"If we find that to be so, we will sweep southward. I am, in a measure,
exploring. Garcia wants a route to Middle California."

"I also have a sort of exploring leave. I shall take the liberty to keep
along with you. It may be best for both."

The announcement sounded like a threat of surveillance, and Coronado's
dark cheek turned darker with angry blood. This stolid and intrusive brute
was absolutely demanding his own death. After saying, with a forced smile,
"You will be invaluable to us, Lieutenant," the Mexican lounged away to
where Texas Smith was examining his firearms, and whispered, "Well, will
you do it?"

"I ain't afeared of _him_," muttered the borderer. "It's his clothes. I
don't like to shute at jackets with them buttons. I mought git into big
trouble. The army is a big thing."

"Two hundred dollars," whispered Coronado.

"You said that befo'," croaked Texas. "Go it some better."

"Four hundred."

"Stranger," said Texas, after debating his chances, "it's a big thing. But
I'll do it for that."

Coronado walked away, hurried up his muleteers, exchanged a word with Mrs.
Stanley, and finally returned to Thurstane. His thin, dry, dusky fingers
trembled a little, but he looked his man steadily in the face, while he
tendered him another cigarito.