"They come to-night, captain," he said.
"Who—the bandits?"
"Captain Blacklocks and his robbers."
"You have seen them, then? Where are they?"
"Over the hills there," was the answer. "They are getting ready for the swoop. They will burn the houses and strip the woman's treasury. You must fight for your lives."
"It is to be 'no quarter,' is it?"
"No quarter," cried the native. "That is what they say. Blacklocks was shot last night by one of the guards of the ranch, and he will have revenge. They intend to murder all on the ranch, whom they outnumber ten to one."
Old Broadbrim looked down into the man's face and asked his name.
"I am Black George," was the reply. "I overheard the robbers this morning, and I want to save the lady of the ranch. For Captain Merle I don't care so much, but for Belle Demona I would fight if I had the opportunity."
"Then come back with me and enlist with us."