men and horses. They will be made good to you when
the country becomes settled."

"I hope so, but it seems to me you're going to have so many people to
settle with that some of us are going to come out at the little end. Of
course, your car will help some."

Pachuca frowned. "Senorita," he said, gravely, "I must have the car and I
must get away from here to-night. Much depends upon it. Won't you help
me?" He leaned toward her as he spoke, his dark eyes luminous, his voice
soft and caressing.

"The tiger kitty is purring," thought Polly. "It's a nice kitty but I
mustn't pet it. Senor," she said, "I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Say rather that you won't."

Polly fingered the key which she had taken from Matt. Then she put it in
the pocket of her sweater.

"It would be easy," said Pachuca, persuasively. "You could throw it into
the window there when everyone was asleep."

"It would be easy," agreed Polly, "but it wouldn't be nice."

Pachuca ate for a moment in silence. "I suppose," he said, finally, "that
an American girl never does anything that is not nice?"

"Well, I'd hardly go as far as to say that," replied Polly, "but I don't
think you'd find many who would be as dishonest as--oh, what's the use?
You know I'd like to do it for you because you were kind to me, and I do
not believe you meant to kidnap me----"

"Kidnap you!" wrathfully. "Who said I meant to kidnap you?"

"Oh, nobody, only----"

Pachuca began to laugh; gently at first, then wholeheartedly.

"He is jealous--that good Marc Scott! He told you I wanted to kidnap
you--like Villa, eh? Does he think a Spanish gentleman so unattractive
that he has to kidnap a young lady in order to make love to her?"

"I don't know what he thinks and I don't care," said Polly, angrily. "And
I wouldn't have come here if I had thought you were going to be foolish. I
wanted to show you that I wasn't ungrateful----"

Pachuca had jumped to his feet and stood between her and the door. His
manner was respectful and apologetic.

"Senorita, I beg your pardon! Indeed----"

"It's not necessary," said the girl, coldly, trying to pass him.

"No, no, I beg--do not go." Then, in a lower tone, "I had a double reason
for asking your help. I can be of help to you and to your brother."

Polly paused in some surprise. From the stairway came the sound of
energetic whistling--a medley of the "Wearin' of the Green" and the "Long,
Long Trail." Pachuca continued eagerly.

"Yes, it