Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/228

 Helena said, coming to the window again, her face flushed by the anger that had blasted Doña Carlota's courage like a wrinkled pea. "I can put them off a week, a month, by seeming about to yield to this one, a promise to that one. I can make them fight among themselves, as they are already started, over my estate. They will not dare to bring me to trial on this foolish charge of treason."

"I am afraid there are few things they will not dare against the helpless," said Gabriel, sorrowfully remembering John Toberman's last look.

"Don Abrahan will protect me if the governor presses the matter," she declared. "He is my distant relative, my condemnation would be his disgrace. He never will permit it, don't you see, Gabriel?"

"Have you any further news from Monterey?"

"No. I wasn't allowed to read the message they took from the man Roberto killed."

"I wish we knew whether the United States cruisers Toberman was expecting have arrived."

"It is plain you must go to Monterey, Gabriel, and find out. I will be safe, setting the wolves fighting over my property. Then, if the cruisers are there, or when they come, you will sail in one of them to San Pedro and march here with the marines and set me free."

"That's a long speculation, too great a gamble, Helena. You must go with me."

"I would be a stone around your neck, Gabriel. It is a long way, a woman's endurance is not equal