safe," ventured Jose. "That country over
there is alive with refugees."
"I will take some men with me," said Longorio. "Now go and let me
think."
XVIII
ED AUSTIN TURNS AT BAY
Had it not been for her fears, Paloma Jones would have taken her
visit to the Austin ranch as an unmixed enjoyment. To her Alaire
had always been an ideally romantic figure. More than once, in her
moments of melancholy, Paloma had envied Mrs. Austin's unhappiness
and yearned to bear a similar sorrow--to be crossed in love and to
become known as a woman of tragedy. To have one's life blasted,
one's happiness slain by some faithless lover, impressed the girl
as interesting, thrilling. Moreover, it was a misfortune
calculated to develop one's highest spiritual nature.
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