I had forgotten. I am Ebenezer Black,
who owns the ranch across the valley. My daughter and I were out
on a hunt for some lost cattle when we were waylaid by this
so-called company of soldiers. I drove them off but my daughter
was wounded and I made for this place. Finding no one at home, I
took possession."
"I am so glad, Senor. And where is your daughter now?"
"Sitting in a big armchair, nursing a wounded arm."
"Oh, let us hasten," cried the senora. "I may be of some
assistance."
They hurried into the house and into the great library, now all
in disorder and strewn with bits of cigars and cigarettes. In one
of the big leather chairs sat a girl of some sixteen or
seventeen, with her left arm in a sling, but in her right hand
she held a glistening revolver. She was very slight, but dressed
in a riding costume of unique design, and with a wealth of soft
brown hair hanging just to her collar. With just a touch of
pallor due to the wound, the boys thought her the most beautiful
girl they had ever seen, not excepting Pedro's sister Guadalupe.
That the girl was surprised at the addition to the party goes
without saying. She looked first at her father, then at the
newcomers and then back to her father, as much as to ask: "Who
are they?"
"This," said Mr.
Pages:
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105