She had thought of nothing save to catch up with him and to blurt out that Tigre was on his trail, and why. The words now halted on her lips. It was not easy to tell him. What would he say--what would he do? A few moments back, he had been only one of Bernardo’s herders--the best, truly, and a man whom it was pleasing to look upon, but he had been nothing to her. He alone of the _vaqueros_ had not smiled at her, and this piquing of her pride had gained him notice which otherwise he might never have got. As she pattered on, slowly regaining her breath, the presence of the man seemed to grow more real. It was well that she knew Augustine cared nothing for her, else she could not have told him of Bernardo’s unjust suspicions. The trail opened into a clearing, where there were several old palm-thatched huts, a broken-down corral, and a water hole. The place had once been used by Bernardo’s herders, but was now abandoned and partly overgrown. At this point, Augustine, who for a time had silently stalked beside Muella, abruptly halted her. “_Señora_, what is wrong? Where are you going?” “Going!” She uttered a little laugh. “Why, I don’t know. I followed--to warn you. Bernardo put Tigre on your trail!” “Tigre? _Santa Maria!_” “Yes. I ran, and ran, and passed him. He must be far back now. He’s slow at first, but he’s sure, and he’s trailing you. Hurry on! You mustn’t stop here!” “_Señora!_ You ran--you risked so much to save me? Oh, may our Blessed Lady reward you!” “Man, I tell you, don’t stop. Go on! You have only your machete. Why did you start into the jungle without a gun?” “Bernardo drove me off. I owned nothing at the hacienda except my blanket and machete.” “He’s selfish--he was beside himself. Why, Augustine, he was jealous. He--he told me he drove you away because you--you cared for me. I’m ashamed to tell you. But, Augustine, he’s growing old. You mustn’t mind--only hurry to get safe from that terrible brute!” “I forgive him, _señora_. It’s his way to fall in a rage; but he quickly repents. And you, _señora_--you must take this old trail back to the hacienda. Go swiftly, for soon it will be night.” “I’m not going back,” said Muella slowly. “I won’t live any longer with Bernardo. Take me to Micas--to my sister’s home!” With one long stride Augustine barred the trail and stood over her. “You must go back. It’s best you should know the truth. Bernardo spoke truth when he told you I loved you!” “Augustine, you’re telling a lie--just to frighten me back to him!” “No. Bernardo asked me for the truth; so I told him.” Muella’s eyes dilated and darkened with shadows of amaze, wonder, and pain. “Oh, why did you tell him? I didn’t know. Oh, I swore by the Virgin that you had no thought of me. He’ll believe that I lied.”