We ought
to be friends, he and I. Every loyal Mexican, in these troublesome
times, desires the goodwill and friendship of such important
personages as Senor Austin. This animosity is a sad thing."
Under this flow of talk Paloma stirred uneasily, and at the first
opportunity burst out: "It's far from safe for you to remain here,
General Longorio. This neighborhood is terribly excited over the
death of Ricardo Guzman, and if any one learned--"
"So! Then this Guzman is dead?" Longorio inquired, with interest.
"Isn't he?" blurted Paloma.
"Not so far as I can learn. Only to-day I made official report
that nothing whatever could be discovered about him. Certainly he
is nowhere in Romero, and it is my personal belief that the poor
fellow was either drowned in the river or made way with for his
money. Probably the truth will never be known. It is a distressing
event, but I assure you my soldiers do not kill American citizens.
It is our boast that Federal territory is safe; one can come or go
at will in any part of Mexico that is under Potosista control. I
sincerely hope that we have heard the last of this Guzman affair."
Longorio had come to spend the evening, and his keen pleasure in
Alaire Austin's company made him so indifferent to his personal
safety that nothing short of a rude dismissal would have served to
terminate his visit.
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