ominous meaning.

"Come along, you snake," Burkhardt growled, seizing their prisoner's
arm. "Out the back way--and keep your mouth shut. Don't try to make a
break of any kind, if you know what's best for you."

Martinez' yellow skin was almost white.

"But, gentlemen, what does this all mean?" he began, endeavoring to
pull back.

"You'll learn soon enough."

"Step right along," Vorse added. "Take him away, Burkhardt, then I'll
blow out this light."

With no further word Martinez accompanied his captors into the gloom
of the night. They moved in silence through the dark space behind the
row of store buildings. The lawyer felt that at least the way was
clear for Janet Hosmer.

CHAPTER XV

THE MASK DROPPED

When Janet Hosmer, startled by Felipe Martinez' agitated appeal,
turned from the telephone, her single thought was to carry out on the
instant his fervid injunction. Something aimed at the engineer and the
lawyer was in movement, a plot for the former's arrest and the
destruction of evidence necessary to his defense, according to
Martinez' quick hurried words; and the Mexican now sought her aid, as
she was the only one within reach whom he could trust. That he must
call to her showed the desperate nature of the exigency--and he had
said lives were at stake!

Haste was the imperative need. As her father was absent, she summoned
the Mexican girl from the kitchen, for instinct advised the wisdom of
having a companion on this errand; and the two of them, bare-headed
and walking fast, set out for the house. Dusk was just thickening to
night. No stars were visible. A warm moistness in the air forewarned
of rain from the blanket of clouds that had spread at sunset along the
peaks. Indeed, a few fine globules of water touched their faces as
they came into the main street and hurried along.

Neither girl had observed the automobile, unlighted and moving slowly,
that approached the Hosmer house as they emerged. Apparently the
driver perceiving them against the lamplight of the doorway and noting
their departure thought better of bringing the car to a halt, for he
kept the machine in motion and as quietly as possible trailed the pair
by glimpses of their figures flitting before an occasional illuminated
window. When Janet and her companion turned into the main street where
the stores were lighted his task became easier.

The street was peaceful. Janet saw no evidence of the violence or
danger indicated by