ought otherwise. "No. Urbina deserted from this very
Colonel Blanco who commands the forces at Romero. He would scarcely
venture to return to Federal territory. However, I go to meet Blanco
to-day, and perhaps I shall discover something."

"What takes you over there?" Blaze inquired.

"Wait until I tell you. Senor David, here, brings me good fortune at
every turn. He honors my poor thirsty rancho with a visit and brings a
glorious rain; then he destroys my enemies like a thunderbolt. No
sooner is this done than I receive from the Federals an offer for fifty
of my best horses. Caramba! Such a price, too. They are in a great
hurry, which looks as if they expected an attack from the Candeleristas
at Matamoras. I hope so. God grant these traitors are defeated. Anyhow,
the horses have gone, and to-day I go to get my money, in gold."

"Who's going with you?" asked Law.

Ricardo shrugged. "Nobody. There is no danger."

Blaze shook his head. "They know you are a red-hot Rebel. I wouldn't
trust them."

"They know, also, that I am an American, like you gentlemen," proudly
asserted Guzman. "That makes a difference. I supported the
Liberator--God rest his soul!--and I secretly assist those who fight
his assassins, but so does everybody else. I am receiving a fine price
for those horses, so it is worth a little risk. Now, senor," he
addressed himself to the Ranger, "I have brought you a little present.
Day and night my boys and I have worked upon it, for we know the good
heart you have. It was finished yesterday. See!" Ricardo unwrapped a
bundle he had fetched, displaying a magnificent bridle of plaited
horsehair. It was cunningly wrought, and lavishly decorated with silver
fittings. "You recognize those hairs?" he queried. "They came from the
mane and tail of your bonita."

"Bessie Belle!" Law accepted the handsome token, then held out his hand
to the Mexican. "That was mighty fine of you, Ricardo. I--You couldn't
have pleased me more."

"You like it?" eagerly demanded the old man. "That is good. I am repaid
a thousandfold. Your sentiment is like a woman's. But see! I am famous
for this work, and I have taught my boys to use their fingers, too.
That mare will always guide you now, wherever you go. And we handled
her gently, for your sake."

Dave nodded. "You're a good man, Ricardo. We're going to be friends."

Guzman's delight was keen, his grizzled face beamed, and he showed his
white teeth in a smile. "Say no more. Wh