But the water system will be built, never fear." Menocal's eyebrows went up.

"Ah, so ?" he asked, softly.
Then his face smoothed itself out; and Bryant realized that he had been led into a betrayal of importance.
"You would do well to name a price, Mr.Bryant." "No; I propose to develop the ranch," the engineer answered, curtly.
"Is the release made out?
If it is, I'll be on my way." "It's too bad you refuse, too bad," Menocal said, with a lugubrious shake of his head.
He called Isidro.

The clerk placed a card before Bryant for his signature and gave him a check book.

Then he laid the mortgage release in front of Menocal, who signed and passed it to the engineer.
"You'll find it correct," the Mexican stated.

"Isidro is a notary and has filled out the acknowledgment." Nevertheless, the visitor took care to read the paper and compare it with his deed before he rose.
"Well, that ends my business for the afternoon," said he, "and I'll take no more of your time.