They went along steadily through the darkness in an almost directly easterly direction. Being now clear of the brush they could make good time on the springy turf.
"How far are we now from the ranch, Pete?" inquired Jack.
"Too durn close to suit me," replied Pete. "I can't tell exactly for these ranches are as big as all outside creation, but I guess we must be as close as a mile to the buildings."
"I reckon the Captain is going to walk up to the front door and ask for accommodations."
"Wouldn't s'prise me a bit, if he done that," replied Pete querulously. "The old man ain't lacking in nerve. Back thar was the first time I ever seen him hang back in my long experience with him."
"When the old lady was speaking her piece? Suppose I ask him how much he made when he captured the Senor," suggested Cales, who had recovered his flippant humor.
"I wouldn't git gay, lad," said old Pete, warningly. "She is just as liable to haunt you in your black spells."
"Don't have 'em, uncle," replied Cales.
"You collect the material for 'em when you are young," said the old man wisely, "and they come out of your bones like rheumatiz when you git old."
"Somebody is coming back of us," suddenly whispered Cales.