Truly, I think that same rodeo has been but the breeding-ground of gossip and ill-feeling, and is like to bear bitter fruit.

Well, you have a message, I'll warrant.

What is it ?" Valencia's mien was respectful almost to the point of humility.

"The majordomo sent me with a letter, which I was to deliver into the hands of the Senor Allen," he said simply.

"My hope was that I might arrive before Manuel"-- he caught a flicker of wrath in the eyes of the don at the name and smiled inwardly--"but the moonlight played tricks upon the trail, and my caballo tripped upon a willow-branch and fell upon his head so that his neck was twisted.