mall interest in the affair. It was only when
I promised to take full charge that he consented to your remaining at
all. 'Tis my advice that you let well enough alone. You know who
rules here."

"If there is evil done, the debt will be paid."

Cateras laughed, one hand at his incipient moustache.

"Billy Lacy, you mean, no doubt. That is a matter for him to settle
with Mendez. It is not my affair, for I only obey my chief. However,
_senors_, 'tis no evil that is contemplated, only we prefer guarding
the secrets of this valley ourselves. That is what angers Mendez, the
fact that Lacy uses this rendezvous as a prison during our absence. We
found one here when we returned--guarded by an American. Now you come
with another. _Caramba_! You think we stand this quietly? How do we
know what may result from such acts? What sheriff's posse may be on
your trail? Bill Lacy! _Dios_! if Bill Lacy would make prisoners, let
him keep them somewhere else than here. Mendez takes no prisoners--he
knows a better way than doing things like that."

"But, _senor_, this is a woman."

"Of which I am well aware," bowing gallantly. "Otherwise I should not
have interfered, and offered my services. But we have talked enough.
You have had the word, and you know the law of our compact. Do you
obey me, or shall I call the chief--God be merciful to your soul, if I
do."

Moore stood silent, realising the full meaning of the threat; he
glanced aside at Sikes, but that individual only shook his head.

"All right then," went on the Mexican sharply. "'Tis well you show
sense. You know what to do with your team; then the both of you report
to Casas at the upper camp--you know him?"

"Yes, _senor_."

"Tell him I sent you. He will have his orders; they are that you be
shot if you attempt to leave before Mendez gives the word. 'Tis not
long now till we learn who is chief here--Bill Lacy or Pascual Mendez.
Come, _senorita_, you are safe with me."

Concealing a dread that was almost overpowering, yet realising the
impossibility of resistance, Stella permitted him to touch her hand,
and assist her to clamber over the wheel. The baffled, helpless rage
in Moore's face was sufficient proof of the true power possessed by
Cateras, that his was no idle boast. Under some conditions the change
in captors might have been welcomed--certainly she felt no desire to
remain in the hands of the two who had brought her there, for Sikes,
plainl