“Under the circumstances,” said the stranger, “you must confess that you have given us great provocation. We should have been justified in firing on you as you drew near, for your movements have been hostile all along.”
“I reckon there was a right good reason why you did no shooting,” put in Brad.
“And that reason was—what?”
“You didn’t dare.”
“Oh, but any man has a right to defend himself and his property. You are wrong in thinking we did not dare. What had we to fear?”
“The row it would raise if you did fire on us. You bet your boots shooting of that sort would have kicked up a rumpus.”
“Your logic is poor. However, I do not intend arguing with you. Now that you are here, be good enough to state your business instantly. As soon as possible I wish you to retire.”
“I presume you haven’t the least idea of the nature of our business?” said Dick sarcastically.
“Not the least, I assure you.”
“Where is Miguel Bunol?”