ion overheard was carefully
noted, with its effects and bearing.

At the appointed time, another messenger was sent to the ranch, but
only a part of the band returned to know the result. The sum which
the son reported at his command was very disappointing. It would not
satisfy the leaders, and there would be nothing for the others. It
was out of the question to consider it. The chief cursed himself for
letting his sympathy get the better of him. Why had he not listened
to the majority and been true to an accepted duty? He called himself a
woman for having acted as he had--a man unfit to be trusted.

Don Ramon heard these self-reproaches of the chief with a heavy heart,
and when opportunity occurred, he pleaded for one more chance. He
had many friends. There had not been time enough to see them all. His
lands and cattle had not been hypothecated. Give him one more chance.
Have mercy.

"I was a fool," said the chief, "to listen to a condemned man's hopes,
but having gone so far I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb."
Turning to Don Ramon, he said, "Write your son that if twice the sum
named in his letter is not forthcoming within a week, it will be too
late."

The chief now became very surly, often declaring that the case was
hopeless; that the money could never be raised. He taunted his
captive with the fact that he had always considered himself above his
neighbors, and that now he could not command means enough to purchase
the silence and friendship of a score of beggars! His former kindness
changed to cruelty at every opportunity; and he took delight in
hurling his venom on his helpless victim.

Dispatching the letter, he ordered the band to scatter as before,
appointing a meeting place a number of days hence. After the return
of the messenger, he broke camp in the middle of the night, not
forgetting to add other indignities to the heavy irons already on his
victim. During the ensuing time they traveled the greater portion
of each night. To the prisoner's questions as to where they were he
received only insulting replies. His inquiries served only to suggest
other cruelties. One night they set out unusually early, the chief
saying that they would recross the river before morning, so that if
the ransom was not satisfactory, the execution might take place at
once. On this night the victim was blindfolded. After many hours
of riding--it was nearly morning when they halted--the bandage was
removed from his e