Page 215 (1/1)

Billy Byrne, captain, rode into Cuivaca from the south He had made a wide detour in order to accoht it wise to do so In his pocket was a safe conduct froenerals farther south--a safe conduct taken by Pesita from the body of one of his recent victims It would explain Billy's presence in Cuivaca since it had been intended to carry its rightful possessor to Juarez and across the border into the United States

He found the military establishment at Cuivaca small and ill comularly detailed guard was stationed in front of the bank No one questioned Billy He did not have to show his safe conduct

"This looks easy," thought Billy "A reg'lar skinch"

He first attended to his horse, turning him into a public corral, and then sauntered up the street to the bank, which he entered, still unquestioned Inside he changed a bill of large denoiven him for the purpose of an excuse to exa tie All the time his eyes wandered about the interior while he ht prove of moarette

He saw that the bank was roughly divided into two sections by a wire and wood partition On one side were the customers, on the other the clerks and a teller The latter sat behind a sh which he received deposits and cashed checks Back of hie safe of American manufacture Billy had had business before with similar safes A doorway in the rear wall led into the yard behind the building It was closed by a heavy door covered with sheet iron and fastened by several bolts and a thick, strong bar There were no s in the rear wall Fronable to silent assault

Inside everything was pri hoeek passed without seeing a bank robbery in the town Possibly the strong rear defenses and the aruard in front accounted for it

Satisfied hat he had learned he passed out onto the sidewalk and crossed the street to a saloon So at little tables in front of the bar A couple of card gah the open rear doorway Billy saw a little gathering encircling a cock fight