the momentary confusion to effect an escape.

Once calmed, Mr. Underwood, notwithstanding Mr. Britton's protestations,
sullenly refused to prosecute Walcott. Telephoning for an attorney who
was an old-time and trusted friend, he had an agreement drawn and
signed, whereby, upon the repayment of the funds belonging to him, after
deducting an amount therefrom sufficient to replace what he had
misappropriated, he was to leave the country altogether.

"You have escaped this time," were Mr. Underwood's parting words; "but
remember, if you ever again seek to injure me or mine, no power on earth
can save you, and I'll not go into the courts either."

As Kate and her strange companion parted, the former inquired, "Why did
you ask me not to shoot him? You surely cannot love him!"

"Love him?" she exclaimed, softly. "No, but I feared you would kill him.
His time has not come yet, Senorita, but when it does, this must be the
hand!" She lifted her own right hand with a significant movement as she
said this, and glided out into the darkness and was gone ere Kate could
recall her.

When Kate and her father, with Mr. Britton's assistance, before
returning home for the night, removed the articles taken from Walcott's
pockets, the tiny, poisoned stiletto was nowhere to be found.

_Chapter XXXVI_

SENORA MARTINEZ

Although Mr. Underwood escaped the stroke which it was feared might
follow the excitement of his final interview with Walcott, it was soon
apparent that his nervous system had suffered from the shock. His
physician became insistent in his demands that he not only retire from
business, but have an entire change of scene, to insure absolute
relaxation and rest. This advice was earnestly seconded by Mr. Britton,
not alone for the sake of his friend's health, but more especially
because he believed it unsafe for Mr. Underwood or Kate to remain in
that part of the country so long as Walcott had his liberty. Their
combined counsel and entreaties at length prevailed. A responsible man
was found to take charge, under Mr. Britton's supervision, of Mr.
Underwood's business interests. The Pines was closed, two or three
faithful servants being retained to guard and care for the property, and
early in April Mr. Underwood, accompanied by his sister and daughter,
left Ophir ostensibly for the South. They remained south, however, only
until he had recuperated sufficiently for a longer journey, and then
sailed for Europe, but o