"You've said it," agreed Byrne. "It's Rio as soon as we can

make it. Pesita's promised to set you both loose in the

morning and send you under safe escort--Miguel to his happy

home, and you to El Orobo Rancho. I guess the old stiff isn't

so bad after all."

Miguel had pricked up his ears at the sound of the word

ESCORT. He leaned far forward, closer to the two Americans,

and whispered.

"Who is to command the escort?" he asked.

"I dunno," said Billy. "What difference does it make?"

"It makes all the difference between life and death for your

friend and for me," said Miguel. "There is no reason why I

should need an escort. I know my way throughout all Chihuahua

as well as Pesita or any of his cutthroats. I have

come and gone all my life without an escort. Of course your

friend is different. It might be well for him to have company

to El Orobo. Maybe it is all right; but wait until we learn who

commands the escort. I know Pesita well. I know his methods.

If Rozales rides out with us tomorrow morning you may say

good-bye to your friend forever, for you will never see him in

Rio, or elsewhere. He and I will be dead before ten o'clock."

"What makes you think that, bo?" demanded Billy.

"I do not think, senor," replied Miguel; "I know."

"Well," said Billy, "we'll wait and see."

"If it is Rozales, say nothing," said Miguel. "It will do no

good; but we may then be on the watch, and if possible you

might find the means to obtain a couple of revolvers for us. In

which case--" he shrugged and permitted a faint smile to flex

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