Bryant released his hold on the cowed clerk, but remained by his side,
where his presence exerted an amazingly energizing effect upon the
scribe. The pen scratched industriously to and fro across the page,
over which the youth humped himself as if enamoured of the tome, only
at intervals risking a glance at the lean-faced, vigilant American.
When he had finished the transcription, stamped the deed and closed
the book, Bryant handed him the amount of the fee.

"Thank you," the clerk said, with an excess of politeness.

He was still nervous. He furtively observed his visitor stowing the
deed in a pocket, as if expecting Bryant to initiate some new
violence, and resolved on flight if he should.

"There, my friend, that's all you can do for me just now," the
engineer remarked. "But I shall return soon, so keep awake and ready.
When you see me entering, advance _pronto_. If anything annoys me,
it's being kept waiting by a Mexican boy-clerk. Do you get that
clearly?"

"_Si, señor_," the other replied, unconsciously lapsing into his
native tongue.

"_Muy bueno_--and bear it in mind. Now I advise you to get to work on
the documents you've allowed to accumulate; it's half-past two and
you've had enough of a siesta for one noon." With which Bryant took
his departure.

Outside he led his horse across the street to the frame store. Beside
the latter stood Menocal's house, with its smooth green lawn and its