g from his face the
beads of perspiration which the tussle had brought there.

"Senor Hunter tells me that you are going away," Don Andres began almost
at once. "That you are acting wisely I am truly convinced, Senor Allen,
though it irks me to say that it is so. For a little time would all be
well, perchance; for as long as your generosity fills the heart of Jose
with gratitude, so that no ill will finds room there. But his temper is
hot and hasty, as is yours; and with other considerations which one must
face--" He held out his hand for farewell.

"Adios, Senor. I am indeed sorry that you must leave us," he said
simply. "Under other circumstance I should urge you to remain; but my
lips are sealed, as you well know. Adios, amigo mio. I have liked thee
well." He gripped Jack's hand warmly, and turned away. Dade he gave a
final handclasp, and walked slowly back to the house, his proud old head
bowed upon his chest.

Valencia, yawning prodigiously, came forth from the vaqueros' hut and
glimpsed them just as Jack was bringing Solano to something like decent
behavior before they started down the slope.

"Dios!" cried Valencia, and ran to see what was taking place. For while
the taming of a mustang is something which a man may undertake whenever
the mood of him impels, the somewhat bulky packages tied behind the high
cantles could mean nothing save a journey.

When they told him, he expostulated with tears in his eyes. He had been
nursing since yesterday a secret hope that the blue-eyed one would teach
him that wonderful trick of making a riata climb upward of its own
accord as if it were a live thing. Beyond that he was genuinely
distressed to see them go, and even threatened to go with them before he
yielded finally to the inevitable--remembering Felice, perhaps, and the
emptiness of life without her.

"Senor, should you chance to see that great hombre who whipped Manuel so
completely, you would do well to give the warning. Me, I heard from
Ronaldo last night that Manuel spoke many threats against that gringo
who had beaten him. Carlos also--and I think they mean ill towards the
Senor Seem'son. Me, I thought to ride that way to-morrow and give the
word of warning."

"We're going there now," said Jack, with some difficulty holding the
yellow horse quiet, while he shook hands with Valencia. "Adios,
Valencia. If you ever come near our mine, remember that what we have
will be yours also."

"Gracias, gracias--adios--"