XXVII
LA FERIA
What's this I hear about war?" Dolores inquired of her mistress, a
few days after their arrival at La Feria. "They tell me that
Mexico is invaded and that the American soldiers have already
killed more than a thousand women and children."
"Who tells you this?" Alaire asked.
"The men--everybody," Dolores waved a hand in the direction of the
other ranch buildings. "Our people are buzzing like bees with the
news, and, of course, no one cares to work when the Americans are
coming."
"I shall have to put an end to such talk."
"This morning the word came that the revolution is ended and that
the soldiers of both parties are uniting to fight for their
liberties. They say the Gringos are killing all the old people--
every one, in fact, except the girls, whom they take with them.
Already they have begun the most horrible practices. Why, at
Espinal"--Dolores's eyes were round--"would you believe it?--those
Yankee soldiers ate a baby! They roasted the little dear like a
cabrito and ate it! I tell you, it makes wild talk among the
peladors."
"Do you believe such stories?" Alaire inquired, with some
amusement.
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