“I shall tell the priest that I will pay rent when the owner demands it, and thus keep my taking possession of the deserted ranch from appearing a lawless act.” “It would be a good idea. Come to me when you are ready to start, and I will give you all letters necessary to have you carry out your plans,” said the commandant, and Buffalo Bill departed, to prepare for his latest mission. All the garrison at the fort wondered what was going on when they saw Buffalo Bill ride away from the post at the head of fourteen of the best scouts, most daring Indian fighters, and wildest riders on the frontier. Men and horses had been picked for a purpose, it could be plainly seen. They had extra animals along, and half a dozen pack mules, well loaded with a camp outfit, provisions, and ammunition. Those that saw them waiting for the start beheld Texas Jack, the noted ranger scout from the Lone Star State, and next in rank to Buffalo Bill at the post. “Where are you going, Jack?” asked an officer of cavalry, passing the squad of wild riders. “Don’t know, sir. Got orders to get ready for a long trail, and am prepared for a fight, foot race, or siege, sir.” “I have not heard of any news that causes Colonel Carr to send out Cody and his picked saddle sharps,” continued the officer. “Nor have I, sir.” “Have none of the men an idea?” “Not one, sir, and we are waiting for Cody, now, for he has gone to the colonel for last orders.” As Texas Jack spoke, Buffalo Bill appeared, coming from the colonel’s quarters. He was splendidly mounted and armed. “Which way, Cody?” asked the major of the post. “Southward on a scout, major,” was Buffalo Bill’s reply, and, saluting, he rode to the head of the line, and gave the order to march. The scouts obeyed, following in two files, Texas Jack at the head of one, Winfield leading the other, while two men brought up the rear, to keep the pack-mules closed up. That the band of wild riders were curious about their going, was certain; but not a hint came from their chief, and not a man dared to question him. The start had been made after dinner, and after a ride of twenty-five miles a halt was made for the night. The next day forty miles were placed behind them, and the scouts knew that the chief had started upon a long journey. So it went on for day after day, from forty to fifty miles being made, the cattle being well cared for, with long noonday halts, until the chief of scouts bore toward the right, into a land that was unknown to his followers. “We will leave Santa Fe well to our left,” said Texas Jack to Winfield one day. “Yes, but why does not the chief give us a hint of where we are going?” “He will, in good time.” “Oh, yes; but it is an important trail, I feel sure, and connected with his trip southward which he has just returned from.” “No doubt it is; but the government cattle corrals must be in this course.”