constituted a sort of
master of ceremonies, came to Kendric, his look curious but not
unfriendly. The box with its gold was still in his hands.

"You will follow me, senor?" he invited. "_La Senorita Reinita_
awaits you."

"I'll do nothing of the sort," snapped Kendric. "I am going outside
for a smoke and you can tell your lady queen so with my compliments."

But the man stood in front of him, shaking his head dubiously. He
looked distressed. In his simple mind orders from Zoraida were orders
absolute, and yet such largesse as Jim's bought respect and something
akin to affection.

"Later you will smoke outside, senor," he urged. "Now it would be
best--oh, surely, best, senor!--to follow me to La Senorita."

Jim shoved by him toward the door. The fellow looked a trifle
uncertain, his small calibre brain confused by two contending impulses.
But in an instant long habit and an old fear that was greater than his
new liking, asserted themselves. He slipped between Kendric and the
door and at his glance the other servant joined him. The two glanced
at each other and then at Kendric's set and determined face and then
looked swiftly down the long hallway behind them. This look was
eloquent and Kendric guessed its meaning; that way had their companion
gone hastily when Zoraida had left; that way, perhaps, would he be
returning presently with others of her hireling pack at his heels.

"Stand aside," commanded Jim. "I'm on my way."

They were stalwart men and they did not stand aside. Rather they
stepped closer together, shoulder to shoulder, grim in their stubborn
obedience to the orders they had been given. Sick of waiting and words
and obstructions, Kendric bore down on them, vowing to go through
though they might raise an outcry and double their strength. They were
ready for him and stood up to him. But their impulse of obedience and
routine duty was a pale weak motive before his rage at eternal
hindrance. He charged them like a mad bull; he struck to right and
left with the mighty blows of lusty battle-joy, and though they struck
back and sought to grapple with him he hurled one of them against the
wall with a bleeding mouth and sent the other toppling backward,
crashing to the floor in the hall. And through he went, growling
savagely. But only to confront the third man returning with half a
dozen sullen-eyed half breeds at his heels, only to see beyond them the
bright interested eyes of Zoraida.