had not happened
to mention the fact to his friend could be accounted for by reason
of the fact that the duties of the office at that place were few and
unimportant.

"We are waiting, senor. If you will tell us where we may send?" hinted
Megales.

"I do not know any more than you do, if he is not at home."

The governor's eyes glittered. "Take care, senor. Better sharpen your
memory."

"It's pretty hard to remember what one never knew," retorted the
prisoner.

The Mexican tyrant brought his clinched fist slowly down on the table
in front of him. "It is necessary to remember, sir. It is necessary to
answer a few questions. If you answer them to our satisfaction you may
yet save your life."

"Indeed!" Bucky swept his fat bulk scornfully from head to foot. "If I
were what you think me, do you suppose I would betray my friends?"

"You have no option, sir. Answer my questions, or die like a dog."

"You mean that you would not think you had any option if you were in my
place, but since I'm a clean white man there's an option. By God! sir,
it doesn't take me a whole lot of time to make it, either. I'll see you
rot in hell before I'll play Judas."

The words rang like a bell through the room, not loud, but clear and
vibrant. There was a long instant's silence after the American finished
speaking, and as his eyes swept from one to another of the enemy Bucky
met with a surprise. On Colonel Onate's face was a haggard look of
fear--surely it was fear--that lifted in relief at the young man's brave
challenge. He had been dreading something, and the dread was lifted.
Onate! Onate! The ranger's memory searched the past few days to locate
the name. Had O'Halloran mentioned it? Was this man one of the officers
expected to join the opposition when it declared itself against Megales?
He had a vague recollection of the name, and he could have heard it only
through his friend.

"Was Juan Valdez a member of the party that took the rifles from
Lieutenant Chaves and his escort?"

Bucky laughed out his contempt.

"Speak, sir," broke in Chaves. "Answer the governor, you dog."

"If I speak, it will be to tell you what a cur I think you."

Chaves flushed angrily and laid a hand on his revolver. "Who are you
that play dice with death, like a fool?"

"My name, seh, is Bucky O'Connor."

At the words a certain fear, followed by a look of triumph, passed over
the face of Chaves. It was as if he had had an unpleasant shock that had