And," he added impressively, "wait you and rest well until the answer is ready; for perchance there will be further need to test the kindness of the saints--and the speed of a horse." Valencia fumbled within his sash and brought forth the small, folded square of paper, went up two steps and placed it in Jack's upturned palm, gave Jack also a glance more kindly and loyal than ever he had received from that minx, Teresita, and went away to the vaqueros' quarters.

Valencia had learned nothing from the meeting, except that the don was in one of his rare fits of ill-temper.
"Yet I know that there will be a duelo," he comforted himself with thinking, as he limped wearily across the patio.

"The face of the patron is black because of it, and a little devil-flame burns in the eyes of the senorita because for love of her men would fight--( Such is the way of women, to joy in those things which should give them, fear!)--and the senora's face is sagged with worry, and Senor Jack--ah, there is the fighting look in those eyes! Never have I seen them so dark: like the bay when a storm is riding upon the wind.

And it will be riatas--for so Manuel told me.

Me, I will wager my saddle upon the Senor Jack, even though riatas be the weapons.