A round of the premises convinced
Alaire that the place was effectually guarded, and showed her the
futility of trying to slip away. She realized, too, that even if
she managed to do so, her plight would be little better. For how
could she hope to cover the hundred miles between La Feria and the
Rio Grande when every peon was an enemy?
She was standing in one of the open, sashless windows when her
former protector, the old lieutenant, bade her good morning and
paused to smoke a cigarette.
"Well, it was a great night, wasn't it?" he began. "And we have
great news this morning. We are going to fight you gringos."
"I hope not."
"Yes; it will probably go hard with you. Tell me, this city of
Washington is a fine city, and very rich, is it not?"
"Oh yes."
"It's full of loot, eh? Especially the President's palace? That is
good. One can never believe all one hears."
"Why do you ask?" Alaire was curious.
"I was thinking it would pay us to go there. If your soldiers
march upon Mexico City, it would be a brilliant piece of strategy
for General Longorio to invade the United States, would it not? It
would be funny to capture Washington and hold your President for
ransom, eh?"
"Very funny," Alaire agreed, dryly.
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