What I came to ask was whether the man had hidden
here? We have searched all the rooms on this balcony, without success.
Yet most certainly Pedro and Pancho"--indicating the armed men in the
corridor--"saw him bound up the stairs."
"Here?" said Rafaela. "Why, our door has been locked, as you see."
Before Don Fernandez could retort, the report of distant rifle fire
came to the ears of all in the room, followed by a growing fusillade
as the sentries on the northern rim of the valley fell back before
attack.
The Don whirled around.
"Hark," said he, and added with conviction: "The government troops are
attacking. And they sent an assassin ahead of them. Well, he has been
foiled. And they will be foiled, too."
And without more ado he darted from the room, Pancho and Pedro
obediently following at his heels.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE FAIR TRAITRESS
Rafaela leaped up and lifted her chair, permitting Jack to emerge from
his unique hiding place. He was overcome with gratitude at the thought
of what she had done for him, and hesitated to speak.
"Speak," she said, frowning, and stamped her foot. "Tell me, is this
true?"
"What do you mean?" asked Jack in surprise.
"That you are an assassin sent by that horrible President Obregon?"
Jack was hurt, and showed his feelings.
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