“No, for I have had Pedro keep it cleared. Lolita and I are very fond of going there. I think the sun will have dried it up enough for us to go if you want to see it. Wilt come to my castle, Sir Knight? I have matters of grave import to discuss with you.” Neal chuckled, but became grave before they reached the place. “This is the moat,” said Alison, when they reached the tree, “and this limb is the drawbridge. Now I’m over.” She dropped down lightly and they stood side by side in the circle. “Now,” said Alison, “look up into the tree, or the sky somewhere, till I tell you something.” “Why not look at you?” “Because.” “After such an excellent reason I will look anywhere but at you. All right. Fire ahead, Alison.” And Alison told him of her meeting with Carlos, of the information he had given her, of her promise to his mother, concluding with: “And that was why I had to see Brigida that day.” “I see.” Neal was silent for a moment. “Do you think I did wrong?” asked Alison, anxiously. “No, not from your standpoint. I reckon anyhow you did right. The fellow is ignorant, and from what I have gathered, was only a tool in Pike Smith’s hands. He’ll have to leave the country, though, if he wants to save his neck.” “I warned Brigida of that. Do you know where that Night Creek is?” “Just about.” “Is it far?” “Right smart of a ways. You’ve got me some lines to go on.” “You haven’t told anybody about your going, have you?” “No. I told John I was going off on some business, but I did not say where. I am glad you can start me on the right track.” He did not say that even this was vague enough information, and that the journey presented more dangers than she knew. “Now where is my present?” said the girl, holding out her hand. Neal fumbled in his pocket and brought forth a small packet which he gave her. Alison opened it eagerly. “Oh, how beautiful,” she exclaimed as she disclosed a hoop of yellow gold set with a single fine emerald. “I never had a ring before,” she said slipping it on her finger and viewing it admiringly. Then she took it off and looked up at him. “I don’t believe I will wear it--just yet,” she said hesitatingly. “But when I come back?” “Yes, I think so. Thank you very, very much, Neal. It is a very beautiful present, much too good for me.” “I thought you were a princess or a lady somebody or other.” “Yes, so I like to imagine, but I’d rather not wear the ring if you don’t mind.” “Wear it when you please, little lady.” “I ought to give you my colors to wear. Here, let me have your hat.” She took the broad-brimmed sombrero and twisted in with its gilt cord a blue ribbon she wore. “There,” she said, “you are fairly decked. You haven’t a shield, and I haven’t a sleeve embroidered with pearls, but those are my colors. I wish I could give you something better to remember me by when you have brought me such a beautiful thing as this.” She gazed down at the ring which she held in her hand.