Even if the officers arrest you, nothing can
come of it except a trip to Santa Fe for a few days. If I were you I
would give myself up. The rewards have been withdrawn, so it is not
likely your friends will betray you."
"But, _Dona_, are you sure? Will this _Americano_ keep his word? Is it
certain they will not hold me in prison?"
"I tell you it is sure. Is that not enough? Did you find Mr. Gordon so
ready to give you his word and break it when he was your prisoner?"
"True, _Dona_. He laughed at us and told us to kill him. He is a brave
man."
"And brave men do not lie."
Pablo turned to his horse and took down from the horn of the saddle a
gunny sack tied to it. This he opened. From it he drew a tin box that
had been badly blistered with heat.
"It is _Senor_ Gordon's tin box. After you carried him to the house here
the other night I found it under a cottonwood. So I took it home with
me. They are papers. Important---- Is it not so?"
"Yes. I have been looking everywhere for them. You did right to bring
them back to me."
"Perhaps they may help you win the land. Eh, _Dona_?"
"Perhaps. You know I offered a reward of twenty-five dollars for the
box. It is yours. Buy some furniture with it when you and Juanita go to
housekeeping."
"That is all past, alas, _Senorita_. Juanita looks down her nose when I
am near.
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