Part 6 (1/2)
”And he took your money without setting your son free?”
”He did.”
”Did you tell him it was all you had in the world?”
”I told him that a score of times.”
”What did he say?”
”Told me to raise more, or have the pleasure of receiving my boy in pieces.”
”How long ago was that?”
”Three days.”
”Near here?”
”Yes.”
”How long have you been in Mendoza?”
”Two days, and during that time I have received this from Pacheco.”
He took something from his pocket--something wrapped in a handkerchief.
With trembling fingers, he unrolled it, exposing to view----
A b.l.o.o.d.y human finger!
CHAPTER IV.
UNMASKED.
Hans and Professor Scotch uttered exclamations of horror, starting back from the sight revealed by the light that came from the window set deep in the adobe wall.
Frank's teeth came together with a peculiar click, but he uttered no exclamation, nor did he start.
This seemed to affect the old man unpleasantly, for he turned on Frank, crying in an accusing manner and tone:
”Have you no heart? Are you made of stone?”
”Hardly,” was the reply.
”This finger--it is the second torn from the hand of my boy by Pacheco, the bandit--Pacheco, the monster!”
”Pacheco seems to be a man of great determination.”
Professor Scotch gazed at Frank in astonishment, for the boy was of a very sympathetic and kindly nature, and he now seemed quite unlike his usual self.