all. Presently, in
spite of the cramped position necessitated by his bound arms, he yielded
to weariness and fell asleep. Sebastian lay down in a corner of the room
and also slept. He and Pablo would have to relieve each other as
watchmen so long as they held their prisoner. For that reason they must
get what rest they could during the day.

Menendez found himself the victim of conflicting emotions. It had been
easy while they were plotting the abduction to persuade himself that the
man would grant anything to save his life. Now he doubted this. Looking
clown at the battered face of the miner, so lean and strong and virile,
he could not withhold a secret reluctant admiration. How was it possible
for him to sleep so easily and lightly while he lay within the shadow of
violent death? There was even a little smile about the corners of his
mouth, as if he were enjoying pleasant dreams. Never had Pablo known
another man like this one. Had he not broken the spirit of that outlaw
devil Teddy in ten minutes? Who else could shoot the heads off chickens
at a distance as he had done? Was there another in New Mexico that
could, though taken at advantage, put up so fierce a fight against big
odds? The young Mexican hated him because of Juanita and his opposition
to Miss Valdes. But the untamed and gallant spirit of the young man went
out in spite of himself in homage to the splendid courage and efficiency
of his victim.

Not till the middle of the afternoon did Gordon awaken. He was surprised
to find that his hands were free. Of Menendez he asked an explanation.

Pablo gave him none. How could he say that he was ashamed to keep him
tied while two armed men were in the room to watch him?

"Move from that bed and I'll blow your brains out," the Mexican growled
in Spanish.

Presently Pablo brought him a tin dipper filled with water.

"Drink, _Senor_" he ordered ungraciously.

Dick drank the last drop and smiled at his guard gratefully. "You're
white in spots, Mr. Miscreant, though you hate to think it of yourself,"
he said lightly.

Odd as it may seem, Gordon found a curious pleasure in exploring the
mind of the young man. He detected the struggle going on in it, and he
made remarks so uncannily wise that the Mexican was startled at his
divination. The miner held no grudge. These men were his enemies because
they thought him a selfish villain who ought to be frustrated in his
designs. Long ago, in that school of experience whi