“That’s right, run along like a good little girl and don’t interfere with things that don’t concern you.”

A sharp movement from Skye made her horse rear up in astonishment, but not before the men watching her had seen the colour flame up in her cheeks.

As she turned and rode away, following Jimmy, she could hear their laughter and felt her own anger, wild and fiery, bring the words spluttering to her lips.

“How dare that man behave in such a way? It was he who had that wretch hanged from the tree – do you realise that? And then to turn us back with such insolence! He has no right, I am sure of that. I have a good mind to go at once to General Alejo and tell him what I think of such behaviour.”

She went on talking for several minutes before she looked at Jimmy and realised that he was very pale and that beads of sweat were standing out on his forehead. She suddenly became silent and her anger died away from her. Jimmy would not be so afraid without good reason for it.

They reached the shelter of the trees before she looked back, only a quick glance. The men were still there and could not have moved since they left. The sunshine was very golden, the grass was very green and the butterflies glinting in the sunshine were lovelier than ever and yet there was something menacing over the land that had seemed so peaceful and beautiful but a few minutes before.

Skye felt herself shiver as if from cold.

And then, as Jimmy wiped his forehead, she asked,

“Who is he?”

“How should I know?”

Jimmy’s tone was irritable and so she was silent until, passing through the wood, they came upon their guides waiting for them. Shamefaced and yet, hiding their shame behind volubility, they hurried forward.

“It is time for the señorita to return. It’s a long way home and sometimes the evenings grow cool. It would be best to make a good speed.”

They spurred their horses as they spoke, but Skye interrupted them.

“Who was that man?”

They did not pretend not to understand her. They glanced at each other and the elder of the boys shrugged his shoulders.

“We don’t know, señorita.”

“Very well, if you don’t wish to tell me,” she said sharply, “you can keep the name to yourself. It is a pity you are not more obliging, for we have enjoyed the ride and would have rewarded you well for looking after us.”

The boys looked at each other, obviously disconcerted by such a direct attack.

“Won’t you tell me his name?” Skye asked more quietly of the younger guide, “and tell me the truth, for I don’t want to hear a lot of lies.”