"Thank you." He considered a moment. "I think it no less than fair to warn you, Miss Parker, that my trip has to do with a scheme that may deprive your father of his opportunity to acquire the Rancho Palomar at one-third of its value. I think the scheme may be at least partially successful, but if I am to succeed at all, I'll have to act promptly." She held out her hand to him. "My father plays fair, Don Mike. I hope you win." And she unlatched the door of the tonneau and motioned him to enter. XIII The return of Pablo Artelan to the hacienda with his employer's prisoner was a silent and dignified one up to the moment they reached the entrance to the palm avenue. Here the prisoner, apparently having gathered together his scattered wits, turned in the saddle and addressed his guard. "Artelan," he said, in Spanish, "if you will permit me to go, I will give you five thousand dollars." "If you are worth five thousand dollars to me," the imperturbable Pablo replied, calmly, "how much more are you worth to Don Miguel Farrel?" "Ten thousand! You will be wealthy." "What need have I for wealth, Loustalot? Does not Don Miguel provide all things necessary for a happy existence?" "I will give you twelve thousand. Do not be a fool, Artelan. Come; be sensible and listen to reason." "Silence, animal! Is not the blood of my brother on your head? One word--" "Fifteen thousand, Artelan. Quick. There is little time to--" Pablo rode up beside him and quite deliberately smote the man heavily across the mouth with the back of his hand. "There will be no more talk of money," he commanded, tersely. John Parker had finished writing his letters and was standing, with his wife and the potato baron, in front of the hacienda when Pablo and his prisoner rode into the yard. Thin rivulets of blood were trickling from the Basque's nose and lips; his face was ashen with rage and apprehension. "Why, Loustalot, what has happened?" Parker cried, and stepped out to intercept the gray gelding, but Pablo, riding behind, struck the gray on the flank, and the animal bounded forward. But Parker was not to be denied. He, too, leaped, seized the reins, and brought the animal to a halt. Pablo glared at him hatefully; then, remembering that this man was no longer an interloper, but an honored guest of the house of Farrel, he removed his sombrero and bowed courteously.