Should he trust this beast of a Texan to guard him against those other beasts, the Apaches?
Well, he could die but once; this whole affair was detestably risky; he must not lose time in shuddering over the first steps.
"Mr.Smith," he said, "very glad to know that you are with us.

Can you start in an hour for the camp of Manga Colorada?
Sixty miles there.

We must be back by to-morrow night.

It would be best not to say where we are going." Texas Smith nodded, turned abruptly on the huge heels of his Mexican boots, stalked to where his horse was fastened, and began to saddle him.
"My dear uncle, why didn't you hire the devil ?" whispered Coronado as he stared after the cutthroat.
"Get yourself ready, my nephew," was Garcia's reply.

"I will see to the men and horses." In an hour the expedition was off at full gallop.