"Haste makes risk, señor."

"The risk must be run."

"_Bueno_, señor. And also this Artie?"

"No! no! no!" hastened Hooper. "Guard him as your life! But send a
trusty man for him to-morrow with the buckboard. He comes to see me, in
answer to my invitation."

"And if he will not come, señor?" inquired Ramon's quiet voice.

"Why should he not come?"

"He has been much with Sanborn."

"It's necessary that he come," replied Hooper, emphasizing each word.

"_Bueno_, señor."

"Who is to be on guard?"

"Cortinez, señor."

"I will send him at once. Do me the kindness to watch for a moment until
I send him. Here is the key; give it to him. It shall be but a moment."

"_Bueno_, señor," replied Ramon.

He leaned against the corner of the house. I could see the half of his