"All was clear above ?" "Not a sign; I searched with field-glasses." "Then I will ride with you to Mendez; 'tis well to have the matter promptly over with." The wagon, rumbled on, Moore urging the wearied team with whip and voice to little result.

Sikes remained on foot, glad of the change, striding along in front, while the Mexican rode beside the wheel, his equipment jingling, the sunlight flashing over his bright attire.

He made a rather gallant figure, of which he was fully conscious, glancing frequently aside into the shadow beneath the canvas top to gain glimpse of its occupant.

At last their eyes met, and he could no longer forbear speech, his English expression a bit precise.
"Pardon, _senorita_, I would be held your friend," he murmured, leaning closer, "for it is ever a misfortune to incur the enmity of Senor Lacy.
You will trust me ?" "But," she ventured timidly, "I do not know you, _senor_; who you may be." "You know Senor Mendez ?" She shook her head negatively.
"'Tis strange! Yet I forget you come from New York.

They know him here on this border.