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 to a man's. I would drag, my courage might fail. They would overtake us and bring us back, and you would suffer for us both. For that reason, and that reason only, I will not go."

"But here"

"I shall be safe, as I have told you, Gabriel. Get on your horse, let him know his new master's hand. So—how well he behaves! he knows his friend. There—come close to the window, Gabriel. In Monterey see these men, whose names are here. If the ships haven't come these men will know how to help you."

"And who will help you, Helena? No, it would be cowardly for me to go."

"You are outlawed here, they'll hunt you down. You must ride fast to Monterey."

"A little prying with a crowbar and these things would fall—see, they shake, they are loose in the sill. Helena, come with me."

"You know it is not because I do not trust you, Gabriel. I couldn't go unprepared, as a man can go. Before we could be ready, Don Abrahan might return, or Roberto"

"I'll stay here, then. I'll hide in the hills, I'll come down on them and take my toll for John Toberman's life. If they harm you, every man that conspires against you shall die!"

"There would be many friends on your side, but they would be the weak and the poor, Gabriel. It would be better for you to go."

But there was a plea in her eyes, a reluctant