“Then thanks are due to you, señor, and I wish you would tell me if in any way I can serve you.” “By allowing me to call again, as you have promised, if I deem it best to come.” “You have my promise.” “And may I again ask if you have any idea of who the men were who attacked you that day?” “I have not.” “Were they not the secret foes?” “No, señor.” “I did not know but that they might be,” said Buffalo Bill, in a peculiar way. “No, señor, they were not of that band. Their masked leader was a foe to--to--the señor captain, and to me. I know; but, just who he is I am not aware. He wanted gold, and revenge, as well, it seemed, but he thwarted his purpose as far as getting money was concerned, for, but for your coming, as you so bravely did, he would have killed the señor captain, and from me he would have obtained nothing. The outlaws were strangers in the valley, señor, save their chief, and just who he was I do not know, as I have stated.” “Perhaps when I call again, señorita, I may be able to inform you as to his identity.” “Ah! can you?” “I may,” was the cautious reply, and, declining the offer of refreshments, the scout took his leave, the señorita offering her hand as she bade him farewell. “Señor, this valley is full of dangerous characters, and one knows not whom to trust. You are going alone upon a dangerous trail, and I warn you that you may be halted and held up, as they say here. This will protect you from robbery, perhaps from death. Wear it!” and she took from the silk scarf about her neck a pin of unique design and fastened it upon the lapel of Buffalo Bill’s jacket. “Señorita, I will keep it as a souvenir of you; it will doubtless be a charm to protect me. I thank you.” Again bidding the beautiful girl good-by, Buffalo Bill left the garden, crossed the plaza to where his horse awaited him, and rode toward the gate. There stood the keeper, who now saluted him with marked respect, again saying: “You are the first stranger, señor, who ever gained entrance to this hacienda.” As Buffalo Bill rode along he was not forgetful of being in great danger, and he was surprised when he did not see the ranch cowboys he had seen when he was on his way to visit the fair hermit. He was riding quietly along when he saw a horseman approaching, a splendid-looking man, well mounted, and with silver-mounted Mexican saddle and bridle. Buffalo Bill knew him at once from what he had heard of the cowboy king. Both saluted and halted, the cowboy king saying: “Off your trail, señor?” “No, for I have been to the hacienda.” “And why?” “That I consider none of your business.” “I shall make it my affair, Señor Cody, and you are covered by my men,” responded the cowboy king. It was true, for four men were peering over a rock with rifles leveled at the scout, who said: “So it seems; but do you not respect this badge?” and he pointed to the pin Suelo had given him.