"The horses' tails!" gasped Francisco.
"Yes, you see that's partly what we raise wild horses for; their skins and their tails. South American horsehair for mattresses is famous all over the world, and it brings good prices. Now, these thieves make their living by visiting the different estancias and helping themselves to the horses' tails.
"Word came to your uncle, just before he left, that when one hundred of his horses were driven out of the Corral De Oeste this morning, they hadn't a single tail among them. So he has offered one hundred pesos to the one, or ones, who can catch these thieves. Would you like to try?"
Had José asked him if he would like to swing on to the new moon by his toes Francisco could not have been more startled.
"Try—! Why José, you can't be in earnest!"
"Como no?" grinned the Indian cheerfully.
"But José, wouldn't they shoot us, and, anyhow, I know you are jesting when you ask if I would care to try. You,—you are a strong man, even if you are getting old, and I heard the peon children down by the huts say that there was no man for leagues and leagues around that could wrestle as you do; that you learned how from a Japanese soldier years ago in Chile. And I know you can shoot; but I would just be in the way."
"No, Señorito, you wouldn't be in the way. Manuel and I want you to go with us because we need you."
"Need me! Oh, José!" and Francisco's eyes gleamed brightly. "Do you think Uncle would allow me to go with you?"
"He is not here to say, and we must leave before he returns. But he left you in my care and if I feel sure no harm can befall you, I see no reason why you should not go."