ric. "Why
that name, Rios?"

"It is the old name," said Rios lightly. "That is all I know."

When a servant announced dinner they went to an immense dining-room
wherein a prince might have taken his state meals. But Zoraida did not
join them, sending word by one of the little Mexican maids that she
would not appear. It was significant that no reason was offered; from
the instant that they had set foot down at the hacienda it was to be
known that here Zoraida did as she pleased and accounted to none. Two
tall fellows, looking pure-bred Yaqui Indians, served perfectly, soft
voiced, softer footed, stony eyed. During the meal Kendric fell into
the way of chatting with young Escobar, seeking to draw him out and
failing, while Barlow and Rios talked together, Rios regarding Barlow
intently. When they rose from table Barlow accepted an invitation from
Rios to look over the stables, while Kendric was led by Escobar back to
the _patio_. Even then Kendric had the suspicion that the intention
was to separate him from his friend, but he saw nothing to be done. He
hardly looked for any sort of violence, and were such intended there
was scant need to waste time over such trifles as separating two men
who would have to stand against two score.

"If you will pardon me a moment, senor?" said Escobar briefly.

He left Kendric standing by the little fountain and disappeared. On
the instant one of the little maids stole softly forward.

"This way, senor," she said, looking at him curiously.

"Where?" he demanded. "And why?"

She smiled and shook her head.

"It is commanded," she replied. "Will _el senor Americano_ be so kind
as to follow?"

He had asked why and got no answer. Now he demanded of himself, "Why
not?" He was playing the other fellow's game and might as well play
straight on until he saw what was what.

"Lead on," he said. "I'm with you."

CHAPTER VI

CONCERNING THAT WHICH LAY IN THE EYES OF ZORAIDA

Jim Kendric guessed, before the last door was thrown open for him, that
he was being led before Zoraida Castelmar. The serving maid flitted on
ahead, out through a deep, shadow-filled doorway into the dusk, down a
long corridor and into the house again at an end which Kendric judged
must be close to the flank of the mountain. Down a second hallway, to
a heavy, nail-studded door which opened only when the little maid had
knocked and called. This room was lighted by a swinging lamp and its
ray