It might not fit in ill with my plans to see you
go."
"I will have a look at Escobar first," said Kendric. Rios stepped
aside and again threw open the door. But he did not stir from the
spot, awaiting Kendric's return. Nor did Kendric tarry long. Escobar
was dead already, shot through the heart, as Rios had said. A revolver
lay on the ground, close to his right hand.
"You ought to hang for that," said Kendric as he came back into the
room. "But from the way you're going you won't last long enough for
the law to get you. Now, what have you to say to me?"
"A part I have said," returned Ruiz Rios. "I can guess much that my
fair cousin has said to you. I know her desires and--I know my own!"
His eyes flashed. "More, you appear interested in the charming Miss
Betty Gordon. If you would like to go yourself, if you would like to
take her with you, I think I can arrange matters. At a price, of
course."
"Naturally. And the price?"
"Escobar asked twenty-five thousand dollars. Surely she is worth that
and more? Ah! Well, what you came to Lower California to find may be
worth as much, may be worth nothing. The risk is mine. Tell me where
the place is and I will arrange that you and Miss Betty have horses and
an open trail."
"Rios," began Jim, speaking slowly.
But it was Betty who answered.
"No!" she cried. "No and no and no! You are a terrible man, Senor
Rios, and some day God will bring you to a terrible end.
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