Just as Pete was about to make a suggestion, a figure rose almost
beneath the horse's head, and a guttural Mexican voice told him to
halt. Pete complied, telling the Mexican that they were from the Olla,
that they had a message for Ortez.
"No use arguin'," said Brevoort--and Pete caught Brevoort's meaning as
another man appeared.
"Ask him if Arguilla is here," said Brevoort. And Pete knew that these
were Arguilla's men, for none of the Ortez vaquero's carried
bolt-action rifles.
The sentry replied to Pete's question by poking him in the ribs with
the muzzle of his rifle, and telling his to get down muy pronto.
"Tell him our message is for Arguilla--not Ortez," suggested Brevoort.
"There's something wrong here. No use startin' anything," he added
hastily, as he dismounted. "Ortez is agent for Arguilla's outfit. If
you get a chance, watch what they do with our horses."
"We came to see El Comandante," said Pete as the sentries marched them
to the house. "We're his friends--and you'll be coyote-meat before
mornin' if you git too careless with that gun.
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