Then suddenly Standing caught himself up short; there came a new look into his eyes; he shouted, catching Joe by the shoulder:
"Light Ladies' Cañon! Just across from Big Pine? Only a mile or two!"
"As God hears me, Señor!"
Standing broke into sudden laughter. He clapped Joe upon the shoulder so that the little man staggered and paled under the jovial blow.
"With bells on! With bells, Mexico! By high Heaven.... Here, you, Winch! On the run, back to headquarters. Take Joe with you; mount guard over him night and day with a rifle. No man to have a word with him. And wait for me. And, all the while, Bill Winch, keep your mouth shut!"
Winch, with one arm out as a brace against a pine, stiffened.
"I guess I know how to take orders, Mr. Standing," he said, and his tone sounded angry. "You don't need...."
Him also Standing smote on the shoulder.
"Why, God bless you, Bill Winch, you're the only man on earth I'd trust! Those last words weren't necessary.... You're right and I apologize for them! But now, go! Go, I tell you; I'll do anything you say; I'll use your poison on me three times a day.... I'll eat it, if you say so! Only hit the high spots and keep Mexicali under cover until I come! No matter when or how long; there's your job ... old friend!"