"I told him that a score of times."
"What did he say?"
"Told me to raise more, or have the pleasure of receiving my boy in pieces."
"How long ago was that?"
"Three days."
"Near here?"
"Yes."
"How long have you been in Mendoza?"
"Two days, and during that time I have received this from Pacheco."
He took something from his pocket—something wrapped in a handkerchief. With trembling fingers, he unrolled it, exposing to view——