"There has been a misunderstanding," he explained. "I thought the señorita Romanez would go with us to Rio Frio, but she told me last night that she must return early this morning. I expostulated and implored, but the señorita was firm. She declared she had not promised to come farther than the hacienda. You see my unfortunate position. One cannot compel a lady to do what she does not wish."
"When shall we reach Rio Frio?" Evelyn asked.
"If all goes well, late this afternoon."
Evelyn thought for a moment. She was vexed and vaguely alarmed, but her father was waiting for her at Rio Frio.
"Then let us start as soon as possible," she said.
Gomez bowed.
"When breakfast is over. I go to give my men their orders."
Leaving the hacienda, they rode by rough, steep tracks that wound through belts of forest and crossed sun-scorched slopes. Although it was hot, the air was clear, and Evelyn was pleased to see that Gomez kept the mules at a steady pace. At noon they reached a cluster of poverty-stricken mud houses, and Gomez called one of the ragged, half-breed peons. They talked for some time in a low voice, and then Gomez turned to Evelyn.
"I am afraid we shall have to wait here for two or three hours," he said. "It might be dangerous to go any farther now."
"But I must get on!" Evelyn answered sharply.