"
He was silent then for a moment, looking hard at the
ground. Bridge whistled, and cleared his throat.
"I've always wanted to spend a year in Rio," he said.
"We'll meet there, when you can make your get-away."
"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.
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