hat he
could not move his arms because they were tied and that the interference
with his breathing was caused by a gag. When he opened his eyes he saw
nothing, but whenever his face or hands stirred from the jolting
something light and rough brushed his flesh; An odor of alfalfa filled
his nostrils. He guessed that he was in a wagon and covered with hay.

Where were they taking him? Why had they not killed him at once? Who was
at the bottom of the attack upon him? Already his mind was busy with the
problem.

Presently the jolting ceased. He could hear guarded voices. The alfalfa
was thrown aside and he was dragged from his place and carried down some
steps. The men went stumbling through the dark, turning first to the
right, and then to the left. They groped their way into a room and
dropped him upon a bed. Even now they struck no light, but through a
small window near the ceiling moonbeams entered and relieved somewhat
the inky blackness.

"Is he dead?" someone asked in Spanish.

"No. His eyes were open as we brought him in," answered a second voice
guardedly.

They stood beside the bed and looked down at their prisoner. His eyes
were getting accustomed to the darkness. He saw that one of the men was
Pablo Menendez. The other, an older Mexican with short whiskers, was
unknown to him.

"He fought like a devil from hell. Roderigo's arm is broken. Not one of
us but is marked," said the older man admiringly.

"My head is ringing yet, Sebastian," agreed Pablo. "_Dios_, how he
slammed poor Jose down. The blood poured from his nose and mouth. Never
yet have I seen a man fight so fierce and so hard as this _Americano_.
He may be the devil himself, but his claws are clipped now. And here he
lies till he does as we want, or----" The young Mexican did not finish
his sentence, but the gleam in his eyes was significant.

Pablo stooped till his eyes were close to those of the bound man.
"_Senor,_ shall I take the gag from your mouth? Will you swear not to
cry out and not to make any noise?"

Gordon nodded.

"So, but if you do the road to Paradise will be short and swift,"
continued Menendez. "Before your shout has died away you will be dead.
_Sabe, Senor_?"

He unknotted the towel at the back of his prisoner's head and drew it
from Dick's mouth. Gordon expanded his lungs in a deep breath before he
spoke coolly to his gaoler.

"Thank you, Menendez. You needn't keep your fist on that gat. I've no
intention of committi