gh she knew him to be an agent of Don Baltasar, his evident
avarice gave her hopes, that by promise of large reward she might induce
him to betray his employer and serve her. Producing a second ring, of
greater value than the one she had already bestowed upon him, she showed
it to the wondering esquilador. He held up his hands instinctively to
catch it.

"You may earn it," said Rita; "and twenty such."

And whilst with one hand she continued to expose the ring to the greedy
gaze of the gipsy, with the other she held up a letter.

"For Don Baltasar?" asked the Gitano.

"No," said she. "For Zumalacarregui."

Jaime made a step backwards, and again shook his head. Rita feared that
he was about to leave her.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I entreat, I beseech you, assist me in this
strait. Whatever sum your vile employer has promised you, I will give
tenfold. Take my letter, and name your reward."

"That's what the other said," muttered Jaime; "'name your reward,' but
he is in no hurry to pay it. If I thought her promises better than
his"----

And again he looked up at the window, and seemed to hesitate.

"Listen," cried Rita, who saw him waver; "I am rich--you are poor. I
have farms, estates, vineyards--you shall choose amongst them wherewith
to live happily for the rest of your days. Convey this letter safely,
and exchange your comfortless and disreputable wanderings for a settled
home and opulence."

Jaime made a gesture of refusal.

"Your lands and your vineyards, your fields and farms, are no temptation
to the Zincalo, senora. What would they avail him? Your countrymen would
say, 'Out upon the gipsy! See the thief!' and they would defraud him of
his lands, and spit on him if he complained. No, senorita, give me a
roving life, and the wealth that I can carry in my girdle, and defend
with my knife."

"It shall be as you will," cried Rita, eagerly. "Gold, jewels, whatever
you prefer. This letter will procure my freedom; and, once free, you
shall find me both able and disposed to reward you beyond your wildest
dreams."

"Yes, if the general does not hang me when he learns my share in the
business."

"I have not named you to him, nor will I. The letter is unsealed; you
can read before delivering it. Your name shall never be breathed by me,
save as that of my preserver."

There was an accent of sincerity in Rita's promises that rendered it
impossible to mistrust them. The gipsy, sorely tempted, was evidently
abou