But yet he was desirous of making sure of the fact.

How to do this without arousing suspicion was a question.

But the Mexican’s curiosity seemed also to have been aroused, and he asked, in a guarded way:

“Has senor traveled far?”

Frank embraced the opportunity.

“We have traveled from the East,” he replied. “And we have come here to find a certain person, whom you may know.”

CHAPTER VII.
THE PARLEY.

Castrello gave a violent start.

Frank’s declaration was a genuine surprise to him.

“Ah!” he exclaimed. “You have me by surprise, senor.”