“This is a remarkable story, Cody.”
“Yes, but he told it as the truth, and there stands the deserted hacienda, with the graves, thirty-three in number, in one corner of the grounds.
“I asked the landlord as much as I dared, to try and find out who the maiden and the Mexican officer were. From what I could learn from him, if the one I rescued was the one he had in mind, the young lady is known as Suelo, the Recluse. She is the daughter of a Mexican nobleman, I heard, but lives alone at her hacienda, which is a fine one, with only her servants and a score of Mexican cattlemen, and all appear to worship her.
“But no one in the valley knows much about her, the landlord said, and who the Mexican officer was he did not know.
“I did not tell him I had rescued them, but merely said I had met them, and her beauty and his fine looks and uniform impressed me.
“I called upon the priest, but he was absent, and so I determined to bring the bracelet on with me, and when I go back I shall look up the owner, and then, sir, I shall take the deserted hacienda as my ranch.”
“Well, Cody, you are the best judge of just what to do; but I assure you I will not only be anxious about you, but will watch the result with great interest. If you need aid I will give you letters to the nearest posts, so you will be able to call on them for what men you may wish.”
“Thank you, sir. My idea was to stop at the government corrals on my way down—for you know they send the cattle southward to feed in winter—and borrow a lot of steers and horses to drive to my ranch and care for, thus carrying out the idea that I had gone to the valley to settle and make it my home.
“I shall tell the priest that I will pay rent when the owner demands it, and thus keep my taking possession of the deserted ranch from appearing a lawless act.”
“It would be a good idea. Come to me when you are ready to start, and I will give you all letters necessary to have you carry out your plans,” said the commandant, and Buffalo Bill departed, to prepare for his latest mission.