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Now, as very chance would have it, Miss Valdés, too, rode the hill trail that afternoon; and every step of the broncos lessened the distance between them

They met at a turn of the steep path Davis was in the lead, and the girl passed him just in time to meet Dick's bow It was a very respectful bow; but there was a huray eyes that met hers, which hinted at a different story She made as if to pass him, but, on an iain, 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 Valdés y Castillo She sat her

"You received a htily

"Yes, Miss Valdés; I received aand 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 ? Who did it, sir? I demand to knoho 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 Ineeds to be done, Miss Valdés Much obliged to you, just the saet, sir, that they are ave orders--the very strictest orders I told them that, no matter what you did or how far you went, you were not to be al 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, s you mentioned," he said quietly

"I stopped to tell you only one thing You must leave this country Prosecute your suit froht up You see for yourself now" Her gauntlet indicated the hat