l. What I came to ask was whether the man had hidden
here? We have searched all the rooms on this balcony, without success.
Yet most certainly Pedro and Pancho"--indicating the armed men in the
corridor--"saw him bound up the stairs."

"Here?" said Rafaela. "Why, our door has been locked, as you see."

Before Don Fernandez could retort, the report of distant rifle fire
came to the ears of all in the room, followed by a growing fusillade
as the sentries on the northern rim of the valley fell back before
attack.

The Don whirled around.

"Hark," said he, and added with conviction: "The government troops are
attacking. And they sent an assassin ahead of them. Well, he has been
foiled. And they will be foiled, too."

And without more ado he darted from the room, Pancho and Pedro
obediently following at his heels.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE FAIR TRAITRESS

Rafaela leaped up and lifted her chair, permitting Jack to emerge from
his unique hiding place. He was overcome with gratitude at the thought
of what she had done for him, and hesitated to speak.

"Speak," she said, frowning, and stamped her foot. "Tell me, is this
true?"

"What do you mean?" asked Jack in surprise.

"That you are an assassin sent by that horrible President Obregon?"

Jack was hurt, and showed his feelings.

"I told you the truth," he said.

"Oh, I want to believe you," cried the girl, twisting her hands. "But
father was so positive."

Donna Ana sidled close and whispered:

"Shall I call your father? It is not too late."

That decided Rafaela.

"Nonsense," she declared, sharply, glaring at her duenna. "Cannot you
see this young man is telling the truth? I," she declared proudly,
"can tell a truthful person from a liar at once. And I declare to you
this young man is truthful."

Jack smothered a smile. The girl was as changeable as a weathercock.
And calling him "young man" in that lofty tone, too. Why, she was
little more than a youngster herself--couldn't be as old as he.

"Come now," said the girl suddenly, seizing him by the hand. "We have
no time to lose. Now is your opportunity."

"Opportunity?"

"Yes, yes"--impatiently. "While the government troops attack, you must
release your father and escape."

Jack was amazed. Would this surprising girl never cease astonishing
him?

"Do you mean you will help me--actually?"

"Have I not said so?" asked Rafaela impatiently. "And it seems to me I
have already been of some trifli