questions if two Gringos should stroll through these mountains
and never be heard from again? Who can escape the net that I
am able to spread in these mountains? The Gringos refuse me--betray
me? Are they such fools as to refuse me when they find that I
hold their lives in the palm of my hand?"

"They may even refuse your bait with death as the alternative,"
persisted the secretary. "Don Luis, you know that there are such
foolish men among the Gringos."

"Then let them refuse me," proposed Don Luis, jestingly, though
his white teeth shone in a savage smile. "If they are difficult
to manage--these two young Gringos--then they will quickly disappear,
and other Gringos shall come until I find those that will serve me
and be grateful for their rewards."

"I wish you good fortune with your great schemes, Don Luis," sighed
young Dr. Tisco.

"Carlos, you have not eaten for hours. You are so famished that
the whole world is colored blue before your eyes. Come, it is close
to the hour for the meal. You shall meet and talk with my Gringos.
You will then be able to judge whether I shall be able to tame them."




CHAPTER II

THE WOLF WHO SHOWED HIS TEETH