Rozales and two others spoke
English. With those Billy conversed. He tried to learn from
them the name of the officer who was to command the escort
that was to accompany Bridge and Miguel into the valley on
the morrow; but Rozales and the others assured him that they
did not know.
When he had asked the question Billy had been looking
straight at Rozales, and he had seen the man's pupils contract
and noticed the slight backward movement of the body which
also denotes determination. Billy knew, therefore, that Rozales
was lying. He did know who was to command the escort, and
there was something sinister in that knowledge or the fellow
would not have denied it.
The American began to consider plans for saving his friend
from the fate which Pesita had outlined for him. Rozales, too,
was thinking rapidly. He was no fool. Why had the stranger
desired to know who was to command the escort? He knew
none of the officers personally. What difference then, did it
make to him who rode out on the morrow with his friend?
Ah, but Miguel knew that it would make a difference. Miguel
had spoken to the new captain, and aroused his suspicions.
Rozales excused himself and rose. A moment later he was
in conversation with Pesita, unburdening himself of his suspicions,
and outlining a plan.
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