"That's all right," replied Jim cheerfully. He did not sit down, for Santiago was still on his feet. And one can use a revolver better when standing. "I heard that you had been suddenly called to Town yesterday. I therefore made it my business to follow."
"Very kind of you," said Santiago slipping his hand into his breast pocket, an action which was imitated by Herrick, "but how did you find out my address? I never gave it to you."
"An oversight on your part my dear Don Manuel," replied Jim politely but watchful of the man's slightest action, "but the fact is my friend Joyce left Beorminster yesterday as you know--that was after his talk with you I believe. I thought that it was possible you might ask him to stop with you for a day or so in place of returning to his own home. Therefore I telegraphed to town asking certain friends of mine to keep a watch on him and--you."
"What am I to understood from all this Señor?"
"This much. That your game is up. Joyce has told me much; I have waited to see if you will tell me more."
Don Manuel cast a black look at Robin who began to 'whimper. "I could not help it," he said, "it's all over. I had to tell him."
"You told him what?" demanded the Mexican livid with rage.
"All about the conspiracy--Frisco, and a few other--ah, would you"--for Don Manuel had whipped out his revolver. Herrick was just as quick and the two men faced one another. Robin gave a shriek like a frightened woman. The sight was an unpleasant one.
"For God's sake!" cried Joyce wringing his hands.
"One moment before you fire Señor," said Herrick coolly, "I would have you know that the firing of a single shot will bring up the police." Santiago dropped his revolver with a start. "The police," he muttered; then after a pause he returned his weapon to his pocket. "You can do the same Señor," he said calmly.