ds were sent out with instructions to separate into squads of
three or four and search the ground thoroughly. Some of them were more
successful, in that they did, occasionally, get sight of the fugitive,
but always under circumstances disadvantageous to themselves. Three of
them stood one day talking with a rancher, who only two hours before had
furnished the man, under protest, with a hearty dinner and a fine rifle.
The rancher pointed out the direction in which he had gone, over a rocky
road leading down a steep, rough ravine; as he did so, his guest
appeared on the other side of the ravine, within good rifle range. A
mutual recognition followed; the men started to raise their rifles, but
the other was too quick for them. Covering them with the rifle which he
carried, he walked backward a distance of about forty yards and then,
with a mocking salute, disappeared. Bloodhounds were next employed, but
the man swam and waded streams and doubled back on his own trail till
men and dogs were alike baffled. This continued for about two months;
then all reports regarding the man ceased; nothing was heard of him, it
was surmised that he had reached the "Pocket," and all efforts at
further search were for the time abandoned.

Of all those concerned in the efforts for his capture there was not one
more thoroughly disgusted with the outcome than Mr. Britton. For months
he had had this man under surveillance, convinced that he was a criminal
and planning to bring about his capture. Through his own efforts he had
been identified, and by his coolness and presence of mind he had
accomplished his arrest when nine out of ten others would have failed,
and all seemed now to have been effort thrown away. He regretted the
man's escape the more especially as he felt that his own life, as well
as that of his son, was endangered so long as he was at liberty.

About a month after the search was abandoned Mr. Britton was one day
surprised by a call from the wife of Martinez. He had not seen her since
his one interview with her months before.

He was sitting in Mr. Underwood's office, looking over the books brought
in for his inspection, when she entered, alone and unannounced.

She seated herself in the chair indicated by Mr. Britton and proceeded
at once to the object of her visit.

"Senor, you told me when I last saw you that my secret would one day
come out. You were right; it has. It is my secret no longer and Jose
Martinez fears me no l