of these words was not lost upon the other, who
hastened to say:

"Let us go alone."

They sat communing until the night was far advanced. Their plans for
the morrow may be summarized in what has been stated. Both believed
that no special risk would be run in venturing upon a journey of
something more than twenty miles by daylight, without firearms or
escort. As a rule, strangers had little to fear in passing through any
section of either republic, and there were several native huts along
the trail, where the Senorita had obtained refreshment and secured
lodging on some of the journeys that were begun too late in the day to
be completed before nightfall. Although she was always in the company
of others, it was not on account of any misgiving or fear on her part.

Very rarely or never was a wheeled vehicle seen either in Zalapata or
Atlamalco, and the connecting roads were naturally no more than simple
trails; but all of these were so clearly marked that there was no
cause for even a stranger losing his way. While the bifurcation of the
river made the water communication between the republics more
convenient, many preferred the overland journey. The ride through the
craggy mountains, whose width may be roughly given as less than half a
dozen miles, was romantic and easy enough when made on the back of a
horse.

The strange, disturbing situation in which Miss Starland found herself
kept her awake long after the gentle breathing of her friend at her
side told her she was unconscious. The conditions were so singular and
so alarming that at times she was mystified and doubted the wisdom of
the course they had decided upon. She could not believe that the path
was as free from danger as the Senorita supposed. None the less, she
was resolved to make the venture. There was one comforting feature
about it all: if they were followed and brought back under some
pretext by the soldiers of General Yozarro, no unpleasant consequences
would result therefrom to them. The man would be ready with some
plausible justification of his course, but would be as effusive in his
courtesy as ever. Finally the sorely troubled one slept.

Neither awoke until the sunlight streamed through the narrow windows,
and then the two were roused by the knocking on the outer door, and
the call of Juanita that she was waiting with their food. She was
admitted and the meal on the broad silver tray was set on the stand in
the middle of the apartment. Nothi