“And how about The Polka Saloon—­the raid on Cloudy Mountain Camp?”

A shade of annoyance crossed Ramerrez’ face.

“I have decided to give that up—­at least for a time.”

Again Nina regarded him curiously; when she spoke there was a suspicious gleam in her eyes, though she said lightly: 

“Perhaps you’re right—­it will not be an easy job.”

“Far from it,” quickly agreed the man.  “But the real reason is, that I have planned to go below for a while.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed.

“You are going away then?”

“Yes.”

“And what about me?  Do I go with you?”

Ramerrez laughed uneasily.

“It is impossible.  The fact is, it is best that this should be our last meeting.”  And seeing the change that came over her face he went on in more conciliatory tones:  “Now, Nina, be reasonable.  It is time that we understood each other.  This interview must be final.”

“And you came here to tell me this?” blazed the woman, scowling darkly upon him.  And for the moment she looked all that she was reputed to be—­a dangerous woman!

Receiving no answer, she spoke again.

“But you said that you would love me always?”

The man flushed.

“Did I say that once?  What a memory you have!”

“And you never meant it?”

“I suppose so—­at the time.”

“Then you don’t love me any more?”

Ramerrez made no answer.

For some moments Nina sat perfectly still.  Her mind was busy trying to determine upon the best course to pursue.  At length she decided to make one more attempt to see whether he was really in earnest.  And if not . . .

“But to-night,” she hazarded, leaning far over the table and putting her face close to his, her eyes the while flooded with voluptuousness, “you will come with me to my room?”

Ramerrez shook his head.

“No, Nina, all that is over.”

The woman bit her lips with vexation.

“Are you made of stone?  What is the matter with you to-night?  Is there anything wrong with my beauty?  Have you seen anyone handsomer than I am?”

“No . . .”

“Then why not come?  You don’t hate?”

“I don’t hate you in the least, but I won’t go to your room.”

“So!”

There was a world of meaning in that one word.  For a while she seemed to be reflecting; suddenly with great earnestness she said: 

“Once for all, Ramerrez, listen to me.  Rather than give you up to any other woman I will give you up to death.  Now do you still refuse me?”

“Yes . . .” answered Ramerrez not unkindly and wholly unmoved by her threat.  “We’ve been good pals, Nina, but it’s best for both that we should part.”