Page 189 (1/1)

"Wot's the Dago talkin' about?" asked Billy

Bridge gave his companion a brief synopsis of the Mexican's conversation

"Only the gentleman is not an Italian, Billy," he concluded "He's a Mexican"

"Who said he was an Eyetalian?" demanded Byrne

As the two Americans and the Mexican conversed within the hut there approached across the dusty flat, from the direction of the nearer hills, a party of five horse toward the hut from the side which had neither door nor , so that those within had no warning of their coed ruffians, fully arht be a part of a quasi-anization

Close behind the hut four of the in his saddle, held the bridle reins of the horses of his companions The latter crept stealthily around the outside of the building, toward the door--their carbines ready in their hands

It was one of the little children who first discovered the presence of the newco screa to her mother's skirts

Billy, Bridge, and the Mexican wheeled toward the doorway siht, and as they did so found themselves covered by four carbines in the hands of as many men

As his eyes fell upon the faces of the intruders the countenance of the Mexican fell, while his wife dropped to the floor and e

"Wotinell?" ejaculated Billy Byrne "What's doin'?"

"We seee; "but whether by Villistas or Carranzistas I do not know"

Their host understood his words and turned toward the two Americans

"These are Pesita's men," he said

"Yes," spoke up one of the bandits, "we are Pesita's reet you, especially when he sees the sort of co You kno os!"

"But this e "We stopped here to get a meal He never saw us before We are on our way to the El Orobo Rancho in search of work We have no o our way in peace You can gain nothing by detaining us, and as for Miguel here--that is what you called him, I believe--I think froo about as much as your revered chief seems to"