He placed his knife upon the table, closed the windows, and dropped the curtains, so that any one who might happen to pass by could not see what was going on in the room.

His next action was to seize Frank by the collar of his jacket, and pull him roughly to his feet, preparatory to putting into operation his new plan for compelling him to tell where he had hidden the office key.
"If you conclude to answer my question, let me know it," said the Ranchero.
"I will," was Frank's reply.
Pierre stepped upon a chair, and removing one of the pictures from its hook, tossed it upon the bed.

After that, he took Frank's lasso down from the nail, beside the book-case, and holding the noose in his hand, threw the other end over the hook.
Frank had thus far shown himself to be possessed of a good share of courage.

He had bravely endured the choking, and had made defiant replies to all Pierre's threats; but when he saw this movement, he became thoroughly alarmed.

He knew what was coming.
"Aha!" exclaimed the Ranchero, who had not failed to notice the sudden pallor that overspread the boy's countenance; "Aha!" "What are you going to do ?" asked Frank, in a trembling voice.
"Can't you see ?" returned the Ranchero, with a savage smile.