She sat up once more, her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes dry of tears.
In spite of Cateras's cowardly threats these outlaws would never dare to take her life.

There was no occasion for them to resort to so desperate a deed.

Besides this Mexican was only an under officer of the band, and would never venture to oppose the will of his chief.

Her fate rested not on his word, but upon the decision of Pasqual Mendez, and, if that bandit was associated with Bill Lacy, as undoubtedly he was, then as the prisoner of the American, she was certainly safe until the latter expressed his own wish regarding her.
And why should Lacy desire to take her life?
Most assuredly he did not, or the act would have been already accomplished.

The very fact of her having been transported such a distance was sufficient evidence of his purpose.