ppertaining to the so great business.
_Si._ If I point the way, if I tell the secret retiring place of me,
I, Antonio Bernal, you will plead and set me free? It is a contract, a
bargain--yes?"

Jessica pondered. The temptation was strong to say "yes" without delay;
but she had now learned to distrust the late manager of her mother's
business, and answered, cautiously:

"I'll do what I can, Antonio, but if my mother forbids me to 'plead,'
I shall not disobey her. You did what you pleased, and my friends say
you will have to suffer the consequences."

"Ah! but it is the so old head on the so small shoulders. That wisdom
was not of your own, senorita. But, I forgive the suspicion. Yes, I am
magnanimous. I am generous, I, Senor Bernal, heir--rightful heir--to
Sobrante rancho and all of Paraiso d'Oro. See! Behold! Did the Lady
Jessica never hear of El Desierto, no?"

"The Deserted Ranch? Where Pedro says the spirits of dead people walk?
Of course. Everybody has heard of that. Why?"

"Sometimes the 'spirits' keep hidden treasures safe. Yes. _Si._ Does
the senorita know the trail thither, to that haunted place?"

"No. Nor wish to. Good-by, Antonio. I can wait for no more of your
nonsense."

"The paper. The pencil, which the Lady Jess holds in her hand. One
moment, that to me, if the senorita pleases."

"I brought these for my little shopping trip, which I'm to take with
Mr. Sharp. I can't give them to you, but I'll lend, for a moment. Here
they are. Be quick."

Antonio seized the pencil and rapidly sketched upon the pad a few
dots and lines, suggesting a zigzag road and stations upon it. At the
starting point he wrote "Marion," and at the end "Sobrante." Midway,
and well to the north, where a curving course indicated an arroyo he
marked "El Desierto."

Then he looked up, and Jessica reached forward to take back her
possessions.

But with what he considered great chaft and cunning he thrust them behind
him and smiled grimly:

"The promise, senorita. First the promise; 'I will plead for the
liberty of Senor Antonio Bernal, so help me----'"

Unperceived by the artful manager, Ninian Sharp had entered the room from
a rear door. He was tired of waiting for the interview to end and had
overheard most of it from the outer room. He now quietly stretched out
his own hand and possessed himself of the rude map, and then as quietly
and instantly withdrew with it, calling as he did so:

"Come on, Lady Jess. Time's up. So