“Well, you can talk it over some more, but I’m going for a drink,” Ed declared, and left the room, nervously mopping his face.  He knew only too well the character of his two visitors; he had learned much about Tad Lewis during the past few months, and, as for the Mexican, he thought the fellow capable of any crime.  At this moment Ed bitterly regretted his acquaintance with these neighbors, for both men knew more about his affairs than he cared to have made public.  He was angry and resentful at Tad for taking sides against him, and more than a little fearful of Adolfo’s enmity if he refused assistance.  The owner of Las Palmas still retained a shred of self-respect, a remnant of pride in his name; he did not consider himself a bad man.  He was determined now to escape from this situation without loss of credit, no matter what the price—­if escape were possible—­and he vowed earnestly to himself that hereafter he would take ample pains never to become similarly involved.

Austin remained out of the room for some time; when he returned his visitors appeared to have reached some determination.

“I reckon we can fix things if you’ll help,” Lewis announced.

“And that’s just what I won’t do,” Ed impatiently declared.  “Do you think I’m going to be tangled up in a—­murder?  I’ve got nothing against Don Ricardo.”

“Who said anything about murder?  Things ain’t like they was when your father owned Las Palmas; he done his share of killin’, but nowadays there’s too dam’ much law layin’ around loose.  All you’ve got to do is give me about a thousand dollars.”

“What for?” Ed asked, suspiciously.

“So’s we can handle ourselves.  It’s up to you to do something, ain’t it?”

Austin demurred.  “I haven’t that much that I can lay hands on,” he said, sullenly.  “I’m broke.  And, anyhow, I don’t see what good it’ll do.”

“You better dig it up, somehow, just for your own sake.”

The two men eyed each other for a moment; then Austin mumbled something about his willingness to try, and left the room for a second time.  The money which Alaire kept on hand for current expenses was locked in her safe, but he knew the combination.

It was with an air of resignation, with a childish, half-hearted protest, that he counted out the desired amount into Lewis’s hand, salving his conscience with the statement:  “I’m doing this to help Adolfo out of his trouble, understand?  I hope it’ll enable you to square things.”

“Maybe it will and maybe it won’t,” sneered Lewis.  “Anyhow, I ain’t scared of tryin’.  I got the guts to make a battle, even if you haven’t.”

Ed Austin was greatly relieved when his unwelcome callers rode away; as he composed himself for sleep, an hour later, he refrained from analyzing too deeply the motives behind this forced loan, and refused to speculate too long upon the purpose to which it might be put.  The whole occurrence was unfortunate.  Ed Austin sincerely hoped he had heard the last of it.