“What makes you think that, bo?” demanded Billy.

“I do not think, senor,” replied Miguel; “I know.”

“Well,” said Billy, “we’ll wait and see.”

“If it is Rozales, say nothing,” said Miguel.  “It will do no good; but we may then be on the watch, and if possible you might find the means to obtain a couple of revolvers for us.  In which case—­” he shrugged and permitted a faint smile to flex his lips.

As they talked a soldier came and announced that they were no longer prisoners—­they were to have the freedom of the camp; “but,” he concluded, “the general requests that you do not pass beyond the limits of the camp.  There are many desperadoes in the hills and he fears for your safety, now that you are his guests.”

The man spoke Spanish, so that it was necessary that Bridge interpret his words for the benefit of Billy, who had understood only part of what he said.

“Ask him,” said Byrne, “if that stuff goes for me, too.”

“He says no,” replied Bridge after questioning the soldier, “that the captain is now one of them, and may go and come as do the other officers.  Such are Pesita’s orders.”

Billy arose.  The messenger had returned to his post at headquarters.  The guard had withdrawn, leaving the three men alone.

“So long, old man,” said Billy.  “If I’m goin’ to be of any help to you and Mig the less I’m seen with you the better.  I’ll blow over and mix with the Dago bunch, an’ practice sittin’ on my heels.  It seems to be the right dope down here, an’ I got to learn all I can about bein’ a greaser seein’ that I’ve turned one.”

“Good-bye Billy, remember Rio,” said Bridge.

“And the revolvers, senor,” added Miguel.

“You bet,” replied Billy, and strolled off in the direction of the little circle of cigarette smokers.

As he approached them Rozales looked up and smiled. 
Then, rising, extended his hand.

“Senor Captain,” he said, “we welcome you.  I am Captain Rozales.”  He hesitated waiting for Billy to give his name.

“My monacker’s Byrne,” said Billy.  “Pleased to meet you, Cap.”

“Ah, Captain Byrne,” and Rozales proceeded to introduce the newcomer to his fellow-officers.

Several, like Rozales, were educated men who had been officers in the army under former regimes, but had turned bandit as the safer alternative to suffering immediate death at the hands of the faction then in power.  The others, for the most part, were pure-blooded Indians whose adult lives had been spent in outlawry and brigandage.  All were small of stature beside the giant, Byrne.  Rozales and two others spoke English.  With those Billy conversed.  He tried to learn from them the name of the officer who was to command the escort that was to accompany Bridge and Miguel into the valley on the morrow; but Rozales and the others assured him that they did not know.