that time every indication of hating Rhoda.

The girl from Tillbury pushed into the thicket from which the
voices sounded. Rhoda replied to the castigation of the other's
tongue only by an ejaculation of amazement. The harsher voice
went on:

"The tr-r-reasure of the Ranchio Rose--that ees what you have
stolen. You and your fam-i-lee. Those reeches pay for your
dress--for your ring there on your han'--for all your good times,
and to make you a la-dee. But _me_--I am poor that you and
yours may be reech, Senorita Ham-mon'. The treasure of the Ranchio
Rose belong to me and to my modder--not to you. Thiefs, I say!"

Nan burst through the bushes at this juncture. Rhoda had uttered
another cry. She was backing away from a girl with flushed
countenance and uplifted, clenched hand--a girl that Nan Sherwood
very well remembered.




CHAPTER XI

JUANITA


"STOP that! Don't you dare strike her!" cried Nan, and rushed
forward bravely to the rescue of Rhoda Hammond.