I'll insure your dog's life for a quarter." Frank was far from being satisfied.

Somehow, he did not like the scowl he had often seen on Pierre's face.

He was certain that the Ranchero had intended to harm Marmion; but why?
Not simply because he hated the dog, but for the reason that the animal was in his way.

This was the view Frank took of the case; and, believing that Pierre was there for no good, he resolved to keep a close watch on all his movements.
A day or two after that, Mr.Winters and Archie set out on horseback for San Diego, the former to collect the money for a drove of horses he had sold there, before his departure for the East, and Archie to explore the city.

Frank, hourly expecting his two friends, Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas, who had promised to spend a week with him, remained at home, with the housekeeper and two of the Rancheros, one of whom was Pierre, for company.