Luis Mariel had ridden directly to the Hog Ranch and reported to Cheetim, handing him both halves of the jack of spades as evidence that the herd had been turned over to the proper party in accordance with Luis’ instructions.
“That’s jest what I been waitin’ fer,” said Cheetim. “Now I got some more work fer you, if you’re game. They’s fifty dollars extra in it fer you.”
“What is it?” asked Luis.
“It ain’t none o’ your business what it is,” replied Cheetim. “All you got to know is thet they may be some shootin’ in it, an’ all you got to do is do what I tell you. If you’re skeered I don’t want you.”
“I am not afraid, Senor,” replied Luis. The fifty dollars appeared a fortune.
“All right. You savvy the Crazy B Ranch?”
“Si, Senor.”
“I want you to take a note to ‘Smooth’ Kreff, the foreman o’ thet outfit.”
“Is that all?”
“No. After you deliver the note you hang around and see what happens. They’s a girl there. When I come I’ll want to know where she is and how many men there are left at the ranch. There’ll be four or five fellers with me. After that I’ll tell you what to do.”