"And my friends?"
"They go, too, of course."
"All of them?"
The Mexican smiled. "You're the most suspicious man I ever knew. All of them, Señor Yeager."
"Including Miss Seymour?" The range-rider spoke quietly, but his eyes were like swords.
"Naturally she will not wish to stay here when her friends leave."
Steve leaned against the porch post with a deep breath of relaxation. "If I'm sleeping, don't let any one wake me, general," he implored, smiling for the first time.
"I confess your amazement surprises me," said Culvera suavely. "Did you think all Mexicans were like Pasquale? He was a great man, but he was a savage. Also, he was a child at statecraft. I used to warn him to coöperate with the United States if he wished to succeed. But he was ignorant and eaten up with egotism."
"You're right he was, general."
"A new policy is now in operation. In freeing you I ask only that you set me and my army right with your people. Let them understand that we stand for a free Mexico and for justice."