“But now, señor?”
“Yes; now’s your chance. He’s in the saloon, and the mare’s tied at the corner.”
“The Sheriff is in there, too. The risk is great.”
“Well, I’ll go in and keep them busy. I’ll raise excitement enough inside so that nobody will even look out of the windows. Get out there in five minutes, be quick about it, and ride off down the valley road.”
“Give me the money, señor. I’ll take the chance.”
Jenkins returned, and entered the bar-room with his former companion without attracting the attention of Conrad and his friends. The other spoke of the report about the Castleton money and mentioned Curtis Conrad’s name. Jenkins raised his voice in angry reply:
“Oh, damn Conrad! Martinez don’t want his help!”
Curtis heard the words and turned sharply around, his face flushing. Jenkins appeared not to see him, and went on:
“The Castletons are all right, but Conrad’s help would be a disgrace to any party. Martinez don’t want it!” His voice rang loud and shrill above the silence that had fallen suddenly upon the room.