Part 42 (1/2)

”Can I get a freshto eat?” he asked as carelessly as he could

”Certainly, senor,” said the et doill put the beast in the stable”

Walthew hesitated There was no obvious reason why he should distrust the fellow, but he i down the road The mule, however, orn out, and he did not think he hadif treachery was intended

”Very well,” he said, dis, and when another e

”You have ridden far, senor, and will enjoy a rest,” his guide re for food on a long journey”

Walthew feltin the arch, and although his coested so that his arrival had been expected was stronger, but it was too late to turn back and he went on, surreptitiouslysure that his automatic pistol was loose He was taken across the _patio_, up an outside staircase, and along a balcony, where his guide opened a door

”The house is at your disposal,” he said with Spanish politeness, bowing to Walthew to enter

The door was closed sharply and Waltheondered if he had been trapped as he cast a quick glance about The roohted, and scantily furnished Two of its ere open, but he reround There seemed, however, to be no reason for alarm At the far end of the rooirl and a priest sat near it They rose as he caasped

”_Blanca!_”

The girl seemed equally astonished

”Senor Walthew!” she exclaimed, and her tone indicated both perplexity and concern Walthew's clothes were gray with dust, his pose was slack with fatigue, and a dirty bandage covered his forehead

”You seeleam in his eyes showed the pleasure he felt ”I didn't expect to find you here”

”But where do you cooon; traveled as fast as I could, but lostto your party”

The priest caustin

”There has been a mistake,” the priest said to Blanca, and bowed to Walthew ”You will excuse ht it had soer suspicious, but puzzled He was a friends, but they had received him in a curious manner

He turned to Blanca with a s, but I hope you won't turn lance that thrilled him ”You seem ill and tired Are you hurt?”

”Not much; a scratch on my head But are you safe here? They told us the woods were full of the President's soldiers”

”We shall be gone at daybreak, and we have a guard” Blanca paused and resumed with an air of relief: ”It was fortunate you did not pass the house”

”That's a sure thing,” Walthew agreed ”However, I guess I knohat youfor one on Don't you think you had better tell me what it's all about?”

Blanca hesitated with soustin returned