"Naturally. But I must have men and horses and munitions. I--Juan Pachuca--cannot fight in the ranks." "I don't see why not," said Polly, candidly. "My brother fought in the ranks and he's a college man. He didn't mind." "Oh, well, in America--that is different! You have no ideas as to family. I beg your pardon, what I mean is, that your people are different." "Well, I hope we are," replied Polly, piously. "But I'm afraid some of us aren't as different as we ought to be." "Now we are even," said the Mexican, showing his white teeth. "And you know why I took your men and horses. They will be made good to you when the country becomes settled." "I hope so, but it seems to me you're going to have so many people to settle with that some of us are going to come out at the little end. Of course, your car will help some." Pachuca frowned. "Senorita," he said, gravely, "I must have the car and I must get away from here to-night. Much depends upon it. Won't you help me?" He leaned toward her as he spoke, his dark eyes luminous, his voice soft and caressing. "The tiger kitty is purring," thought Polly. "It's a nice kitty but I mustn't pet it. Senor," she said, "I'm sorry, but I can't." "Say rather that you won't." Polly fingered the key which she had taken from Matt. Then she put it in the pocket of her sweater. "It would be easy," said Pachuca, persuasively. "You could throw it into the window there when everyone was asleep." "It would be easy," agreed Polly, "but it wouldn't be nice." Pachuca ate for a moment in silence. "I suppose," he said, finally, "that an American girl never does anything that is not nice?" "Well, I'd hardly go as far as to say that," replied Polly, "but I don't think you'd find many who would be as dishonest as--oh, what's the use? You know I'd like to do it for you because you were kind to me, and I do not believe you meant to kidnap me----" "Kidnap you!" wrathfully. "Who said I meant to kidnap you?" "Oh, nobody, only----" Pachuca began to laugh; gently at first, then wholeheartedly. "He is jealous--that good Marc Scott! He told you I wanted to kidnap you--like Villa, eh? Does he think a Spanish gentleman so unattractive that he has to kidnap a young lady in order to make love to her?" "I don't know what he thinks and I don't care," said Polly, angrily. "And I wouldn't have come here if I had thought you were going to be foolish. I wanted to show you that I wasn't ungrateful----" Pachuca had jumped to his feet and stood between her and the door. His manner was respectful and apologetic. "Senorita, I beg your pardon! Indeed----" "It's not necessary," said the girl, coldly, trying to pass him. "No, no, I beg--do not go." Then, in a lower tone, "I had a double reason for asking your help. I can be of help to you and to your brother."