"An oversight on your part my dear Don Manuel," replied Jim politely but watchful of the man's slightest action, "but the fact is my friend Joyce left Beorminster yesterday as you know--that was after his talk with you I believe. I thought that it was possible you might ask him to stop with you for a day or so in place of returning to his own home. Therefore I telegraphed to town asking certain friends of mine to keep a watch on him and--you." "What am I to understood from all this Señor?" "This much. That your game is up. Joyce has told me much; I have waited to see if you will tell me more." Don Manuel cast a black look at Robin who began to 'whimper. "I could not help it," he said, "it's all over. I had to tell him." "You told him what?" demanded the Mexican livid with rage. "All about the conspiracy--Frisco, and a few other--ah, would you"--for Don Manuel had whipped out his revolver. Herrick was just as quick and the two men faced one another. Robin gave a shriek like a frightened woman. The sight was an unpleasant one. "For God's sake!" cried Joyce wringing his hands. "One moment before you fire Señor," said Herrick coolly, "I would have you know that the firing of a single shot will bring up the police." Santiago dropped his revolver with a start. "The police," he muttered; then after a pause he returned his weapon to his pocket. "You can do the same Señor," he said calmly. "I don't think we shall have much use for them," said Herrick putting away his weapon and sitting down. "I think we may talk now that these preliminaries are ended. Will you not be seated Señor Manuel." "In my own house!" exclaimed the Spaniard between his teeth but sat nevertheless. "Quite so; I have to ask you pardon for that. But you see my friend, I must stand if you do, and I am tired. You might use that pretty little weapon in your pocket." "I may do so yet," said Santiago with an ugly look. "Possibly. All the same I would point out that your intention has its disadvantages. In the first place I am a good and a quick shot. In the second as my shot or yours would summon the police, you might get into trouble." "The police can do nothing to me." "If you attempt to kill me I think they can do a lot. We are not in Mexico now, Señor Santiago. Come, let us talk sensibly. I am sure you must see that I am in a position to dictate my own terms. You will not find them hard I assure you always provided--" "Provided what?" "That you did not murder Colonel Carr. If you did, I fear--I fear I shall be obliged to hand you over to the police. We have a prejudice against people being killed in this country, Don Manuel."