“Why, señor, you in our valley again? You are welcome, I assure you.”

Buffalo Bill responded to the questions, and then said:

“But my coming prevents you from going on a ride, I fear?”

“No, for I can go another time, as there is no great hurry. I was merely intending to ride over to see the stranger who had taken possession of the old mission ranch and urge that he give up such a thought, for I deem it my duty to advise him.”

“Thanks, señor. Do you know who he is?”

“An American of wealth, I believe, who came here with his people, cattle, horses, and all.”

“Permit me to say, señor, that I am the one. I took possession yesterday.”

“You surprise me.”

“And it is a surprise to me that you should know it so soon.”

“I learned it last night, from my men. But, señor, I am the more distressed, now, as I learn you are the man, for I like you, and to go to that terrible place is but to go to your doom.”