Her father and O'Donnell were standing just outside the courtyard gate. Two or three peons were holding O'Donnell's horse which was restive, pawing and biting at them. The two men spoke English and thus freely, as none of the peons understood that tongue.
"Men are playing to-day and an empire makes the stake," O'Donnell said. "Farquharson is sitting in the game, and, by faith! so am I."
Mendoza nodded.
"And, Administrator Mendoza, so are you—and the chief player! Did not your recent visit to Mexico acquaint you with the trump card?"
Mendoza smiled pleasantly.
The stallion came closer to them, dragging the peons with him. He seized the shirt of one of them and tore it from his back.
"Quiet, Drumlummon!" Then to the servants, "Unloose him." The huge animal came fawning to his side.
Without touching hand to the horse O'Donnell vaulted the saddle.
"A moment, O'Donnell."
The man leaned in his saddle.