"Thank you." He considered a moment. "I think it no less than fair to
warn you, Miss Parker, that my trip has to do with a scheme that may
deprive your father of his opportunity to acquire the Rancho Palomar at
one-third of its value. I think the scheme may be at least partially
successful, but if I am to succeed at all, I'll have to act promptly."

She held out her hand to him.

"My father plays fair, Don Mike. I hope you win."

And she unlatched the door of the tonneau and motioned him to enter.




XIII

The return of Pablo Artelan to the hacienda with his employer's
prisoner was a silent and dignified one up to the moment they reached
the entrance to the palm avenue. Here the prisoner, apparently having
gathered together his scattered wits, turned in the saddle and
addressed his guard.

"Artelan," he said, in Spanish, "if you will permit me to go, I will
give you five thousand dollars."

"If you are worth five thousand dollars to me," the imperturbable Pablo
replied, calmly, "how much more are you worth to Don Miguel Farrel?"

"Ten thousand! You will be wealthy."