Part 40 (2/2)
”Just one moment, general. All that listens fine to me, but--what are the conditions?”
Ramon made a gesture of regret at being so sadly misunderstood.
”Conditions! There are none.”
”None at all?”
”None. Is it that you think me a peddler instead of a gentleman?” The face of the young Mexican expressed sorrow rather than anger.
Still Steve doubted. ”Let's understand each other, general. Are you telling me that I can walk out of that door, climb into a saddle, and keep going till I get back into old Arizona?”
”I tell you that--and more. You will be furnished an escort to see you safely across the line. You may choose your own guard if you doubt.”
”And my friends?”
”They go, too, of course.”
”All of them?”
The Mexican smiled. ”You're the most suspicious man I ever knew. All of them, Senor Yeager.”
”Including Miss Seymour?” The range-rider spoke quietly, but his eyes were like swords.
”Naturally she will not wish to stay here when her friends leave.”
Steve leaned against the porch post with a deep breath of relaxation.
”If I'm sleeping, don't let any one wake me, general,” he implored, smiling for the first time.
”I confess your amazement surprises me,” said Culvera suavely. ”Did you think all Mexicans were like Pasquale? He was a great man, but he was a savage. Also, he was a child at statecraft. I used to warn him to cooperate with the United States if he wished to succeed. But he was ignorant and eaten up with egotism.”
”You're right he was, general.”
”A new policy is now in operation. In freeing you I ask only that you set me and my army right with your people. Let them understand that we stand for a free Mexico and for justice.”
The hands of the two men gripped.
”I'll sure do my share, general.”
”We're to have a little luncheon before you go. Captain Girard and your friends are to be my guests. You will join us; not so?”
”Gracias, general. Count me in.”
The black eyes of the Mexican twinkled. ”Your wound--does it greatly trouble you, senor?”
”Some. When I walk.”
”Too bad. I was going to ask you to step upstairs and tell Senorita Seymour that General Culvera will be delighted to have her join us at luncheon. But, of course, since your leg troubles you--”
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