He sat perfectly still in his saddle, looking at Pierre, and wondering what he should do.

He could show no weapon to intimidate the robber, for he was entirely unarmed, not having brought even his lasso or clasp-knife with him; while Pierre held in his hand, ready for instant use, the bowie that had rendered him such good service during the fight in the court.

At first Frank entertained the bold idea of riding over the Ranchero.

Roderick was as quick as a flash in his movements, and one touch of the spurs, if his rider could take Pierre off his guard, would cause the horse to jerk the bridle from his grasp, and before the robber could recover himself, Frank would be out of danger.

But Pierre had anticipated this movement, and he was too well acquainted with his prisoner to relax his vigilance for an instant.