the interview with Ruiz Rios he had learned that she had a
mind of her own. To her other possessions he now saw added an American
girl's fiery temper.

Then Zoraida and Rios returned. Before a word was spoken Kendric knew
that he was to be treated to some more play-acting. Zoraida had
elected to look frightened and uncertain; the glance she cast toward
her cousin spoke of terror as well as loathing. Rios glared and looked
important. Swiftly Zoraida crossed the room, her bejeweled fingers
finding Bruce West's arm.

"My friend," she whispered so that they could all hear. "I don't know
which way to turn. A man has killed himself--the Captain Escobar. Or
so Ruiz Rios says. And I----" She broke off, shuddering. And then,
bewildering Jim Kendric if no one else, two big tears gathered in her
eyes and spilled down to her cheeks!

"Senores Kendric and West," announced Rios autocratically, "you will
take all orders from me now. You will not leave the house, either of
you, unless I give the word. Senorita Zoraida, you will go to your
room and wait until I send for you. Senorita Pansy," and suddenly his
teeth showed in his quick smile, "a word with you please in the
_patio_?"

"My cousin," said Zoraida, all soft supplication now, her two hands
held out toward Rios, "it is only a little thing I beg of you. May I
have a few words with Senor West?"

"Go to your room," answered Rios shortly. "Senor West remains with us.
You may see him later."

Zoraida looked lingeringly at Bruce, shook her head sorrowfully as he
appeared to be gathering himself to spring at the man who terrorized
her, murmured gently, "Wait--for my sake, senor!" and went out of the
room. Out of the corners of her oblique eyes, when her back was to
Bruce, she mocked Jim Kendric.

Rios held the door open for Betty.

"Will you come to the _patio_ with me, senorita?" he asked.

"No!" cried Betty. "You terrible man. No."

Rios, though not the actor Zoraida was, managed to appear startled that
she should speak so. Then, as he looked from her to Jim and Bruce, he
smiled as though in comprehension.

"There is no need to pretend further, Senorita Pansy," he said. "They
know."

"There is a great deal we know, Ruiz Rios," broke out Bruce. "You hold
the upper hand just now but there's a new deal coming!"

"Will you come, Senorita Pansy?" Rios grew truculent. "Or shall I call
for a dozen men to escort you?"

"Rios," snapped Kendric, "I'm