“Carmencita who?” teasingly came from behind the door. Hopalong scratched his head. “Gee, yu've roped me--I suppose she has got another handle. Oh, yu know--she used to live here about seven years back. She had great big black eyes, pretty cheeks an' a mouth that 'ud stampede anybody. Don't yu know now? She was about so high,” holding out his hands in the darkness. The door opened a trifle on a chain and Hopalong peered eagerly forward. “Ah, it is you, the brave Americano! You must go away quick or you will meet with harm. Manuel is awfully jealous and he will kill you! Go at once, please!” Hopalong pulled at the half-hearted down upon his lip and laughed softly. Then he slid the guns back in their holsters and felt for his sombrero. “Manuel wants to see me first, Star Eyes.” “No! no!” she replied, stamping upon the floor vehemently. “You must go now--at once!” “I'd shore look nice hittin' th' trail because Manuel Somebody wants to get hurt, wouldn't I? Don't yu remember how I used to shinny up this here wall an' skin th' cat gettin' through that hole up there what yu said was a window? Ah, come on an' open th' door--I'd shore like to see yu again!” pleaded the irrepressible. “No! no! Go away. Oh, won't you please go away!” Hopalong sighed audibly and turned his horse. As he did so he heard the door open and a sigh reached his ears. He wheeled like a flash and found the door closed again on its chain. A laugh of delight came from behind it. “Come out, please!--just for a minute,” he begged, wishing that he was brave enough to smash the door to splinters and grab her. “If I do, will you go away?” Asked the girl. “Oh, what will Manuel say if he comes? And all those people, they'll tell him!” “Hey, yu!” shouted Hopalong, brandishing his Colts at the protruding heads. “Git scarce! I'll shore plug th' last one in!” Then he laughed at the sudden vanishing. The door slowly opened and Carmencita, fat and drowsy, wobbled out to him. Hopalong's feelings were interfering with his breathing as he surveyed her. “Oh, yu shore are mistaken, Mrs. Carmencita. I wants to see yore daughter!” “Ah, you have forgotten the little Carmencita who used to look for you. Like all the men, you have forgotten,” she cooed reproachfully. Then her fear predominated again and she cried, “Oh, if my husband should see me now!” Hopalong mastered his astonishment and bowed. He had a desire to ride madly into the Rio Grande and collect his senses. “Yu are right--this is too dangerous--I'll amble on some,” he replied hastily. Under his breath he prayed that the outfit would never learn of this. He turned his horse and rode slowly up the street as the door closed.