the dogs of his camp...Senor, have you a sister whom you love?
Help Senor Thorne to save me. He is a soldier. He is bound.
He must not betray his honor, his duty, for me....Ah, you two
splendid Americans--so big, so strong, so fierce! What is that
little black half-breed slave Rojas to such men? Rojas is a coward.
Now, let me waste no more precious time. I am ready. I will be
brave."

She came close to Gale, holding out her white hands, a woman all
fire and soul and passion. To Gale she was wonderful. His heart
leaped. As he bent over her hands and kissed them he seemed to
feel himself renewed, remade.

"Senorita," he said, "I am happy to be your servant. I can conceive
of no greater pleasure than giving the service you require."

"And what is that?" inquired Thorne, hurriedly.

"That of incapacitating Senor Rojas for to-night, and perhaps
several nights to come," replied Gale.

"Dick, what will you do?" asked Thorne, now in alarm.

"I'll make a row in that saloon," returned Dick, bluntly. "I'll
start something. I'll rush Rojas and his crowd. I'll--"

"Lord, no; you mustn't, Dick--you'll be knifed!" cried Thorne.
He was in distress, yet his eyes were shining.

"I'll take a chance. Maybe I can surprise that slow Greaser bunch