"Thunder," Nort said. "First night storm we've had in a long while."
"Where's that Mexican?" inquired Hawkins again. "Bring him here, Kid."
Yellin' Kid led the cook to where Hawkins was intently watching the road. The agent turned to the Mexican and stared hard at him.
"You know Jose Salvo?" he asked suddenly.
The Mexican nodded vigorously. Then he pointed to himself and held up two fingers.
"His brother? Well, what do you know about that!" plainly the secret service agent was surprised. "No wonder you look like him! Bud, you remember that Mexican we saw in the restaurant the first day you hit town? The one I told you to watch out for? Well, this bird is his brother!"
"I thought it was the same one, when we first saw him! His brother, eh? And what's he doin' at this ranch?"
The Mexican apparently heard the question, and endeavored to answer it. In the gloom they could see his arms and hands motioning forcibly, but none of them were able to understand the message.
"Better wait," suggested Billee Dobb. "The poor critter is almost scared out of his wits. He may have a bad brother, but I think he's O. K. himself. I'll watch him for you. Over here, Mex!" he ordered sharply.
The cook walked slowly over to Billee, and squatted down beside him. He looked up at the old rancher as a calf might look for protection to a cow.