“I do not know that they would kill me, I rather think they would not; but just now I wish to take no chances—wish to keep out of trouble—as I am playing a little secret game myself, which you will all be let into as soon as I make a discovery or two I hope to.
“Now, follow in a couple of hours, and when you reach the Otega ranch go there alone, leaving the men in hiding.”
With this Buffalo Bill rode along the trail, now well known to him, leading to the home of Señor Otega. He was watchful as he rode along, as he deemed it necessary that he should be.
It was within half an hour of dinner time when he reached the Otega ranch, and he was received by the señor and his lovely wife most cordially.
“You are going to be our guest for several days, I hope?”
“Thank you, no, for I must go on my way this afternoon.”
“I am sorry; but we will soon have dinner.”
Señora Otega left the room to see to it, when the señor remarked:
“Now, which way, señor, for I am sorry to see you alone on a trail?”
“I have company, sir, but they are not visible.”