eet Dick's bow. It was a very
respectful bow; but there was a humorous irony in the gray eyes that met
hers, which hinted at a different story. She made as if to pass him,
but, on an impulse, reined in. His ventilated hat came off again, as he
waited for her to speak.

For an instant she let her gaze rest in his, the subdued crimson of her
cheeks triumphant over the olive. But the color was not of
embarrassment, and in her eyes shone the spirit of a descendant of old
Don Alvaro de Valdes y Castillo. She sat her mount superbly; as jimp and
erect as a willow sapling.

"You received a message from me this morning, sir," she said haughtily.

"Yes, Miss Valdes; I received a message from you this morning and
answered it. This afternoon I received one from one of your friends; but
I haven't answered that yet."

As he spoke he let his eyes fall upon the hat in his hand.

Hers followed his, and she started in spite of herself.

"Did--did--were you shot at?" she asked, with dilating eyes.

"Oh, well! He didn't hit me. It's not worth mentioning."

"Not worth mentioning? Who did it, sir? I demand to know who did it?"

He hesitated as he picked his words.

"You see--well--he was behind a rock, and not very close, at that."

"But you knew him. I demand his name. He shall be punished. I myself
will see to that."

"I'll do what punishing needs to be done, Miss Valdes. Much obliged to
you, just the same."

Her eyes flashed.

"You forget, sir, that they are my people. I gave orders--the very
strictest orders. I told them that, no matter what you did or how far
you went, you were not to be molested."

"How far I went? You've been served with a legal notice, then? I thought
you must have by this time."

"Yes, sir, I have. But neither on that nor any other subject do I desire
any conversation with you."

"Of course not, me being a spy and all those other things you
mentioned," he said quietly.

"I stopped to tell you only one thing. You must leave this country.
Prosecute your suit from a distance. My people are wrought up. You see
for yourself now." Her gauntlet indicated the hat.

"They do seem to be enthusiastic about hating me," he agreed pleasantly.
"I suppose I'm not what you would call popular here."

She gave a gesture of annoyance.

"Can't you understand that this is no time for flippancy? Can't you make
him see it, sir?" she called to Davis.

That gentleman shook his head.

"He'll go his own way, I exp