"Has the young man had chance to give you a word or two of explanation yet?"
"What young man?" demanded Captain Foster, turning to look at Ruggles.
"Why, the officer who marched us over here."
"Lieutenant Overton?"
"Certainly. Has he told you anything? I mean about how this whole business is to be fixed so as to keep me out of it altogether?"
"What on earth are you talking about?" demanded Captain Foster, who was now wondering whether his ears had played him a trick.
"Why, it's all settled," murmured Ruggles.
"I turned the money over to your chap, Overton, and he told me it would be all fixed. I'm not to be held or prosecuted in this matter. The trouble is all to fall on the Mexicans."
"I wish I knew what you were talking about," cried Captain Foster.
"Why, it's plain enough, Captain. I paid the money over to your lieutenant, and he and you were to fix it so I could slide out of the matter and keep my name out, too. I paid Overton the five thousand dollars, which he said would be enough for you both and that it would be all right."