“I feel confident of it, sir, and for that reason I wish your permission to go to that valley and solve that mystery, hunt down that unseen and unknown foe.
“You know that Scout Texas Jack brought with him a dozen Texans as scouts, and they are all saddle sharps, superb lassoists, dead shots, speak Spanish more or less fluently, and are utterly fearless.”
“They are all that you say, Cody.”
“Now, colonel, I wish to take Texas Jack and his Texans and go to that valley and take possession of a deserted hacienda I saw there and turn ranchero, buying cattle and horses, and establishing myself there for the one purpose of discovering the daring leader who thus threatens, robs, and persecutes these people, and I am sure, sir, that I can unearth a mystery that will fully compensate for our time.”
“Cody, you can go, and take the men you ask for. You have been there, understand the situation, and know what you are doing, so I leave all to you.”
“Now, colonel, as the owner of this bracelet dodged me, beyond all doubt, I have it to return to her and will do so. Here it is, sir.”
“Why, it is worth a small fortune, Cody,” said the colonel, gazing earnestly at the handsome bracelet.