I, too,
am a friend of the Rebels. Panchito, the Liberator, was a saint,
and I give money to the patriots who fight for his memory. But I
do not aid the tyrant Potosi with my other hand. Yes, and who is
richer, for instance, than Senor Eduardo Austin?"
"You surely don't accuse him of double-dealing with the Rebels?"
Blaze inquired, curiously.
"I don't know. He is a friend of Tad Lewis, and there are strange
stories afloat."
Just what these stories were, however, Ricardo would not say,
feeling, perhaps, that he had already said too much.
The three men spent that evening together, and in the morning
Blaze rode home, leaving the Ranger behind for the time being as
Guzman's guest.
Dave put in the next two days riding the pastures, familiarizing
himself with the country, and talking with the few men he met.
About all he discovered, however, was the fact that the Guzman
range not only adjoined some of Lewis's leased land, but also was
bounded for several miles by the Las Palmas fence.
It was pleasant to spend the days among the shy brush-cattle, with
Bessie Belle for company. The mare seemed to enjoy the excursions
as much as her owner.
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