a low whinny of recognition. Close beside him on the grass lay a
dark, shapeless object which, on closer inspection, proved to be the
remains of Juan Ramon, trampled almost beyond recognition by the
stallion's terrible hoofs.

While Chiquita was being confronted by Don Felipe and the attention of
every one was occupied by the scene that followed, Juan seized the
opportunity for which he had been waiting. Stealing quietly away to the
corrals, he deftly flung a _riata_ over the stallion's head, and,
looping it about the animal's nose, was on his back with a bound.

There was no question of Juan's ability to ride him. Once on a horse's
back, he had never yet been unseated. He had expected the Chestnut to
rear and plunge, to fight desperately on finding a stranger on his back
and he was prepared for it, but greatly to his surprise, the horse
showed no signs of fight and went meekly out of the corral at his
bidding. All went well until they reached the garden, and Juan was
beginning to congratulate himself on making his escape so easily, when
suddenly and without warning, the Chestnut stopped short, reached round
with his head, and seizing Juan by the leg with his teeth, jerked him to
the ground. Juan heard the stallion's fierce cry of rage, and--that was
the end.

The luck had changed again for Juan, and with it vanished his fair dream
of life on the little _hacienda_ with the pretty Rosita.

Jose had long been aware of Juan's intentions regarding the horse, and
laughed quietly to himself as he thought of the trap Juan was laying for
himself. That afternoon he appeared to be drinking heavily, and early in
the evening feigned intoxication in order that Juan might go to his
death which he knew awaited him should he so much as lay his hand on the
horse.

When Blanch regained consciousness once more, she found herself in a
half sitting and kneeling posture before the window with one arm resting
on the sill. She must have been unconscious for some time, for when she
came to herself, she again saw Captain Forest and Dick standing in the
_patio_ conversing in low tones. They soon separated, Dick going into
the house, and the Captain making his way through the garden. She knew
he was on his way to Chiquita. She also saw Don Felipe steal from the
shadow of his concealment and follow him.

A great fear seized her. She felt the imminence of a disaster greater
than that which had already occurred. Something terrible was about to