That he carried no provisions along, after saying that he would not return until night, was also a surprise to the scouts, who knew that their chief was not one to miss a meal except on compulsion. Down the valley rode the scout, and, following the lake shore its length, he turned, after going half a score miles, in a trail leading to the left toward the mountain range on the eastward. Up among the foothills he saw a fine hacienda which he knew was the place where he had spent the night in passing through the valley a month before. Toward this he wended his way, for he wished to talk with Señor Otega. The señor it was who had told him of the secret band of robbers in the valley, of the curse that rested upon the people, and this had influenced him in coming there to solve the mystery, to hunt down the outlaws. CHAPTER XXXVIII. ON SECRET WORK. Buffalo Bill did not care to trust even Señor Otega with any secrets, for he knew not who he could place confidence in; but, having now come to the valley, being on the spot, he might find out from the señor some information that might be of value to him. He wished to see just who the maiden he had rescued was, who the band of outlaws might be, when Señor Otego had said that not one of the secret foes of the people in the valley had ever been seen. Then who was the officer in the Mexican uniform, and why was he in the valley thus attired, why the victim of these men? It was to get at the bottom facts, as well as he could, that Buffalo Bill had started upon his visit to Señor Otega. As he neared the ranch he saw the cattle and horses feeding near, the cowboys, five in number, guarding them and gazing curiously at him, and to these he nodded as he rode near, and said pleasantly: “Good morning, pards.” They returned his salute in silence, and were evidently surprised at seeing a stranger. Going on up to the hacienda he saw Señor Otega just about to mount his horse, but discovering him, he turned toward him, and said: “Why, señor, you in our valley again? You are welcome, I assure you.” Buffalo Bill responded to the questions, and then said: “But my coming prevents you from going on a ride, I fear?” “No, for I can go another time, as there is no great hurry. I was merely intending to ride over to see the stranger who had taken possession of the old mission ranch and urge that he give up such a thought, for I deem it my duty to advise him.” “Thanks, señor. Do you know who he is?” “An American of wealth, I believe, who came here with his people, cattle, horses, and all.” “Permit me to say, señor, that I am the one. I took possession yesterday.” “You surprise me.” “And it is a surprise to me that you should know it so soon.” “I learned it last night, from my men. But, señor, I am the more distressed, now, as I learn you are the man, for I like you, and to go to that terrible place is but to go to your doom.”