“You may cross your arms now,” David addressed the man before him. “They must be getting tired; but keep them crossed. What shall I call you?” “Ramón.” “All right, Ramón, when Carlos comes, conduct your business with him just as if I were not here. Take the cattle and pay for them. But don’t forget for one second that I am right here by your side. This gun in my hand shoots quicker and straighter than any I ever saw; I can’t miss with it.” “I haven’t any money,” Ramón said in a surly voice. “How do you pay for the cattle?” “I just give a receipt for them. Then when I sell them down river, we divide the money.” “That’s a good system. It’s better than carrying a lot of money, because somebody might rob you. Give Carlos the receipt.” “What shall I say if he asks about you? He knows Lucas who was with me.” “Tell him Lucas can’t be with you this evening, and that I am taking his place. I’ll tie a handkerchief over my face so he won’t know me.” “What are you going to do with us?” the man next asked. “Well, that depends.” David was thoughtful. “If you don’t do everything just as I told you to I’ll just let you lie here where you fall. If you carry out your part, we’ll let you go. That will give you a whole night’s start in the event anyone should want to go after you in the morning. I’d advise you not to stop until you are out of the country and never to come back again.” Ramón seemed relieved. “I’ll do just as you ordered,” he said. “Don’t worry.” “I’m not worrying. That’s for you to do.” It seemed but a few minutes before they heard the trampling of many feet and soon the cattle began to drift into the forest. They moved slowly and were a long time in passing, for their number was great. At the end of the lines came Dom Carlos. David recognized him on sight, even in the semi-darkness. “Here they are,” he said, without dismounting. “Give me the receipt, and see that you get a better price for these or you can’t have any more. Hurry up. I’ve got to get back before I’m missed.” The man handed Carlos a slip of paper which the latter scanned and then carefully concealed in a little pocket under the holster of his revolver. He seemed about to depart. Then he looked up suddenly. “Who’s that?” he asked sharply, pointing to David. “Where’s Lucas?” David trembled in fear of what might happen, but Ramón played his part well. “Oh,” he said easily, “Lucas can’t be here tonight so this man is taking his place. He’s all right, though.” Carlos said no more but turned and galloped away. Miguel brought out his prisoner after a short wait and then they told the men to get on their horses and leave as fast as they could, which order they were not long in carrying out.