They are quiet and orderly; they will molest nothing; no one would
believe them to be soldiers. I take liberties with the laws and
the customs of your country, dear lady, but--you would not care
for a man who allowed such considerations to stand in his way,
eh?"
Alaire answered, sharply: "It was a very reckless thing to do,
and--you must not remain here."
"Yes, yes!" Paloma eagerly agreed. "You must go back at once."
But Longorio heard no voice except Alaire's. In fact, since
entering the living-room he had scarcely taken his eyes from her.
Now he drew his evenly arched brows together in a plaintive frown,
saying, "You are inhospitable!" Then his expression lightened. "Or
is it," he asked--"is it that you are indeed apprehensive for me?"
Alaire tried to speak quietly. "I should never forgive myself if
you came to harm here at my ranch."
Longorio sighed. "And I hoped for a warmer welcome--especially
since I have done you another favor. You saw that hombre who came
with me?"
"Yes."
"Well, you would never guess that it is your Jose Sanchez, whom I
prevailed upon to return to your employ. But it is no other; and
he comes to beg your forgiveness for leaving.
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