"Well, then, build a fire, and you, Panfilo, lend a hand. The
senora will need a cup of tea, for we three have a long ride ahead
of us."
No time was lost. Both Mexicans fell to with a will, and in a
surprisingly short time water was boiling. When it came Law's turn
to eat, Alaire, who was eager to be gone, directed her employee to
fetch the Ranger's horse. Panfilo acquiesced readily and buckled
on his cartridge-belt and six-shooter. He was about to pick up his
rifle, too, but finding Law's eyes inquiringly fixed upon him, he
turned with a shrug and disappeared down the arroyo. It was plain
that he considered his friendly relations well established and
resented the Ranger's suspicion.
"How long has that fellow been working for you?" Law jerked his
head in the direction Panfilo had taken.
"Not long. I--don't know much about him," Alaire confessed. Then,
as if in answer to his unspoken question, "But I'm sure he's all
right."
"Is he looking up range for you?"
"N--no! I left him at the ranch. I don't know how he came to be
here, unless--It IS rather strange!"
Dave shot a swift, interrogatory glance at Panfilo's traveling
companion, but Anto's face was stony, his black eyes were fixed
upon the fire.
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