The instant she passed from Gordon's sight Lee's smile went out,
quenched by mortal fear. For years tales that defied by their black
horror exaggeration by even the fervid _peon_ minds had filtered into
Los Arboles, and, more vividly than Gordon, she realized her danger.
It was not so much Ramon. At San Carlos she would have a fighting
chance; stood ready to match her woman's wit against his man's strength.
Her fear centered on the men.
As, overtaking them, he rode by on the narrow path, Ilarian pressed
close against her. "Cheer up, little one! 'Tis the fighting cock that
wins his hen. 'Tis the way of the world, and what matter it so long as
she be won? 'Tis his turn now, but later 'twill be for thee to keep him
itching."
Laughing hoarsely, he rode on, but in passing his rude fingers searched
the softness of her arm and she caught the bold look into her eyes of
his grinning fellow. Thereafter she felt their glances touching,
plucking at her like fumbling fingers. Now glowing with shame, again
frozen with terror, she endured it--to her it seemed hours before she
spoke to Ramon.
"I'm afraid of those men. Can't you--send them away?"