greements. But they are past. To tell the truth, I always did like
the way you see a thing through to a fighting finish. Now that I know
you are not the ruffian I had been led to think you, it is a pleasure to
me to tell you that you have been tried and acquitted. I offer regrets
for the inconvenience to which you have been put. You will pardon, is it
not so, and do me the honor to dine with me before you leave?"

The heels of the Mexican came together, he bowed, and offered a hand to
the range-rider.

"Just one moment, general. All that listens fine to me, but--what are
the conditions?"

Ramon made a gesture of regret at being so sadly misunderstood.
"Conditions! There are none."

"None at all?"

"None. Is it that you think me a peddler instead of a gentleman?" The
face of the young Mexican expressed sorrow rather than anger.

Still Steve doubted. "Let's understand each other, general. Are you
telling me that I can walk out of that door, climb into a saddle, and
keep going till I get back into old Arizona?"

"I tell you that--and more. You will be furnished an escort to see you
safely across the line. You may choose your own guard if you doubt."

"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, Senor 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
cooeperate 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."

The hands of the two men gripped.

"I'll sure do my share, general."

"We're to have a little luncheon before you go. Captain Girard and your
friends are to be my guests. You will join us; not so?"

"Gracias, general. Count me in."

The black eyes of