“Since my comandante is away in the hills chasing this Fly-by-Night I am ranking officer here and do as I please, Señor Rocha. I ask the cause of your quarrel because I would know the extent of enmity between you and judge as to the value of the hint I have received.”
“You mean I have been denounced by this Fly-by-Night?”
“Precisely, señor.”
“Hah! And how did you receive the hint, as you call it? Is communication open between you and Captain Fly-by-Night, regarding whom there is an order to take, dead or alive?”
“There was a way of communication,” the sergeant admitted, chewing vigorously at his moustache and his face flushing in turn.
“I scarcely think you need credit any warning concerning myself that Fly-by-Night would give. He perhaps hopes to cause me annoyance. We fought because of a boast he made regarding a certain young lady.”
“Over a woman, eh? If there is a woman in it I am inclined to wash my hands of the matter. A saint can turn liar when there is a woman concerned. You might inform me, however, to set my mind at rest, regarding your business here.”
“I have inherited half of the Fernandez rancho, sergeant, and have come to take possession.”
“The Fernandez rancho!” the sergeant gasped. “It is there, so this Captain Fly-by-Night has informed me, that the hostiles are gathering.”
“That is nonsense. I am going out to the rancho immediately with some ladies, and four soldiers as guards. Would I make the journey if there was danger, especially with ladies along?”