"Oh, I thought you were calling on me." Paloma pouted her pretty lips. "Dave isn't here. He and father--have gone away." A little pucker of apprehension appeared upon her brow. "I must get word to him at once." Miss Jones shook her head. "Is it very important?" It needed no close observation to discover the concern in Paloma's eyes; Alaire told her story quickly. "Mr. Law must be warned right away," she added, "for the man is capable of anything." Paloma nodded. "Dave told us how he had killed Panfilo--" She hesitated, and then cried, impulsively: "Mrs. Austin, I'm going to confess something--I've got to tell somebody or I'll burst. I was walking the floor when you came. Well, Dad and Dave have completely lost their wits. They have gone across the river--to get Ricardo Guzman's body." "What?" Alaire stared at the girl uncomprehendingly. "They are going to dig him up and bring him back to prove that he was killed. Dave knows where he's buried, and he's doing this for Ricardo's family--some foolish sentiment about a bridle--but Dad, I think, merely wants to start a war between the United States and Mexico." "My dear girl, aren't you dreaming?" "I thought I must be when I heard about it. Dad wouldn't have told me at all, only he thought I ought to know in case anything happens to him." Paloma's breath failed her momentarily. "They'll be killed. I told them so, but Dave seems to enjoy the risk. He said Ricardo had a sentimental nature--and, of course, the possibility of danger delighted both him and Dad. They're perfect fools." "When did they go? Tell me everything." "They left an hour ago in my machine, with two Mexicans to help them. They intend to cross at your pumping-plant as soon as it gets dark, and be back by mid-night--that is, if they ever get back." "Why, it's--unbelievable." "It's too much for me. Longorio himself is in Romero, and he'd have them shot if he caught them. We'd never even hear of it." Paloma's face was pale, her eyes were strained and tragic. "Father always has been a trial to me, but I thought I could do something with Dave." She made a hopeless gesture, and Alaire wondered momentarily whether the girl's anxiety was keenest for the safety of her father or--the other? "Can't we prevent them from going?" she inquired. "Why, they are breaking the law, aren't they?" "Something like that. But what can we do? It's nearly dark, and they'll go, anyhow, regardless of what we say." "Mr. Law is a Ranger, too!" The girl nodded. "Oh, if it's ever discovered he'll be ruined. And think of Dad--a man of property! Dave declares Tad Lewis is at the bottom of it all and put the Federals up to murder Ricardo; he thinks in this way he can force them into telling the truth. But Dad is just looking for a fight and wants to be a hero!"