“Then you are not in proper company, señor. This cur, as I happen to know, is disloyal. He may cut your throat while you sleep and open the gates to a savage horde. But if you would have him for servant, take him, and watch and beat him well. There will be time for me to attend to him later; at present there are other duties to be performed. Where, may I ask, can I find a man known as Rojerio Rocha?”
“I am so known, sergeant.”
“Ah! You don’t mind telling your name now, eh? This is different than it was at Santa Barbara? So you are Rojerio Rocha? I have been told it might profit me to watch you.”
“What do you mean by that?” the other demanded angrily.
“The meaning is not clear to me. I have but received a warning, señor, and, being a good soldier and these being turbulent times, I never ignore a warning, no matter from what source it comes nor whom it concerns. What is your business here?”
“I still retain the Governor’s pass, sergeant.”
“Captain Fly-by-Night has a Governor’s pass, if it comes to that, yet he scarcely is a reputable person. I believe, in passing, that you had the honour of crossing blades with him yesterday?”
“I did,” said the other, his white face flushing red.
“And the cause of your quarrel?”
“I do not recognise your right to question.”