Dick Bristol smiled grimly.
He knew that Captain Joaquin was no fool, and also that the outlaw did not take him to be one.
Was this the chance for his life the road-raider intended to give him? It looked so. Dick could plainly see the string attached to the gift.
He did not respond immediately.
"You don't answer," urged the Red Rover.
"What is the use? Were I to accept, all in good faith, you would not trust me."
"Why not?"
"Because I am Deadwood Dick, the Dead-Set Detective and Rogue-Runner."
Captain Joaquin smiled in his turn.
He and his men had now removed their masks.