“Yes,” replied Frank, “he is a man of honor and of courage. Then the report is true that he was robbed of his claim by Costello?”
“I believe that he and Costello had an argument about a claim,”replied Casnova, quietly; “to which it properly belonged I am not able to say.”
“It belonged to Montaine,” said Frank, decidedly.
“Ah, you know that then, do you?” asked the ranchero, quickly.
Frank’s face flushed. He had spoken too quickly.
“I know that Montaine claimed to own a rich gold claim hereabouts,” he declared, positively. “I have no reason to doubt his words.”
“By no means, senor,” replied Casnova, politely, “but you neglect the wine.”
“I thank you,” replied Frank. “I can drink no more.”
“Allow me to insist, senor. It is a very fine quality.”
“As fine as I ever tasted,” declared Frank; “but I will not drink again.”