their distant homes. You are
already at home, nor have I, either, tasted food. Come now and feast
with me. I am hungry, and so should you be. You mustn't keep the
mistress waiting, you know!"

Pedro's countenance had softened, and he had expended all his
sternness, but his caution remained. With a significant glance toward
his prisoner, the dwarf, he shook his head.

"When he is safe, then will I break my fast. The senorita does me
honor."

"That is what I should like to do, dear Pedro. But is not poor Ferd
safe in here? Can we not send him in some supper and turn the lock
upon him?"

She could not hide the repugnance she felt toward the miserable,
misshapen creature, now sleeping on the floor, and after one glance in
his direction looked swiftly away. But that glance had been sufficient
to startle her by its resemblance to another face she hoped never to
see again.

Pedro's keen old eyes noticed her surprise and dismay, and he smiled
grimly.

"The mistress sees. Slumber shows it--the likeness. One breed of
snakes were in the den. Fear both, watch both, for they are brothers.
Yes."

This, then, explained many things; not the least, the wonderful
influence and control which Antonio had always maintained over his
half-witted "left hand," as the "boys" called the unfortunate
hunchback.

"Antonio--Ferdinand--both Bernals--brothers?" asked Mrs. Trent, in a
tremulous voice.

"Si. Yes, indeed. In truth."

"And all this time nobody knew or suspected it?"

"Senorita, the master knew. That was part of his great goodness to the
wicked one who would ruin him if he could. 'Ware Antonio--'ware Ferd.
One is the shadow of the other. One thinks, the other works. When
Antonio went, Ferd stayed. No good, senorita. Watch him."

The lady sat down upon the nearest chair, and, as she did so, caught
sight of the basket upon the desk. It was filled to overflowing with
articles of various sorts, and beside it lay the curious metal-pointed
staff. Her impulse was to reach forward and take it, but the Indian
arrested her hand by an upward motion of his own. Then he opened it
himself and showed her, at the bottom, a number of leathern bags with
knitted covers.

"Elsa's money?"

Pedro silently assented.

"Oh, let us call her, and give it back to her at once."

"Fools must learn. Let the miner come, and Samson."

Mrs. Trent stepped outside and dispatched a messenger for the two men,
who presently came; the one glum and offen