"Her name is Hammond. Yes. Rhoda Hammond," admitted Nan, scarcely
knowing whether it was right to tell the girl this fact or not.

"Ah, eet ees so! Senorita Ham-mon', of dhe Ranchio Rose. Huh?"

"Why--why--" gasped Nan. "Yes, her home is at Rose Ranch. That is
what she calls it."

"Ah!" hissed the Mexican girl, her eyes still glittering angrily.
"See! See how reech she is dress'. Huh! The treasure of Ranchio
Rose buy dhose dress'. Huh! Ah!"

She flung herself about and walked hastily to the back of the
store. Nan was speechless. She stood utterly amazed by the Mexican
girl's words and actions.




CHAPTER VII

DOWN THE SLOPE


Nobody seemed to have noticed the strange actions of the Mexican
girl save Nan--least of all Rhoda herself. There was no time to
speak of the incident while they remained in the shop, even had Nan
decided that it was best to do so.