The tumble weeds moved and the head of Prince appeared. He pushed the brush aside and came out.
"Buenos tardes, señorita. Didn't know you were comin' back again to-day."
"You've been seen," she told him hurriedly as she dismounted. "Dad's gathering his men. He means to make you trouble."
Billie looked away in the direction of the town. A mile or more away he saw a cloud of dust. It was moving toward them.
"I see he does," he answered quietly.
"Quick! Get your friend out. Take my horse."
He shook his head slowly. "No use. They would see us an' run us down.
We'll make a stand here."
"But you can't do that. They'll surround you. They'll send for more men if they need 'em."
"Likely. But Jim couldn't stand such a ride even if there was a chance—and there isn't, not with yore horse carryin' double. We'll hold the fort, Miss Lee, while you make yore get-away into the hills. An' thank you for comin'. We'll never forget all you've done for us these days."
"I'm not going."