Part 27 (1/2)

”They don't, eh? Well, he's got all of Jonesville walkin' around ladders, and spittin' through crossed fingers, and countin' the spots on their nails. He interprets their dreams and locates lost articles.”

”Maybe he can tell me where to find Adolfo Urbina?” Dave suggested.

”Humph! If he can't, Tad Lewis can. Say, Dave, this case of yours has stirred up a lot of feelin' against Tad. The prosecutin' attorney says he'll sure cinch him and Urbina, both. One of Lewis's men got on a bender the other night and declared Adolfo would never come to trial.”

”What did he mean?”

”It may have been mescal talk, but witnesses sometimes have a way of disappearin'. I wouldn't put anything past that gang.”

Not long after breakfast Don Ricardo Guzman appeared at the Jones house and warmly greeted his two friends. To Dave he explained:

”Last night I came to town, and this morning I heard you had returned, so I rode out at once. You were unsuccessful?”

”Our man never went to Pueblo.”

”Exactly. I thought as much.”

”He's probably safe across the river.”

But Ricardo thought otherwise. ”No. Urbina deserted from this very Colonel Blanco who commands the forces at Romero. He would scarcely venture to return to Federal territory. However, I go to meet Blanco to-day, and perhaps I shall discover something.”

”What takes you over there?” Blaze inquired.

”Wait until I tell you. Senor David, here, brings me good fortune at every turn. He honors my poor thirsty rancho with a visit and brings a glorious rain; then he destroys my enemies like a thunderbolt. No sooner is this done than I receive from the Federals an offer for fifty of my best horses. Caramba! Such a price, too. They are in a great hurry, which looks as if they expected an attack from the Candeleristas at Matamoras. I hope so. G.o.d grant these traitors are defeated. Anyhow, the horses have gone, and to-day I go to get my money, in gold.”

”Who's going with you?” asked Law.

Ricardo shrugged. ”n.o.body. There is no danger.”

Blaze shook his head. ”They know you are a red-hot Rebel. I wouldn't trust them.”

”They know, also, that I am an American, like you gentlemen,” proudly a.s.serted Guzman. ”That makes a difference. I supported the Liberator--G.o.d rest his soul!--and I secretly a.s.sist those who fight his a.s.sa.s.sins, but so does everybody else. I am receiving a fine price for those horses, so it is worth a little risk. Now, senor,” he addressed himself to the Ranger, ”I have brought you a little present.

Day and night my boys and I have worked upon it, for we know the good heart you have. It was finished yesterday. See!” Ricardo unwrapped a bundle he had fetched, displaying a magnificent bridle of plaited horsehair. It was cunningly wrought, and lavishly decorated with silver fittings. ”You recognize those hairs?” he queried. ”They came from the mane and tail of your bonita.”

”Bessie Belle!” Law accepted the handsome token, then held out his hand to the Mexican. ”That was mighty fine of you, Ricardo. I--You couldn't have pleased me more.”

”You like it?” eagerly demanded the old man. ”That is good. I am repaid a thousandfold. Your sentiment is like a woman's. But see! I am famous for this work, and I have taught my boys to use their fingers, too.

That mare will always guide you now, wherever you go. And we handled her gently, for your sake.”

Dave nodded. ”You're a good man, Ricardo. We're going to be friends.”

Guzman's delight was keen, his grizzled face beamed, and he showed his white teeth in a smile. ”Say no more. What is mine is yours--my house, my cattle, my right hand. I and my sons will serve you, and you must come often to see us. Now I must go.” He shook hands heartily and rode away, waving his hat.

”There's a good Greaser,” Blaze said, with conviction, and Dave agreed, feelingly:

”Yes! I'd about go to h.e.l.l for him, after this.” Then he took the bridle in for Paloma to admire.

XVI