“Do you know where we are going?”
The Lizard looked back at the hill toward which the outlaw had gone.
“I know whar Sonora Jack says we’re a-goin’—whether we go er not depends on you.”
“What do you mean?” faltered Marta.
“What do ye reckon I’m here a-mixin’ up in this fer?” retorted the Lizard.
“I—I am sure I don’t know.”
“Oh, ye don’t, don’t ye? Can’t even make a guess, heh? Wal, I’ll tell ye, hit’s like this: Sonora Jack, he’s a-aimin’ t’ carry ye into Mexico. He ’lows he knows whar ther’s a feller what’ll be glad t’ pay an almighty fancy price fer a likely lookin’ gal like you an’ he’s goin’ t’ sell ye. Onct he’s south of th’ border, he kin work it easy enough. He’s a-takin’ good care of ye ’cause he’s got t’ deliver ye in first-class shape. Onct yer delivered an’ th’ other feller has paid Jack’s price—wal, I reckon you’ll be made t’ earn yer livin’ all right, an’ pay right smart on yer owner’s investment besides.”
The explanation of the outlaw’s purpose in abducting her was so plausible that Marta was stricken with horror.
After a moment the Lizard spoke again, emphasizing his words with significant care.
“That’s what Jack thinks he’s a-goin’ t’ do. Jist like he thinks I come along t’ help him.”