from the front, and apparently the house had been erected with the thought that it might some time be used for purposes of defence, as it had almost the appearance of a fort.  The larger building was not entirely unlike this in general design, except that small openings had been cut in the log walls, and a rude chimney arose through the roof.  Both appeared deserted.  Confident there could be no better time for the venture, Stella signalled with her hand for the others to join her.

They advanced slowly, Cavendish holding the revolver at the Mexican’s head, the latter grinning savagely, his dark eyes never still.  Bitter hate, desperate resolve, marked his every action, although he sought to appear indifferent.  The girl’s lips were compressed, and her eyes met his firmly.

“The way is clear,” she said, “and, listen to my warning, senor.  We are going straight along the north side of your cabin there, until we reach the door.  For about twenty feet we shall be exposed to view from that other cabin, if any of your men are there.  If you dare utter a sound, or make a motion, this man will shoot you dead in your tracks—­do you understand?”

His look was ugly enough, although he compelled the thin lips to smile.

“Quite clearly—­yes; but pardon me if I doubt.  You might kill me; I think that, yet how would it serve you?  One shot fired would bring here a dozen men—­then what?”

“I thank you, senor; there will be no shot fired.  Give me the revolver, Mr. Cavendish; now take this knife.  As we advance walk one step behind Mendez.  You will know what to do.  Now, senor, if you wish to try an experiment—­we go now.”

There was not a sound, not a word.  Not unlike three shadows they crossed the open space, and found shelter behind the walls of the hut.  The girl never removed her eyes from the other cabin, and Cavendish, a step behind his prisoner, poised for a quick blow, the steel blade glittering in uplifted hand, saw nothing but the back of the man before him.  The latter shrugged his shoulders and marched forward, his eyes alone evidencing the passion raging within.

Without pausing they reached the door, which stood slightly ajar.  Stella pushed it open, took one swift glance within and stepped aside.  The other two entered, and she instantly followed, closing the door, and securing it with a stout wooden bar.  Her face was white, marked by nervous emotion, her eyes bright and fearless.  With one swift glance she visioned the interior; there were two rooms, both small, divided by a solid log partition, pierced by a narrow door-way.

The back room was dark, seemingly without windows, but this in which they stood had an opening to the right, letting in the sunlight.  It was a mere slash in the logs, unframed, and could be closed by a heavy wooden shutter.  She stepped across and glanced out.  The view revealed included a large portion of the valley, and the entrance to the other cabin.  There was no excitement, no evidence of any alarm—­their crossing from the mouth of the cave had escaped observation.  Thus far at least they were safe.