with the two hundred dollars
which were cumbering his boots. But by the time they had reached Garcia's
hacienda on the way back to Santa Fe, his gratitude had fallen off
seventy-five per cent, and he thought fifty enough. Even that diminished
his profits on the expedition to four hundred and fifty dollars. And
Coronado, although extravagant, was not generous; he liked to spend money,
but he hated to give it or pay it.

During the four days which immediately followed his safe return to Santa
Fe, he and Garcia were in a worry of anxiety. Would Manga Colorada fulfil
his contract and cast a shadow of peril over the Bernalillo route? Would
letters or messengers arrive from California, informing Clara of the death
and will of Munoz? Everything happened as they wished; reports came that
the Apaches were raiding in Bernalillo; the girl received no news
concerning her grandfather. Coronado, smiling with success and hope, met
Thurstane at the Van Diemen house, in the presence of Clara and Aunt
Maria, and blandly triumphed over him.

"How now about your safe road through the southern counties?" he said.
"Apaches!"

"So I hear," replied the young officer soberly. "It is horribly unlucky."

"We start to-morrow," added Coronado.

"To-morrow!" replied Thurstane, with a look of dismay.

"I hope you will be with us," said Coronado.

"Everything goes wrong," exclaimed the annoyed lieutenant. "Here are some
of my stores damaged, and I have had to ask for a board of survey. I
couldn't possibly leave for two days yet, even if my recruits should
arrive."

"How very unfortunate!" groaned Coronado. "My dear fellow, we had counted
on you."

"Lieutenant Thurstane, can't you overtake us?" inquired Clara.

Thurstane wanted to kneel down and thank her, while Coronado wanted to
throw something at her.

"I will try," promised the officer, his fine, frank, manly face
brightening with pleasure. "If the thing can be done, it will be done."

Coronado, while hoping that he would be ordered by the southern route, or
that he would somehow break his neck, had the superfine brass to say,
"Don't fail us, Lieutenant."

In spite of the managements of the Mexican to keep Clara and Thurstane
apart, the latter succeeded in getting an aside with the young lady.

"So you take the northern trail?" he said, with a seriousness which gave
his blue-black eyes an expression of almost painful pathos. Those eyes
were traitors; however discreet the rest of hi