Frank could not refuse. The wine warmed him and made him feel invigorating.
De Casnova seated himself opposite Frank and opened a conversation.
“Pardon my curiosity, senor,” he said, politely, “but it is a natural question to ask the mission of one traveling across the country as you are. Is it a secret?”
Frank hesitated a moment.
His better sense told him the danger of making a confidant in this wild region.
Acting on impulse, he replied:
“I am out here in quest of a gold claim, near Los Pueblos.”
“Caramba!” exclaimed the ranchero, with a start. “Is it a rich one?”
“It is so reported.”
“I have heard of gold about Los Pueblos, but I have heretofore regarded it as a myth.”